Paper Doll

Lately, Samantha has been wanting to pick out her own clothes. Saturday, before the circus, she went through her closet and tried on all different outfits, jackets, dresses.... This is her thing now and she is so happy doing it. I always said that I would let my kid wear whatever they wanted to be independent and be themselves, and the outfits Sam comes up with are just plain loveable! I love how she lays them out on the floor too.... and she rocks them!

This morning we had a play date with Ms. Michelle and Ella (and Baby Lyla, too). The girls have so much fun together and Sam picks up on all different things, like being a princess and wanting to get married x.x But some times she needs that girly spark.

What a busy day! This evening we went to Samantha's Mother's Day Out school for open house and "meet" her new teacher, who she was with for early drop-off last 'semester'. 
Can you guess what the first thing she did when we walked into chapel besides greet the teachers?
Jump up on stage! Ms. Alyson said that she was ready to be in a program. Whoa! This year is going to be interesting!

 

Taking the Reins

Samantha loves taking care of Shadow! Feeding him, petting him, playing with him and taking him for walks (her fav)- 2 walks! Although she let me help for like a minute, she took hold of the reins. She did a great job holding my hand when we crossed the streets, which she normally fights.

Sam & Shad

We got Shadow tonight to dog-sit while Grandma and PaPa are out of town. One of the first things Samantha said tonight (while eating an ice cream cone and Shad at her feet), "I've always wanted a dog! And now I have a dog! PaPa never let him here." {PaPa, I know what you're thinking... No thank you.}
As far as Ali's response... It didn't take very long for either to get used to the other. It's been a very quiet and peaceful evening.

As far as Samantha: Well, it's been about a month and Sam has turned into a definite 3 year old tornado! She wants to do everything by herself and will throw a huge fit if you don't let her. She has become a pro at fake crying/fussing and is quick to be dramatic if you touch her wrong. She'll say she you hurt her arm or fall if you barely touched her. This behavior requires A LOT of patience and I am still adjusting and haven't the patience or strength to deal with it. I figured the more independent jobs I can give her, the better behaved she'll be. We'll see how it works. Today (8-27-13) we stayed home and played games all day and she was quite the angel. Maybe she just needs some Mama playtime. It was such a good feeling seeing how well behaved and helpful she could be (again). <3

Ringling Bros & DRAGONS Circus

Lori and Mike invited us to the circus for this afternoon. Although we were disappointed with the show last year, how could we pass up a circus? Sam loves the circus and we figured we'd give it another chance. This year's show was great and Samantha loved all the action and music. She wiggled a lot in her seat.

Got herself dressed- only took 3 outfits- to watch Daddy cut grass.

It's briiight!

Watching the horses get ready for the show.

 

 

COTTON CANDY!!!

"Do you have the dragon inside you?"

Nate, Stella & Sam

Celebrating Nate's 3rd Year!

We partied for Nate's 3rd birthday this morning and he and Samantha had a blast- They danced and played and caused a wild ruckus!

 

 

 

 

 Afterwards we went for lunch at Torchy's Tacos. Sam loves Torchy's Tacos and the queso. Everyone. Loves. The. Queso.

Mama and Daddy got Sam a special tonight. A special Kindle for her to watch her videos, read books and play games on. Mama's phone can now be returned to the original owner! (She needs to be a good girl  now, too.)

Order Up!

We went to the park for a play date with Christian and Ms. Wendy and the kids were happy to see each other and played hard... They ran from bears, Sam climbed a spider web and tried some rock climbing. Didn't get many pictures, especially of the two of them... even from across the park, if we pulled out the camera, all of a sudden they'd split up. Strange.

Mama made Samantha a new apron that is SUPER SWEET!!! It's for her little kitchen which has become a little cafeteria. She set up the cash register and will take your order.

*All Major Credit Cards Accepted*

Blowing chocolate milk bubbles with Daddy!

Last Day of Dance (for Summer)

Can yo believe this is the best picture I got of these two!? They would not keep still!

 During bath Samantha says that she can wash herself because she is a big girl. I told her "I know you're a big girl, but can Mama help? I need to help wash special places [like neck, armpits, and bum.]"
"No. I am a big girl and I can do it myself."

Pete & Kathy

The Hills came in town to visit Grandma and PaPa and there was plenty of time to hang out with the lil' monsters. It's so great catching up with old family friends and happy that they were able to meet, play and get to know Samantha! While they were in town, we also celebrated PaPa's birthday (twice)!

 

 

#1. Grandpa's so much cooler.