trying new things

I’m really weird about trying new things by myself. I prefer to have the comfort of a friend to rely on in these new situations. Like last summer, I wanted to try out some classes at the Y. Luckily, my friend Connie was willing to go with me.

Our first class was a spin class. I was thinking that riding a bike is fairly easy. And it sounded fun. But oh my goodness, I’m glad I wasn’t in that one alone! I thought I would DIE! That was like no bike ride I’d ever taken. No more spin class for me.

I’m currently in a weight loss challenge with some major bucks for the grand prize. So I decided it was time to get back to the Y. I’ve been wanting to try zumba for awhile, and thought this was a perfect opportunity. Now if only I could find a friend to join me.

No one could make it. I couldn’t even talk Allison (the dancer) into going with me. So I decided to bite the bullet and just go by myself. I went early so I could make sure and get a spot in the back row. And as it turned out, I wasn’t terrible. I wasn’t very good either. But I had a blast. And burned over 400 calories.

And I think the next time I go, I may even move up to the middle row!

P.S. The passport arrived!! Third time was a charm!

passport fiasco

Anything involving a government agency is rarely easy. And our experience with getting Brianna’s passport has been no exception.

Bri is joining other youth from our church on a mission trip this summer to Canada. So she needs a passport (we opted for the passport card…a cheaper version that will get you into Mexico and Canada). I took a day off work and took her out of school. Filled out the necessary paperwork. Collected and copied the necessary documents. And had the passport agency/post office take her photo. Everything was sent in and we waited.

A couple of weeks ago (just hours before the possible government shut-down), we received a letter stating that the photos we submitted (taken by the passport agent) were not the correct size. And they didn’t have all the needed documentation (my signature and copy of my driver’s license). You would think that the lady at the post office, who collected all our information, would have made sure we had everything we needed. And the passport website only states that a parent needs to show an id (which I did) for a child 16 or 17.

So we opted to get her picture retake at Walgreens. It’s cheaper than the post office and much more convenient. Well wouldn’t you know that when we got home and measured her picture, it wasn’t the correct size! It has to be between one inch and one and 3/8 inches from chin to the top of her head. It was 1 and a half! So we had to go back to Walgreens. The third time was a charm, for her picture anyway. I’ve resubmitted all they requested and I’m hoping and praying that everything goes smoothly from here on out.

If you ever get your picture taken for a passport, I suggest taking along a ruler!

egg hunting

Today I took Delaney to our community Easter egg hunt. In preparation for the big event, I tried to tell her all about what we’d be doing. I told her she would find eggs and put them in her basket. Here’s how the conversation went:

me: When you open up the eggs, do you know what you’ll find inside?

Delaney: Birds?

I had to chuckle at that one. I’m sure she was relieved to find candy and gum and quarters!

There were 14,000 eggs! This is just from the area marked off for 3-5 year olds. I’m glad they do that. Because I remember the only egg hunt I went to as a kid. And I think I managed to get 2 eggs because of all the greedy older kids. Not fond memories!

It was cold. And cloudy. And there was a creepy Easter Bunny walking around. She wanted no part of the bunny. But that didn’t stop her from having a blast!

Aunt Jessica was there, helping out with the event. Now she’s preparing for the Easter Bunny’s visit to our house tomorrow. I hope she doesn’t have nightmares thinking about it!!

birthday party…very belated

I really don’t know where the time went last week! But here it is, more than a week past Delaney’s birthday, and I’m finally getting around to posting a few pictures.

We started out with some good ol’ processed food at Burger King. I was feeling like an awesome mom when she opted for chocolate milk rather than pop, though. It’s the small victories that count, right?

And really the reason we picked Burger King was for the play area. She had a great time climbing and sliding and burning off her energy!

Then we headed to the Y for a little swimming. There’s a great family indoor pool and Delaney had so much fun. She loves to swim and I feel guilty that we didn’t take her there all winter. But now I’m pumped for summer and heading the the outdoor pool! Oh, and this was our first time swimming without a swim diaper!!

 

We ended the evening at Baskin Robbins. She wanted strawberry ice cream and I ordered hers in a dish. Then I ordered myself a strawberry cone. You can see what she ended up eating.

It was a perfect day for a three year old! I hope she’ll always be happy spending her birthdays with mom and dad!

guess who’s 3

We have big plans for tonight. Big plans if you’re 3!

Check back this weekend for more birthday pictures.