My Maine Baby

Workin' Hard

2012-01-22T06:09:00.000-08:00

I've been working really hard at being cute... that is, learning how to "coo" and laugh.

Mumma tried to take a video of me (as you can see here), which was really funny because every time she put the camera down, I'd laugh really hard. Silly Mumma.

xoxo Violet Anne

New Year--New 'Do'

2012-01-11T18:28:00.000-08:00

So to ring in the new year, Mumma and I decided that I should have a new 'do'. We thought it would be fun to give me a hair cut after school before Daddy got home... to surprise him!

This is how long my hair was when we started:

I wanted Mumma to cut if all off so that I could look like my friend Marin, but she thought that maybe we should start by taking off 'a little' (4 inches) and seeing how I liked that.

I'm really happy with how it turned out--what do you think?!

xoxoA

Happy 2012

2012-01-03T13:47:00.000-08:00

**by Mumma

I couldn't help but look back today at our first New Years with Ayda in our lives. What I found was one of my favorite photos of her... what a knuckle head.

She proves to still be our little monkey. There's never a dull day here in the Sonnenberg household!

Happy New Year to all our friends and family--may 2012 treat you and yours well!

-jbs

Introducing... Olivia Jones!

2012-01-03T13:19:00.001-08:00

Santa must have been listening to all those prayers in my closet, because I got my very own American Girl doll!

As soon as I came downstairs Christmas morning, I knew exactly which box she was in...

... I couldn't believe my eyes! It was the exact girl I'd picked out with Nana!

I named her Olivia Jones. Isn't she just perfect?

My aunt Sally made me some really pretty clothes for her too. She even has her very own purple fleece coat and hat! I'm not sure how she knew Santa was bringing my Olivia, but I'm glad she gave us such a fancy wardrobe!

oxox Ayda Sue

p.s.- please disregard my crazy, fake, red hair. I just couldn't resist pulling it out of my dress-up box for Christmas morning! Mumma was thrilled...

Deck the Halls

2011-12-18T11:12:00.000-08:00

I had been asking Mummy and Daddy almost everyday since Thanksgiving when we could get our Christmas tree... well, it finally happened!
This year we went to cut our own down at Wonderland Farm in East Corinth. It was a little bit of a drive, but it was worth it!

First we had to pick up our saw and sled.

There wasn't any snow, but Daddy still gave me a ride. Yee haw!

We looked around for the perfect tree for a little while--ducking in and out of the rows of pretty trees. It was some serious work.

We finally found the perfect one. Not too tall, not too short, not too skinny, and with no holes. I never knew it was so complicated!

Daddy cut it down while Mumma, Violet, and I watched and giggled at all the funny noises he was making. He was very grunty.

We loaded it up and I helped Daddy drag it back to the warming hut.

We brought it to the guy to stick it in this funny machine and make it skinny for the ride home. He said he'd put me in there too, if Dad and Mom wanted to tie me up for the roof of the car... I did not think that that was a good idea--or funny, for that matter.

We had a little cocoa and paid a nice lady and then it was home to decorate our beautiful tree!

Isn't she a beaut?!

Merry Christmas!

xoxoAyda

I love me some iPad

2011-12-06T12:49:00.001-08:00

To say that I am obsessed with Mimi's GPS (I mean, iPad) would be an understatement. I want a GPS (I mean, iPad) for Christmas and Santa knows it. I have been praying to him in my closet at night.

On Tuesday mornings when I spend time with Mimi before school, I beg her to let me use her GPS (I mean, iPad). She showed me a funny way to take photos of myself...here are some of my favorite shots...

Things Ayda says...

2011-12-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

Written by Mumma:

John and I were taking Ayda to the University to go to the fabulous pool they have there (which we call Papa's pool because it's on the campus he works at) and Ayda was really excited and chatty in the backseat.

Me: Huh. There's no moon tonight, Ayda.
Ayda: (Serious as could be) I guess maybe God forgot to put it out tonight.

I thought that was pretty clever and assured her that she must be right... how smart she was! (She loves to hear that she's smart or clever)

As we drove along (It's only about 7-10 miles to the campus) she kept asking John if he knew where he was going... because she certainly did. I'd ask her if we should go left or right and sometimes she'd guess correctly until finally she'd had enough and said:

"Don't worry Mum, you'll know it when you smell it. That's how you know when you've reached Papa's pool... by the smell."

Clever.

Unfortunately, the pool was closed when we got there and I knew instantly that I was about to endure the wrath of Ayda at her worst. She was so upset and told me that I "ruined everything" and that we had "drove all the way here for nothing!"

I admitted that I had goofed by not calling first and gave her permission to be mad at me... which in the end satisfied her enough to cool her jets.

We settled for having pizza and bread sticks--food fixes everything.

jbs

**Ayda and John went on a 'special' date the next day to Papa's pool and had a fabulous time.

Violet's Lost Video

2011-11-26T19:23:00.000-08:00

So, Mimi made this video on Violet's very first day of life....and forgot to post it! Better late than never...here it is!

Aren't we the cutest?

Uncle Wade

2011-11-24T14:54:00.000-08:00

Uncle Wade came to our house just before Thanksgiving for a visit and to meet baby Violet. (Okay, so he's not really my uncle... and his name isn't even really Wade... I mean, it is his name, but not his first name... it's all very complicated to me.)

As soon as he walked through the door I insisted on taking everyone's picture with him. He's like a celebrity in this house.

Here's him with Mumma...

... and one with Nana and Vi...

... don't we make a cute "family"?

And of course, one of the legend by himself. I angled the camera a little for dramatic effect.

For good measure, and so he wouldn't feel left out, I snapped one of Pup... and Mum.

I had a really hard time being still and good-mannered when Wade was here. I was just so excited to show off my little sister! (And to just show off in general.) I don't know why I do some of the mischievous things I do... I told Mumma that my brain just tells me to do it--and I can't help it.

She doesn't believe me.

xxo
A.S.E.S

Day of Thanks, 2011

2011-11-24T14:20:00.000-08:00

Well, this year we did things a little differently. Since Violet is so little (and lemme tell ya, kinda fussy) Mumma and Daddy decided not to drive all the way to New York like usual. Instead, the four of us went over to Nana and Pup's with Aunt Sally and Grandma. It was a much smaller party than I'm used to for Thanksgiving... so I made sure to keep the noise level to a maximum--it only made sense.

Of course, we can't celebrate a holiday without the proper attire...

Even my little sister had something pretty to wear.

I think she's pretty 'thankful' for having me as a sister, don't you?

We had a most delicious meal and watched some of the parade and a silly dog show. After we filled our bellies, I noticed Daddy was missing. This is how I found him...

... so I joined him (for a second).

I also spent a fair amount of time trying to scare people by jumping out of the closet!

Aren't holidays the best?

xoxo
Gobble Ayda Gobble Sue

Good

2011-11-22T12:17:00.000-08:00

Not that it's any great surprise, but I'm still not old enough to do anything fun... just ask my big sister Ayda. For now, this is pretty much all I'm good at--

Mumma says I'll be fun soon enough. For now, I'll just relish in the fact that I get a "hall pass" to nap whenever I want.

xoxo
Violet Anne

More photos of Violet!

2011-11-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, it's me, Violet! I wanted to share some more photos with you that my Aunt Mimi recently took of me. I have changed so much in the past three weeks it's amazing! I am just getting cuter and cuter everyday!

First Day With Violet

2011-10-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys...my name is Violet and I'm new here. Very new in fact -- I was just born yesterday! I've had some visitors here in the hospital and it's been nice meeting everyone. I met my big sister, Ayda, my aunt Mimi, my friend Alyssa, and Nana and Pup! It was a very busy day and I slept through most of it. I was awake for a little while when my big sister showed me some videos on this funky screen thing.

My sis was very gentle with me and I really liked sitting in her lap and snuggling up next to her.

I don't know if you have noticed or not...but I have a lot of hair. Mimi gave me this upsweep...

As far as babies go, I'm a really good one. I sleep a lot and don't cry very much. I have such a great family that I feel really lucky! Here are some more photos of them!

I'm such a good, healthy baby that I am actually going home today! Mama is feeling fine and we're ready for the comforts of home. Daddy went to pick up Ayda from school today and we're going to just hang out until we can go home! I'm going to ride in the back seat with my sister! How exciting! My Grandma and Grandpa from New York are coming to visit next week. I'm getting sleepy just thinking about all the excitement...

Introducing: Violet Anne

2011-10-18T23:24:00.000-07:00

Guess who's finally a big sister? That's right ME! Ayda Sue Ellen Sonnenberg has a little SISTER named Violet Anne. I KNEW Mama was going to have a girl!

She looks just like I did when I was born...though people think Violet's hair is longer than mine is. Mama did such a good job having Violet -- she was in labor for something like 5 hours. It sounds like it hurt a lot.

Violet came out of Mama kicking and squirming around. Mimi says she had her eyes wide open! I guess she came out looking for me. I can't wait to show her around.

Spooky Spiders

2011-10-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

Halloween will be here before ya know it, so Nana and I did some decorating this weekend. We made these spooky spiders to hang on a tree in Nana's foyer. I put the googlie eyes on them...aren't they creepy?

One even crawled over to Daddy and got up on his head! I took this photo before he realized what it was....

I can't wait to show you photos of my awesome Halloween costume Mama has been sewing me. I'm going to be a MERMAID!

Beauty

2011-10-11T17:22:00.001-07:00

Aunt Mimi here.
I got the photos of my wedding back from the fabulous Mark McCall. When I saw this photo tears sprang to my eyes. Such a gorgeous snapshot of two of my favorite girls in the world. Pretty soon a new baby will be here with the family...but this precious shot of Ayda and Jennie will be a cherished reminder of "before."

Photobooth Fun

2011-09-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

So Mimi and Shane had this cool thing at their wedding...it's called a photobooth! Mimi's friend, Katie Baker, was on hand to take photos... and she brought some really cool props! Take a look!

I really liked these moustaches...

And these satin gloves were meant for me...I just wish they would have fit a little better.

This is my cousin, Lexy. I was going for the rock n' roll look here...

Me and Mimi wore matching hats...and I really liked this cane thing I was holding.

All in all it was really fun. And I just LOVE looking at all these photos of myself. I'm so cute sometimes...

My Buddy Nana

2011-09-26T10:12:00.001-07:00

This is my buddy Nana. I love to play with her because she has such a good imagination...just like me! One of our favorite games to play is to pretend we live in England and we are orphans. We have to make a living in the woods and do things like look for food to eat and gather firewood - which I'm really good at by the way.

Some Good Pickin'

2011-09-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you know this, but Saturday was a perfect day to go apple picking!

This year we decided to go to the spot Nana and Papa used to take Mumma. It's an orchard called Conant's and you know what the best part is?!
The ladders!

Some I climbed all by myself, and some Daddy helped me with a little--especially when I went up really high.

The only problem was, he made them all wobbly! That was a little scary and I had to let him know that I, in fact, did NOT trust him.

After a little ladder picking, Mumma and I found some down-low apples that I could reach from the ground.

We filled this whole big bag!

I took that picture- thankyouverymuch and this gorgeous picture of Mumma sneaking an applelicious snack!

After some successful picking, I took the time to climb some trees. Isn't that cool that you can actually climb the trees here?!

Next year, I'll teach Bijou how to pick and climb!

xoxo Ayda Apple Seed

New Tricks

2011-09-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a very busy day for me. I started this new thing called Geenastics and it's just about the best thing ever.

We get to do all sorts of fun things on this bouncy blue floor like an obstacle course

and a great big trampoline, and some bars that we practiced holding ourselves up on and swinging from.

I learned that I'm pretty strong!

After geenastics Mumma and I went to baby Henry's birthday party. He was turning one, and I guess he wasn't too happy about it...

... oh well. Next time we'll get a picture of us actually touching.

We had hamburgers and hotdogs and cupcakes and played in the sun. It was pretty awesome.

Then it was off again! We had one more stop on our busy Saturday and that was to meet Alyssa, Vivian, Nana Mumma, and their friend Gail in Downtown Bangor. I just love those guys!

This Saturday will be busy too- we're going APPLE PICKING! I can't wait!

xoxo
Ayda Sue Henner

The Real Deal

2011-09-12T07:00:00.001-07:00

So Mumma didn't get very many pictures of Mimi and Shane's wedding- in fact, only 2 turned out at all. She said something about me not cooperating, or something like that.
I just figured Mimi's photographer Mark was such a pro, that he'd take care of all that picture stuff.
We did get these two before the actual wedding.

Mumma wore pretty green...

and Rianna and I wore these fancy numbers.

You can't see it very well, but Rianna and I are wearing headbands that Mumma made for us months and months ago. I've been wearing mine pretty much every day leading up to the wedding and guess what? I broke it while I was getting dolled up. Mum was pretty mad, and so was I. I melted into a puddle, really. Daddy-o tried to fix it up with some scotch tape... but it only made it through the ceremony before someone tossed it in the trash. Poor Mum, I think she was really at her wits end with me.

All-in-all I think Mimi and Shane's wedding went off without a hitch! It's pretty awesome that I have an uncle now... I've never had one of those before!

xoxo
A.S.E.S

Mimi and Shane's Practice Wedding

2011-09-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

So when you get married you have to have a practice wedding the day before to make sure you don't mess up on the big day. Mimi and Shane had their practice wedding at the same place I saw Santa last Christmas! I was super excited because my friends, Rianna and Zander, were in the wedding with me and I really like them.

Rianna, Zander, and I had to practice walking really slow down the aisle in front of Mimi and Pup. Mimi said that it was because everyone would like to see us in our pretty outfits. Rianna and I even practices throwing rose petals.

After all that boring practice, we went back to the building for some treats and presents! Mimi got me an awesome sticker book all about The Princess Frog! I loved it so much I gave her the biggest hug I could...

Wanna know something funny? The last time I saw the photographer, Mark McCall, was at Abby and Dane's wedding last summer. I was wearing the EXACT same dress! Guess I spent this year growing up and not out....

More photos of Mimi's big day to come later....

Milestone

2011-08-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

Today was a big day at our house, because today was my FIRST day of SCHOOL!

I've been waiting for this day to come for a long time now. Everyone's been talking about it for so long, I thought it would never come!

This is what I wore today....

... doesn't corduroy just scream "first day of school"? Mumma and I thought so.

And this is my new backpack.

It's just my size! I packed it up all by myself last night. It has an extra set of clothes, some crayons, and my lunch bag in it. Yea, that's right- I get to bring my lunch! Mumma let me make that all by myself too.

Once we got to my school, Mum took this picture

and then we went inside to say "Good morning" to Nana in the office. She was pretty busy with all those other kids and their parents, so Mum and I walked down to my classroom where Mrs. Lynch was waiting for me.

She's very nice and has yellow hair- which I'm very happy about.

I hung up my pack and my jacket in my VERY OWN cubby and then insisted on washing my hands to prepare for the day.

Mumma stayed for a little bit until I felt comfortable, and then I sent her off with a kiss and a hug and assured her I would be ok and would tell her all about my day when I got home. I think she might have felt like crying, but she was a big girl and held it together.

I'm pretty sure this school thing is gonna be awesome.

xoxox
Ayda

Mimi's Gettin' Married

2011-08-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

Mimi is getting married and last weekend we had a party for her at Nana's house. It was so much fun! Mama, Nana, and our friend Heather and her mama, Ginny, made delicious food and decorated the house for all of Mimi's friends.

My cousin Lexy came and so did Aunt Sally! In fact, Sally spent the night at my house! Can you tell what I'm eating in this photo? Nana ordered a fruit bouquet thingy and I'm eating a pineapple flower on a stick! Brilliant!

I was such a good girl and didn't even ask Mimi if I could open any of her presents. She did give me all her pretty bows and ribbons, though. I just love a good party...

Mornings with Pup

2011-07-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent the day AND night with Papa.
Daddy is on deployment and Mama took Mimi and Nana to Portland for Mimi's bachelorette party... so it was just us two buds.

First we went to the movie theater and saw a Winnie the Pooh movie- Pup actually fell asleep! I didn't let him miss too much of it though.

Then we went to Pat's for bread sticks. I can eat almost a whole order myself now, ya know.

I spent the night in the 'princess room' and when we got up this morning, we had a few things to take care of...

Can't you tell I've done this before? I'm such a pro.

And no, Pup didn't really let me use a razor... what kind of guy do you think he is?!

xoxo Ayda

Fun with Shane and Mimi

2011-07-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend Mumma, Daddy, Nana, and Pup had a wedding to go to. My friend Pam was getting married and Mumma was in the wedding! Melanie and Shane came down to Kennebunk where we were camping to hang out with me on Saturday. We had a great time.

We went to the Bounce Zone in Saco. Mimi thought the place would be air conditioned...but it wasn't. We ran around and bounced on a buncha' different bounce houses for almost 2 hours! Shane's niece and nephew came, too! Rianna, Zander, and I had so much fun...

Here's a photo of me and Rianna going through an obstacle course. She's older than me and had to give me a boost sometimes...

The pool of balls was my very favorite.

I really got a workout! I conked out in the car....

When we got back to the campsite Shane and I went swimming while Mimi minded Miles. Then Shane made a fire and we paged through Pup's copy of National Geographic.

Uncle Shane is my buddy....

Mimi and Shane's Wedding

2011-07-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, me, Pup, Nana, Melanie, and Shane went camping. On Saturday we went to see where Mimi and Shane's wedding was going to be. It's in a vineyard! At Christmas time last year, I went and made cookies at the farm on this very vineyard and saw Santa Claus. This time, however, was less exciting.

In fact, I told everyone that the wedding wasn't going to be all about Melanie...it was going to be all about me, Zander, and Rianna - the flower girls and ring bearer. That made everyone laugh, especially Papa. I told everyone we should do something else and just forget about Melanie. That made everyone laugh even harder for some reason. I'm important too, ya know...

Face Painting is a Family Event

2011-06-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

This face painting kit Nana got Pup for Father's Day has been a real hit! I got to paint everyone's face in the family the other night. I'm really good at it too...just look at my steady hand...

Check it out....Pup has my name written across his forehead! It's my artist's signature. I'm most proud of the Italian rainbow I drew on his cheek. And doesn't Nana look ferocious!? She even has claws!

I have to say, though, Daddy was my favorite face of the night. He plays the part of a scary zombie so perfectly!

I'm going to be so good at this once Halloween comes around...

A Sweet Tat

2011-06-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

Pup got a face painting kit and book for Father's Day. It's the best gift ever. After dinner tonight Mimi and I took turns painting each other. Mimi wanted a sweet tat on her arm, just like Daddy's new ones, so I painted her a killer butterfly. Awesome huh?

Father's Day Eve

2011-06-20T08:19:00.001-07:00

On Saturday Nana, Pup, Melanie, Shane, Jeff, Tammy, and I went out to breakfast in Bar Harbor to celebrate Father's Day with Pup a day early. We went to the Looking Glass Restaurant, which was up on this big hill overlooking Bar Harbor below. It was pretty cool.

Pup and I posed for a coupla pictures outside the restaurant. Isn't he just the cutest? Nana got Pup a face painting book so we can actually paint each other's faces instead of just pretending! I can't WAIT!

A Perfect Saturday Afternoon

2011-06-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was supposed to go camping with Nana and Papa... but Nana got sick and we couldn't go. Bummer.

Instead, Mumma and I met Daddy for a picnic in Cascade Park. I'd never been there before, but now I can't wait to go back again!

There was lots to do. Mum and I picked up some bubble stuff and a new wand so I blew some

and I chased some

and I waved some.

Then we went to check out the fountain and the troll bridge. (He wasn't home.)

I wanted to see where all this water came from to make the fountain spout, so we went on an 'adventure' and found this stream.

The water was REALLY cold!

And full of wildlife!

Then we walked up the trail in the woods waaaaay up high...

... and then we went waaaaay down low.

Not that I want Nana to get sick again or anything, but I sure hope we get to spend another Saturday afternoon here!

xoxo
Ayda

Stupidest Made-Up Game Ever

2011-06-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago I went camping with Nana and Papa in Bar Harbor. Mimi and Shane even came down for a night. We played whiffle ball for a while, then I came up with this brilliant game all by my own self. Check it out....

My favorite part is when Papa pulls the rope and cinches it around Nana's waist. Grandparents are such suckers...

Hulahoop!

2011-06-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the start of one of my favorite summer things of all time -- free concerts in downtown Bangor. A couple of ladies brought out these ultra-cool hulahoops and let people try them out. I almost have the hang of it...

Check out my sweet dance moves...

Jordan Pond House

2011-06-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Nana, Pup, and I went camping in Bar Harbor. Melanie and Shane came down on Sunday and we all went to the Jordan Pond House -- the only restaurant in Acadia National Park. Know what they are famous for? POPOVERS! I had never had one before but since I like bread so much, everyone was sure I'd love them. And I did! Put a little butter on those babies and down the hatch!

Here is a photo of me balancing my spoon on my nose. Just another one of my hidden talents.

After lunch we all took a walk on the carriage roads. I even got to walk Miles the Chihuahua. I was a good sport and didn't make anyone carry me along our hike.

Melanie told me that there was probably a troll that lived under this pretty rock bridge. I was very nervous about it! When we got there the troll was gone...probably took a vacation over the long holiday weekend.

Chalk is FUN!

2011-05-31T07:09:00.001-07:00

I love going to aunt Melanie's house. Ya know why? Because she has a paved driveway and keeps a basket of chalk in her garage JUST for me! I've been waiting for it to stop raining so I could go over and draw....and last weekend that's exactly what I did.

This is my drawing of Mimi. At first I gave her chicken feet, then after she complained (and I laughed) I drew some shoes. Mimi asked me why she looked so upset in her drawing, and I had to explain to her that she looked mad because I had just hit her. I'm so clever.

This is my drawing of Mama. She looks a lot like Mimi but that's because they look alike in real life.

This is a photo of my New York Grandma. I have three of them...and I decided not to discriminate by actually telling Mimi which one it was. Mimi asked me to pose with my drawing...I'd make a good model, no?

Hard Working Housewife (kinda)

2011-05-25T12:23:00.001-07:00

With all this rainy weather I've kinda been forced to find fun things to do inside. Good thing Pup built me this kitchen awhile ago!

If you look closely you'll notice that I do all my cooking and cleaning in 'high fashion'. I know they're a little small, but these blue heels really jazz up an outfit, no?

Of course, a girl can never have too many accessories- that's why I've added this fabulous anklet that doubles as a hair band.

Eat your heart out Project Runway!

xoxo
Ayda Sue (A Real Housewife of Penobscot County)

ps- Do you think Daisy will mind that I borrowed her shoes?

Ronald McDonald House visit

2011-05-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

Today Mumma and I went to the Ronald McDonald House.

Mumma wanted to show me where the donation that we collected at my birthday was going. It was pretty neat.

The lady showed us the kitchen and the living room that all the families use! We even saw a family with a little girl on crutches eating a snack. Even though her leg was hurt, she seemed pretty happy... and that made me happy :)

I'm glad that my friends and family helped me give a little something to such a great place.

xoxo
Ayda Sue Ellen

Pixies are Awesome

2011-05-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

It's May, and you know what that means?

P I X I E B A L L y'all!

But this year was a little different than last year. This year the Ball was at the Orono Public Library. I wasn't sure how I was going to like that- I even told Mumma and Nana that it wasn't going to be as good. But you know what? I really loved it! It meant that we got to play outside with balls (which are wicked fun to kick up-hill-

-spin hullahoops-

-and dance in pixie circles!

I even got a chance to show my fellow pixies MY favorite dance move!

After the merriment of dancing and the munching of magical cupcakes and punch, we went inside to greet the King of the pixies and his lovely wife. Don't you love her crown?

I stood up in front of EVERYONE and showed off my costume and shared that if I could change the world with magic, I would make sure that there were unicorns and glitter in it!

Until next Ball,

Fawna Pixie
aka Ayda Sue Ellen

The Big 0-4!

2011-05-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

So not too long ago I turned 4, don't cha know. It was a very busy week for me! Grandma and Grandpa were here and I had 2 parties!

My actual Birthday was on Tuesday, so Mumma took me on a special date to go see Heather- Mumma's friend who cuts her hair. Since I was FOUR that day, I was a big enough girl to get my hair cut too!

It's a very fancy place and you have to wait with a bunch of magazines in these big chairs before they'll cut your hair.

I was very excited and sat very still for Heather, I mean, why wouldn't I?

She's awesome. She even gave me a beautiful birthday balloon and then braided my new doo.

After we left the salon, we went to Nana and Papa's for my Birthday dinner (noodles, of course) and cake and presents! Jeff and Tammy and Olivia came all the way from Bar Harbor just for me!

I got this FABULOUS fishing pole from Daddy-

I've been practicing my casting down the hall, in my room, over the railing...

Mum and Dad also got me this wicked cool horse for outside. No more baby swing for me!

On Saturday I had my friends over for my Unicorn theme party! We had a pinata

and cake

and presents and everything!

I wish everyday was my birthday.

xoxo
Ayda

A Good Dose of Culture

2011-05-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

Lately Mumma and I have been taking in the cultural scene, that is, the art of ballet.
It's very fun and I get to get dressed up pretty when we go. See?

So far we've been to two shows! The first one was about Sleeping Beauty's Wedding. My friend Reilly was in it- she was the Fairy Godmother. Isn't she pretty?!

I also got to meet Miss. Kitty. She was very nice, but in the show she was VERY mischievous!

Then on Saturday, Mumma, Nana, and I went to see a ballet about Peter Pan! It was so awesome. Reilly was in it again and she brought me around to meet her friends

Peter Pan

Wendy

and Hook, who is really my old dance teacher Miss. Rachel.

I'm getting pretty good at being a good audience member! Sometimes Mumma gets sad though, because I always wanna go sit with Tammy my daycare lady. I told Mumma that I wanted to go live with her! She's so much fun.

By the way, did you notice I curled my hair?

I'm SUCH a big girl now.

xoxo Ayda

Ol' Eagle Eye

2011-04-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

**As told by Mumma**

I've often wished that I could be a fly on the wall at Ayda's daycare. She comes up with such fabulous songs and stories and is always telling me 'facts' about her friends or embarrassing stories Tammy or Twila (the ladies who run daycare) have shared with her that day. Problem is, I never know what's true versus what her version of 'true' might be. Often she's not far off, it's just the details that slip her mind sometimes. Needless to say I was delighted to get this story from Tammy this morning:

Ayda and her friends have been watching a family of eagles via satellite for the past couple weeks. The nest has had eggs in it and they were watching to see them hatch. Everyday the kids would ask about the sole adult eagle watching over the eggs, "Is that the Mumma, or the Daddy?" and Tammy, not being an eagle expert, would shrug and tell them it was probably the Mumma.

One day they tuned into the nest and low and behold, 2 adult eagles were there to greet them. "The Daddy is there!" someone said, which for some reason got the response, "I think that that is a Grandpa eagle." Ayda puffed right up, put her hands on her hips, and said, "Do you see any glasses on that eagle?" And indeed, the other kids saw no glasses. "It can't be a Grandpa without glasses!" Apparently no one argued with her.

Later that day Twila was reading a story to the kids that had some animal characters in it, and wouldn't you know, one of them had glasses. Ayda got very excited- "SEE?! Now that's a Grandpa!"

-jbs

Flower Girl

2011-04-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

Did you know that I am going to be a flower girl in Mimi and Shane's wedding? Well I am. And so is Shane's niece, Rianna. Mimi and I had a date on Friday night and we went to look a dresses. I picked out this one...but Mimi wasn't too keen on the sequins....

I tried on another one that she had picked out, but it was soooooo boring. Everyone told me how cute I was but I told Mimi that I felt ugly.

So the next day, Mimi and I went back to the store with Mama and Nana in tow. They picked out this dress....

But I still liked the other one! No one was listening to me! I thought it was terribly unfair but Mama did have a good point....we needed to find a dress in both MY size AND Rianna's size....and the one with the pearls fit the bill. The hat? Not so much. It was just for trying on.

I felt bad that I pitched a fit in front of Mimi -- it is her wedding after all. I said to Mama when we got back in the car "I'm sorry I said those rude things about that dress. I'll wear it." Then I apologized to Mimi too. I am a big girl after all. And when I tried the dress on for Papa he told me I looked like a princess...which is what I'm going for so I was pretty happy.

This is NO 'April Fools'!

2011-04-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hooray, hooray! While Mother Nature was playing a sneaky trick on us on Friday (we got 12-15" of SNOW)Mumma, Daddy, and I set up my new BIG GIRL BED! It looks just like a princess bed, doesn't it?!

It even fits more than one person.

I even got to pick out my own sheets! I made sure that the colors went just right with the awesome quilt Mimi made me. It's so bright and cheery, there's no way I'm gonna wake up on the wrong-side-of-the-bed now.
And the best news is, I haven't even fallen out in my sleep yet!

A.S.E.S

Little Traps

2011-03-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

I am so wicked smart. Can't you just tell from this photo?

In case you can't, let me tell you why I'm so smart. It's because last night Daddy and I made a Leprechaun trap, and I was a HUGE helper in the design.

Daddy found this green bottle (Leprechauns LOVE green, ya know) and we doctored it up to make a trappy thing. Then I went around the house to look for gold and sparkly things... you know, to lure him in! I rigged this Snow White earring up all by myself.

After a few more sparkles, some stickers, and a handmade ladder to help the little fella to his doom- this is what we ended up with!

Now we just have to cross our fingers that a Leprechaun happens this way (at Daycare) and falls for my little trap!

Bwa ha ha ha ha!

Happy Trapping!

Ayda

L.L. Bean = Best place for a cold day.

2011-03-06T11:13:00.001-08:00

On Tuesday we all played hookie and met up at L.L. Bean. Momma and Mimi were on their way back from Portland, and Daddy and I met them in Freeport! Our first stop was at L.L. Bean. It was MAGICAL!

They had this great fish tank...

... that you could get inside!

You could even have a friend in there with you. Neat, huh?

They also had these great big chalkboards with sidewalk chalk to make pictures with.

I drew a chicky... with curly hair.

On our way out, we climbed this great rock walk way. I ran over it so many times that I had to sit down and take a rest!

L.L. Bean is awesome.

xoxo Ayda Sue

It's in the bag

2011-02-24T06:50:00.001-08:00

I might be a big girl now, but I can still fit into small spaces....like Nana's luggage! She took this pretty bag when she went to stay with Aunt Sally last weekend and Mimi helped me get in it to hide.

It's a really good hiding place!

Everyone is SO SURPRISED when they unzip it and I pop out!

Just Like The Good Ol' Days

2011-02-20T09:28:00.000-08:00

** Written by Mumma

I came home from work yesterday to find these two, zonked out on the couch in front of the woodstove.

It reminded me of the days when John would pick Ayda up from daycare when she was an infant, and they'd come home and nap just like this.

Ah the good ol' days.

Mumma

Snow Fort!

2011-02-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

It's snowing AGAIN today! And when it snows, I love-love-love to go outside and play with Daddy! Most of the time he plays "shovel" ... it doesn't really look like that much fun- but, oh well.

The other day we made this great snow fort-

-so I had to check it out today and make sure the tunnel was still clear-

All clear!

Our 'snow dog' Roxy came out to play too! She loves to carry our firewood around and roll in the snow. What a silly pup!

Happy Snow Day!
Ayda

Mama turns.... OLD!

2011-01-31T14:28:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we celebrated Mumma's birthday at Nana and Papa's house. We had Mimi and Shane, and Nate, Alyssa and Baby Viv over too!

Nana made YUMMY beef stew and I helped her make this delicious cake!

Aren't the sprinkles festive?!

Today (Monday) is Mumma's real birthday- which makes me VERY excited. I thought that everyone always got cake on their birthday, so I was a little less than impressed when Mum told me we would not be having cake again tonight. What the?! What's the point? I can't see one... but me and my friends called her from daycare to sing her 'Happy Birthday' just the same.

Happy Birthday Mumma!!

xoxo Ayda Sue

My Friends from the South

2011-01-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

These are my friends who live in South Carolina. Baby Charlotte and her mom, Heather. I guess Baby Charlotte isn't going to be a "baby" for much longer. I mean, the last time I saw her this past summer she couldn't even stand up or walk. Now she can! My friends came over for a visit while they were here for Christmas and we played for a bit at Nana and Papa's. Charlotte is really good at sharing toys. I look a little crazy in this picture don't I!?

Charlotte and I both had a little cold when Mimi took this picture, but that didn't stop us from sharing a sweet kiss. I got a new babydoll for Christmas and guess what I named her? CHARLOTTE! She's not as cute as the real Charlotte, but that's ok.

Bowling!

2011-01-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

Guess what my new favorite game is? BOWLING! We all went as a family one night and it was so much fun that I told Mumma that I wanted my next birthday party at the bowling alley. They even had shoes to fit my feet!

I was really good at it, too. I beat Mumma! Can you believe it!? Just look at that form...

These boots were made for SKIING!

2011-01-08T13:01:00.000-08:00

Guess what I did this week?!
I went skiing!!

Mumma and Daddy decided that I should take my very first ski lesson --with Miss. Judy-- this week while we were at Papa's cabin in Rangeley.

I was pretty excited, but Mumma thought she'd sweeten the deal a little (and I'm glad she did) by telling me if my teacher said I did a good job during my 2 hour lesson, I'd be allowed to go in the FABULOUS playroom at the lodge for an hour the next day.

I tried my very hardest to have a good ski lesson, but is was soooo cold out!

Miss Judy and I went inside a couple times to warm up in between runs. I lasted an hour and a half, but then I told Miss. Judy that my toes were cold and that I was starting to cry... so we headed in for the last time.

I cried alot once I was finally inside and told Mumma I was ready to go home and take a nappy. Nana convinced me to stick around for lunch and after I warmed up and had a little food in my belly, I decided I could go out and ski with Mumma and Daddy for a little bit to show them what I learned.

It was a minor disaster and all I have to show for it is this bruise on my cheek!

Mumma is NO Miss Judy.

All in all, we survived the day- and more importantly, I got to go to the PLAYROOM the next day!

Woo hoo!

xoxo Picabo Sonnenberg

(Ayda did say, later, that she had a good time skiing and would try it again. Maybe we'll aim for some SPRING skiing!) - Mumma

Cash Register

2010-12-31T15:17:00.000-08:00

I bet you though all the Christmas blog posts were done. Think again! Uncle Adam and Uncle Wade came over for dinner one night and Uncle Wade brought me the neatest gift EVER. A cash register. It's sorta hard for me to say...but I give it my best shot.

I love taking stuff out of the kitchen to ring up for people. I can even swipe a credit card! Everything I sell in my store is $5. From a can of black olives to the couch. I'm not the friendliest cashier, but I drive a hard bargain. Come on! $5 for a couch!? Outrageous!

Thank you Uncle Wade for the awesome gift. I can't wait 'til you come back for a visit so you can play with me!

First there was Chirstmas...

2010-12-31T08:26:00.000-08:00

Santa came to our house! Can you believe it? I think Mumma and Daddy were kinda surprised... they said they weren't sure I'd been good enough- I guess I showed them!

Nana and Papa, Mimi, Shane and Miles, and Sally, Mike and Grandma ALL came over Christmas morning to have a big breakfast and open presents- I was a very patient girl even with all those pretty wrapped gifts under the tree. Mumma says I was even more patient than Daddy! (He's really just a big kid anyway.)
Everybody got some really great presents- but I got the BEST ones!

Daddy painted and cleaned up this old fancy desk for me- I really love to sit in it and write letters and draw pictures. I can even flip up the top and store my pencils inside! Just like in Charlotte's Web, when Fern hides Wilbur!

Santa brought me that Piggy Bank I've been harping on AND a new baby!!

I loved her so much, I wanted to play with her right away. I put on the carrier that she came with, and she helped me finish opening all my other presents.

Nana and Papa gave me this doll highchair to keep in my kitchen. With a little boost, she fits in great!

I'd say Christmas was a success!

Ho, ho, ho! Ayda xoxo

p.s. Mumma took these pictures with the new camera Daddy bought her! Yippee!

.... Then there was a BLIZZARD!

2010-12-31T08:11:00.000-08:00

On Monday we woke up to a BLIZZARD! There was so much snow- that Mumma and Daddy couldn't even get to work! So we had a really fun snow day! Yippee!

I went outside to see if I could "help" Daddy, but ended up playing instead.

1, 2, 3 ... JUMP!

Daddy joined in too!

Can you believe how much snow we got?!

EVERYTHING was covered... even this silly bird of Nana's. I thought I might try to give it a kiss- but Mumma thought my lips might get stuck, so I just played pretend.

I wish everyday was a snow day!

Happy Shoveling!
Ayda xoxo

Build a Bear

2010-12-30T18:06:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, Melanie and Shane got me a gift certificate to my favorite store in the whole world -- Build-a-Bear Workshop. My bunny, Daisy, is from there and I was thinking she needed an outfit.

I had $20 to spend. I could have spent $120 but Melanie kept me in check. I wanted the very first thing I saw, but Melanie helped me make some tough decisions -- like forgoing the Sleeping Beauty outfit and shoes for a lovely shiny blue dress, blue shoes, AND undies for Daisy. I was sold.

First things first -- Daisy needed a bath.

After I washed her up good Melanie helped me put on her new undies. They have Hello Kitty on them and even have a hole for Daisy's tail.

Then came the beautiful blue dress...

And once the shoes were on Daisy was dazzling!

I was having so much fun I forgot who I was with and called Melanie "Mumma" a couple of times! Next to my real Mumma, Melanie is my best friend.

Did you notice I have a sticker on my forehead? Yeah. I won it at daycare and kept it on allllll day long.

Thank you Auntie Lisa

2010-12-23T07:39:00.001-08:00

We got a box from Auntie Lisa the other night and I couldn't wait to tear into it. Inside were presents for me, Mama, and Daddy! I got THREE presents! Look at 'em!

The first present I opened was a framed picture of my baby cousin, Ryson. I shrieked in delight at that one. I'm gonna put it in my room so that when Ryson comes over to visit he can see how much I love him.

The second gift was a bag of multi-colored pipe cleaners. OMG exciting! I said "I've always wanted these -- what are they?" I made bracelets and rings for all the at the table -- and artsy statues for Papa and Daddy to bring to work.

The last gift was something I also have always wanted -- Play Doh modeling clay. I had fun with papa making all sorts of creatures.

Thank you Auntie Lisa!

Roadtrip to Camden

2010-12-06T14:23:00.001-08:00

Mimi is getting married so we went to Camden to check some places out for her to have her wedding. I'm going to be the flower girl....of course! This is us eating lunch at Cappy's. Aren't we just the cutest? Well, I am at least.

After lunch we went to a vineyard where all the kids were decorating cookies. I was concentrating really hard. Mumma helped me, but the overall concept of the design was mine.

All of a sudden Santa showed up! I was scared of him at first, but he was really nice, and I got closer than I ever have before to him! He was a pretty good conversationalist and let me know I should leave some carrots from my garden out Christmas Eve for his reindeer. I hope I remember!

Thanksgiving 2010!

2010-12-01T13:20:00.000-08:00

Once again
Thanksgiving time meant traveling to my Grandma and Grandpa's house allll the way in New York! I was very good in the car, well, as good as I could be for a 3 year old on a 12 hour car ride!
This year, on the way there, Mumma, Daddy, and I got to stop at a hotel so we could sleep a little and not drive so far all in one day. It was so exciting! We got there around 1am- of course, I was not at all interested in sleeping in some silly old bed when we got there... I wanted to check that place out! Mumma let me take a bath for an hour so that Daddy could get a head start on sleeping. I wonder if he heard all the yelling and splashing?
Anyway, after a yummy breakfast is was back into the car for 5 more hours. Good thing Mumma packed all that fun stuff in the car to play with!
When we got there, Auntie Lisa and Baby Ryson were already there from Hawaii waiting for us! Ryson is soooo cute. He's a very good baby- he even let everybody hold him and feed him, see?
I love kissing his little head.
Sometimes I was even allowed to hold him. And sometimes everybody held everybody!

On Turkey day we went to G.G.'s house to meet up with everyone else and have a FEAST! It was fantastic. I got to see a bunch of my cousins again (Anna Jane, Christian, David, Morgan, and Nathan) and play with them. Christian and I had a lot of fun doing, what else? Playing on the stairs!

The Daddies only let us jump from the 3rd stair... but it was still pretty fun!

Later that day we went to Aunt Sandy and Uncle Joe's house for MORE dessert! I had a really good time playing school with Abbey. We even did some PROJECTS! Nana would have been proud.

Do we look like we've just stepped off the Mayflower?!

And of course, NO Thanksgiving would be complete with out throwing around the ol' football! Right?!

I'm wicked rough and tough.

I wonder if my team won?

xoxo Turkey Lurkey Ayda Sue

Baking with Mama

2010-11-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

Last week, Mimi and her friend Shane (not Uncle Shane but photographer Shane) came over for lunch. I guess they're writing some story about me and Mama and her stromboli recipe for Bangor Metro magazine. Shane got some fun photos of me and even showed me how to use the camera!

This is me posing as a serious model.

And this is me as my regular goofy self.

Mama and I made two strombolis for lunch -- one with meat in it and one with veggies. I got to help stretch out the dough...

And I even snuck some pieces of it when no one was looking. Don't tell!

I thought the prosciutto was really really stinky. Mama made me put it in the stromboli anyway. What is she...nuts?

They actually turned out to be really yummy -- and I think it was because I was such a good helper. Mama and I make a good team.

A Project With Daddy

2010-11-16T08:19:00.000-08:00

The other day Daddy went to Lowes and brought me home this special kit. It says it's for kids 5 and up to build... but I knew better. I was ALL over it!
So after dinner Sunday night, Dada and I set to work on my very own pirate periscope!

First we laid out all the pieces...

... then we started to stick 'em together. Daddy started the nails for me, and then set me loose. Does he look scared to you?

I don't know why he would. I'm an awesome hammerer. See?

I was very patient and even took safety seriously (kinda).

I even let Daddy help a little!

The last thing to go into this project was my absolute favorite part- STICKERS!

I had to try it out, of course, as soon as we were done- and guess what? It works!

CHEESE!

I know I usually give Daddy a hard time, but he really is the best!

xoxo
ASES

Halloweeny!

2010-11-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

(To protect the identity of these Trick-or-Treaters... Mama has taken some artistic license)

So last week was so wicked awesome! It was Halloween, of course! As you can see I was a TERRIFYING TIGER! Or as I called myself to some, an 'Iberian Tiger.

BOO!

On Friday I made a special trip to Tammy's, just so I could go Trick-or-Treating with all my friends! It was so much fun!
Who would have thought a tiger could hold a chickens hand (wing?) without taking a nibble?! Must have been that princesses magical powers.

This is my friend Will... he wasn't a very happy hamburger, but he sure was cute!

But I think out of allll my friends, Carley really took the cake for best costume! Can you believe this chick?

I've already been asking Mumma if we can go Trick-or-Treating again this Saturday. She had the nerve to tell me that it only happens ONCE a year!
What a stinker.

xoxo
A'Rahhh' Sue

Sink Sink...

2010-10-31T18:35:00.000-07:00

Baby Sink Sink is finally here! And she's a girl! But she has a different name now...Vivian Marie. I think she's just great...and so tiny! I've been trying to get Mumma to take me over there to meet her -- I even told her she could just drop me off and go to work. I was even prepared to take a nap on the floor next to Viv's baby bed. Finally, on Saturday, we went over to see her. I even got to hold her! I can't wait to see her again and teach her all the stuff I know about trolls, bed bugs, making pretend soup, and all the rest of the fun stuff I know...

ayda sue.

Darn Trolls!

2010-10-24T06:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight Ayda was having a little trouble staying in bed. We could hear her banging around upstairs and when we finally went up to check on her, this is what we found...

When I asked her how this happened, she said, "Maybe a troll came and did it?" Yea- maybe.

-Mumma

Names

2010-10-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

I have been calling Papa a bunch of new names lately -- just tryin' them out to see how they stick. Instead of "Papa" I started calling him "Pup", "Puppy", and everyone's favorite..."Pop".

Nana is still Nana (but I pronounce it Nay-nuh).

Sometimes I call my friend Chase "Chase-a-roni" to be funny.

And I call my Mama, Jennie and my Daddy, John when I really want their attention...

When Mumma's Away!

2010-10-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Mumma has to go somewhere and nobody like Daddy or Nana and Papa or Mimi can watch me. That might sound sad, but really, it's super awesome... because that means I get to go play with Nate and Alyssa all day!

Alyssa is one of Mumma's bestest friends and is also the lady carrying Sink Sink (the currently unborn) around in her belly. Don't worry, Sink Sink will be here any day now! Yippee!

Anyway, when Mumma drops me off at their house, there's no telling what we might do! For example;

I might wash Alyssa's car...

I might pull out alllll the old toys I can get my hands on...

I might even meet a former president!

(Or BE one)

It's just SO much fun!!

xoxo A.S.E.S

(Thanks for all your help Anaya family!!)

Weekend of Fun

2010-10-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

I spent all day Saturday with Aunt Mimi! Her boyfriend's niece and nephew (Rianna and Xander) were in town. I woke Daddy up extra early Saturday morning because I was so excited.

We made spooky Halloween gingerbread houses in the morning. This one's mine...

This is the one Shane, Rianna, and Xander were working on...

We had a pizza party lunch at Pat's Pizza where I got my favorite - bread sticks with dip dip. And after that we went to my favorite place in Bangor -- THE MAINE DISCOVERY MUSEUM!

I played some African drums...

Put on a puppet show...

And got comfy in a big pink mouth...

It was such a fun day! Mimi dropped me off at Nana's and Papa's afterward and I put myself down for a nap. My aunt really knows how to wear me out...

This Mornings "Good Morning"

2010-10-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Written by Mumma:

This morning I went into Ayda's room to wake her up and get her going. She heard me walk in to her room, but she was squinting her eyes shut so that I would think she was still sleeping.

I lifted the shade on her window and then went to sit down next to her on her bed.

"Good morning Pumpkin," I said.

She sllllooowly opened her eyes and whispered, "Mama, I had a dream!"

"Oh really? What was it about?" I was thinking that she was pulling my leg and was going to come up with some fantastic story.

But this is what I got instead- and it's just simple enough to believe that she really DID dream it.

"I dreamed that I had a cat... with a biiiiiiggg...." I tried to help her with this, and offered "belly?"

"No. With a big butt,"

"Oh, (this sounded pretty typical Ayda) and this was YOUR cat?"

"Yes, and he stepped on my finger," and she sticks our her finger to show me, like it's going to have this big injury on it, or something.

So I examine it, "Did it hurt?" I asked.

She wrinkled up her brow and stuck out her lip and shook her head 'yes'.

"But it was just a dream, how could it have hurt you?"

"Because his paws were SO BIG!"

"Hmmm, interesting"

"Is Grandma here?"

My Mom calls Ayda a flea- can you see why now?

**Mumma.

"On Common Ground"

2010-10-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago we took our annual trip to the Common Ground Fair in some far off land called Unity.

It was a really warm and sunny day- so warm that Mumma had to change me into shorts and a tee shirt!
We did the usual- face painting (I knew I wanted this rainbow a whole week before we even went to the fair)....
...visiting the animals...

...this VERY fluffy bunny was my favorite. He was SO soft!

But I also did some new things this year that I haven't been big enough to do in the past!
First I got to hammer a bunch of nails into this big board. I did it ALL by myself with this really, heavy hammer! Papa would have been proud!
Then I checked out this "thrashing" thing. It was really just a stick with some hose on it- but it was pretty fun. I almost whipped some other little girl in the head- but she's fine now. Doesn't that sound like the BEST activity for little kids, ever?!

I don't know why Mumma didn't let me play at this for very long...?

Of course, on the way out we had to try the cardboard sliding hill! This is so much fun.
The first time Daddy went down with me-

but it was a little crowded on that tiny piece of cardboard, so he sent me down by myself the next couple of times.

I'm kinda squeaky, huh?
Until Next Time!
xoxo A.S.E.S

It must be Fall, because...

2010-10-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

... we went apple picking!

This year Mumma, Daddy, and I actually got to pick apples, instead of just hunting for them.

We went to my favorite place, Treworgy Farm! I was all excited to see the horses and touch the goats... but then I decided that I'd wait until next year to get close enough to touch ANYTHING!

I was really good at finding the best apples in the trees! The best part was that they were low enough for me to pick! I didn't even need help.

It was my job to sit in the wagon and hold the apples in the bag. It was pretty serious business.

On the way out, we made sure to check out the pumpkins. They make great stools... and I make a great ham!

xoxo
Ayda

Dumbo

2010-08-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

I think it's safe to say that Ayda is OBSESSED with Dumbo. Every time she's over Nana & Papa's house she asks to watch it. And if we say "no" then she pitches a fit.

I never liked Dumbo. I think it's a sad movie and, at times, a little creepy. The other night I was over there when Ayda was spending the night. Nana said she could watch the movie to a certain point before she had to go to bed. Ayda NEEDED to see the "sweaty elephant tent" part -- and none of us could figure out what the heck she was talking about. Sweaty elephant tent? Well it turns out the part she was talking about was where all the lady elephants are bandaged up after Dumbo literally brought the tent down and one of them had a huge ice cube on her head that was melting. Melting ice = sweat didn't cha know!?

Well Ayda ended up watching the movie to the scary drunk-hallucination-dream part. In case you don't know about this part in the movie, it's where Dumbo and his mouse friend get drunk by mistake by drinking water (that had a bottle of booze in the bottom of the bucket) and got drunk. (And this is a children's movie?) Anyway, they hallucinate a la Disney's Fantasia about elephants. It's creepy to me and I'm 32 years old.

When we got to this part Ayda said she liked it but that "it scared her a little bit." I couldn't have agreed with her more. I can't wait until the Dumbo phase has past -- it can't come soon enough!

--Aunt Mimi

Funny things...

2010-08-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

Ayda says a lot of funny things. When you are in her good graces she asks if you will sit benext to her at the dinner table or in the car.

Today Ayda, Nana, Mumma, and Mimi went shopping. As we drove down Main St. in Bangor we came to a light. Ayda says...."Mumma? I smell ham." And she was right. It DID smell like ham. Immedietly she wanted some. She is her father's daughter.

Also today we took a little detour and pulled into the parking lot of the family hairdresser, Heather. Confused about the reason Ayda says, "What the heck!?"

Abby and Dane Get Hitched!

2010-07-28T18:58:00.001-07:00

Last weekend my new friends Abby and Dane got married!

Daddy is still in California, so I went as Mumma's date- I think we made a pretty good couple :)

There were lots of fun things to do at the reception, and I made some new friends too! This is Leo- He's pretty much good at everything.

And of course there was plenty of dancing! I just love the way my dress went 'twirly'.

At the end of the night, I was getting pretty tired... so naturally, Papa gave me a lift.

Don't you think he'd make a pretty nun?

Congratulations Abby and Dane!

xoxo
AYDA

University Gardens

2010-07-25T07:59:00.001-07:00

On Friday Mumma and I went to the University of Maine Gardens and met Papa and Nana for a picnic!
After we ate Nana and I went to check out the pond.

Mama showed me the gazebo and we practiced our dance moves...

... and then I practiced my photography skills!

Mama says this is where her and Daddy got married. I thought that was pretty neat and wanted to have my picture taken with the flowers just like they did!

I wonder if they had their pictures taken jumping off this stump?

ACTION SHOT!

xoxo a.s.

Dressed in black...

2010-07-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

Ayda has been a singing MACHINE lately. Last night in her bath she was going on and on and on making up lyrics and singing them to me. Most of them were about Nana making pancakes or her wash cloth 'baby'- but it was pretty amazing how quickly the words came to her.

This morning on the way to Tammy's she picked out a CD from the carrier attached to my vanity mirror.

'Mumma?'
'Yes, Ayda?'
'Can we listen to that blue one?'

So I put it in.

'Mumma? Who is that man singing?'

I told her that it was Johnny Cash, and that he liked to tell stories when he sang just like her.

She thought about it for a few minutes and then said,
'Mumma- I wanna be like Johnny Cash when I get big!'

So I asked her the obvious question, 'Will you dress all in black?'

And her obvious answer- 'Yes! And I will have a kitty guitar, and you can sit in the chair and watch me!'

Amen sister.

-Mumma

Happy Birthday America!

2010-07-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

So, it's a little belated... but we DID celebrate this weekend. Mumma, Daddy, and I went campin' with Nana and Papa.
Mum, Dad, and I got to the campground first... and boy, was it crowded! We drove 'round and 'round until we FINALLY decided on a spot- 3 times. But I was VERY patient, because Daddy promised to take me to the pool if I was. And he did!

We did lots of other fun things too-

-like go to the parade...

...take a picnic to the lake...

...rock hop on the beach...

...and play hockey (or as the rest of the world calls it, mini golf) where we got these great pirate hats!

I was pretty scared of those nasty old pirates on the course, but these pirates were nothing but silly!

I hope everyone else had a great 4th too!

xoxo Ayda Sue

Date Night

2010-07-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

Last night Mimi took me on a date. It was GIRLS only! We went to Pat's and had pizza. I bet you didn't know I like mushrooms...but I do!

I was on my best behavior -- just like a little lady! There were three boys at the table next to me who were being bad. I kept staring at them. Mimi told me to mind my own business but they were staring at me first! Mimi said they probably thought I was cute. EW! I told her, "Those boys aren't cute to me!"

But they were nice boys, even if they were bad and crawling under the table. They came over to say hi and I showed them my new bracelets that are in the shapes of animals. One boy told me that my bear shaped one was in fact a POLAR bear, not a regular old black bear. He told me he was an animal expert, so I believed him.

I like having dates with Mimi and I'm always a good girl when we're just hanging out together by ourselves. I think she had fun, too.

Diggity Dog

2010-07-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

This is my new game. Nana and Papa got it for me and it's pretty fun. But what's funner is when Papa and I play our own made-up version of the game. Here are the original rules and then the rules that Papa and I made up.

How to play the "real" game:
Four people each get their own plastic pup. There is a board with a big circle that has individual places for little plastic bones. You're supposed to find the three bones that match the color of your dog by landing on the spaces and turning them over. BORING!

How to play the game "Ayda" style:
I dump all of the bones out on the ground. I make a tent out of the game board and give Papa a doggie. Papa's doggie talks about how much he loves bones. Then I hide all of the bones under the game board tent and Papa's dog has to look for them. He is supposed to do this using a very funny voice and tickling me. Then he finds the bones and pretends to eat them all. FUN!

I like makin' stuff up.

WHOOPIE! (pie festival)

2010-07-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

That's right- a festival for the great Maine treat.... the whoopie pie. One of my families favorite things!

Mumma, Papa, Nana, and I went to this festival while we were camping last weekend. It was kinda hot out- and things weren't really very organized, but we made the best of it.

Mom said I was sooooo patient while I waited to get my face painted. In fact, we waited in line for a WHOLE HOUR to get a pink unicornish looking thing on my cheek. Of course, I loved it.

There were some games to play there too. This lady couldn't believe how hard I could throw a bean bag at this clowns face!

I guess she doesn't know about my dislike for clowns... or how good I am at beating things up.

This crazy thing was walking around the festival all day. It was creepy. I wish I had saved one of those bean bags to sock IT in the nose!

xoxo

Ayda Sue

"If we're quiet, we might see a kangaroo!"

2010-06-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

Last weekend me, Nana, Papa, and Mumma all went over to Dover-Foxcroft and stayed at Peaks Kenny Campground! It was pretty fantastic.

On Friday we picked up some goodies for a picnic lunch, and then went straight to the beach. Mumma watched me while I stuck my toenies in the water.

I really wanted her to go swimming with me, but she was too chicken and said the water was too cold!

Papa was a better sport- at least he was willing to get a little wet!

I brought Leopard along for the ride, this time. He had a really great time stretching out in the sun and playing on the swing set.... of course, he needed to sit in the baby swings.

My very favorite part of the day, though, was playing 'Peter Pan' on the big play set with Nana and some boy named Cameron. Oh that Nana! She's such a cutup!

The next day we went 'exploring' around the campground. There are lots of neat rocks to climb around on...

...and between!

Mama says her and Mimi used to play on these same rocks! I wonder if they broke that one?

I did a lot of riding around on Papa's shoulders at the campground. Everything looks better from up there. I scouted for 'Russel' the squirrel, but found chipmunks instead. And on one of our walks I made Mumma stop talking... so we could look for kangaroo! She's so noisy sometimes! (Mumma, not the kangaroo).

All that climbing, hiking, scouting, swimming, and riding really makes a girl thirsty. I'm glad Papa showed me how to get a drink 'campin' style'!

I wonder what adventures we'll have next weekend?!

xoxo
Camper Sue

2010-06-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

This morning all I could talk about was 'dress up' at Tammy's.

I told Mumma about it while I was getting my pony put in...

I told her about it while I was eating breakfast...

and I told her about it one more time, just to make sure she heard me, in the car on the way to Tammy's.

By 10 o'clock, I was rockin' some sweet jewelry!

I put these earrings on allll by myself! I think the placement really shows off the 80's inspired geometrics, don't you?

xoxo a.s.e.s

Father's Day!

2010-06-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Father's Day! Mama had to work but the rest of us (Nana, Papa, Dada, Shane, Aunt Sally, and Shane's Daddy Mr. Perry) went to Lamoine for a picnic.

Don't I look soooo cool?

Mama painted my tonies purple. I had to sit VERY still while she did it.

I totally love running on the beach!

I even got to fly a kite all by myself! AND I only called Aunt Sally "Lisa" a couple of times. That's gotta be a new record or something.

Summer Concert!

2010-06-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

Every Thursday for the past couple of summers, my family heads to downtown Bangor to listen to music in Pickering Square. There are always a lot of people there and plenty of space to dance, which is which is what I'm doing right here...

We brought a picnic dinner, some lawn chairs, and blankets to spread out on. I helped Nana and Papa pick out some different kinds of whoopie pies to share for desert. I just love whoopie pies. Mama even remembered to bring my drink of choice: chocolate milk.

My mom is so nice. I just love her!

Ewwwwwww Melanie!

2010-06-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

The other night I was over at Jenn and John's hanging out with Papa and Ayda. Mom and Jennie were at their Irish ballet class and John was out working on the rock wall. Ayda and I were sitting on the couch when I "tooted". It was sort of loud (who am I kidding? It was REALLY loud) and Ayda said:

Ewwwwwwwww Melanie! Get in your car and drive AWAY!

I pointed out that Ayda also toots, to which she quickly replied "no I don't!"

Thanks, kid.

A conversation about groundhogs

2010-06-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

By Mimi

I have a big problem at my house -- three HUGE groundhogs have made their home under my gardening shed. I knew Ayda would probably have an interesting solution...

Me: Ayda, I have a big problem and I need your help.
Ayda: What's the problem Melanie?

M: Well, I have three HUGE groundhogs living under my gardening shed.
A: Oh my gosh!
M: I know! What do I do about them?
A: We can catch them in my net! (Ayda is running around with a butterfly net).
M: Good idea! Where do we put them?
A: I don't know.
M: How about we bring 'em to your house?
A: Oh no! We can't put 'em there. They'll crawl all over EVERYTHING! And we've got stuff growin' in our patches and they'll eat it all up!
M: Well, where should we put them then?
A: How about Nana's garden?
M: Great idea! (Nana didn't think so).

New Bike!

2010-05-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hey guys -- look at this!
This is my new big girl bike! It has princesses and EVERYTHING! My new friend Olivia gave it to me. Olivia's mommy is Uncle Jeffy's lady friend. They come over to Nana & Papa's for pizza parties and stuff and they always bring fun stuff -- like new books for me and bubbles to blow!

Olivia is a little bigger than me. She goes to school so she has been giving me some of her littler girl stuff to me to play with. I think I am super lucky! Thanks Tammy and Olivia!

Pool Time!

2010-05-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Look what my Papa got me! A NEW kiddie pool with a DOLOPHIN that squirts water from its blowhole. It has been SO hot here that I've been strippin' down and goin' in it every day this week. I told Mimi that the dolophin's is a mama dolophin with a headache named Neekie Sardozy.

I seem to be the only one in the family who goes in the pool nudie. I like it that way. And I don't pee in the pool either. That's gross! If I have to pee I just get out of my pool and pee on the grass -- just like my Daddy does!

And in case you haven't noticed, I'm a big girl now. That means I can dry myself off all by myself, thank you very much!

Like my blue painted tonies? I think they're AWESOME!

Feel the Beat!

2010-05-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

Hi guys!
This weekend I had my first ever dance recital. There was one on Saturday and one on Sunday. And let me tell you -- the room was PACKED on both days! Mimi took these photos on Saturday. It took me a while to warm up and I didn't get to have a nappy before hand so I yawned a lot on stage. I spent a lot of time playing with my tongue and staring off into space...but boy did I look CUTE! Mimi, Mama, Daddy, and I went out for a celebratory ice cream afterwards and I got my favorite -- vanilla with rainbow sprinkles!

I did a much better job on Sunday when Nana and Papa took me to the show. I got a nap in and concentrated really hard to remember the steps.

xo Ayda

Pixie Ball 2010!

2010-05-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

Another year, another Pixie Ball!

On Saturday Mama, Nana, and I went to celebrate all things Pixie. That meant, of course, dancing...

...cupcake eating...

(with my friend Lily)

...and mingling with all those other pixies!

Some of us were pretty tired.

Others of us were REALLY tired!

Some of us had jobs to do. Well, actually, just Nana was given a job. Good work Nana!

But one thing is for sure- we ALL had fun!

Lastly, Mumma says she's really sorry- but this video is sideways. She's kinda silly about using her camera. Oh well. Turn your laptop on it's side or tilt your head :) It's a video of what ALL the pixies got to do on Saturday.

I think I could get used to this 'spotlight' thing!

xoxo
Tinkersue

Ayda turns 3

2010-05-03T11:03:00.001-07:00

Guess what today is guys....it's my BIRTHDAY! Actually, I've been partying all weekend long. On Saturday I had a Princess Party with all of my favorite friends.

This is Abbey and Alyssa -- and Mumma acting crazy.

Check out the AWESOME cake Mumma made me! I just love it. My cousin Lexy, aka: Cinderella, is in the background. She had a princess cake at her birthday last month.

Look how pretty Mumma is! She wore that dress to the prom...whatever that is. My friend Lily, another Cinderella, is cuddling up with her. So cute! It was the best party ever! We even played the game pin the crown on the princess. I think Uncle Jasper won that game...but I think he cheated. He left his goat at home this year.

I wore my Snow White dress all day. And I was actually the only Snow White at the party! I got some very nice gifts from my friends and donations of over $100 for Big Brothers & Big Sisters Foundation of Eastern Maine. Thanks to everyone who came and partied with me!

Chopstick Champ

2010-04-29T06:36:00.000-07:00

So over the past couple years I've been around enough to over hear Mumma say some things. Some are more interesting than others- obviously. But there is one thing in particular that she has said, more than once, that really got me thinking. See, sometimes Mum says that she'd love to get me a new baby from Asia. I'm not really sure where that is- but I DO know they like to eat with these things called 'Chopsticks' (Mostly because Daddy told me so.)

So I decided that I'd better secure my spot here in the Sonnenberg household before Mumma brings home anyone who might know how to use these puppies. I can't have any ol' baby showing ME up!

It was as easy as one...

...two...

...three!

I didn't even need any help. I just watched Mum and Dada and went straight to business.

Take THAT non-existent new baby!

xoxo
Ayda Son

Rock Band

2010-04-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

By Aunt Mimi

On our trip to Belfast last weekend Ayda told me she wanted a drum set and a guitar for her birthday. She wants to start a rock band for girls only. I get to play the pinano (piano) and Mama gets to play the tambourine. I couldn't believe she even knew what a tambourine was and how to pronounce it!

Jennie has brought all of Ayda's loudest and most annoying toys to my house for Ayda to play with when she visits. I put my foot down at a drum set.

Pants on fire...

2010-04-22T07:10:00.000-07:00

By Mimi

Ayda has been telling some tall tales about my personal life at daycare. I'd like to clear some things up.

1. Blue fairies DID NOT come take Shane (my boyfriend) away.

2. I am NOT dating Dan -- Dylan's brother who I met at the "barn" (Common Ground Fair, which was held in September of 2009). And Dylan's brother isn't even named Dan. His name is Brendan.

3. Dylan (an ex-boyfriend) is NOT invited to Ayda's birthday party.

I have told Ayda that Dylan is not nice and we're no longer friends with him. But she still brings him up from time to time. I asked her on the phone yesterday why she liked him so much. This was her reply: "I like Dylan because...he's...beautiful?"

Hm.

Then I asked her if she liked Shane. This was her reply: "Nope. Dylan is my favorite. Toodaloo!"

Poor Shane.

Trip to Belfast

2010-04-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went on a road trip to Belfast with Mimi and her fun boyfriend, Shane. Mumma was workin' and Dada was fixin' Mimi's car. It was rainin' out but we three decided to take our road trip anyway.

Belfast is a cute little town on the coast. I was told I would see boats -- and I did!

Unfortunately most of the stores and stuff weren't open -- so all we could do was window shop. We did go into a kitchen store called The Good Table and I picked out a colorful toilet brush I wanted to buy Mumma -- but Mimi said she already had a toilet brush and probably didn't need another one. Since I bought my own ice cream cone with my Easter money from my New York grandma I'm itching to spend more!

We went to lunch at this place called Chase's Daily. Right when we were about to go in a woman walked out of the door and spilled her coffee all over it and the ground. This greatly concerned me. I spent the next 1/2 hour asking Mimi if someone had cleaned the coffee up. It's important to run a clean business ya know.

Mimi and Shane had huevos rancheros - whatever that is - for breakfast while I had a bowl of "gamola" and some milk. It was VERY yummy and I had leftovers! The first thing I told Daddy when I got home was that I listened to Mimi and Shane all day. And I did! I was a very good girl. I hope the next time we go to Belfast we can take a picnic lunch...and it's not raining.

"Here comes Peter Cottontail..."

2010-04-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny came to our house last Sunday! Can you believe it?! And Mama said he wouldn't come if I was bad... what does she know? In fact, he not only hopped on over to our house, but he stopped at Nana and Papa's too! See? This is me hunting in Nana's woods. I found a whole bunch of good stuff over there. But that was later in the day. First thing in the morning, I hunted out our house!
The Easter bunny hid treats here.... ... and in here too! Of course I had to stop and take a few 'taste tests'! I finally followed his trail of eggs right out the door and on to the deck! There I found an Easter basket for me, and one for Daddy too! I think mine might have been the better of the two. Who gets tweezers for Easter?! Besides Daddy, I mean. Once I found all my eggs, and my basket- I got to lay out my loot and bask in all its Easter glory! I love holidays that give me candy (and socks, and bubble guns, and hair accessories, and a harmonica- you get the idea). I wonder if we can have Easter EVERY Sunday?! XOXO Flopsy Sue

Cousins!

2010-04-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

This cute little girl is my second cousin -- or something. Her mama, Stephanie, is my mama's cousin. Her name is Lexy and she had a princess birthday party last weekend at the children's museum in downtown Bangor. She had the EXACT same princess cake that I'm gonna have at MY princess birthday party next month. Stephanie let me put my finger in one of the purple frosting flowers and eat it even before we cut the cake!

We had a great time playing around the museum. I was so excited about it. I got to see a lizard and a snake, play on a boat, and sit on a giant pig! What could be better than that?

Elmo LIVE!

2010-03-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Last week, on St. Patricks Day, my day care went to go see Elmo and his friends from Sesame Street! We were all dressed up in our festive green, and Tammy and Twila even painted out faces with those funny clover things.

The show was pretty great. Elmo and his friends were so BIG! I asked Mumma why they didn't want to come hug me? But she explained that they probably didn't see me since I was wrapped around her neck any time they came close. They are a little clown like.

Even though I went in Tammy's car to the show, Mumma met us there and sat with me. I don't know if she enjoyed the show as much as I did, but she pretended just the same.

I've already been asking if I can go back to see Elmo again... I wish next year wasn't so far away!

Adios!
Ayda Sue Ellen

Spring 'Training'

2010-03-14T08:06:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day here at my house on Friday, so Daddy said we should get in some "Spring Training". I was pretty excited to practice my pitching and hitting skills... but Daddy had something different in mind.

I had a lot of fun helping Mumma stack all this wood while Daddy cut down more trees. I'm pretty sure we'll be living in an open field soon. Daddy sure loves that chainsaw of his!

After all my hard work, Mumma pushed me on my swing and let me dig in my sandbox. Just rewards for all my hard work!

I did learn a few valuable lessons from my "training"... wear a belt and mind the poop!

xoxo
Ayda Bunyon

Baby Charlotte!

2010-03-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

I FINALLY got to meet Baby Charlotte! Mumma, Mimi, and I went to see her and Heather at Charlotte's Nana & Poppi's house in Old Town. We played with Charlotte's toys and her books, and we tickled Charlotte's feet and tummy. She was so happy to see us, too! She was laughing and rolling around on the floor. Heather even let me help feed Charlotte her bottle. I am going to be SUCH a good big sister!

Baby Jesus

2010-03-04T09:34:00.000-08:00

By Mimi

Ever since my mardi gras party Ayda has been slightly obsessed with the tiny plastic Jesus that was hidden in the King Cake. The tradition is -- whoever gets the piece of cake with the baby Jesus in it has good luck for the year to come. Uncle Jeffy won it this year.

I asked Ayda what she wanted for her birthday this year and she said she wanted Jesus. I don't think she was talking about going to church....

Last night we had cake for dessert -- and Ayda was looking for the baby Jesus in her piece. I had to tell her that baby Jesus only hides in special KING cakes -- not in birthday cakes. Maybe I'll sneak one in her piece of birthday cake this year just for kicks.