Birthday and a Broken Ankle!

December 30, 2011

A Birthday For me and A Broken Ankle for Mimi!



Today was the day we were celebrating My 30th birthday with Mimi and Papa Rick! First let me start by saying how wonderful Mimi is to us! SHe has kept you the majority of Christmas break since your Daddy and I have had to work and your Preschool is not back in session until January 4th. She always comes to pick you up in the morning. Well today was no different...She got there and we were all outside on the front steps and as you all were leaving Mimi tripped or miss-stepped and you and her fell down the stairs. I watch this all happen I swear in Slow motion! It was terrifing for me, Mimi, and you! Thankfully you were you physically fine just seriously scared and upset! Poor Mimi was hurt pretty bad and her ankle looked frightening to say the least. Once she sort of recovered I got her in the house and we called Papa Rick who at that time was out Hurting. No long after we called him he was at the house and we got Mimi in the car and they headed for hospital. About an hour later Sarah Mimi very good friend showed up at our house to stay with you until Daddy could get home so that I could go to work. It was a very unfortunate and eventful morning! THen I got the call from Mom saying that the x-rays showed that her ankle was broken nad that she had an apointment with the Orthopedic surgon next week. Poor Mimi.....

Inspite of this terrible event Mimi and Papa still wanted to do my birthday. That evening we headed over for My Birthday Celebration! Papa Rick Grilled Steaks and Chicken and he did baked potatos and Salad! I must say he made one delicious Birthday Meal for me! My little Party wasn't what Mimi had wanted but I thought it was pretty great! Mimi always does the neatest things for me...SHe had a big basket filled with 30 little Gifts

for me to open!!!! Caroline and I loved that!

I think we opened presents like the entire time we were there! It was great! I love having a Birthday!

My 30 gifts minus one, The Cupcake picture holder!

xoxo,
Katie

30!

December 27, 2011


Well today was my 30th Birthday! I wanted this day to be spectacular…it certainly did not start off that way. I guess what everyone’s says is true….it is all down hill from here on, hahaa! For starters I had to work! No One should have to work on their Birthday especially a Big one like 3-0! OH well I had accepted that part! In addition to the having to work part I woke up late, had not cute hair, lost my badge to get inside the building at work….need I say more :/ Inspite of this I received a phone call that morning from Caroline and she sang Happy Birthday to me, “Mommaaaaa KATIE!” This certainly turned my not so great morning in to a Very Happy Morning! This was the Best Part of my Birthday! She Also Left me a Voice mail singing to me too! Her little voice just melts my heart 

After work I got home and Eric was all ready to take me to James AT The Mill for a Birthday Date! Yep it was a Great NIGHT! Eric certainly knows how I liked to be treated! We an amazing meal started off with Butternut Squash Soup and the An dui Corndog and ended with a Giant Plate of Four different desserts and our entire meal was created by Walt!!

Deserts By Walt! YUM-O!

Then Surprise I got an adorable Birthday Cake from Eric too!!! We were so stuffed we didn’t have any that night and it was really almost to pretty to cut! I had a wonderful 30th Birthday!

Beautiful Birthday Cake!

Xoxo,

Katie

CHRISTMAS!

December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas Caroline,

This Christmas Mimi and Papa Rick stayed the night with us which made this Christmas Extra special! I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was about this Christmas! This was the first year you have been excited about Santa!
OF Course I woke up Super early and couldn't sleep! Then Mimi and Papa got up and Daddy Eric..then I woke Uncle Walt up. We were all waiting on you to wale up! When you did you wake up you hopped out of bed and scurried into the livingroom and froze!I think you were overwhelmed just a bit and needed to take everything. Then you spotted it...The Orange Dinosaur and exclaimed, " It's My Orange Dinosuar!" You ran over picked it up and gave it a big squeeze!

This was just priceless for me to watch. You looked and all of the other things Santa Brought and then you noticed your ELf Breakfast and ran over to the table to check that all out! I must say it really did turn out pretty darn good, Santa and Prep N Landing the Elf did a great Job!

After you ate some delicious things you headed back over to check out the Art Table, play with the rubber ducks, taste the Small Cake, and sit in the Arm chair!

THen it was time for Stockings!!!! I love Stockings and always have! You got tons of "lips" and Jewelry and little fun toys in your stocking! Then you helped Daddy and I open ours! Times for gift opening! We all opened gifts and got wonderful things.

I thing my favorite things were the Purse from Daddy and the Cupcake Carrier from Mimi and Papa! We got Daddy a Blue Cardinals Jersey and jeans. We got Mimi a giant ruffled bag and We got Papa some comfy house shoes! After the present open it was time to begin work on the Christmas meal! Rick smoked a Ham which was delicious! Mom made all of the other Christmas trimmings!

We all Sat down and enjoyed the wonderful food and being together for ALL of Chrsimtas Morning!

Then we got ready to head over to Gigi and Pops for more Christmas fun! When we arrived we went and you yelled " Merry Christmas!" Everyone was taking naps!You had to get them up some how! THen we all other gather in the livingroom and you open you giant gift! You got a super awesome Art desk that was just filled to the brimmed with every kind of art Supply imaginable!

You went right to work do some artsy thing! This christmas was special too because we had a good long time to spend with just us together the immediate family(Gigi, Pops, Eliz, Walt, Eric, Caroline,and Myself) before the rest of the family joined us for the annual Christmas Get together. I do beleive we will be doing this from now on! Then the all opened our gift and of course received amazing things! EE got you a real digital camera which was about the coolest thing! You totally had that thing figured out and were taking pictures like crazy! I am looking forward to downloading all of your pictures to the computer! I bet there are some pretty funny ones!
The best gift this year had the be the fake mustaches that Caroline got in her stocking! We had a blast playing with those this year and I expect there to be some in my stocking nect year!

After several hours it everyone else showed up and for the annual get together which I always look forward too! It is always so nice to have everyone together and enjoy the good company and delicious. Casey Always brings the most tasty things! This year was no exception. We had gourmet Snadwiches and Gurmet Soups, Tomato Basil and Pablano Cheddar and of course a ton of other stuff too! After we all ate a it was time for the name drawing Gift exchange! Daddy got Nonny name and we got her a beautiful wall hanging with their name on it. I got Poppy's name and he got some comfy houseshoes. EE got my name and I got some amazing perfume, Flowerbomb! PErfume was certainly the gift of the year! I got some, I also gave some to Eliz and to Gigi! SO we should be smellin really nice! Annie got Eric's name and he got a really neat drnck stand filled with tons of party foods nad beverage! Annie gifts are always the best! It was a wonderful Christmas afternoon/Evening!

We are certainly very fortunate, blessed, lucky, and the list could go on and on to be a part of this Whole Wonderful Family! Caroline, you are so very loved by all of these people! THe Bunzel's had a day full of Christmas blessing!



Merry Christmas Sweet Caroline!

I love you,
Momma Katie

IT'S Christmas Eve

December 24, 2011

Happy Christmas Eve Caroline!

I love Christmas Eve! Since we moved back to Van Buren we have had the Big Christmas Eve get together with Papa’s Rick’s Family at our house! This year I made sure to have everything ready ahead of time so that we could spend the day together do Christmassy things! We baked cookie for Santa Claus and watched Christmas movies and spent some time enjoying Prep N Landing the Elf ! I picked up some of the Break N Bake Chocolate chip cookies with red and green chips. These are a favorite! I came across some sugar cookies with Christmas colored images on them! These Cookies are So Neat! We got all set up at the Kitchen table and you went to work on your cookies for Santa! You did all of the sugar cookies all by yourself! You punched them out and then trimmed all of the extra dough of f of each cookie! I was so impressed!!!

This took quite while to do too! We both worked on the Break N Bake Cookies! Then we popped them into the oven for baking! I must say they all turned out DELISH!

That evening we got ready for the Big Christmas Eve Family Party! The Dodson’s came over early and you got to play with Drake, Ella, and Isaac for a while before everyone else arrived. You all sat on the couch and exchanges little Christmas gifts! It is amazing how much all of you have grown in a year!

Becky and I started getting food ready and put out on the table and it wasn’t two seconds before you, Ella, and Drake were at the table trying everything!

We always do the White Elephant Game and this year you picked out everyone’s gift and took it to them to open! You were a very good “Santa!”

I the end of the night I ended up with an Adair Ya Candle! It smells amazing! I honestly cannot remember what Your Daddy ended up with! Next year Becky and I think that we should have name drawing for all of the children! I expect that will be what we do!

It was certainly a wonderful evening! After the White Elephant all of the kiddos got into their pajamas! You and Ella had some snacks from the table and then everyone headed home to get in bed for Santa’s Arrival! Thank goodness I put three of the cookie you made for Santa back because every single one of them was gone by the end of the evening! You and I got Santa’s Cookies and Milk ready to put out. You had to taste the milk and the cookies just to make sure they were PERFECT for Santa!

Then you took them over and sent them by your little Christmas tree and Off to bed you went!

Merry Christmas Eve Caroline!
I LOVE YOU!
♥Momma Katie

Happy 2 1/2 Years!

December 23, 2011

Happy 2 ½ Years Caroline!!!

How can it be that you are already 2 ½? Growing everyday! You currently weight 26 pounds and 8 ounces. You are 35 1/2 inches Tall.

At 2 ½ years:
You wear diapers and pullups
You refuse to use your potty. You think it is “Yucky”
You wear a size 6 shoe, we just moved from a 5 up to the 6!
You are wearing 2T

You are all about Christmas this year!
A lot of the new things you have learned have to do with Christmas!

You have become obsessed with “Lips” ( Lip gloss or Chap stick) You like to have lips on at all times!!!

This was your first year to Elf on the Shelf come to your home! Your Elf can’t come until you are old enough! Well this was your year! Your Elf show up on Nov. 20! You named her “ Prep N Landing” and she goes all over the house and you are always looking for her! I am pretty sure it is 50/50 split between how good and bad you have been this holiday!  You love Prep N Landing the Elf!!
You are constantly asking, “ Where is Elf? Where is Prep N Landing?” Everytime we find her you scream with excitement!
Another thing you are saying,
Caroline:“ I want to touch Elf.”
Me: “ Why Can’t we touch Elf?”
Caroline: “ Because her Magic will go.”

This year is the first year that you have asked Santa for anything! I love that you love Santa Clause! You ran right up to him and gave him a big hug!!!
You asked Santa to bring you
A Yellow Rubber Ducky
An Orange Dinosaur
A Small Cake
I Smile everytime I think about this!

You know all about Mary, Joseph ( Joefus as you call him) , and Baby Jesus

You spent the Night with your Gigi and Pops last night December 22, 2011 and Gigi asked you where you wanted to sleep. You said, “The little bed like Baby Jesus.” You were referring to the pack N play that has been put up since back in the Summer!

You have learned lots of Christmas Songs and you sing them all of the time!
“Away in a Manger”
“Jingle Bells”
“Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”
“We wish you a Merry Christmas”
“ Up On the Housetop”
“ Mr. Grinch”
These are the ones you sing constantly! You know every word!!!! It just amazes me!

Another thing I have noticed that is amazes me is, several times this month there have been different teachers and kids that I haven’t seen before and I will ask you who they are and you always tell me their names!
Me, “ Caroline what is that ladies name?” Caroline, “ Momma that is so and so.”

Here is a review of the New Words / phrases you have added to your Vocabulary!
“Feliz Navidad!”
“That’s Kind of Weird”
“ I already told you….”
“ Pops Bank” You talk about Pops’ Bank a lot especially since we went to see Santa their earlier this month!

These are just a few that stand out in my mind

New Food
Dressing or stuffing! You love Dressing! You had it for the first time this Thanksgiving and loved it!!!
Candy Canes!

Caroline Elizabeth,
You are pure happiness and joy!
I LOVE YOU
♥Momma Katie

Happy Holidays!

December 20, 2011

Dear Caroline,

This Holiday Season has been wonderful! Caroline has been very excited about everything that is Christmas! She has helped decorate the Christmas trees this year; she helped to make the cranberry bread this year. She has learned several Christmas songs and has been singing them all season long! I love every minute of it! She knows Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Away in a Manger, Jingle Bells, We wish you a Merry Christmas, and Feliz Navidod! She made her very first ornament this year at school. A Little Star made out of Applesauce and cinnamon. It is very special and is proudly hanging on our tree! She has learned what the true meaning of Christmas is. She is know all about Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph ( aka Jofus as she calls him).

Yesterday and Today Caroline are Christmas Party days at School! Tonight we are heading over to Mrs. Jo’s Christmas Party! Oh What Fun the Holiday season is! Being able to to share it with Eric and Caroline makes it even more special!

We are truly Blessed.
Mommy

Christmas in Beebe!

December 17 – 18, 2011

Christmas with Grandmother and Granddaddy,

This year was a special Christmas in Beebe! We Celebrated the Season and several birthdays! Chris, Grandaddy, and Mine We all have birthdays in Nov. and December! I love my Grandparents and I love when they get to spend time with Caroline. We truly just celebrated being together and it was wonderful! My cousin Chris and his wife and their Baby Ava were in from Japan. This was our first time to meet Ava! Caroline was so good with little Ava!

She shared her Green Bouncing Ball with her and loved on her for most of our trip! This was also the Very First time that my grandparent were able to spend time with Both of their Great Grandchildren! I know these times won’t happen very often so it makes it that much more important and special. Caroline Sang and Played on the Piano and the Organ while we were their!

Music is in her blood!

Seeing Family we don’t see often made this Holiday brighter for me!

"That's My Cousin Ava!"

What Precious Cousins they are!


Love,

Momma Katie!

A Visit with Santa....

December 12,2011

Caroline,

Tonight was the annual Santa Claus party that Pops' Bank has every year! I look so forward to this because you really get to visit with Santa!

He gives out gifts and you get to have amazing Christmas cookies and Punch with him too! This year I was especially excited because this has been the first year that you have been very excited and interested in Santa Claus! You were so ready to go see him and you had your list all ready to go!!! When Santa called your name you ran up to him and gave him a big hug and immediately started telling him what you wanted for Christmas: "A Yellow Rubber Ducky, An Orange Dinosaur, and A Small Cake!"

Hugs for Santa Claus!

Santa I would Like....

A Gift from Santa!


You were also thrilled with the special gift that Santa gave you, a Purple Talking pony named Sunny Daze!

Showing Pops how Sunny Daze works!

EE joined in on the Santa Party too!


We stayed and watch the other children see Santa and had lots of cookies and punch. Then you and Pops went to have your annual Photo taken with Santa! You were very worried that Santa was going to leave his Christmas teddy Bear. YOu made sure to let him know about this bear and to not forget him! It was priceless to watch you grab Santa Claus by the hand and walk him over to wear this Bear was and proceed to make sure he didn't forget him.

Such a fun night for all of us and I am already looking for to next years Santa Party!

Hugs & Kisses,
Momma Katie

It's a Hefner Family Thanksgiving/Christmas!

December 11, 2011

The Hefner Family Christmas

Today Dad, Caroline, and I traveled to Cabot for the annual Hefner Family Chirstmas! As always it was a good time with Good Food!! Caroline loved spending time with Loni and Leslie! They gave her tons of attention! She also did her little Cheer for them that Eric taught her: “STOP! Wait A Minute, Let me put some Booty in it!” It has moves too! She ate a ton of chips and dip! OH MY! We Love the Hefner Bunch!

Merry Christmas Time!
Momma Katie!

Christmas Photos!

December 3, 2011

Christmas Photo’s with Wendy!

Today we visited Wendy White’s new studio for a Holiday Photo Session! I know I am obsessed with Capturing Caroline in photographs as much as I can!!! She is my whole world and I love to have her beautiful Face all around the house! Wendy is so wonderful and creative! Her Studio is amazing! Caroline had so much fun while we were their she got to play with Ornaments ( only shattered one! ), Christmas Lights, and blocks! Wendy’s little boys stopped by to pay Caroline a visit too! We had a fun morning and Wendy captured some amazing moments of Caroline. These Photographs warm my heart! Pieces of time captured which we can’t get back! I treasure them so….

Happy Holidays!
Momma Katie!

SO Thankful!

November 24 – 25, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have SO much to be Thankful for…………

We celebrated Thanksgiving at our house this year!

Mimi, Papa Rick brought most of the delicious Food over and we spent the day together!

Caroline and Papa!

Walt came too and played and played with you!

This actually worked out perfect this year since poor Eric had to be at work at 10pm on THANKSGIVING Night for Black Friday! INSANE!!!!
Caroline was so ready to dig in to The thanksgiving feast! She was in her chair at the table long before the food was ready! Caroline loved Mimi’s dressing. She ate several helping of it! That Girl loves “Dwessing!” as she calls it!

That night we headed over to Gigi and Pops for a very non traditional Thanksgiving!

We enjoyed chili dogs and Smores out on the Fire Pit! This was so much fun! The Chili air, good food, and Family! The next day we had the Traditional Thanksgiving Feast! Perfect way to begin the Holiday Season!

We are so blessed
Momma Katie

Update on Caroline Elizabeth!

November 23, 2011

Happy 29 months Caroline!

First I would like to apologize for not keeping up with your monthly Birthdays! I already regret it!  All I can do is be sure to write everything new down moving forward!

Your currently weight 25 pounds and 8 ounces and I am not exactly sure how tall you because I didn’t measure you. You got your first Hair cut this month! That was quite a big deal for me, not so much you! You were a perfect angel!

We are still wearing diapers and potty training is not going well at all! You refused to have anything to do with it!

Here is a review of the New Words / phrases you have added to your Vocabulary!
“That’s sour” referring to things you eat!
“Yummy in My Tummy!”
Know what street you live on You say’ “ 24 Parkway Circle!” We still need to work on the house number 
What town you live in “Van Buren!”
You can now count all the way to 15!
You love to say you want “100” of something
You know what Red, Blue, Yellow, Green and Pink are in Spanish!
“Is that mine?” “ Is that for me?” You ask these questions all of the time!
You talk constantly in full complete sentences and have been for this summer
It is very easy to carry on a conversation with you!
Just recently you have taken over the task of feeding Hazel! You love to make sure she has food in her bowl!
You love to sing songs! The newest song is “Fat Mr. Turkey”
At Night you always say, “Momma Rub my Back.” You have been doing this for several months but since I haven’t been updating like I should I am putting it in here!
You sing the “Happy Birthday” Song
You have know for several months that every one has a name and you have been calling me Momma Katie for a Long time! You call Daddy , Eric , Papa Rick, Mimi, Marti ,EE Elizabeth, Gigi Missy, Pops Keith

I know there are so so many other things that you are saying and doing! My Memory just can’t get it all!


New Food!
Since Preschool has started and we pack you lunch everyday you have developed a love for the Lunchable 
Your citrus Allergy has really subsided! You can now enjoy Mandarin oranges!
Shredded wheat you call them ‘biscuits”

You are amazing and constantly learning!

Happy 29 Months!
I Love you,
♥Mommy

Cutting a Few Curls!

November 22, 2011

FIRST HAIR CUT!

Oh Caroline! Today you got your very first Hair cut! Of Course Amanda did the honors and she did a wonderful job! I decided it was time since you had these SUPER long curls that were hanging down way past the rest of your hair! Amanda gave you a trimming! You were so good! You sat up in the salon chair with the Cape covered in high heels! You also had a audience for the big moment in your life! Mimi, Myself, Teresa, Whitney, and of Course Amanda were all there cheering you on as you got your hair cut! We will not be having another Hair cut for A VERY LONG TIME! 

Huges and Kisses

Momma Katie!

It's a Birthday Party!

November 13, 2011

A Birthday Party!

Today we went to Celebrate Gracyn’s 2nd Birthday! We actually went up early and had lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings! Caroline and Eric colored and watched football while we ate! Then we headed to the Party! Peevy did a great job decorating in a Banana and Monkey theme! There were lots of treats all revolving around banana’s because Gracyn loves Bananas! Caroline and Gracyn were happy to see one another! We ate good food and we enjoyed celebrating and watching Gracyn open her gifts. Caroline sat so patiently while she opens all of her presents too! There was one thing Gracyn got that Caroline wanted to see. After everything had been opened she turned to Eric and asked, “Daddy, Can I go see that pink Pony?” Gracyn got a My Little Pony Doll that walks and talks and Caroline really wanted it! Well of Course Eric is a big Softie when it comes to that Little Girl and insisted we get one! So the next Day we ordered Two pony dolls for Caroline! And this is why I Love him so…He has the biggest heart of anyone I know! He is an amazing Father and husband!

We certainly had a wonderful time celebrating with Miss Gracyn!


Xoxoxo,
Momma Katie!

Yo Gabba Gabba!!!

November 4, 2011

Yo Gabba Gabba Live!


Peevy and I took the girls to see Yo Gabba Gabba Live in Tulsa! Prior to this we had adorable outfits made for them to wear! They were the two most stylish kids at the concert! Both Girls are big fans of YGG! I Mean who wouldn’t be right?! We started the day off by Dropping Eric off to spend the day with Clint! That night they were heading to see the Hogs battle South Carolina / Homecoming Game. We loaded Gracyn and Peevy up into my car and after a huge Meltdown from Caroline we were off to Tulsa! We stopped to have lunch at Cheesecake Factory and it was delicious! Caroline discovered her love for Cheesecake! We shared a piece of the Red Velvet Cheesecake and I think she ate as much as I did!

We arrived a few minutes late to the BOK center. Once we got in and sat down Caroline and Gracyn were both immediately fixated on the Yo Gabba Gabba Characters on Stage!!! It was really an amazing show I have to say! Peevy and I really enjoyed it too! The Girls had a blast, They danced and cheered for most of the show!

After the show we of course has to stand in line for a YGG Concert Tee and Toy! Caroline picked out a Foofa Doll and Gracyn Chose Muno! The Concert Tees’ were precious! OH MY the Girls were SO energized after the show they were all over the place! Needless to say, They Passed out in the car before we were even back on the road!

OF Course we ended up getting lost….Seriously… Who gets lost driving home from Tulsa? OH that’s right Peevy and I do!!! Thank goodness for Peevy’s Blue Dot, other wise we would probably still be lost out in the Boonies of Oklahoma! Note to self Do not rely Stella the GPS Chic! She is a whack JOB and likes getting you lost out in deliverance!

We finally made it back to town and stopped og to pick up BWW for dinner! We made it home in time to see the second half of the game! Hogs won!
All in All The Bunzels and the Thomas has a fantastic day!

Love & Kisses,
Momma Katie

ARGHHH -A Pirate Halloween!

October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween!

This year Caroline was Pirate! I decided back in June that she was going to have to be a pirate since she loved the Pirates of the Carribean at Disneyland so much!! Annie lovingly created the most amazing pirate costume I have ever seen! Amanda Created the most Fabulous Pirate Hat to complete your Outfit! You totally had the phrase “ Trick or Treat!” down this year! I believe you trick or treated your own house like 20 times! I know your Daddy Loved that! Hahaa!

Saturday Afternoon I took you to see Kindersongs at the Van Buren Performing Arts Center! We had a great time!
We went to Mimi and Papa’s Halloween party! You sang the Yo Ho YO HO A Pirates’ life for me!” and told your Pirate joke that daddy taught you! Where do Pirates eat? ARRRRby’s! hahaa.

Sunday we went over to “Trick Or Treat” Gigi and Pops! We stayed over there helped hand out candy. We played and had dinner! IT was a nice relaxing Evening! We did not actually go out and trick or Treat this year because Caroline got the croup earlier in the week and had Fever on and off all weekend long! So we just enjoyed spending time with family!

Huges and Kisses
Momma Katie!

Beautiful Girls , Beautiful Photos!

October 3 2011,

Beautiful Girls , Beautiful Photos!

Today Peevy, Clint and Gracyn came to visit us! I love when we all get together! Peevy and I loved to get together with our girls doesn’t matter what we are doing as long as we are together! Well this time we had a photo session with Wendy White! We met her over in Fort Smith and she worked her magic on the Girls! The photos really turned out beautiful! I guess it helps when you have two beautiful little girls to photograph! We did a little photo session last year and I suppose that was the beginning of our annual photo sessions! Looking forward to Next Years!

First Day of Preschool!

August 22, 2011

First Day of Preschool!

Today was Caroline’s First day of preschool! I have been anxiously and nervously waiting for this day! Back in April when I found out the Ms. Jo was not going to be keeping kids the next school year I think I cried for a week! Partly because We Love Ms. Jo so much and I just could not imagine taking Caroline to stay with anyone else or to a daycare! ALL I Can Say is Thank Goodness for Hobson Preschool and Kindergarten! I got Caroline on the waiting list in April and she was accepted!

Well Today Was the Big Day! I got all of her things packed up and clothes laid out for the next big chapter in Miss Caroline’s Life…Preschool!

Eric and I both took her to Hobson on the first day! She walked right in with her Backpack and lunch box! She sat down at the computer and said “Bye Momma Katie, Bye Daddy!” Then we left! I thought about her all day long! Hobson is only a block away from where I work so that made it even more difficult not to leave and go over there to check on her! But I made it though the day!

When I went to pick her up that after noon she was a happy girl and she had a great first day! She made a new friend, Blake!

I love you Caroline! You are Smart and Beautiful!
Momma Katie!

Big Girl Princess Bed!

August 12, 2011

Sweet Caroline,

Exactly one week ago (August 5, 2011) was your very first night to sleep in your “Big Girl Bed”. This was a bittersweet decision and transition for me.

The night before we made the big move you woke up 6 different times through out the night! I don’t believe this has happened since you were a tiny baby! So we decided enough is enough, we all three need to get our beauty rest and thus we moved in the “Big Girl” bed. Oh how you love your bed! You refer to it as your “Princess Bed in the Castle!” You have no idea how the warms my heart! We have all been sleeping much better and your bedding is coming along. Actually last Saturday your Daddy and I went looking for bedding we could use with pieces from your crib set. This was my original plan when I had all of your bedding made. What I hadn’t counted on was that No one makes or carries anything that is semi- youthful looking in the Chocolate / Gold / Peach Color family! However I do NOT regret my color decision on bit. Those are the colors that have always come to mind for Royal Princess’ Bedding. Guess what! YOUR Daddy the Hero found the bedding for your bed! It is going to look amazing once we have the pieces I am having revamped from your crib bedding!

You and I have been having story time in your bed, playing in your bed since we moved it in! Like I said it was bittersweet for me, my Sweet Little Baby Girl is now my Sweet little Big Girl and the moving out of the Crib and in with the Queen was the end of Baby Days. Another Special Moment, Milestone! I am thankful for each and every one!

I Love you,
♥Mommy

Build-A-Bear or A-Cat!

July 16, 2011

Sweet Caroline,

Today we had our first trip to the Build-A-Bear Workshop and we shared this fun day with Peevy and Gracyn!! Peevy and I have been planning for the day when you and Gracyn would be old enough to go and really enjoy it! That day arrived and it was today! We started our day off with Build-A-Bear, Shopping, Dinner at Mimi’s Café, Yum YO’s, and last but certainly not least a little evening playtime! Mommy Daughter day for the four of us!

We started at Build-A-Bear! You and Gracyn were both a little overwhelmed by the workshop at first but it passed and you both got the hang of things. The Animal selection process was by far the most difficult; I mean there are just SO many choices! Gracyn ended up choosing a Gray Cat and decided to dress her in Ballerina Top and Tutu with Pink Slippers. Caroline, you decided on a Teddy Bear from the Blizzard Ice Cream Bear Collection because she smelled Good, like Strawberries! You dressed her in a Fruity Bikini with Jelly Sandals! We Selected, Stuffed, Bathed, Clothed and had a blast at the Build-A-Bear Workshop making Meow the Cat and Tuti Fruity the Bear AKA Tuti Bear as you call her!

We had a Wonderful and Exhausting Mommy Daughter day! You and Gracyn certainly know how to wear your Mommas out! I couldn’t imagine spending the day any other way!


I Love you,
♥Mommy

Happy Fourth of July! 2011

July 4, 2011

Happy Fourth of July Caroline!

We again celebrated The fourth of July down at Chris and Martha’s house! You and I headed down early and Daddy came up after he got off work! I love the fourth of July celebration! We had fun in the Sun, Swimming and the water slide on my! You wanted to go down the big Water slide into the Pool! I would not let you until you Daddy got there to go up with you! WOW! I was nervous on your first ride down! You looked so tiny on that Big slide! Well You loved it and went down the slide tons more times! You, Drake and Ella played in pool all day! We had yummy food and fun with the Family! Then we all sat out on the back porch and watch some fireworks! Perfect Fourth of July Day!

Love you Bunches!
Mommy!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!

June 25 - 26, 2011

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Caroline!


Oh my today was your 2nd Birthday Party! With lots of help for your Mimi you had an amazing 2nd birthday party! I decided to do a theme around your favorite Book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom! I transformed the dining room into an a pretty amazing party room, I must say! You were so excited once all of the decorations were up! This year was so much fun! You were big enough to really enough everything about your party! We had a special craft table for all of the Little Birthday guests! You all made adorable magnets and door hangers while listening to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Music!

You were so ready for your birthday cake too! Once it was time for cake you got up and started doing a little happy dance! We sat you by your cake and everyone sang Happy Birthday to you and you blew out your candles! The cake was so delicious we really didn’t have much left at the end of the party!

Present time! I set up a little area for presents and you sat in your very special Birthday Chair that Mimi made and you opened all of your gifts and I do believe you loved them all! Wow Caroline, you are certainly a blessed little girl to have so many people who love you and want to share in your special day! It was truly a magical day and you had a wonderful time!

After the Party Clint, Jennifer, and Gracyn stayed the night with us. We all got to enjoy the New toy Daddy Eric got that day I guess in honor of your Birthday, a 3D TV! We order in food and just enjoyed a relaxing evening after a fun packed party day! You were asleep by 7:00 that night and Gracyn was not far behind you! Tons and Fun and Excitement will take it out of two little girls!

That next morning we all went outside and you took Gracyn for a spin in your new ride! Watching the two of you cruise the street was pretty priceless! Who knew you would perfect your driving skills a just a fews days! You were driving all over the place and you and Gracyn were having a Blast! It was a Perfect weekend of Fun, Family and Friends! We certainly have the best!

Xoxo,
Momma

Caroline is 2 years old!

June 23, 2011

Happy 2nd Birthday Caroline!

Where Oh Where has the time gone! I cannot believe you are Two Years Old! Today was just a special day for us to spend together! We started the day off with your last Well baby Checkup! You now weigh 24 lbs and 4 Ounces and you are 34 inches tall! Everything about you is perfect!
It was so nice to just spend the day celebrating you!

That evening our family came over to the house for your Little Birthday party! We had Gourmet Pizza, Salad and Breadsticks for your birthday meal! I also had a precious little cake made for you too! It was so nice to have everyone over that you love so much! After we had Dinner and Cake it was time for presents!!! You got right up on the couch to open your gifts! Mimi and Papa got you an amazing Pram stroller! Gigi and Pops got you a precious little outfit and a swing set for their House! Daddy Eric and I got you the ultimate Barbie Jeep. We also got you cute pair sunglasses, and a Hat got cruising around in the jeep!! Of course we took you right out side to try out the Jeep! It was so funny to watch you attempt to drive around! You started to get the hang of it pretty quickly and you loved it! I think your favorite part was the radio that played real tunes!

This day, your birthday is my favorite day of the entire year. Your daddy and I are so blessed to have you and we have some many reasons to celebrate you! Happy Birthday Precious Little Girl! I love you more than you will ever know.

♥ Mommy

The First Annual Bunzel/Thomas Family Vacation!

May 19 – 22, 2011

The Big Family Weekend!

We went on our First Vacation with Clint, Peevy and Gracyn! I must say we had a great time on this trip!!! Eric, Caroline and I headed up the hill, ran by Rick’s Bakery and headed over to the Thomas house! We ate Doughnuts then loaded up the the two cars! We had WAY TWO much stuff for one vehicle! The little girls has two of everything imaginable from sippy cups to pack n plays and everything in between! The Guys took Clints car and the girls rode in My SUV. The guys just left us and we didn’t
see them until we got to KC! Thank goodness for Peevy’s Mad Navigational skills she got us to KC no problems!

Once we got to KC we headed straight for Aurther Bryants. The Place is amazing and has been around since 1920”s. Arthur Bryant, the legendary King of Ribs, is the most renowned barbequer in history. He created a sauce that has attracted the likes of Me, Katie Bunzel, former Presidents Harry Truman and Jimmy Carter to his restaurant . . . considered to be the best restaurant in the world by New Yorker columnist Calvin Trillin.
Since 1930 celebrities such as Steven Spielberg, Michael Landon, Robert Redford, Jack Nicholson, Wilt Chamberlain, Bryant Gumbel, Tom Watson and George Brett — and common folk alike — have made the pilgrimage to Arthur Bryant's to enjoy barbeque that's slow-smoked with a combination of hickory and oak woods, mellowed to the peak of flavor, then splashed with Original or Rich & Spicy sauce. How is that for a History Lesson…We like to mix in a little history on our Family Trips!

Eric and I actually ate at Arthur Bryants for the first time when we came up to see Britney Spears a year and half ago per Peevy and Clints recommendations! Eric has been back since then and her we all are again!!! Everytime there is a giant long line for the BBQ! Peevy and I took the girls to a table while the guys stood in line to order! That worked out well. The Girls Big and Little waited patiently !

That evening we headed to Watch the St. Louis Cardnials take on the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium! The Bunzel’s are Die Hard Cardinals fans and even though our beloved Red Birds lost that evening we still enjoyed the game! Win or Lose we love the Cardinals!

Day Two of the KC Family Vacation!

Saturday we all got up and headed to Breakfast at You Say Tomato! It was a neat little hippy place with Amazing Breakfast! When we go back to KC I am headed back to that place!

After Breakfast we headed to Kansas City Zoo! The Girls were Dressed in their very best most adorable zoo outfits and were ready to go see all of the animals! First stop was the Polar Bear Exhibit! That Polar Bear entertained us all! He was swimming all over and doing twists and turns! The Girls loved it! It took a while to get out of the Polar Bear exhibit, the girls didn’t want to go. Then we headed to see some ducks in a tree! They were working on their nests and the girls liked the ducks. As we were leaving one duck decided to fly over the fence and almost hit Caroline in the head with its wing! This scared her but after a few tears and some hugs she was fine!

Next up we headed to the great down under…Austrilia! We decided to visit the Farm area that had goats and sheep about in it walking freely. Everyone was happy, Gracyn was enjoying some cheerios when a giant sheep decided to have her cheerios too! We were all freaking out! I was screaming, “Get her out!” Peevy was screaming, “ She’s buckled in!” Eric is trying to get the sheep away from Gracyn and Clint was just standing there laughing! Wow talk scary! Who knew sheep were attack animals?! Apparently they will stop at nothing for a Cheerio! Once we all recovered we continued on to see the Kangaroos! The Girls go out to take come photos at the Kangaroo stop! They really are the two most adorable girls in the world! Then we decided to head to the Train station for a drink while we waited to ride the train! Train Rides are always fun!

It was a very hot day and we came upon an indoor Play discovery area. We let the Girls get out and play in their for a way! It was pretty neat two story Center. It had caves, and little play stations, and birds and prairie dogs exhibit inside. After the Discovery Center we found the carousel. Caroline was set on riding on the Giraffe! Gracyn and Peevy rode in the Peacock! We all had fun on the Carousel! After that we went on th see the lions, tigers, , monkeys , and Elephants! We didn’t make it through the Elephant walk before the girls were crash out asleep! At This point we all decide it was about time to pack up and head back to the Plaza for lunch. The Girls had so much fun getting to see the animals! I think they made our trip to the zoo a special one!

That evening after we had all rested a bit we headed to Cheesecake factory for Dinner! Of course we had to wait for a while! So Peevy and I decided to take the Girls over to the Plaza Park area and let them play! They loved the fountain and they also loved the man playing the drums in the park! He even let them bang on the drums! We finally headed back over the Cheescake factory and got sat down! We had an amazing meal! The Service was great, the food and drinks were great, and we were all just having a really relaxed fun time! It was a perfect evening!

The next morning we packed up to head on home! We decided we were going to stop for breakfast when we came to something we thought would work. Well Peevy started yelling at me to Turn just in the nick of time! So we stopped at IHOP for breakfast! It was hear at the Good Ole IHOP were we got the ONLY picture of all of us together, we look lovely and of course the picture turned out Blurry….Geez…..

The trip was fantastic! And I can’t wait until the next Family Vaca!

Xoxo
Momma Katie!

Happy Easter!

April 24, 2011

Happy Easter!

We had a pretty good Easter other than all of the rain that consumed the entire day! You were a little under the weather too. In spite of these two things we had a Nice Easter!

That morning we got up and your ran into the living room to see what the Easter Bunny left for you! A Basket full of Easter Surprises and you were so happy with everything! Then we got ready and headed to church to enjoy a message on what the Easter Holiday is truly about, the Resurrection of Christ. You looked beautiful in your White Cherry Dress that Uncle Tom and Aunt Jeanne got for you! I have to give a little background about this dress. This dress was handmade by the ladies of the St. Louis Women’s Exchange and it is just beautiful! The perfect thing for Easter Sunday!

After Church we went home changed clothes and headed over for Easter Lunch with Mimi and Papa! Of Course Mimi and had bucket full of Easter Treats for you! Tons of Bracelets which you are very big into right now and lots of other fun things including this really neat twisty light up ball! We had a wonderful time.

That evening we went over to Gigi and Pops for Easter Dinner! They had more Easter Surprised for you too! Your E.E. picked out some extra special things for your basket. New Books and some fun gardening tools were among your favorite items! We had a delicious dinner.
The Holidays are always busy for us, however I am so thankful that all of our Family lives so close together and we are able to share them together. I would not trade any of that! We are so lucky and Blessed beyond Measure.

Happy Easter Sweet Caroline!
♥Mommy

Happy 20 Months!

February 23, 2011

Sweet Caroline,

Happy 20 Months to you! Your currently weight 22 pounds and 8 ounces and I am not exactly sure how tall you because I didn’t measure you. I decided it was worth wrestling with you to find out! You look more and more like a little girl and less and less like a baby everyday. It is bittersweet for me to what these changes practically happen over night! Just remember you WILL ALWAYS be my sweet Baby Girl.

Here is a review of the New Words you have added to your Vocabulary!
Backpack
Hotdog
I poo poo – This is more of a phrase 
Cake
Side – referring to Outside
Team Work – you learned this from your New Favorite Show, Wonder Pets!

New Food!
You have recently become a huge Fan of Prunes! However you prefer someone else to hold them while you take bites so your hands don’t get sticky! I don’t blame you one bit.

One Big thing you are beginning to understand is counting! You can show me ten with your fingers and we count them together! Gigi and Grammy were both amazed when we showed them that this! Very proud moments for you and all of us!

After All of the Snow we have had this year we got to enjoy several several days of amazing weather! We have been taking advantage; you and I have been on many walks, you in the stroller of course. You love to point out every single thing you see that is yellow on our walks! I do enjoy spending this time with you, I think it gives us both an opportunity to relax and just enjoy being together.

Happy 20 Months!
I Love you,
♥Mommy

February 9, 2011

Sweet Caroline,

Exactly two years ago on Monday, February 9, 2009 we found out that you were a Baby Girl! I can’t tell you how excited and anxious I was to find out what we were having. Eric just knew you were going to be a Girl. We had two names picked out for you depending on what you were. We had decided on the names before we found out so that you would have a name at the earliest possible time. We had decided on Brooks Andrew if you were a Boy and Caroline Elizabeth if you were a Girl. We left the Dr. Office knowing you were our Sweet Caroline Elizabeth. This was such a Surprising and Happy day for us.

The Sunday before which would have been Feb. 8th Eric and I went out and bought your first Baby’s things. One item was an organic cotton premie Onesie that had Sweet Pea embroider on the front along with a picture of Cute little Peas in a pod. This little Onesie was perfect for a Boy or a Girl since we didn’t know what you were yet. The other Baby thing we got was a Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag. We found it at T J Maxx for an amazing deal! The only thing was that there was One and it was It a Girl theme, it was a dusty pink color with Sparrows on it. Eric said to just go ahead and get it because her knew you were a Girl and even if her was wrong we could always return it! Well he was right about you and we use this Diaper bag for Ms. Jo’s Day stay!

I thought it was very fitting that Eric and I found out what our Baby Love was going to be in the Month that Celebrates Love, February! You are our Valentine Year Round!

I Love you,
♥Mommy

January 23, 2011

Sweet Caroline,

Happy 19 Months to you! Your current weight 22 pounds and 6 ounces and you are 32 1/2 inches in Height! You are growing like a weed!

This has been the SNOWIEST MONTH we have had in Years! The Schools have been closed at least one day out of every week this entire month due to the Winter Weather. The schools being closed means Ms. Jo’s has been closed too! CRAZY!!!!!


Here is a recap of new words and such from this past month!
Ranch
Purple
Hot
You have become very fond of Ham Salad and Sausage Balls!

Just a few new words, a few new favorite foods, and a ton of snow days!


I Love you
Happy 19 Months!
♥Mommy

December 31, 2010

Sweet Caroline,

Happy News Years Eve! Today you and I did a little shopping for new clothes to wear to Ms. Jo’s. Target and Old Navy are the two perfect places to find cute playwear! We headed home, had lunch and a nap. Then GiGi took you and I too see Tangled at the Carmike Movie Cinema! This was your very first Movie and you enjoyed every minute. You sat through the entire movie eating raisins. You also said “Flower” for the first time when Rapunzel had her hair all braided with little flowers. You continued to shout: Flower!” every time you saw one through out the rest of the movie. Daddy will have to bring that movie home for us when it is released on Blue ray! After the movie we spent New Years Eve over at Pops and Gigi’s. Nonny, Poppy, Payne and Gerald came over too. We ate tons of food and played the chicken train game! You slept through the turned of the year and so did Daddy! I was the only Bunzel who rang in the New Year of 2011 and I guess the letter should actually be dated January 1, 2011! Happy New Year Caroline!

I Love you!
♥Mommy