Flowers

There is nothing like real flowers to brighten up a room. Thanks Jason!

Firsts

Lots of firsts these last few weeks. We went to the Houston zoo for the first time since I have been here. It gets so hot and humid that my motivation to go has definately been lacking in the past. But now that Kate is older, I wanted to go before it got too hot. It is a really nice zoo. We checked out the petting zoo, a bat cave and of course the lions, tigers, and bears. The temperature was just right and the company was great. The kids were all exhausted and fell asleep almost as soon as we got in the car.

Nursery is another first. Kate has actually gone 3 times now. The first two were somewhat rough, but this past Sunday the leaders told me she didn't cry at all. Go Kate! I love our nursery. They do so much more with the kids than I ever did when I was a nursery worker!

Another first is a babysitting ring we started with 3 other families in the ward. Jason and I were the first to watch all the kiddos and it wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting. Kate has been babysat by 2 other couples so far and after cry for a few minutes when we first leave, she does pretty well. It is so nice to have date nights again!

This isn't really a first, but I wanted to include Kate's stats from her 18 month checkup:
Height is 34 inches (95th percentile)
Weight is 23lbs 3oz (40th percentile)
Head is 18 1/2 inches (60th percentile)

Girls Night In

My WONDERFUL hubby had to go to Utah for work for a couple of days. He shocked me by asking if I wanted him to take Kate with him. My answer was, of course, a resounding YES! Kate, I love you kid, but mamma needed a break! I was amazed how much I was able to get done without a little one following me around tugging on my pants so I would pay attention to her. Here is everything I did Tuesday:
Made strawberry jam
Cleaned the kitchen
Paid bills
Swept and mopped
Vacuumed
Took a bunch of stuff to Good Will
Got my hair colored and cut
Went to the grocery store
Made treats for girls night at my house
Watched a movie (Penelope-so cute!) with friends
Whew! What a day! Thanks so much Jason for taking Kate with you. I had a great time but I will be happy to see you both soon!