Leah turns 2!

Leah had her second birthday this week. We decided to go to Pretend City for her birthday. I had never been but heard great things about it, and let me tell you, we had more fun than Disneyland! My sister in law and my two nieces came to join us for the fun, which made it so much better. So Leah got to open her first present in the parking lot :) She loved it and we play with it everyday so far.

Our first stop was to the post office and Hannah loved playing dress up. But there was so much to see and do that she quickly got over it and moved on.
They played at this water station for hours. Every time they would move onto something else, they always ended up back there. We enjoyed watching them play. Leah absolutely loved fishing.
The fire station was super cute. I just think Leah looks good in anything especially a fire hat! They were able to punch a time card at each area and then put it into the ATM and get cash! They loved it and it helped them learn to work for their money. Each station they wanted to make sure they got the time stamp so they could get money to grocery shop.

This was the best area. Leah was here for days! Picking the fruits and vegetables was so much fun for her. She and Hannah gardened for a long time and enjoyed it very much. I loved seeing them do this, new for me, but enjoyed watching them learn new things.
They even worked well together to build this house. They received no help from me and actually worked as a team! I was shocked because unlike other "perfect" families, our girls have a little sibling rivalry and are learning to work together. So they did, and I was proud of my lil builders. It was one of those personal mommy moments where I was happy to see hard work and encouragement pay off.
Off to painting! Oh my, this was so fun and messy. Luckily I new it would wash out. But it's always fun to see what they create without assistance. Leah is learning so much and she was enjoying knowing her colors. This place is all about learning and working with your kids to have fun. Using your imagination is so hard with all of the technology out there and this place reminded me how fun it is to be a kid.
This was the Ralph's they had set up. Pretty much the coolest thing I have ever seen! All of the kids seemed like they left right as we were getting in there so we had the place to ourselves which was awesome. Hannah took the lead of the cashier and was exchanging money with the "shoppers". It was so much fun to see them interact with each other. They really do pick up on the things they see everyday such as grocery shopping. It was a great place to end our day there.
My girls are so lucky to have cousins to play with all the time. Cousins who are very close in age and enjoy the fun shared each time they see one another.
Afterward we had a small family celebration for this big personality. She was very excited about her gifts. Her aunt Ashley came over to join in on the fun and now we get to go to Build-a-bear! So excited about that!
She was having a great time in her discovery tent. Leah is such a beautiful baby!

And yes this is my child licking her bowl :)

I really do feel like a lucky woman. All I have ever wanted since I can remember was wanting to be a wife and a mother. I know my dreams have come true since having Hannah and Leah. Leah, luckily for me, has seemed to stay a baby much longer than Hannah did. I don't feel as though I have been robbed of the baby stage. She has been so attached to me since day one and I am very grateful for that. I love how she calls for only me in the mornings and when she sees me I get the warmest greeting. I love how she will crawl on my lap just to cuddle and always wants me to tickle her back. I love how she is to attached to her snuggles and makes me hide under it with her. I love how she enjoys her sleep. I love how she loves all of us. She is the sweetest baby and loves her family so much. She is a great sister and so smart! Even though I can't smell, I love breathing her in. She has the biggest lips with the sweetest kisses. She is so funny and comes up with new stuff everyday. I'm so happy and proud to be her mommy and I look forward to so many more memories with her. Happy birthday my little Leah!