Happy 4th Birthday Little Bean

Happy Birthday Little Bean!  It is so hard for me to believe that 4 years have passed since you decided to enter this world.  It was a rough start for you when you were born 6 weeks early, but you are amazing and looking at you today, you would never know.  You are my little fighter and are so head strong.  I am so lucky to be your Mommy and you teach me something new every day.  You love to learn and will speak French to me at the most random times, it is the cutest thing.  You are so caring, compassionate and loving.  I hope that I make you as proud as you make me.  I love you more than you will ever know. 

Mother's Day Concert

Last Wednesday, Arabella's preschool class surprised us with a special Mother's Day concert.  It was so adorable and all of the kids were excited to sing us songs that they had learned especially for this day.  Arabella also presented me with a handmade sunflower, a card and a heart necklace.  She was so proud of her work and it just melted my heart.  She sang her little heart out and had such a fun time.  Thank you my Little Bean, I am so blessed to be your Mommy!

WIMGYM

Arabella still loves gymnastics, although she sometimes has issues going to WIMGYM. She seemed to love her Coaches today, but some days she fights going. She does great, but I think her issues are with the discipline and focus that she has to do - it is not all fun and games like Petit Gym was. She is so head strong and sometimes just wants to do what she wants to do and not what anyone is asking her to. With that said, she is amazing and has the gymnastics gene! This is the first time I have taken pictures of her at class (and she started at WIMGYM in September) - and in doing so, I got in trouble. I was told that it could be a distraction...yes, I get it, but come on, I wasn't using a flash and I was up on the second floor area. Normally, we have to watch behind a one-way glass window so the kids can't see us. So in my haste, these are a few of the pictures I was able to snap before they kicked me out!

Big Girl Bike

For a few months, Arabella has been asking for a pink bicycle with a basket for Ted and a bell. We had been holding off and when the nice weather started, we realized that she was way too big for her tricycle! So on Friday, Jay stopped at Toy-R-Us on the way home an picked up a bike for her. It was a total surprise and it made her day as she wasn't feeling well. At first she had no idea what was in the box and then when we opened it, she was so excited. She and Jay put it together and as soon as it was assembled, she had to take it for a spin!

Silliness

We had beautiful weather to start last week and since then it has all gone down hill. Arabella's friend, Ronald spent some time at our house on Monday afternoon and the kids had a blast. They enjoyed lunch outside in Arabella's playhouse, played with bubbles and all of the outside toys. They even got creative and used the garden to dig in and build castles. It was nice to enjoy a little bit of warmth and sunshine even if it didn't last. I just hope we get out of this wet and cold and dreary pattern that we are in now...but I guess April showers bring May flowers, right??

Road Trip With Jay

Last week, Jay had to go to Quebec City for work and Arabella and I decided to tag along. We left on Thursday after I went to the gym (I had to get my Spartan training in) and when she was out of preschool for the day. It was a quick overnight trip, but it was still nice to get away for a bit as a family. Arabella did great in the 3 hour car ride and was so excited to check into the hotel. She couldn't wait to check out the room!
It was fun to be up so high in the hotel and in a room that had huge windows - we had great views of the City. Arabella loved sitting on the window seat and seeing what she could "spy".
This was the first time we, as a family, had stayed at a Loews Hotel. It was great and they really cater to families and those with pets. I have stayed in some pretty fancy hotels in NYC and elsewhere and I am not sure that I have ever seen either one of these room service menus:
Once we were settled in, we decided to explore a little before dinner. It was sunny but a little chilly out, but we were still able to enjoy the area.






Arabella thought this was a princess castle...too sweet.
How funny that they had to post a sign telling people they couldn't camp in the parking lots!

We had dinner at a fun Spanish restaurant...I know we probably should have found a great French restaurant, but we liked the menu and they were fancy but child friendly...bonus!

I was able to grab a few night shots that came out great...I have to say it again, I love my camera!!


We were up bright and early the next morning since Arabella had to check out what was going on outside the huge windows...sunlight flooded the room in an instant! Sure enough there were things to see including a cargo ship going down the St. Lawrence.
Jay had to work so it was just an Arabella and Mommy morning. We had breakfast in the restaurant at the hotel that revolved - Arabella loved the buffet and being able to see all of the City. It was a lot of fun.
After breakfast we decided to explore the City and we had a ball. We walked around, had a coffee and chocolate muffin from Starbucks by the River, and found many, many parks and fun places before Jay came to get us.





We enjoyed a bite to eat in the sunshine before getting in the car to head home!
Dipping her fries in mayo...just like me!
Loved this salad - pears, almonds and feta cheese!
Thanks Dad for letting us tag along!