Lil Sous Chef

 Lately, we do a lot more cooking than we used to and every time we cook as a family, Brianna insists on having a job.  So, breakfast on weekends and dinners every night have become quite the family affair.  So far, we've decided she's an expert at beating up the eggs and mixing up just about anything else, from batter for Morning Glory Muffins on the weekends to the gremolata topping for a recent Cinnamon Beef Stew.

 

She's becoming quite the little helper and we love having her in the kitchen with us!  Having her help cook seems to help her be willing to try new things lately too because she's added several new recipes to her list of things she's been brave enough to try lately!

Brianna's Third Birthday Party

I think the pictures tell the story better than I could .... so here's several from Brianna's birthday party, belated as they may be.

Hello again

We opted to do the early genetic screening this time so yesterday was the sonogram and blood work. Thankfully, everything looks perfect with the baby's development so that put our minds at ease. Here's a few pictures from the sonogram. The funniest part of the whole thing happened about a minute into the viewing when Brianna turned to daddy and asked, "can we put something else on that TV daddy?"

Hello Little One

For those that haven't heard, Justin and I are expecting a second child on May 9. We had a sonogram two weeks ago and I'm finally getting around to posting one of the better pictures. You can see the arms and legs and even little fingers and toes! We're now twelve weeks along and I'm ready for this trimester to be over. Let's just say it's been very different than it was with Brianna. By this point with her I had started gaining weight and with this one, food and I do not get along so I'm actually losing a bit. Not that I'm too concerned about it but I would like it if someone could find my appetite and return it to me!

She looks so big!

Brianna finally has decided to like hats but they make her look both adorable and like a little girl. She's not really a baby anymore.

Corn Maze, Pumpkins and Ponies

So, I know its been a very long time since I updated the blog but instead of posting one big post, I thought I'd do separate ones, starting with our trip last weekend to a local corn maze and pumpkin patch.  Our nieces, Bethany and Addisyn, were visiting us with Nana and Pops so we thought it'd be a good weekend to check out some of the local color here in Bentonville.  We were not disappointed in the least!

The Petting Zoo:  There were goats and sheep to pet and of course, Brianna found the babies as soon as possible.  It wasn't easy to get a picture of the animals since all they wanted to do was run around.

Riding the Ponies:  Brianna had never ridden a pony before but with Bethany and Addisyn to help her be brave, she couldn't wait to try it out.  I think you can tell from their faces they all had a good time!

The Cow Train: Brianna picked Daddy to ride the cow train with her.  From how cramped he was, I think he would have preferred she picked Mommy for this one.

Picking Pumpkins: All the girls got to pick their own pumpkins and bring them home to paint.  You should have seen the mess they made on the table!  Thank goodness for water soluble finger paint that washes out and off!

Everyone had a great time.  Justin took his first helicopter ride as well, although I didn't get any pictures of it.  We made it through the corn maze and by the time bedtime rolled around, all three girls were asleep before their little heads hit the pillow.  It was a great way to end our weekend together!

New Videos

Brianna loves to dance and make up her own little "special dances".  We finally broke out the Flip and got it on film a few nights ago!


She has one swim lesson left but here's video from this past Saturday's lesson.  She's improved SO much!