Our Neighborhood Rocks!

Why, you ask? Because they have a Children’s Parade. How cool is that? This year was the 79th year and our first. The kids got to march behind their street banner and represent. They had a fire engine and the French Road School band leading the way. The parade ended with ice cream and a comedy juggling act.

Check out the cool kid on the block.

The fire engine leading the way.

Followed by the French Road School Band.

We joined the parade.

Behind our street banner, representing.

It was a long walk and here is Dagny’s reward.

The funny entertainers.

Each child that participated received a box of sidewalk chalk. So, of course when we got home we had to go all Picasso on our driveway.

Ever wondered what a grown man looks like playing hopscotch? Well, wonder no longer. Here you go. I think someone deserves Father of the Year Award.

Dagny giving it a try. It kind of looks like she is doing the Electric Slide.

One more bonus shot of my favorite little girl.

All done.

Barbara

Grandma’s Visit

Grandma Jen came for a visit last Wednesday for a week. It was the first time she has seen the new house. We were very sad that Grandpa Ken was not able to make it. Dagny actually looked and asked for him. She has really become more aware of the whole Grandmother, Grandfather role. The visit worked out so nice because Craig had Friday and Monday off from work, so he was able to join in the fun.

Friday, we went to the zoo for the first time this year. I was never super excited about going, up until now. As I mentioned before, Dagny has never been a fan of her stroller and because she was so little last year it really was hard for her to see things. All this adds up to one of us carrying her… ok, mostly Craig. This time the experience was so different. I guess she has grown enough where she was able to see most of the animals comfortably and walking greater distances seem more tolerable.

Craig and Dagny checking out the Rhinos.

Saturday, we went to Dagny’s current favorite place Strong Museum of Play. Everyday, she asks to go back. I see another visit in the near future.

Dagny having a conversation with Elmo while Grandma looking on.

Little Miss D and I fetching a pail of water.

Super D with her sidekick Mama Bear.

Every time we leave Dagny asks to go for a ride, can you guess what the answer is every time?

The rest of the weekend was opening the pool and getting the water just right. We are still waiting for the water to warm up, being and in-ground pool it takes longer, but it also stays warmer longer.

Until next time.

Barbara

Happy 30th Month, Dagny!

My Dearest Dagny,

You’re 30 months old today, or otherwise put 2 1/2 years old.

So much has changed in the past six months. First, we moved in April to Brighton for the school district. We want you to have all the possibilities that we can offer you. The first few days you wanted to go back to the “white house”, but you are an amazing little girl, you have adjusted quickly and wonderfully to our new home. In fact, now when you see the house you say “My house”.

You have changed so much these past six months, I am not even sure where to start. I’ll start from the top, you are a very smart little girl. I say that in every letter that I write you, but the truth is you remind me of this fact every single day. You recognize your name when its written, along with cat and dog. You truly amaze me. Not only are you excelling in your primary language of English, but also in Hungarian. You know your colors as well as count to ten. You truly are a bilingual girl, you understand everything in Hungarian and when asked a question in Hungarian you respond in it. I just love watching your language unfold in both tongues. You are putting sentences together and saying the funniest things, ever. This makes for lots of laughing around the house.

A few weeks ago you started to sing. You come home from day care and start singing songs you learned at school. You love to sing the Elmo song, except you exchange Elmo for Dagny. Adorable! On most days when I pick you up from day care we listen to classical music on the ride home and you really do seem to enjoy it.

There are only two shows you watch, Sesame Street and your new favorite, Little Bear. You love your stuffed bears more then anything, it’s like this show was made for you. We actually got you a couple of Else Holmelund Minarik books and you enjoy them very much too.

Being smack in the middle of your terrible twos you are so into testing your limits. Oh, how fun. You had a really bad week when we first moved in to the house. It truly was like you were a different child. I am sure the stress of it all had a toll on you too. Now a days you seem pretty good, expects for moments here and there, which seriously little D, can we move on, because it’s not fun for your Mama.

You are a very affection child. You run up to us and give big hugs for no reason. You give big kisses on our cheeks. At night you blow kisses and say “Good-night, Mommy/Daddy.”

You are also a very friendly, polite little girl. When you meet someone you introduce yourself “Hi, I am Dagny.” and whenever we give you something you say “Thank you.” and when you want something, you asking nicely and say “Please.” I love this about you.

Of course, we celebrated your half birthday with a couple of new milestones. I finally broke down and took you for your first haircut, OK more like a trim. After some internet searching I found a place that specializes in kids haircuts. I was totally prepared to have you cry through the whole thing, but when we got there and you saw all the toys it put you in a great mood. Thank goodness! When it was your turn, I put you in the chair and the nice lady asked you what you would like to see on TV. Your choices where Elmo and the Wiggles. Wiggles won that round and so did I.

The before shot.

During.

All done.

When daddy got home from work we went to Eastview Mall to celebrate. For Christmas you got a Build-A-Bear gift certificate from your Aunt Maria. Daddy and I thought you would enjoy building your first bear.

But, the fun wasn’t over yet. We went on a carousal ride.

All three of us had a wonderful time. You are an amazing little girl.

We love you very much!

Mommy