Annual Shaver Camping Trip

I just realized I never posted about our annual Shaver Lake camping trip!  The weekend before school starts, we get together with all of our friend and family and make the trek up to Shaver.  It's a lot of work packing up the car for a one night of camping trip, but the memories and fresh air seem to make all that work disappear.  

We came across this during one of our Costco trips, a few months back and couldn't help but pass up the deal.  We knew we would use it for years to come and who can beat a pop up tent.  Brilliant!  It really did pop right up.  We can all assume I would have no idea how to assemble a tent and it fit our little family perfectly, with some room to spare.

I was a bit unsure how the Lucy would handle her first camping trip, but she rather enjoyed herself.  The night was a little rough due to some cold weather, but all in all it was the perfect weekend getaway. 

We stuffed our faces full of pizza, peach cobbler, s'mores, melted Starbursts and the best homemade chocolate chip cookies.  Even our breakfast that we all threw together was tasty!  Why does everything taste soooo much better while in the mountains?!?!

P had a blast being able to explore and discover new things.  She was surrounded by so many girls and was in complete heaven with her cousins.  She nestled up in the tent with me and slept like a log, me on the other hand, well you can only imagine.  

We all loved being out on the boat.  It felt incredible to finally be able to get behind the boat.  It felt likes years since I was prego for the past few summers.  Boating is right up there with one of my all time favorite things to do.  Lucy however begged to differ.  She did not like the boat and hated her lifejacket.  I was finally able to get her to fall asleep and it was just the sweetest thing in the world.  I swear my babies never fall asleep on me.

Uncle Buzz took P out for her first ride behind the boat.  I couldn't believe how brave she was.  I was beyond proud of her.  The water was cold and she didn't even make a peep.  I couldn't stop smiling and cheering for her as I watched her try something new.  She couldn't stop talking about her experience. 

 ^^^ That face and those cheeks. ^^^

I lost track of how many kiddos there were this year!  I love that my girls are growing up making memories of camping.  Camping was the one vacation my family could count on evert year.  I have so many fond memories and look forward to building many more with my own kiddos!

Potty Trained

Although it's been a month or so, I feel P being potty trained is worth documenting!  It's one of those pat yourself on the back kind of milestones, for both mommy and toddler.  I had heard so many horror stories about potty training, I didn't even know where to start.  I feel like she could have been ready sooner, but I was selfish and wasn't ready to go out in public worrying if I could get P to the toilet in time.  I finally decided to buck up and dive in head first.  Luckily for me, P was a dreamboat when it came time to potty training.  She essentially did it all on her own.  I wish I could take any of the credit, but I'm pretty sure Daniel Tiger had more to do with it than anything.  I'm telling you that show is genius.  They timing of those little life lessons have been a saving grace.  

We took it pretty slow to start out with, but weren't making too much progress.  I would put her in a diaper at night and nap time and keep her in underwear throughout the day.  I think she was a bit confused and every time we would get a shipment of Lucy's diapers in, she would want to wear them.  So I decided to rip the bandaid and and go full force ahead with only underwear.

We went to Target and picked out minion and princess underwear to get her excited.  We have this potty and that alone got P looking forward to using the toilet.  Now I know some say skip the baby potty if you can, but honestly it worked like a charm for us, especially on those days where I am upstairs with Lucy and I can't get to P in time.  She walks in the bathroom all on her own and does her business.  I also hear it really comes in handy on road trips.  Will be putting that to the test here shortly. 

Letting her pick out a Starburst every time she went potty was a help, as well as some stickers, but the real kicker was the Barbie bribe.  She didn't have one accident as soon as she heard she could go pick out her very own Barbie.  I made sure to take her potty first thing in the morning, before and after her nap time and of course before taking her to bed.  I would also ask her periodically through out the day and every once in awhile she would tell me she had to go.  A couple of accidents later we had a potty trained Penelope!  
I think the best part of the entire experience was seeing her work towards a goal and accomplishing it.  She was determined to get that Barbie.  As soon as she got her hands on it, she couldn't wipe the smile off of her face.  I couldn't be more proud of my big girl!

Our Little Fish

Penelope has loved water since I can remember.  I started taking her to a mommy and me swim class when she only one.  She has been my baby Nemo ever since.  This summer I knew it was going to be essential that she learned how to swim.  I was super worried about trying to watch two babies at one time at the pool and not only that, all of my friends seem to have pools.  Lucky for us the Jan Thomas Swim School is conveniently located here in Clovis.  P's teacher had her swimming on her first lesson.  I have only amazing things to say about the swim school.  It is no wonder they have been around for over 50 years.  

I was so sad I had to miss P's first lesson, but Tyson and his mom were able to take her.  They sent me videos the entire lesson.  I was so proud of her from the very first video I saw.  It made me tear up a little.  I thought it was going to be a bit traumatizing for her, but she was so resilient and her teacher showed her so much love.  From there on out, each lesson got better and better.

I loved taking her and watching her kick her tiny legs as fast as she could across the pool.  It was so cute watching her open her eyes under water and look at all of the other kids around her.  She was able to jump off the diving board and even go down the slide.  Being a mama and watching my kids accomplish new things is the best reward out there. 

After each lesson P picked out a popsicle or Airhead and had to get a whale and mermaid stamp.  She was in heaven after each lesson and would cry when it was over.  Every day she begged to see her teacher!  She even woke up from her nap a couple of times yelling, "TEACHER."  I was so sad on the last day knowing she wouldn't see her until next year.  P has such a special place in her heart for her.  

On her third to last lesson they took under water pictures of her.  These have to be some of my favorite pics EVER!

 ^^^ P laughed and pointed every time we walked by this statue. ^^^

 ^^^ On the second to last lesson, they had me get into the pool with her, so that they could teach me the proper techniques to continue her progression.  It was so fun being in the water with her.

 On P's last day she became a Jan Thomas Champion!  She was awarded a blue ribbon and a medal.  You could see her beaming with pride.  Grandma and Grandpa Parker were there, as well as Tyson and her two cousins.  Everyone clapped and cheered for her.  She kept holding up her pointer finger and saying she was number one.  It was too cute!  

It's so fun having a little swimmer on my hands and I couldn't be more proud!

Penelope's First Dance Recital

Sweet P had her very first dance recital on Monday.  You better believe we were all so excited in anticipation for her big debut.  We even flew my mom out here for the performance.  P has been in dance since last November and has begged to go every day since her first class.  It has been so much fun taking her every week and watching her progress.  She is a natural and I can't wait to see where dance takes her.  

Talking with the other mama's and having the camaraderie has been super nice and was much needed.  I got to know a couple of them really well.  We giggled together as we watched our girls twirl, kick, jump and play ring around the rosie.  The song "Let It Go," will forever be embedded into my mind with the image of my little P twirling around the dance room, waving her scarves around, trying to sing at the top of her lungs.  I got emotional  each time I watched her live in the moment.  I am learning a lot from this one.

 When her dance teacher told us that she would like the girls hair half up half down and in ringlets, I couldn't help but laugh.  P has only a few strands of hair and I figured we were lucky enough to have enough hair to clip the bow into.  At the start of the year I was worried we were going to have to attach it to a headband.  Luckily my friend let me borrow her tiny curling iron and told me it would work.  Cara came over and worked her magic on P's hair.  It looked so cute, I about died.  I never imaged her wispy hair in ringlets.  She was so excited that she was going to be able to wear makeup.  She held still perfectly and looked like a real beauty!  Her lashes go for days.  I have no clue where they came from.  Neither Tyson or myself have long lashes.  

 ^^^ Her smile says it all. ^^^

 The dress rehearsal went well and got us all even more excited for her performance.  I wasn't sure how she would react to the bright lights and not being able to see me in the audience.  I tried prepping her as much as I knew how and told her that I would yell really loud for her, "GO PENELOPE."  She smiled when I told her that.

 Daddy brought home a bouquet of flowers for his tiny dancer and we headed out for the big show.

Just as I was about to leave her with her classmates and teacher, I could tell she was a little unsure.  I asked her if she wanted to say a little prayer to help her not be so nervous.  She instantly folder her arms and bowed her head.  I almost started crying right then and there.  We said a quick prayer and I know that helped calm her nerves.  It was a sweet moment I never want to forget.  I went and sat in my seat and had butterflies in my stomach the entire time before she got onto stage.  I had waited for this moment my whole life.  Having my baby dance on a stage was something I could only dream about.  
As soon as I saw her shuffle onto stage I screamed yelled her name as loud as I could.  The lights turned on and it was dead silent.  In the cutest voice ever P yelled out, "Mama Dada."  It was precious. She did such a great job and I couldn't have been more proud.  I am so happy my mom could be there and for the rest of our family and friends that came to support her.  It made her night!  I am already looking forward to next years recital.

Penelope's First Dance Class

I grew up spending hours upon hours at the dance studio.  I may have spent more time there than my own home.  I learned how to have confidence, that hard work pays off, practice makes perfect and how to push myself harder than I thought possible.  I believe that I am who I am today because of the life lessons I learned in dance.  Dancing on a stage and feeling the warmth of the lights touch my skin, is a feeling I will never forget and miss often.  

As soon as I found out they have a dance studio in Fresno, that offers a class for two years, I jumped in the car as fast as I could and signed P up.  You can only imagine the smile that couldn't be wiped off of my face, as I watched my little girl twirling in her purple tutu and tapping her little feet.  She's a natural if you ask me.  She follows the teachers directions so well.  

They have already started working on their recital piece and I got a glimpse of her costume today.  To say I am excited is an enormous understatement.  Can you even imagine little two year olds up on stage with their little teddy bears in matching tutu's.  June couldn't come quick enough!

I was able to sneak in and grab a couple of photos.

I can't wait for the memories that will take place in that studio.  P is already asking for MORE! 

Here's to the many years of dance to come!!!!

Bye Bye Mullet

Although P does not have much hair, she was starting to grow a mean mullet.  It was finally time to say adios.  Lucky for all of us, Tyson's sister Cara cuts hair.  She is amazing and takes such good care of us.  She's always making sure we look our best.  

P was excited going into the hair cut, but instantly feared for her life as soon as she saw the scissors.  I think she was still a bit traumatized from the ear piercing fiasco.

^^^ Grandma pulled out what candy she could find in her purse.  It helped for a moment. ^^^

^^^ Poor baby!  Not even frozen could get her to calm down. ^^^

 Once the cape came off and P got to play with aunt Cara's makeup she was a little more calm. 

 ^^^ She loved getting her hair sprayed. ^^^

^^^ P decided Cara needed her hair styled as well. ^^^

 ^^^ The back of her hair looks so much fuller now. ^^^

Afterwards we took P to pick out a tutu and dance shoes, for Christmas.  It was honestly one of the best moments ever.  She totally forgot about the hair cut.
Thanks Cara you are the BEST!!!!