Little Gym

I went into a Little Gym awhile back when Lilly was just a tiny little thing to see what it was all about. I didn't think she was really ready for it at the time and I knew I wasn't. However, we've all grown up some around here and I signed her up for the fall 2010 session. I called to get the information again and based on Lilly's age, the nice young girl informed me "oh, she's a beast!" To which I responded - "I see you two have met..."

Today was her first introductory class (free!) and look how hospitable they are! Her session starts in a few weeks. They will probably have a different sign posted that day. There were lots of learning opportunities during this 45 minute class. Here is Lilly exploring some of the fun stuff to play on. However, she is suppose to be warming up on the large floor mat with all of her "friends."

This part of the session was "open explore" time. Nothing new for our little beast! Please note the little foot in the upper right hand corner.

It belongs to this little boy! I can't remember his name.

Because Lilly ran him off! And she isn't sorry. I'm sure his parents will always warn him about "those kind of girls" and he will have a flashback to his beastly days...

The balance beam was part of an essential skills session. The beasts are to walk across the beam and then do a scoop step. Parent assists the first few times and then we see if they do it on their own. Houston we have a problem... See that sweet little girl on the opposite set of steps? Her name is Jayden. Lilly managed to get up the steps at the same time as her. Jayden promptly guarded her territory by hitting Lilly who quickly hit her back. Jayden's daddy and Lilly's mommy watched it all just shaking our heads as they both promptly started crying.

This next "new skill" scared me a little. Probably because Emma went first and she did not seem to enjoy it at all. But Lilly really wanted to do it. They put her in a hand stand and then let her swoosh down into a swinging motion. She did the handstand really well.

She needs to work on holding on to the bar so she can actually swing. She did this 4 or 5 times and after awhile, we didn't even use both teachers. I should also mention - she hugged her teacher good bye today. I didn't have the heart to tell Lilly her teacher in the fall is going to be different. I don't remember if his name is Mark or Chris...

I really thought it was just going to be a basic padded room and a bunch of kids just running around burning energy. I also thought I would be more of a spectator, not so much a participant... Ironically, I am out of town for her first fall session class. We'll see how Ernie does.

Ring around...

Breanna is 8 and spends some time at Melissa's (Lilly's babysitter) during the summer. This year, Lilly actually likes Breanna! Breanna has been busy teaching Lilly Ring Around the Roses. We are not really sure what Lilly is singing, but think it is "fall down." She practices every night.

Can you guess...

What Lilly is saying? It took us a while to figure it out ourselves! I'll post an answer in a few weeks for you. The winner will get a fantastic prize!!

I'm in Love!

With Molly! Look at her! She's adorable!! I've noticed a new trend lately. People, when describing their dog, like to tell you the breed. Lately, there seem to be multiple breeds in the description. Back in the day, we referred to these dogs as "mutts" but now people pay top dollar for them! Molly is a caviar-mutt... she is officially known as a Golden Doodle which is a cross of a poodle and golden retriever. She is a doll.... Melissa and Dee call her "Melissa's weak moment."

BFF - 4 Ever!

I have a wonderful friend, Melissa, who lives in Texas. She and Dee have a beautiful daughter who I watch grow up in photos. They were taking a massive roadtrip to Wisconsin and stopped for a sleep over. Elsa is 4 and announced several times Lilly is her best friend! Lilly was approximately 4 weeks old when they first met so she obviously made an impact. Elsa probably had a different idea of what time with her "best friend" would be like.

Elsa brought Lilly a Tinkerbell beach towel! Lilly was very excited about the tissue paper the beach towel was wrapped in. Elsa - confused.

Elsa played and played and played. She was certain her best friend would play with her. Note Lilly not playing with Elsa. In fact, Lilly took stuff from Elsa and Elsa's parents kept reminding Elsa that Lilly is a baby and doesn't know how to share. Note to Elsa: Lilly is not a very nice host, but she's learning!

Lilly's best friend's mom had a great lap! Lilly was in love for maybe 10 minutes before moving back to torturing her poor best friend! Please come again soon BFF!

Oh Really?!

I have been told several times by a certain team member that I give Lilly what ever she wants. I spoil her. I need to tell her no. Blah, blah, blah.... Now who could have possibly given her Daddy's credit card? I wonder...

Diva-licious

I found these sunglasses at Children's Place so I bought a couple pairs for Lilly. She loves them! Now when we put them on her, she heads straight for the door!

All dressed up

I have no idea where she thinks she is going, but she got her hat on.

And is requesting sunscreen! She's so responsible!

Clydesdale Park

She has no idea what kind of fun is in store for her, but she sure was excited!

She, at first, thought to try to get here by using an alternative method which was not safe and had a high degree of difficulty.

But, instead, she showed some maturity and took the safer option and even held onto the handrails!

At least three minutes of safety first talk to get down this slide in five seconds.

In Memory of Spencer

Lilly and I stopped at Clydesdale Park recently to play. She noticed this tree near the parking lot.

She also noticed the memorial marker. What is interesting is that Spencer and his parents are clients. Spencer was 5 when he died. He was really a sweet little boy and his parents are phenomenal people.

I never knew a tree had been planted for him. It really made me thankful for all the days we have had with Lilly. Even the non-stop crying ones.

Tower of Flowers

Remember that apron I made Lilly? Well that blog led me to lots of other great blogs! And one of them inspired Lilly and I to do some gardening. So while Lilly napped I went to Home Depot to buy some cute supplies. I assembled our tower of flower pots and then when Lilly woke up, we went out and bought some flowers. Lots of flowers. I am not only maintaining the Flower Tower, but several other large pots, including 4 herb pots. Lilly helped plant some of them and even more important - those particular plants survived her brutal hands. She really enjoyed playing in the dirt and helps water them.

Shoes, shoes, glorious shoes

Lilly has a bad shoe fettish. If she sees them, she will take them and try them on. If she has trouble, you will hear about it in a very annoying and loud scream. I have had a tough summer at the pool this year because she is taking strangers' shoes too! These are Aunt Karen's dangerous wedge shoes.

Sophie's pretty in pink sandals. They have a high degree of difficulty for Lilly though.

And here is a video of her working those wedges.

Hair Raising Experience

at the Magic House! We actually have a membership and this was Lilly's first visit!

Walton mastering hoola hooping and ribbon twirling!

Lilly - not so much mastering anything here.

But she did enjoy her own personal ball pit.

Wild Bunch of Animals

Yep, that's what they keep at the St. Louis Zoo!

We went into the Children's Discovery Zone where Lilly got to pet a small hedgehog and a guinea pig. The geysers were a great hit with Lilly.

Walton, Sophia, and Crawford posing in the Wild River walk.

These fish were a huge hit with all the kids. Even Lilly squealed with delight!

Tide Rolls In

Look who rolled in from Alabama! Aunt Karen and the Bear cubs arrived June 26 shortly after 8PM. Lilly was in bed, but not quite asleep so we had to get her up.

Surprisingly, she stayed up playing with the Bear cubs until 9! And she didn't get real crabby either.

I think Karen may be in love....