May Madness

The month of May is one crazy month of sun, parties, festivals, and birthdays! First, May is the month for people I love to get one year older, so Happy, Happy Birthday to Aunt Mallory, - the big 25 - Uncle Darren, Grandma, of course, and, last but certainly not least, Daddy! The birthdays start on the 1st and go all the way through the 29th, so that makes for one wild month! However, May is not just a month full of birthdays; it is full of warm weather, school is out for the big kids, pool is open craziness, and I take full advantage...

May started with the Taste of Alpharetta festival, which Mom and I enjoyed with the Wheelers, Goldsworthys, and Littles while Dad was on a business trip. It was a hot evening, but that did not slow us down at all. As Mr. Ben and the other two dads perused the food vendors, the boys and I stayed cool with watermelon and squirt fans. Being the only girl, - with the exception of Baby Ella, who slept through most of the festivities - I felt that I deserved sole rights to one of the squirt bottles; unfortunately, the boys did not totally agree. I showed them up later on though and conquered all of the really big jump-jumps and obstacle courses that they were too afraid to attempt. Take that, boys! Although I have been talking about my eventual horse ride for months, when it came time to get in the saddle, I was a little more than hesitant. I watched Madden take one loop, and when he didn't fall off or get eaten, I acquiesced and got up on my horse to join him for the ride. It was great! I was smiling from ear to ear and telling the horse to "Giddyup!" I totally see cowgirl moments in my future. When the ride ended, I reminded Mom over and over that it was "a little bit scary, but I brave". I fulfilled another lifelong dream when I got to get on an actual yellow school bus - oh, festivals, where all your dreams come true. I am quite sure that something was a little different about this particular school bus since it was filled with slides and tunnels and a rock climbing wall and trampolines and a foam pit and rings and ropes; I don't think I have seen signs of such fun when passing a school bus on the road, but whatever. Lucas and I had a blast causing chaos on The Tumble Time Bus before going wild on the other jump-jumps and almost getting clobbered in the basketball jump. We did have a couple of quieter moments in the petting zoo, where I got to brush a cow, a pony, and a lamb, as well as feed a llama and pet a rabbit, a pig, and lots of chicks; then Mom and I joined the dads and sons on a quick train ride around the park. After much pleading, I found the balloon hat man, and Lucas and I got crazy hats to mark the occasion. Mom and Mrs. Allison finally decided that it was time to head home after Lucas and I covered ourselves in snow cones; by the way, snow comes are delicious and a great way to turn every inch of your face, hands, and clothing blue. That was one fun festival! By the way, true to form, Mom had 2 cameras with her, and both died, so phone pictures it is.

Taste of Alpharetta - slideshow with music

I don't know which I enjoyed more, the festival or my very first wedding experience. Terry, my godfather's brother, got married to his longtime sweetheart Katherine in a beautiful and very kid-friendly affair. It was one heck of a night! I was a little antsy during ceremony, but a lollipop kept me quiet and in my seat. However, when everyone started clapping after they were pronounced husband and wife, I joined the clapping and very loudly exclaimed, "Yay, it's over!"; the younger group of groom's friends sitting behind us found it quit amusing. From that moment forward, the party began! I did make a little time for my godfather, James, but from the moment we entered the reception venue, I was ready to dance. I was also excited to find that the kids had their own buffet with goldfish, cheeses, crackers, fruit, and juice boxes. How cool is that!? During the couple's first dance, I told Mom that "I want to hold hands and get married"; Mom asked to whom, and I put my finger against my lip with a "hmmm...what boy I want to dance with..." and came to the final conclusion that "I want to dance with Lucas!" Daddy said I could dance with him, but I put him in his place by letting him know, "You're not a boy!" Later, I did consent and had a blast letting Daddy twirl me around the dance floor and dancing on top of his feet. During dinner, I entertained our entire table; although, my entertaining got a bit out of control, and I ended up getting a little lecture in the bathroom to reign me back in. That, however, did not stop everyone from complimenting how cute, smart, and well-spoken I am; keep the compliments coming, people! From the moment I saw all of the boys, and there were quite a few, I developed a small crush on James' middle nephew, Camden; I proceeded to show my enthusiasm by chasing him down, grabbing his hands as he tried to put them way up in the air, and forcing him onto the dance floor with me; as I have said before, shy can never be used to describe me. He kept running from me, but by the end, he was poking me in the side and playing with me, so he liked the attention. I danced with the older girls for a short time, but I much preferred running around with all of the boys. One of the highlights of my night was my very first dance with a boy, Jagger. It was nice of him to ask me since I desperately wanted to emulate the bride and groom. During the course of the evening, I threw out the chicken wing, the crazy butt shake, and impressed everyone with my dance skills; really, I am not lying; it was a great group of people who didn't hold back on the compliments, which is my kind of crowd. I love me some attention! The wedding was beautiful, the couple looked so happy, and I had an awesome time that culminated in downing a few juice boxes before heading home well after bed time. Congratulations, Katherine and Terry Barnett!

My First Wedding - slideshow with music

This month also marked Daddy's 33rd birthday, old man! I made sure to make it special with handmade running t-shirts, to let everyone whom he passes know how fast and great he is; a big Happy Birthday sign; and a specially chosen Mickey Mouse balloon, for what is a birthday without Mickey Mouse. Mommy and I also got Dad a snazzy helmet to keep him safe during his developing road bike hobby. He loved it, and I look even better walking around the house wearing it: My head needs protection too! For his special day, Daddy played golf with his friends in the morning before we met up with the Goldsworthys at Woofstock 2011. Opie even got to go. This festival, which I call Opie's dog festival, made for another great May day. Daddy got to relax a bit while watching the bands, and I got to see a white tiger, as well as lots of crazy dogs; master the snake jump-jump obstacle course; and break it down to Sister Hazel. Tyler sucked down apple juice and gave it the good ol' boy try at his dad's beer. Baby Ella, again, missed all the festivities with an extended snooze. Opie took it all in while being quite docile, like previous years, in the midst of all the loud chaos. Later that evening, we celebrated Daddy's big day with presents, cards, and cake. I think that I shall follow in Daddy's footsteps with the traditional Baskin Robbins mint-chocolate-chip roll cake. It was heaven in a bowl! Happy Birthday, Daddy; we love you so much, and we hope you had a perfect day.

Dad's Birthday & Woofstock - picture slideshow

The next day, which was also Dad's actual birthday, was Mother's Day. The fam and I headed down to Mrs. Sharon and Mr. Carl's house to celebrate with Grandma and the aunts. It was a nice, relaxing day of food and porch play. Harper is really starting to watch me and want to be wherever I am. I was a good big cousin and let her play with my prized-possession, Little Piggy; I then took over her circular play center. She didn't mind though, and she eventually joined me. I love hanging out with Mommy, Daddy, and the rest of the fam. Thank you, Mrs. Sharon, for a beautiful Sunday supper and a great afternoon. Happy Mother's Day to Grandma, Aunt Steph, Mommy, Mrs. Sharon, Gramma Eileen, Grandma Trish, and all of the other mothers out there! I hope your day was as wonderful as ours.

Mother's Day - picture slideshow

To cap off the month of May celebrations, we headed down to the Throwers' to enjoy a Memorial Day barbeque. As the rents noticed, parties sure have changed over the years! The grown-ups were subdued while the 10 kids in attendance went buckwild! We played in the kiddie pool, enjoyed cupcakes and tons of other food, doled out a little love to one another, played with the littler ones, and chased around and wrestled each other, as well as Daddy and Mr. Russell; the wrestling did eventually get a little out of control though. I enjoyed throwing around the football with the boys, but I also enjoyed hanging out with Allison, despite her unfair hair advantage, and we even spent some time styling Baby Ro's hair; he is so patient. All was well and good until the end of the night when I dumped an entire cup of water from the kiddie pool on her head. I eventually apologized, and we made amends. McKenzie sported her brand new head gear; I was quite interested and thought that she looked adorable! Everyone at the party had a good time, and I slept late into the next morning. Thank you, Throwers!

Memorial Day - picture slideshow

Other Tidbits of the Month:
My new ploy is the poor Olivia game. Let me explain: Mom tells me that I don't have any Mickey Mouse pants, so I sadly look down at the couch and say, under my breath, "I'm never going to get to go to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse". I can't have a popsicle until after dinner, so I look down at the table and quietly say, "I'm never going to get a popsicle". I am not allowed to go to the pool before bedtime after spending the entire day splashing in the water, and I pitifully declare that "I never get to go to the pool". Someone has to feel badly for me when I don't get what I want.

My new goal when I grow up is that I want to be a doctor, and I usually narrow that down to a Veterinarian; although, Daddy is trying to talk me into being an Optometrist.

My fashion sense is maturing, and my outfits usually include a tutu, at least while hanging out at home. I will wear Mom down eventually and sport my tutu out of the house. What can I say, I like to look like a ballerina princess at all times; however, don't worry, for I still like to play soccer and jump off of the furniture and remain my tomboyish-self even while wearing the tutu. I wore my original tutu out, so Mom and I had to go tutu shopping this month; I have learned to try and avoid stepping on my tutu, but I don't regret the demise of my first tutu, for my new one twirls even better. My second cousin Haley and the pictures from her dance recital just helped to fuel my tutu obsession in May. Yes, the outfit with Piggy and the sweatshirt is my own creation; you should be envious of my styling talents.

Another developing obsession, which has come about in the month of May, is my new, crazy, twirling sprinkler and the pool. I ride in style down to the pool too. If I could stay out all day, everyday, in the water, I totally would! Our backyard has got all kinds of fun things to do now. I also make sure to use my sprinkler to water mine and Dad's garden while I am out prancing around, and my pool skills are getting better and better with each sunny week; I can swim all by myelf with my water wings, and I can go down the really big slide all by myself!

Grandma got me some old school candy from Blue Ridge, and I am very grateful! Wax lips, candy soda bottles, and edible dots are the bomb! Thank you, Grandma!

I am also getting more and more wily as the months pass. My notable manipulation this month, and there are many, is the afternoon that I wanted to avoid nap. After about 20 minutes of chatting with my stuffed animals, I called through the monitor, "Mom I have to poop". Mom, of course, ran upstairs and asked, "Do you need to go potty?" I replied, "No, I just wanted to say hi to you." That is one for Olivia!

Things conquered this month: the rock climbing wall at Fowler Park; my ability to put 4-piece puzzles together, even when the pieces for all of the puzzles are mixed together, without any help; riding the horse that actually goes up and down on the carousel, without freaking out; and going to the potty "all by myself"

Good vs. Well - Proving to be the daughter of an English teacher, I have mastered the difference between the adjective good and the adverb well. For example, I always answer with "I'm doing well", which impresses Aunt Steph, or "I don't feel well", but I know that "Opie is a good dog" and "Ice cream is very good". You know you are impressed!

Just Hangin' Around the House:

The only downfall of this month is that I didn't get enough Harper time, and Mom snuck away one day and saw her without me. I miss my baby Harper! June, bring it on; I'm ready for ya!