HAPPY BIRTHDAY TANNER.

Tanner is TWO today, and here she is showing everyone how old she is.
We started the day with STAR pancakes and Tanner got to use the YOU ARE SPECIAL plate that we got for our wedding from Gretch's parents that we have never used. I decided to start the tradition today. Seems like a fun thing to start with kiddos.
The pancakes were a big hit.

Mommy and Tanner went out for a walk this morning to see the beautiful mountains. Thankfully the snow is melting fast and will be all gone for Tanner's party tomorrow.
I can't believe how big she is and how fast the time has gone but I would never have said that the first year but once past that baby stage I can totally see how time flies.
Picture time. I love my little girl and try to remember that each day is a gift from the LORD. She has really blossomed in personality and speech. I think I daily laugh at some new thing she does. Jay and I sometimes are in awe of this little lady that the LORD has entrusted to us to care for her.
Stay tuned for birthday party pictures, happening tomorrow.

Getting ready for a Second Birthday

Well it is Tuesday and Tanner's birthday is on Saturday and I thought I would get a head start on some stuff so it is not all done at the last minute. Tanner has learned to say "two" with fingers and words when asked how old she is. I am hoping to capture it on video or camera soon. She is getting the concept of birthday's and says "happy day" for happy birthday but she still doesn't have a concept of it being HER birthday. I thought I would help create the idea by having her help me make some cupcakes.
Tanner LOVES to stir. She could "stir, stir, stir" all day long. She even helped me use the mixer but definitely prefers to stir manually. When it was time to lick the spoon she gave it one lick and then wanted no more. Weird. Someday I know that will be her favorite thing, but for now I will take that she doesn't want to. When the cupcakes were down she pointed to them and said cake. Now just wait for the frosting part, but that will have to come on Friday. For now it was a great bonding time and these cupcakes were definitely made is extra love.

SeaWorld

On vacation we thought we would give SeaWorld another try since Jay and I loved it last time. Tanner did not however so this was a gamble. We bought season passes for the year knowing we would be coming back in June and then we got the second year free. It was a good thing we bought the passes because Tanner LOVED it this time.
Here we are waiting for the shamu show with Cliff, April and Peter. It was a great show and luckily not to hot this time.

Peter wanted to ride with Tanner on her stroller. So cute. We all had a great time and all of us bought passes so we look forward to coming back many times this summer.

Mowing down the salsa at a Mexician Resturaunt

Our last night in San Digeo, we went to Miguel's (which is one of our favorites) and it quickly became one of Tanner's too. She loved their salsa, not the cheesy one but the tomato one. Tanner never ceases to amaze me and her palate. Sometimes I think the hotter and spicer the better for her. Guess she truly is Jay's daughter.
Of course it does help that you eat salsa with chips, as chips are probably one of Tanner's favorite foods. Doesn't matter what kind, BBQ, Maui onion, Salt and Vinegar, Spicy Thai Doritos, or just plain tortilla, if it crunches she munches.

A wild day at the park

Over vacation, we decided we would try out the Wild Animal Park since our Zoo passes included these. This was the first major event on our vacation. We went with our dear friends the Carey's and had a really good time. The park wasn't huge but really well laid out and the safari ride was really cool. It was beautiful weather and Peter and Tanner just loved hanging out together. I realized that in all our family pictures I kinda hide behind Tanner. Guess Jay will have to hold Tanner from now on.
Here's Tanner and Peter at a little play ground in the park.
Having a bite to eat.
Gorillas up close and personal. I would say Tanner just started being into animals but still her attention span wasn't long. It was kinda like, "okay I see them now lets move on". She is a mover, always in motion.
Peter and Tanner were fine in the stroller until the first time we got them out to see the animals and then they DID NOT want to go back in. This was often the way of transporting them that they would settle on. They either wanted to walk or sit on shoulders. No strollers for them.
Tram ride for the safari. The animals were really awake and about on the ride and I thought you could see them better then on the safari ride at DisneyWorld.
Rhinos and Gizelles. There were all kinds gizelles and antelope at this park.
Giraffes. Lots and lots of giraffes. This park often was very proud of all their breeding capabilities and had lots of baby animals. We even saw that breeding in action with the Zebras, on the safari. Oh never a dull moment and lots of fun memories.

A fun new place

While on vacation in San Diego, Tanner had many new experiences but one of her favorites is the HOT TUB!! or "bubbles" as she refers to it. Jay and Tanner took a dip the first night we were there and then every night after that she asked for it. We were a little nervous that it might be too hot but Tanner didn't seem to mind. It was a big bath tub to her. Because Jen was pregnant, she didn't partake so it became special daddy/daughter time which Jay was super excited about because for all of you who know Jay it is one of his favorite past times. Guess we might need to think about purchasing one in the future.