Halloween Story Time at the Library

Each week, Rainah and I go to the library every week for story time and this week the kids got to dress up in their Halloween costumes. I had attempted to try it on her last night to no avail. We got to the library and I got it on her but as soon as I did she started crying and saying, "Off". So that didn't go too well, even seeing all of the other kids dressed up. Once the costume came off, she had a great time singing songs, listening to stories, and making a halloween cookie. Hopefully this will go better in a couple of days!

Really not happy!  And to make things worse, I'm taking pictures!

Singing a song with the shaker eggs

22 Months Old

I have no idea how my baby is already almost 2!!  She is just amazing me every day with the things she picks up on and says and does.  The other day we were at the library for storytime and there are carpet squares the kids can sit on, each with a different letter.  Before it started I was asking Rainah to find different letters and she'd pick them up and bring them to me.  Afterwards, a mom with an 8 month old came over and said she had to ask me how my daughter was so letter aware.  She couldn't believe that she wasn't even 2 and can identify all of the letters.  

She has an alphabet puzzle and can do the whole thing by herself- she even knows the sounds of most letters.

Her newest favorite thing is the Veggie Tales.  Every week when we go to the library she picks out any of the dvd's she can find.  I made the mistake of going on the Veggie Tales website and now every time I go near the computer she asks for Bob.  

She's had a crazy few weeks with Don's health problems... having to rush to the hospital twice, and lots of different things happening, but she's done so great!  She's made it through the last few MOPS meetings which is a miracle!  Last week she started crying right as we pulled into the parking lot, and I thought there was no way I wouldn't get called out, but we made it the whole 2 hours.  

She is such a sweet little girl- she has her moments, but for the most part is a lovey, cuddly toddler.  Every once in awhile, out of no where, she'll just say, "hi" and wave.  She'll go over to Cheyenne several times a day and lay her head on her or hug her (with the occasional attempt at riding her).  

She loves to be busy, and loves to learn.  She still likes to read, but not quite as much as she used to.  She really likes puzzles and has mastered the few that we have.  She likes to color, LOVES Cookie Monster, and is still eating like a true Petersen.  

Last night after her bath, she was brushing her teeth.  She usually walks around with her toothbrush for a few minutes while I clean up the bathroom.  I heard her making a funny noise and looked over and she was pretending to spit into the sink and she kept doing it over and over.  I laugh so many times during the day watching her.  It still amazes me how much joy one little girl can bring someone.  We fall more and more in love with her every minute and thank God for this little blessing He's given us to raise up.  

Playhouse Disney Live

Today I, along with Jill and Dave, took Rainah, Talan, and Hayden to see Playhouse Disney Live at the Palace. We'd been planning this outing for a long time and I had no idea how interested Rainah would be. She loves watching Little Einsteins on television, so I was hoping she'd have fun. Despite it being right in the middle of nap time, she had a great time and was very good. Hayden and Talan were great, too, though Talan did crash in the middle of the show. Rainah waited until we started driving home to conk out. We had a great time!

Ready for the show to start

Hayden super excited

The Little Einsteins

Mickey and Minnie

Talan was not so impressed

Goofy, Donald, Handy Manny, Minnie, and Mickey

The whole gang

Rainah dancing

Pumpkin Carving

I thought this year would be lots of fun carving the pumpkin with Rainah; she's not one to shy away from doing things or getting messy, but she was NOT interested in sticking her hands inside of that thing. I tried a few times, but she preferred to sit next to me and eat her raisins. So Don and I completed the task! Maybe next year...

Brush Hog Heaven

When we first moved into our home, we had the option of purchasing about a half acre that was a separate lot in front of the house. We decided to do it so that no one came in and built there. It was all just wild growth and in the last couple of years has gotten pretty thick. We've been talking about having it cleared out and turning it into a yard, and finally decided to go for it. This morning I was running some errands with Rainah and when we got home the guy was here and just about finished brush-hogging it; it is amazing how much bigger it makes the area look. Rainah and I ventured out to check it out and play outside for awhile:

Rainah clearing the leaves from around her tree

That whole area behind where she's standing used to be overgrown

Rainah's famous last words... "ONE MORE"

"Hi!"