Grace turns 2: Elmo-themed party

I know everyone says this, but I can't believe my baby is already two years old!! Where have the past two years gone? My darling blonde-haired rambunctious toddler looks nothing like the tiny little dark-haired infant we brought home from the hospital two years ago. But it has been an absolute joy to watch her bloom into her own funny little personality.

At Gracie's two-year checkup on Monday, she still measures on the tiny side. She is about 23.5 pounds and in the 15th percentile for weight and height, 40th for head circumference.

She loves to sing her ABCs, Twinkle Twinkle, Baa Baa Black Sheep and The Wheels on the Bus; and I'll catch her singing to herself in the car a lot. But if you try to sing with her, she'll stop you and say, "no Mama, my ABCs." Grace is talking up a storm and repeats a lot of what we say, so now we really have to watch what we say :).

Grace is very independent and wants to pick out her clothes and PJs. She loves to put on her own shoes and socks, and loves to take them off again. She also attempts to put on pants and shirts. She loves to climb up on everything and run around. Graces loves to help us unload the dishwasher, change the sheets on the beds, and put away clothes. She also loves to help vacuum and dust around the house. She is definitely taking after her Dada!

We had Grace's 2nd birthday party on Sunday, and it was Elmo/Sesame Street themed because Grace is REALLY into Elmo right now. I found Elmo invitations on Etsy (and will include those in a future post). I also found the Elmo dress Grace is wearing on Etsy. I probably could have attempted to make this on my own (if I had the sewing skils and a sewing machine), but I am so grateful for someone else's time and talent. It turned out adorable! I got the idea of the veggie and fruit tray Sesame Street characters from Pinterest, and the Elmo cake and cupcakes came from our local Hen House bakery. Everyone had a great time!!

Enjoy the pictures!

Hiatus Over!

I am back in the swing; and thanks to my trusty iPhone I am back to blogging as well.

I'll try to recap our adventures with Grace that occurred during my year off from blogging.

But first, the Ernzen household has a big announcement!

Grace will become a big sister in April of 2013!

Our vacation to Naples, Florida Part Two

We stayed in Pelican Bay and the two beaches we had access to were gorgeous. Gracie loved playing in the water and crawling on the sand. She, of course, also tried to eat the sand.

This is one of the many amazing houses along the beach.

There was so much amazing wildlife along the berm area.

Yes, that is a baby aligator! Not sure where his mama is ...

Naples, Florida Part One

We took a family vacation to Naples, Fla., in early August and it was wonderful. Grace did great on her first airplane rides and made friends with everyone. She loved the beach, especially the waves. We had such a relaxing time!!

Grace loved the tram ride to the beach! She loves the wind blowing in her face and hair.

First time to feel the sand beneath her toes.

She loves it!

Day One was a success!

GRon and Grammie Barbie Birthday Celebrations

Both Grandpa Ron and Grandma Barbara celebrate birthdays in July. Barbara hit a majoy milestone this year -- 70 years old! We celebrated the entire month of July and even had a big party for Barbara at the end of August.

We took Ron to dinner at Ruby Tuesday's -- his favorite place for ribs.

Barbara's lunch was just the girls at the Webster House.

Greg babysat the cousins, and they had a blast with Grace!

Barbara's big birthday bash was out at their house. Grace has so much fun climbing up the stairs, and was, of course, the center of attention.

The Paulsons come to visit!

Okay, so this is sooooo long ago, but the Paulsons came to Kansas City to visit and to attend Cho's wedding. This was the week of July 22nd. I know, ridiculously long ago. Here are the lovely pictures of the Sunday evening picnic of all of the kiddos. Grace got to hang out with Grace Katherine Taylor, who is just two days older. And of course, there is the adorable Zach Paulson who is sooo big!!