The Wiggles

Last night Audrey attended her very first live concert. We took her to see the Wiggles, and she absolutely loved it. We started talking to her about the show a week or so ago, and when we walked into that arena, the smile on her face was priceless. She was in total Ahh! Audrey never took her eyes off the show. She sat in my lap when she wasn't sitting in her own big-girl chair. We ate popcorn and shared a lemonade.

She has a couple of videos that she loves to watch, so she was familiar with all the characters. The show opened with the Wiggles driving around in the Big Red Car. We know all the words, and we all sang along. This really put everyone in a Wiggley mood. The best part of the show was when "Wags the Dog" was introduced. Wags is her favorite. She clapped, she waved, she wiggled, and had the brightest smile I've ever seen.

She talked about the show all the way home, with that same bright smile never leaving her face.

$$$$
I am so happy to announce that Audrey's tuition has been reduced due to the fact that she is now wearing big girl panties. She doesn't know it, nor would she care much, but she is saving us $520.00 a year in tuition alone. Not to mention all the savings from the cost of diapers. This will of course go towards her collage fund. Potty Training was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Audrey really has been so good in letting me know when it's time. She's so proud of herself.

My little girl surprises me everyday. Her vocabulary is really growing. She is putting 4-5 words sentences together, and now insists on using a real cup. Sippy-cups are just too passe, and for babies. She will be the first to tell you that she is a "big-girl". In my eyes, and in my heart she will always be my sweet baby girl.

"Luck?", Not So Much A Lady....
So we are back from Ward's birthday trip to the casinos. Sadly, we have to keep our day-jobs. We had a lot of fun pressing our luck, but luckily Audrey still has her collage fund. We checked into our room at the Isle of Capri early evening and headed down stairs where we stayed until nearly 2 a.m. I guess the saying is true, "Time flies when you're having fun". Ward tried his luck at craps, black-jack, and who knows what else. As for me, only the slots. Doesn't take a lot of thinking to press the spin button. We had our share of drinks, maybe one too many for me, but goodness did we have fun. Thankfully, we only celebrate our birthday's once a year.

Audrey had her sleep over with her Aunt Kat and Mary Catherine. I could tell by the look on her face that she had a super time. She was really sleepy and ready for her nap when she got home. Although we knew she was safe, and that she was having a blast, but we painfully missed her. She was our first thought Saturday morning. We couldn't wait to get home to her for lots of kisses and hugs.

Happy Birthday!!

Ward celebrated his 54th birthday Tuesday. Unfortunately, he had to work all day, but I was able to pry him away long enough to take him to lunch. Audrey and I had a birthday cake waiting for him when he got home. She had so much fun blowing out the candles over and over, and her daddy had even more fun egging her on. Finally, after about 20 times of relighting and blowing out, it was time to cut the cake. The three of us pigged out. Yum!

Ward isn't the easiest to buy for, so this year for his birthday, I am taking him to Southern Las Vegas, better known as Biloxi, Ms. We are going to wine & dine, press our luck at the tables, and dance the night away. Luck Be A Lady Tonight!! Our plan is to sneak out early this afternoon. Audrey is having a sleep over tonight with her Aunt Kat and Mary. She is so excited, and has been talking about it non-stop. She told me this morning that she is going to tickle Mary all over, and sleep with her Aunt Kat.

Wish us luck....

2 for 2
Audrey made it through her second day without any accidents at school, or at home. I can tell that she is so proud of herself, and the progress she is making. I still prefer for Audrey to sleep in a diaper at night. Since this whole potty-training process began, putting her in a diaper at night hasn't been an issue...until last night. I think we may have had our first mother/daughter fight. Audrey fought me tooth and nail, she even yelled at me. I'm not too sure what what she was saying, but she was certainly yelling. She didn't want to where a diaper, and she let me know just that. I thought I was going to have to sit on her just to put the thing on. After about 15 minutes of struggling, I finally succeeded. I may have won this battle, but something tells me I may not when the war. I have no idea where this attitude comes from?

Good Job
I am so happy, not to mention so proud for Audrey. Yesterday was the first day Audrey came home in the same clothes that she left the house in. She has been wearing "big girl panties" to school for only one week, and has been having the expected accidents. Yesterday, she made it all day long, and was given stickers for her good work. I asked her this morning if she was going to get more stickers today? She answered, "no pee-pee Mommy". She is getting to be such a big girl. She loves all the praise we give her when she potties. The way she smiles so brightly and claps her hands is just adorable. Good job little bit!! Mommy and Daddy love you so much.

What a fun weekend!!!
This has to be one of the best weekends ever. It all started Friday after Ward picked up Audrey from school, (I left work early). They then picked me up, and the three of us were off to Toy's R Us. Audrey is in the process of "Potty Training", and doing very well. She is now wearing big girl undies and she loves it. So as a reward, her daddy and I decided it was time for a trip to the toy store. She picked out a really cute doll with blond hair and blue eyes. I told her that her new baby needed a name. Audrey chose the name Peggy. I have no idea where that name came from, or where or if she has even heard it before. So Peggy it is!!! Afterwards, we went for Mexican, my favorite. Audrey was on her very best behavior, and even told me that she needed to potty.

Saturday, I slept in while Ward and Audrey went to Krispy Kreme. Audrey loves that place, but who can blame her. She thinks that this is just the best thing ever. She always comes home wearing one of those funny hats, and she brings me breakfast in bed. What a sweetie. We played outside alot. Audrey was so excited all day because she was getting to spend the night with her Aunt Kat, and Mary. It's so nice to see her so happy. Kathy couldn't pick her up soon enough. So with a hug and kiss and a bye-bye for both me and her daddy, off she went.

Ward and I had our date. We took our time getting all ready and looking good. We headed out for a night dancing and several cocktails. Or at least what we call dancing.

Sunday, I made me and Ward pancakes with all the trimmings. Talk about something weird. We both said at the same time how strange it felt not having Audrey with us for breakfast. We even went for our Sunday drive without her. Although we missed her, it was nice to have time for just us. We were able to talk and catch up with one another.

Later, I met Audrey and my sister at the pool. We had a really nice afternoon. Audrey couldn't get enough of watching Mary Catherine's jumping and splashing. The weather was off and on, but all and all it turned out to be a wonderful day. Ward was happy to see me pull into the drive with his little side-kick in tow, and she was just as happy to see him. Audrey was completely tuckered, she nearly fell asleep while eating her dinner. She crawled into her daddy's lap and was out in the matter of seconds. She didn't even budge when he laid her on the sofa.

This is a recap of our vacation to Gulf Shores this year. I have to say, that this was truly one of the best vacations I have ever had. I have already added a ticker to count down the days until next year. This year was especially fun for Audrey.

Her first trip, 3 summers ago, she wasn't quiet three months old. She was at the end of the terrible "Colic". She slept in her Aunt Aynne's arms for the entire fireworks show.

Last year, she was walking and into everything, but still a lot of fun for her daddy and me. We learned that she doesn't like the feel of sand. She stayed awake and saw the whole fireworks show. She only got in the pool for a few minutes, but seemed to like it okay.

This year, WOW, what a blast!!! My Audrey was simply wonderful. She was happy the entire time. Only fussed when she was sleepy, but so did her daddy. Like I've said before, they are two peas in a pod. She still doesn't like the sand, but absolutely loves the pool. She really made her Mommy and Daddy proud.

Day 1 - Tuesday

Today is the day. We are finally heading to Gulf Shores for our vacation. We had to go into work for a few hours just to tie up some loose ends, but I left around noon to make sure that we had all we would need for our trip. Ward worked a little later, and picked up Audrey from daycare. She had a swimming party today, and was really excited about that. So, after Ward picked up Audrey, and the two of them picked me up, we were on our way.

We decided to take the back roads today. It seems like forever since I've driven that way. The country sides and all the farms are simply beautiful. Audrey napped very briefly, but she was on her best behavior. We checked into our condo without a hitch; smooth sailing so far.

Ward's sister Aynne, and her family, were already there by the time we arrived. Her son, or should I say my nephew, Ray, and his brand new fiance, Stephanie, were able to make the trip from California this year. Aynne's youngest son, or again should I say my other nephew, Jake, is also here this year.

We got ourselves settled, unpacked, and ready for our vacation to begin. We had dinner with my brother-in-law's cousin, Howard. He has a cabin nearby and is a lot of fun to visit while we are at the beach each year. Ward is responsible for delivering newspapers to the cabin and condos each morning. After dinner we came back to our condo and just nearly collapsed. All three of the Fendleys were just tuckered out.

Day 2 -Wednesday

This morning Ward went to the supermarket for lots of groceries. He did this while Audrey and I slept late. He delivered the newspaper to Howard's as usual, and he had his coffee with Howard and Bobby. We stayed around the condo area for most of the day. We took Audrey to the pool this afternoon. I was totally stunned by the way Audrey showed us just how unafraid she is of jumping to us. I finally taught her that she has to wait for my signal (clapping my hands) before she can jump. Wow, that child wasn't scared at all.

We had dinner at the cabin. Jake and Ray grilled steaks, and let me tell you, that was one of the best steaks I have ever tasted. My hat's off to the chefs. Stephanie and I polished off a bottle of wine....very good wine. We stayed and visited for a while, until Audrey let us know that her bedtime had arrived. Audrey is in love with "Annie's Hammock." This is a hammock that is underneath the cabin. I can't blame her, it really is comfortable. I could sleep there all night long.

Day 3 - Thursday

This morning I got up and cooked us my infamous pancake breakfast. After breakfast we got ready for the day. We went upstairs to visit with Aynne and Bobby before heading out. Ward wasn't able to have his coffee at the cabin today. Howard's daughter JC left for Europe early this morning. He had to drive her to New Orleans to catch her plane, so Ward had to settled for coffee and breakfast with Audrey and me.

We decided to take Audrey to Gulf Shores Zoo today. Not too bad for such a small zoo, they are still rebuilding due to Hurricane Ivan. It was hot, to say the least, but well worth it. Audrey didn't complain at all. She is always on her best behavior whenever we are in the company of wild animals. We took her to a gift shop and let her pick out a "prize" for being good. She first chose a plastic alligator head, but then decided on two plastic balls.

I bought her an airbrushed T-shirt, and a float for the pool. Audrey just loves her new float. It took a little coaxing to get her in the darn thing, but once she was in, it took a lot more coaxing to get her out. After the pool, the three of us headed upstairs for a nap. One of the best naps by far. Ward and I decided to stay in, so he cooked us his really tasty spaghetti. Of course we ate way too much.

Day 4 - Happy 4th of July

Today, we got up early, skipped breakfast and headed to the cabin for Howard's Annual 4th of July Cook-Out. He has been doing this for years, and I love that we get to participate in the festivities.

Bobby and Howard start cooking very early, if not the night before. Let me tell you, they can certainly cook a Boston Butt. Lots of people were there this year; at one time, almost 80 friends and family.

My brother-in-law, Harding, and his son, Thomas, made it just in time for all the food. They were only able to stay for the night. If you know Harding, you know that he was at the beach to party -- and party he did!

After we stuffed ourselves sick, Audrey got a little grumpy. This is an indication that she is in need of a nap. After her nap, we headed back to the pool. Today was even more fun. I love to see her smile, and that is all she does while swimming. I started talking to her about the fireworks that would be happening soon. She just smile, as if she knew what I was talking about.

The fireworks show is the best in Gulf Shores. I can't think of a better place to be than on a blanket on the beach with lots of family and friends. Before we headed to see the fireworks, Stephanie and I decided it was a great time for daiquiris. I have never made daiquiris before, so I dubbed them "Theresa Surprises." Turned out pretty dang good. Well, no one complained. We hung out at our place for awhile and had a fantastic time.

Day 5 - Saturday

This morning we had pancakes with all the trimmings. Harding and Thomas came by to have lunch with us before heading back home. After lunch Ward took Audrey to the pool, I stayed in for a little "Me" time.

Once again, Stephanie demanded that I make more "Theresa Surprises." This batch was even better the night before. We hung out at our place before heading upstairs for dinner at Aynne's. Nothing beats the leftovers from Howard's cook-out. We sat on their balcony for a long time, catching up on everyone, and talking about next year. We will have just about everyone with us next go-around. For me the more the merrier. Audrey loves her Aunt Annie. Well by this time, I was feeling really tired, so we decided to call it a night and headed back to our place for sleep.

Day 6 - Sunday

This morning Ward woke me up with chocolate covered Krispy Kreme donuts, one of my favorites. This just added to eating way too much...who cares, I'm on vacation. Audrey was on her best behavior today, and just couldn't get enough of the pool, or her cousin Ray (Ray-Ray, as she calls him). We really made today count.

Sadly, we will have to say good-bye, and head back home in the morning. Ward and Audrey played in the pool, and he did his best to make her play in the sand. She still doesn't want anything to do with that at all. That is okay, she has plenty of time, and many trips to the beach in her future. Aynne cooked the best lasagna I have eaten in my life. Goodness, it was good. We visited with everyone for a long while before saying goodnight, and hugging those who would be sleeping late Monday morning. Aynne and Audrey played hide-and-go-seek -too cute for words.

Audrey's uncle Bobby, after probably far too many, decided to test the strength of Audrey's head by slamming (repeatedly) the patio door on my poor child's head. It left a mark that quickly disappeared, but Ward thinks she will bear emotional scars forever, or until Uncle Bobby decides to pay her way through college. Our lawyer, T. A. Harding Fendley, Esquire, asked that we not discuss any further details of this issue until the case is settled.

Day 7 - Monday

The time finally came for us to leave - my least favorite time. I had packed-up the kitchen Sunday night, and Ward handled packing up everything else - early, VERY early, Monday morning.

Watching Audrey blow a kiss to the pool "bye, bye, pool," then another kiss to the fish on the condo wall, were both fun, but a little sad, to watch.

One more hug and kiss for everyone at the beach, then off on the long drive home. Ray and Stephanie were headed back to Los Angeles, and the Texas Clan (Aynne, Bobby and Jake) are in route back to Houston. Bobby stays home a few more weeks, then back to his job in Italy.