Last Weekend

I'm playing catch up a bit...Last weekend we took Elise to Carowinds for a few hours. I know that she is growing up so fast...but this outing proved it to me. She was able to go on some new kiddie rides all by herself - and this was a big hit! She tried out the swings and airplanes, both of which she now meets the height requirements. It was one of those parent moments where you stand back and simply stare...she's becoming such a little girl and getting to try new things by herself.

Look for the white sunglasses - that's Elise. This airplane ride was especially fun, because the riders had a joystick they could use to raise the plane up and down by themselves as the ride was going.
We also had the opportunity to celebrate one of Elise's friends' birthday - Caroline! It was a princess party, and the girls could come wearing a princess dress. There was not even a hint of a nap last Sunday afternoon, because she was so excited to get ready in her dress to go to the party. Cinderella even showed up to celebrate with the girls. On the way home, Elise kept asking where Cinderella went - and I said she had to go back to her castle.
We also had another birthday celebration with my dad last Friday. It was a backyard feast. John grilled us filet with sweet potatoes. Elise helped me make his birthday "cake" however, he requested pie instead. We enjoyed choosing from fresh strawberry pie or french silk, but we all opted for a small slice of each. Elise was very tired, and only could stay awake to greet grandpa & give him a hug before she was ready for bed.
Birthday candles in the pie...
In honor of welcoming grilling season - I made my dad a new, monogrammed grilling apron.