The Apolenis Family: May 2010

Strawberry picking at Butler's Orchard

Many people cannot believe that this is true, but I have never been strawberry picking before! I have been looking forward to going, so when my friend Michelle called and asked if the girls and I would like to join her and her boys, we jumped at the chance! Both our husbands were working on Saturday so we wanted to get out and do something fun.

WELLLLLL......one thing someone who's never been strawberry picking before doesn't know is how DIFFICULT it is with one adult by herself with a toddler and baby. I had the great idea of bringing along our portable booster seat to sit Caroline in since you can't fit a stroller in between the rows. That worked for about 10 minutes....until she picked up a huge rock full of mud and tried to eat it. When I removed the rock from her mouth, she started screaming (obviously mad at me because she wanted to eat the rock!) and wouldn't sit in the chair any longer. So, we stayed as long as mom could hold a crying, snotty-nosed baby and watch an active 3-year-old so that she didn't step on the bushes. By the end of the time there, all 3 of us were covered in dirt, snot, and red stains. But, we created a memory and got some delicious strawberries....and I caught a few good smiles at the beginning :-) Next time, I'm definitely taking dad along!

This is Caroline eating a handful of mud with a HUGE rock in her mouth! When I took the picture, I had NO IDEA there was a rock in her mouth!

1st time in the pool this year!

It was an 85-degree day in May and I just couldn't wait to blow up the pool and have the girls play. We love being out on our deck. I was curious how Caroline would react to the pool since sometimes she loves the bath and sometimes she hates it. Here are both girls' first reactions:

Madison's face is priceless - its like she's never been in a pool before! I love childhood joy in even the simplest things!

And then there's Caroline....not quite the same initial reaction :-)

But, I LOVE how sweet Madison can be - the way she so tries to comfort her little sister is just so sweet

And then finally, a SMILE!

Here's some other cute shots from the day:

Is it REALLY May already?!

It really is! I love the warm weather! It is my favorite time of year. I love getting outside with the girls and all the fun things that summer allows you to do. Some of the things we are looking forward to this year:
swimming in the pool, visiting endless playgrounds and parks, having picnics, going on walks, coloring with sidewalk chalk, riding bikes and scooters, visiting the Germantown splash park, going to the zoo, going to the enchanted forest petting zoo, playing in the sand at the beach, and of course, JIMMY CONE!
We are excited for summer....are you?!

Girls' Weekend

Once again, my mom and I had the opportunity to get away for a weekend with our good friends, Robin and Jesse. We visited the most quaint place ever - New Hope, PA. It is a small village-type town with little shops and walkways, hometown restaurants, and beautiful sights. We had a great time shopping, laughing, and of course, EATING! :-) We love you Robin and Jess.

Madison Elizabeth turns 3 - Part 3

All the planning and preparation and it was FINALLY here - my little girl's CINDERELLA party! She has been talking about it for MONTHS. She had asked if she could have a princess Cinderella party and dress up like Cinderella. So, my mom and I found the perfect Cinderella dress, gloves, and accessories and all the decorations to make it a perfect princess party. As she walked down the stairs with the Disney music on, Joseph and I had tears in our eyes....it felt like she was walking down the aisle! Thank goodness that is farther down the road! But, she is so big now....I can't believe we have had 3 amazing years with you, little Madison. We love you more than words can say. You make us laugh, you bring us joy, you are a precious gift.

Madison Elizabeth turns 3 - Part 2

On Friday (the day after her birthday), we hosted playgroup at the park to celebrate Madison's birthday! We went to Madison's favorite park, the one she so affectionately calls "Sam & D's park" - it is across the street from their house. It is a wonderful playground with a great pavilion. The weather was absolutely beautiful! All of her little friends came to celebrate with her. We enjoyed lunch and cupcakes after a full morning of playing! And, Daddy surprised us and was able to come too! What a fun day! Stay tuned for Part 3!

Madison Elizabeth turns 3 - Part 1

Ok, so this is going to take more than one post! Madison's official birthday (April 22) was on a Thursday. That morning, Daddy and I got Caroline and surprised Madison in her bedroom while it was still dark. We had a chocolate Hostess cupcake with a candle and balloon. You should've seen her face - she was SO HAPPY! The entire time we were singing Happy Birthday to her, she was beaming! All morning she kept saying, "Thank you mommy for coming into my room this morning! Thank you mommy!" We let her eat the cupcake for breakfast - kind of a mistake....she was wired from all of the sugar all morning! :-)

Good Morning sweet girl! We love you!

Giraffe Park

This is one of Madison's favorite places! And, Caroline's too (now that she LOVES to swing in the baby swings!) There is a huge wooden park near my parent's house that Madison loves to go to. It has earned the name "giraffe park" because there is a large metal giraffe at the front of the park. It is such a creative playground - so much fun, especially when Daddy is with us and can chase us!