BJM’s Photos

We were in the car last weekend when I looked back and saw this. She thought she was pretty hilarious. They are a little blurry, but I just had to share these . . . too funny.
Why she was pinching her nose with her toes. . . we may never know 🙂

Ally adores shoes. Period. Her shoes, my shoes, daddy’s shoes. . whatever. She loves to try mine on and clomp around the hardwood floors . . not a small feat in my size 9’s or 10’s!!

While I was washing the Jeep over at Bryan’s grandma’s, Ally filled up her little watering can and was helping grandma water the flowers. Before long, Ally decided that it was more fun to water herself!!! We took her shoes off and let her get soaked. Besides being wonderful photos, they’re even more awesome because Nicholas took them all by himself! Good job Nicholas! (future photographer maybe??)

On Sunday we met my parents, both sisters (plus kids) and brother (plus girls) at the zoo. The zoo has changed a lot since we were there last year. The animals seemed to be more active than usual and we got to see a lot of the big ones moving around and/or super close-up! Ally LOVED the big aquarium and the manatees!

Nicholas got some nectar to feed the birds. . .he even got one to sit on his arm. Ally thought it was hilarious! It looks like she is leaning in to give the bird a kiss!. . but she was just leaning in for a good look 🙂 Ally really isn’t trying to choke Nicholas in the one picture below, they really did have a fun day together!

Here are some of the amazing animals we got to see up-close and personal!

Ally’s 2nd birthday party was Sunday, June 1st at Battelle Darby Metro Park. We were lucky to get a large shelter house shaded by lots of trees. We grilled hot dogs, burgers and brats. Lots of family came as well as some of Ally’s friends from our neighborhood. We brought the pop up tents for the little ones to play in. Ally, Annabel, Jack and Tommy had a good time hiding out.
Blue’s Clues was the theme since it is one of Ally’s favorite shows. She had Blue’s Clues invitations, a Blue’s Clues sign, a BIG Blue balloon and best of all, a Blue’s Clues CAKE! As a special birthday bonus, Nicholas even taught himself how to play ‘Happy Birthday’ on his guitar so he could accompany everyone! He did an awesome job!

She really enjoyed opening presents this year. Amazingly the things that got a consistently enthusiastic reaction were clothes! She squealed, held them up to herself and even tried to put some of them on. I think we have a future fashion diva here. (note the gold sunglasses with rhinestones-Thank you Brunners!) 🙂

And then perhaps one of the funniest parts of her party. . .we were all standing around talking. We turn around and this is what we see.

She reached up on the platter and helped herself to a big ‘ol hot dog and started chowing!
“It’s my party. . .I can eat if I waaant too!” 🙂

Thank you to everyone that came out to share Ally’s birthday with us!

Last weekend we also met Frank, Amber & Annabel at the Asian Festival at Franklin Park. We ate lots of great food, saw some interesting performances and enjoyed shopping through the booths of international goods. Towards the end we stopped in a shaded grassy area to relax and let the kids run around. We met up with our friends Mike & Heather while watching a Sumo demonstration. We saw more of those two big boys than any of us wanted to. . LOL! Heather bought a pink silk umbrella and wore a pretty hat that Ally had fun with. Maybe next year we will get Ally a little umbrella to carry around!

After the festival we went over to grandma McKean’s to visit with her and Bryan’s dad. Ally was in the mood to play peek-a-boo around the door and while sitting on grandpa Jim’s lap.