Twinkle Star is born!

This will be my first installment of our California vacation pictures....as we have too many to post at one sitting. We left June 23rd for a visit to Huntington Beach with Chris's Aunt and Uncle. We had a wonderful time! We were on the go for most of the week, but wouldn't have wanted it any other way!

After an easy plane ride with an almost two-year-old, we arrived in sunny California. Luckily, we have a great little traveler! Our first day there, we decided to head to Downtown Disney for lunch and a little shopping. One of my students gave Leila an end of the year present - a gift card to the Build a Bear Workshop. We saved it to use in Downtown Disney because that shop offers things that others do not. We were not disappointed!

Letting a 23 month-old choose her animal...not an easy task. Leila kept changing her mind. Here she is checking out a doggy. Huggable? Yes. But not quite what she wanted.

How about a black bear? Yep, this is the buddy she finally went with. Very fitting right, since California's flag has a bear on it? I thought so!
Pumping the stuffing in. "I dood it, Mommy!" No help needed or wanted from the parents.

Watching the stuffing twirl around in the big machine.
Leila chose the red heart over the gingham heart for her bear. Here Daddy and Leila are placing the bear's new heart inside and stitching her up.
Wow, so many choices for clothing! The final wardrobe included a denim skirt, a Disneyland t-shirt, sequin purse, Minnie Mouse t-shirt and MICKEY MOUSE EARS. The ears are SO cute!
Oh yeah, I also forgot that the bear got "big girl panties". Since Leila is working on potty training, we thought the bear might need some too. You can't see them in the photo, the skirt is covering them. Since the bear has been at home, we have had to let the her try going potty MANY times at Leila's request.
At the end of making an animal, the computer asks you to name your new friend. So, Chris says, "What do you want your bear to be named?"

A one second pause occurs. She is thinking. I also begin trying to think of a good name. Before anything even enters my mind, Leila says, without hesitation, "TWINKLE STAR!". Welcome to the Tavern Family, Twinkle Star!

We celebrated the newest member of the family (not pictured though) with lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe (also in Downtown Disney). We had pushed lunch time a little later than usual and the start of the meal was NOT good. We were seated right next to the huge gorilla. She did not like when he "talked". After some tears, a glass of milk, some Teddy Grahams and a walk around the cafe with Daddy, Leila was happy again. She even ended up liking the gorilla!

Look for the next posting soon....Day #2 in Cali!

Happy Daddy's Day!

In 2006, when we found out that I was expecting, Christopher was worried that he wouldn't know how to be a good dad. That thought never even entered my head. From the minute Leila was born, he has been the most caring, involved, fun-loving Dad that a child can wish for. The bond that he and Leila share is priceless and it continues to grow with each day. When she was just a few months old, she had a special laugh that only Daddy could get her to giggle. Now, at almost two, Leila continues to admire her Dad every day. Some of their special memories include: learning about the Fab Four, playing Star Wars Galactic Heroes, reading magazines on their tummies, running through the sprinkler, being tricky together, making weekend "Barbucks" runs and running outside to catch a glimpse of an airplane as it passes overhead. These are just a few of the things that Daddy and Daughter enjoy doing together. What a lucky little girl! Christopher, I don't think you ever had anything to worry about. 

Christopher and Leila shortly after her bath in the hospital. Chris kept exclaiming, "She's holding my finger!". He was so proud!

His first, official Father's Day (2008). Catching some late morning Zzzzs. 
This Father's Day. No sleeping in. Leila was up at 6AM. We went to Meeker Days with Papa and Gramma. Leila, Papa and Daddy rode the train. This is right before she burst into tears and proceeded to cry the entire ride. 
Daddy and Leila in their Wings colors. 
Leila and Dad a few weeks ago while they were playing outside in the hot weather. 

Happy Father's Day Christopher! We love you!

Last June, this June, a Tavern and Two Simons

My younger brother, Jonny, spent the past weekend with us. We were suppose to run the Sound to Narrows together, but if you have seen Jon's Facebook page, you will understand why we didn't...

Anyway, while taking the pictures below and listening to Leila squeal with delight, I was reminded of LAST June when my Dad came for visit and also gave her a royal tickling. Look how much she has grown in a year! 

Leila (about 10 months) and Grandpa Larry

Leila (about 22 months) and Uncle Nonny (Jonny)

Let's Go Wings!

With the series tied at 2-2, we thought the Wings might need some extra encouragement tonight! We are ready to watch the game! Let's go boys!!! 

Working at the Car Wash

The Tavern garage now houses two very clean cars! Leila helped wash both cars, but the photos are only of Mommy's car. She enjoyed this chore VERY much! There were even some tears when it was time to clean up and head inside for some dry clothes. The tears didn't last long though, as it was time to get some jammies on and read some books....one of her favorite things of all times. 

I Forgot to Share

I think I mentioned that Chris cut his hair on Mother's Day weekend, but I never shared a picture. After we returned from the zoo, the three of us made a trip to Super Cuts (he needed moral support). The picture below was taken today while he was mowing the lawn. Of course he has a hat on so you really can't see his haircut, but notice that there isn't any wavy hair touching his collar. He cut quite a bit off. He looks so handsome! What a good-looking husband I've got! 

Believe it or not, this IS a smile!
Twirling in the yard. 
Leila had graduated to the big rake. 

I'm Ready!

Leila is a true Detroit fan.....Red Wings apparel and snow boots, what more does one need? She could be right at home in MI. Actually, this is what she wanted to wear outside today. Surprisingly, we talked her into some more appropriate footwear.