Tiger Safari

Wednesday Rikki, Charli, and Aunt Michelle came with us to Tiger Safari. Kylee got to pet a deer, a fox, and turtles. She got to feed graham crackers to deer, corn flakes to a llama and a goat, and meat (at the end of a long pole) to tigers. We also saw a variety of other animals. Kylee's favorite was the baby camel. She spent all day making camel sounds. She also liked cheering for the tigers as they got their meat.

having fun with Aunt Michelle

trying to get a closer look at the kangaroos

feeding the deer "cookies"

feeding a tiger

Great Plains Museum

Today grandma came with us to Elmer Thomas Park and the Great Plains museum. Kylee loved feeding the ducks and prairie dogs at the park, and she really liked a few of the outdoor exhibits at the museum. However, she was not a big fan of the inside of the museum.

Big Girl Bed!

Last night was Kylee's first night in her 'big girl bed' (crib minus the rail).

Backyard Masterpiece

Friday evening I brought Kylee's finger paints outside and let her paint a big box in the backyard. She had so much fun; she asked to do it again the next 2 days.

Prairie Dog Run

Yesterday Kylee and I followed a few of our playgroup friends out to the Wildlife Refuge. First the group stopped at Prairie Dog Run to feed the prairie dogs. Kylee loved it! She ran right up to the fence and said "hi". She was very excited and, of course, wanted to pet the "dogs". Surprisingly, I only had to tell her once to stay on the outside of the fence. I was very proud of her for being such a good listener! Our friend, Christina, advised us to bring nutter butter cookies for the prairie dogs. We did, and they loved them! Kylee got quite a kick out of throwing pieces of cookie and seeing the prairie dogs eat them.

After throwing quite a few to the prairie dogs, Kylee decided to try the cookies herself. She too was a big fan.

After that, we drove to a scenic spot near Mt. Scott for a picnic. When we got out of the car, we were greeted by a brave (and apparently hungry) raccoon. The raccoon followed us to our picnic spot. Another raccoon soon joined him, and the two persistently attempted numerous sneak attacks on our food. Christina The Brave, fueled by her sons cries, protected our group by charging off the raccoons anytime they got too close.

Kylee thought the raccoons were awesome. At first, she was practically jumping out of her stroller wanting to "pet" them. Luckily, she was super hungry. As soon as I set food on her tray, she sat back, watched, and enjoyed her lunch. Eventually she joined the other kiddos in telling the raccoons to "go". I think that was her favorite part of the whole adventure.

Anyways.... after being chased off quite a few times by Christina and Gavin (the worlds smartest/bravest 2 yr old), the raccoons finally retreated. With the coast clear, we let the kiddos loose to run around and explore.

Kylee had a great time running around and climbing the rocks. It didn't take her long to realize that Christina was taking pictures. At that point, she became quite the ham.

Thanks to Christina for an awesome morning! This was definitely one of my favorite things that we have done this summer, and I'm pretty sure Kylee would agree.

When we she woke up from her nap yesterday, the first thing she was said was "more dog cookie". I got her out of the crib , and she walked straight to the back door and said "bye bye dog cookie". She was already ready to go again! I took her to the computer and showed her the pictures I had uploaded during her nap.

All evening yesterday and all afternoon today she has been at my computer demanding to see the pictures. Her favorite is one of the raccoon pictures. Each time she sees it she spends several minutes repeatedly telling it to "go". Then she says "hug" and lays her head on the screen. Goofy girl!

Presents from Peyton

Saturday my cousin, Shannon, and her son, Peyton, came over to play. It was so good to finally see them again. Last time they came over (Easter), they brought Kylee her corvette. This time they surprised us with a Rose Petal Cottage. I never even considered buying one of those for Kylee, but I am so glad Gene (Peyton's daddy) did! It's super cute, and Kylee LOOOOVES it! They also gave us the rose petal stove, sink, and washer. Everything is just Kylee's size!

Checking out her new cottage

peek-a-boo!

cooking

baking

Doing the dishes

checking the laundry

Wiping down the counter

Washing the window

Having a blast!

Kylee played in her cottage all morning. She is quite the domestic diva! I wish I enjoyed cooking and cleaning half as much as she does!

Summer Fun

Yesterday morning we met some of our play group friends at Kidzone. The kids had a picnic lunch and then made and ate ice cream before playing in the park. It was hot and kind of crowded, by Kylee had fun.

After her nap, we set up her pool for the first time this year. As soon as I opened the back door, she walked strait to the pool and got in. I thought the cold water would shock her, but she didn't seem fazed a bit. She had a blast!!!

This afternoon we went to Nicolette's house for play date. Nicolette made home made sidewalk paint, and let kids paint her sidewalk. Kylee loved it!! I'll definitely have to get the recipe and try it again at home.

Kylee took a late nap. When she woke up, daddy cooked cheeseburgers on the grill, and we had some fun family time in the backyard. I love summer!! :)