Mommy's Little Helper

As we enter our 3rd case of severe diaper rash with Harleigh, Zak and I are talking more and more about Potty Training.  We had 1 successful potty experience, and by success, she started to pee on the floor and we were able to put her on her potty in time for her to get a little in the toilet.  We all celebrated, and that was it.  She hasn't wanted to do it since.  I think we're getting closer though, as Harleigh will recognize when she pees now.  She says "pee pee"; however, she does not want to sit on her toilet and pee.  With the bad diaper rash we think we can kill two birds with one stone, by potty training and clearing up the diaper rash.  Lately, as we change her and gob on the 4 ounces of diaper creme mixture, petroleum jelly, and hydrocortisone she's been wanting to help apply.  So she'll dip her little finger in the jelly and rub on her diaper area.  She loves helping out.

She's also begun helping with dishes too.  She'll bring her bottles and sippy cups to mom or dad as we unload the dishwasher.  She gets such a kick and excitement from helping mommy and daddy.

Happy 18 months, my little helper!!

Summertime Cookouts with Friends

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is grill out with friends and family.  Over 4th of July weekend we met up with a few friends and got the families together for some fun!!  See pictures below:

Cayden and Sarah

Katelyn Meaney

Ben and baby Addison

Cayden, Harleigh, and Katelyn emjoying Ice Age- apparently they need to be that close to really take it in.

Harleigh LOVED Cayden's chair

I wish I would have taken more pictures, but definitely will next time!

Another baby in the Bradbury family...

I'm excited to announce that Ginger, Dean, and Landon will be adding to their family.  I look forward to the arrival of my new neice/nephew.  Of course, Ginger wants it to be a surprise so we won't know what they're having until the little one arrives (ETA: 1/6/12).  Congrats again, Dean's!  I can't wait for the little man or little princess to meet Aunt Awesome (their favorite aunt- who will dress them up like a little girl, whether they're a girl or not) and Uncle Fun!

I thought Ginger did a nice job of announcing it in a creative way (as usual) on her blog.  Check it out!

http://lifeasadean.wordpress.com/2011/08/19/the-promotion/

Recent Harleigh Pictures


Some recent pictures of Harleigh around 16 and 17 months, she's so expressive right now.  We love it!  Hope you enjoy!

Working on spelling words



Swimming time with daddy

really making herself at home at a friends house

very comfortable

love that little face!

"Chhhheeeeessseee"

Someone's got to go through the mail

whoever touches it, has to pay it!

Putting out the cheetah vibe

rawrr....

French Toast Casserole

We recently had a visit from Mimi and Bibi Kamm (Zak's parents).  While here, I thought I would try a new recipe.  I love breakfast, my favorite meal of the day.  I especially love any sweet casserole.  My sister (Ginger Dean) made a delicious french toast casserole for my bridal shower (yes, 5 years ago and I remember), but couldn't find the recipe.  So I turned to the other Deen ("Paula") for some advice.  Here's what I made, it was a BIG hit! (I did substiute Challah bread for the french bread, it's a little sweater and softer.)

Ingredients


1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
8 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Dash salt

Praline Topping, recipe follows

Maple syrup

Directions

Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch each. (Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread and bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.

Praline Topping:

1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Makes enough for Baked French Toast Casserole.

Let me know if you make it and if you changed or added any ingredients.

Crete Faves!

Some more pictures from Eurotrip 2011 in Crete, Greece.  I'm slowly getting through the two week trip!

Checking out the local shops in Crete

In the center where all the restaurants are

Bromance!

Our signature couples picture we took at each stop

Ginger and I on Captain Nick's boat.  Yes, we were on a cruise and paid more money to go on a boat trip! :)

After a few Grecian beers!

Zak workin' it through the streets....rarrr...!

Famous lighthouse and Ginger, blocking me from taking a good picture- thanks!

Feet in the Mediterranean

Zak in the Mediterranean

Of course I got a picture of the delicious gyro's we had

Terrible 1's!

We have hit a rough patch with Harleigh.  She is 17 months and apparently is the Queen of the World (or so she thinks)!  She doesn't like when she's told "no" or doesn't get her way.  She will throw a fit- the works- tears, screaming, and laying down on the floor, as if her world has officially come to an end.  It's hard not to laugh, at how dramatic our child is (we all know she gets this characteristic from her daddy:))!  We need some suggestions on breaking this child!! We're hoping we won't have to go through this when she's 2 again!!

Road Trip to Florida - 2011

Zak and I will be putting our recent investment (minivan) to good use in the upcoming weeks.  We're taking a road trip to visit family in Florida.  Zak's brother, Pete and his wife, Alex, moved to Ft. Myers and in April welcomed their first, Ava Hope Kamm. My cousin, Naomi, Aunt Nancy and Uncle Butchie, also live in the area.  We're looking forward to catching up with all.  We hope that Harleigh doesn't get too sick of the movies and will give us a few solid hours of driving without too many breakdowns, and hope that she sleeps a good bit too.  We're always open to suggestions on how to travel with a little one (and maintain sanity:)).  Wish us luck!

Cruise Ship Fun

Below are a few pictures from the cruise ship from our Greece Vacation April 2011.  We were on The Splendour of the Seas part of the Royal Caribbean fleet.  My recommendation would be Norweigan though, we enjoyed the shows a little more and thought it was tailored to a younger, "hipper" crowd, but Royal Caribbean had more pools, and activities (climbing wall, putting greens, etc).  We had a great time!

Date night at a show- I think this was the Crazy Horse night. 

Ging and Dean ready for some onboard games and competition!

Zak competing in "Quest".  A scavenger hunt on the ship.  Yes, he's wearing a purse, jewelry, bra, and make up.

Working it!

Z showing off his putting skillz

You'll be proud to learn that according to Royal Caribbean Zak is the 4th Sexiest Man Alive!  I totally lucked out! :)

Ginger and I enjoying our complimentary champagne night!

Dean's enjoying some cabin card game fun with Honey liquor, Ouzo, and wine!

Even after cheating Dean still was the loser!

Ginger sporting the vacation hat!

Swagger Wagon

Last weekend, Zak and I had to kiss our 1999 Toyota Solara goodbye.  Unfortunately, the cost to fix the car was worth more than the 205,000 miler.  The Solara was my first car I bought, my Junior year of college.  I loved that car and have so many memories. 

We ended up checking out a number of cars at the Toyota and Honda dealerships- Highlanders, Pilots; and yes, even the MINIVAN's!  After test driving them, we decided on the Toyota Sienna.  It's probably the nicest car I've actually had even though it is a minivan.  It has Navigation, DVD, heated seated, power everything.  Most importantly, Harleigh LOVES it.  Every time she goes in, she points at the DVD and says "moo-bie".  Next on our "To do List", buy more children's movies.  I'm not sure how much more Baby Einstein I can swallow.

Also, check out how "cool" it is to own a Swagger Wagon these days.  I'll get everyone hooked! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4