SURPRISE!!

As most of you know I never did the typical 1st Birthday, invited EVERYONE, party. Many, many, many of my friends and family do this. I think like 95%, but that just wasn't me. Yes, we have always had parties for immediate family and a few close friends, and as the girls have gotten older their parties have been a combined family party for immediate family and Kaylee has had friend parties, where I have included some of my close friends. When Kaylee was going to be turning 1 and I broke the news that I wouldn't be doing the grand-hurrah, while citing my various reasons, I always said I would do something big when she was 5. Well we came upon the big 5 this year. So what did we decide to do?

A couple springs ago I took the train up and back to Chicago to visit my sister-n-law, Kristin. When I came back Brad and the girls picked me up. Ainsley wasn't 1 yet, so she doesn't remember, but Kaylee was close to 3, and she has a solid memory, so since then she has often commented about taking the train. Since she was going to be getting an American Girl Doll for her birthday this year it made perfect sense to take the train up to Chicago and visit the American Girl store for her big day.

So the day before her birthday, Sunday my mom, Brad, the girls and I went to pick up my mother and father-n-law and headed to the train situation. The girls didn't know where we were going and Kaylee kept desperately asking for some sort of clue. Finally we arrived at the train station and went in and light bulb clicked. They were so excited!!

The girls in the train station. Ainsley being her usual cooperative self when trying to get a photo.

Kaylee outside the train station, waiting for the train to come. She's into posing for photos these days.

Ainsley and Grandpa on the lookout for the train. The boys drove the van up and picked us up at Union Station, after getting Aunt Kristin of course.

Kaylee using her new camera to photograph me photographing her.

Kaylee playing her Leapster while sitting with Mee-Maw and Grandma Ginny.

Ainsley liked to stand and look out the window for most of the trip. She enjoyed waving at the people and the birds :).

Once we got up to Chicago we headed over to Navy Pier. It turned out to be a beautiful day!

Ainsley and I on the merry-go-round at Navy Pier.

Kaylee on the merry-go-round.

Family photo at Navy Pier.

After the merry-go-round we went into one of the buildings. This building had a lot of fountains in it which the girls enjoyed. This had four separate fountains that shot over, making a criss-cross in the air, your head. The girls thought that was pretty neat!

The boys walked around while the girls went into the Children's Museum. It was a pretty neat place. We could have stayed at the museum the whole day as their was a lot to see and do.

This looked like a pirate ship and went from the first floor up to the third. The sign says it is for 5+, however Ainsley went on this thing at least 20 times. I think she would have done this ALL day if she could.

They had a presentation of Indian culture dances/music the day we were there. We watched a few of the children perform the traditional dances from their culture. Ainsley kept asking when it would be her turn, as she loves to dance. After a few performances we went to the dinosaur room. One of the things you can do in there is dig for bones. They have a big pit with brown, rubber mulch. Kaylee dug for bones, while Ainsley found one that was uncovered, and large, enough to be used as her stage. She decided to do her dancing there, as you could still hear the music.

After the museum we walked around some more and then went to the hotel. We got a great price at a hotel on Wacker Drive and it was so close to everything we were doing. We got settled in the hotel and then walked to dinner. The girls were very pumped about the day and the hotel so it took a bit for them to settle down. Once they did they were out!

The next morning everyone was up and went to breakfast. Then we headed to the American Girl store. The girls still didn't know where we were going on this day. We got to Water Tower Place about 15 minutes before the store opened. Ainsley was excited to ride up and down the escalators while we waited for the store to open. Kaylee realized where we were and was super excited! What else would one want to do on their birthday(this was her actual birthday)?

Here are the girls in front of the store waiting for it to open. They were the first kids in the store.

This is a photo from inside. The store is really big and very cute. There's an upstairs with the dining room, hair studio, t-shirt making store, a place where the dolls can get their ears pierced, etc. Kaylee got Kit for her birthday and Ainsley got a Bitty Baby. Kaylee got to pick out 3 three things, one from us, one from my mom and one from Grandpa and Grandma Busing. She chose Kit's dog Grace from us, a tap dance outfit from Brad's parents and Kit's Birthday dress from my mom. Ainsley picked out the Bitty Baby toy set from my mom.

Ainsley in front of the big star with the American Girl statement on it.

Waiting for everyone to get rounded up to go.

It was a great time and both girls were super excited!!! I thought all in all it was a pretty good 5th birthday surprise. After all 5 is a big one and she is sure to remember this for years to come. She is currently asking to go to Disney when she is 7 and Vegas when she is 10. Not sure about the whole Vegas thing at 10, maybe 21, but when she is 7, Ainsley will be 5 so maybe Disney?

Happy Birthday, Kaylee!

Kaylee turned the big 5 this year. WOW!! A few months ago, on the way home from one of her friend's birthday parties, we were discussing what kind of party she wanted to have this year. We talked about doing nails, making jewelry, sort of a during the day slumber party. Then came the big question" Who do you want to invite?" The first two people listed were boys in her class. Which was no big surprise to me. However it did mean that we might need to tweak our birthday theme and activities. We settled on Pirates and Princesses.

I had so much fun planning it. When I was telling Brad all of my fabulously, wonderful ideas in my "aren't I better than Martha Stewart on her best day" tone, he was wondering around and listening. When I finished with my presentation he just looked at me, I anxiously waiting a rave review (after all it was going to be a great party) got "You really like planning these things, don't you?" Well, yes, yes I do!

I sent a map to all of Kaylee's friends to show them where the palace was, a.k.a our house (yes, I became braved and had it at our house). We had the bouncy house in the garage, because of the rain, inside we had a pirate hat craft, and princess magnet craft, we had a nail polish and tattoo station, I made some pirate and princess cupcakes and then we went on a treasure hunt in the yard for our buried treasure (goodie bags). I drew a map and we had clues and different spots to tell us where to go next that ultimately led us to the treasure chest. It was still raining a bit at this point but lightly, and after all don't most pirates get wet when they are searching for treasure? Hello, they are on ships! The kids had a great time. See aren't you all excited about the party I had? The downfall was I was so busy moving about the stations and helping kids with crafts I didn't take a lot of photos.

The birthday girl with her big cupcake, we made some little ones with pirate and princess flags on them.

All of the Pirates and Princesses awaiting some fun!

The above photos were the Saturday before Kaylee's birthday. Then Sunday we left for the big birthday surprise (that will be featured on the next post) and when we returned on Monday, her actual birthday, she found some more presents awaiting her.

Digging in to see what she got.

Happy Birthday, Kaylee McKenna! We hope you enjoyed your special day! XOXO~Mommy and Daddy

Family Party

Saturday, of Mother's Day weekend, was the big family party. It is the weekend that falls directly in between the girls' birthday's so it seems like the best choice. We did a cupcake theme this year. For Christmas we got one of those big cupcake pans and the girls LOVE it! So they each chose what flavor they wanted their cupcake and the frosting flavors. I also made some small cupcakes that were vanilla, since both girls wanted chocolate cupcakes. Some small ones were Dora and some were Scooby, two big names in our house!

This was a photo Kaylee took of the "cupcake" table. When I was going through my photos I realized this was one of the only ones that were taken of them.


I did photo boards for each girl, they were on the bulletin boards I made them for their birthdays. The only flaw was my photos kept falling off throughout the day. O'well.


Right before present time. This was the best shot I could get of both of them. Ainsley is mimicking this thing I do with my fingers when I'm trying to get her to look at the camera.


The girls got A LOT of wonderful gifts! They are very blessed with such generous grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. One of the things Ainsley got was her American Girl Bitty Baby with the starter kit and a crib for it. Every night we have to put the Bitty, which she's named Baby Marissa (after a baby at her sitters), in her PJ's when we put Ainsley in her jammies.


Kaylee got the American Girl doll Kit and a bed for her. Kit is also one that we know have to dress at the end of the day and the start of the day. It's almost like I have 2 extra kids at times. At least the 2 American Girl dolls don't cry when they have to wait to be changed. Kaylee is very specific that hers is a "dolls" and Ainsley's is a "baby".

After presents we did our traditional pinata. Brad and Uncle Weezie getting it ready.

Ainsley the "Powerhouse" is up first.

Next it was Kaylee's turn to take a shot.

Everyone got several turns and finally the pinata broke and the race was on to get all the candy.


We sang Happy Birthday, first to Kaylee then to Ainsley. Kaylee giving a big smile while we were singing for her.

Ainsley blowing out her candles next.

They had a great day even in spite of the cool weather and not being able to put the bouncy house up for the party. You can always tell it's been a great day when they go to sleep very quickly after you put them to bed. Thanks to all of our wonderful family for helping make these girls birthdays SO special! XOXO!!

Ainsley's Birthday!

Saturday, May 1st was Ainsley's birthday. The night before, after Ainsley went to bed, Kaylee and I wrapped her presents, hung the streamers and blew up the balloons. Kaylee really felt we need to decorate for A's big day. The orange balloons had Dora on them. We love Dora so. The Elmo and Baby Cinderella in the below photo were added by Kaylee as well. These were not new gifts just some accessories Kaylee felt gave it that little something extra.

Of course we had to use our window crayons to put a special message on the deck door for Miss A.

We also put streamers in Ainsley's doorway. When she woke up and opened her door I could see her from my bed and she was a little hesitant to come out until I yelled "Happy Birthday!" We all went downstairs to start the big festivities!

Kaylee offering her assistance to Ainsley.

Trying out Ainsley's new microphone. Ainsley does love to sing and entertain. American Idol watch out!

After presents she wanted to put one of her new dresses on. Then we lit her candles so we could sing "Happy Birthday". Breakfast=Cake, of course!

Brad had the Lake Run that morning and when we returned home, he got cleaned up while the girls and I packed a picnic lunch. Then we headed into town. First stop was the park to eat and play.

Ainsley really enjoyed the red half-sphere that you sit in and you are spun. Personally it makes me sick to even watch it. She LOVES that kind of stuff.

Are you dizzy yet?

After the park we went to get some flowers to plant and then headed home for rest time. For her birthday dinner she chose spaghetti and garlic bread. It was a beautiful day so we were able to eat outside on the deck that night. Then we had more cake and ice cream. It was a great day and we had lots of fun!

Does this girl look like she enjoys life, or what?
Ainsley, we hope you had as much on your birthday as we did!!

Dear Kaylee

Dear Kaylee McKenna,

It's hard to believe how fast 5 years has gone by! While 5 years seems like a short amount of time I can't remember the other part of my life before you were here. Before you made us a "Family". On May 17th, 2005, at 28 years of age, I found my life's purpose, to be a Mommy. Not just any Mommy, but your Mommy. I knew I always wanted to have this title but never knew just how badly until I held you in my arms. You have taught Daddy and I many things. You have taught us the importance of patience and keeping your word. You have a memory of steel that does not let us forget anything! You have taught me that no matter one's age their abilities and determination can make them achieve many great things. You have a determination about you that I admire. Once you set your mind to something you will do it until you have it down. This past year some of those things have included: reading, whistling, addition, subtraction and snapping. Currently you are working on multiplication, riding your bike and blowing bubbles with chewing gum. I hope this quality stays with you forever.

You can certainly be sassy and sarcastic at times but just as sweet the rest of the time. You enjoy helping others and take good care of your little sister, even when she is all in your space. Often times you can be quiet and introspective and sometimes your emotions can get the best of you. Deep down you have a sensitive soul. We have very similar souls. We are two peas in a pod you and I and I hope as you continue to grow this will help us and not hinder us.

In the fall you will be a big Kindergartner and you are so excited! I hope your love of learning will always be a driving force for you. I know you will succeed in whatever you do and I'm so thankful that Daddy and I get to be along for the ride. Thank you Kaylee for all you have given, and shown, to us. We know the best is yet to come! Happy 5th Birthday, K-K!

XOXO~Mommy and Daddy

Birthday Photos

It is hard to believe that May is here and it is that time of year for updated photos! I told Brad this year not to get me anything for Mother's Day and that instead I would just get to get as many photos as I wanted without any comments from him. Although I do think that since we only do it once a year and I stick with Portrait Innovations that we get a good deal. We are able to get photos for us and the grand parents, etc and take them home all in the same day.

Plus we were in, wardrobe change, all photos, picked them out, paid and had them in hand and walked out the door in 54 minutes! You can't beat that. My trick is to go first thing in the day, most people wait until mid day or later, usually by the time we leave it is starting to get crowded. The girls also did great, and Brad was very patient and cooperative too. Especially agreeing to stay the extra 15 minutes so I could leave with the photos. Thankfully it was nice out so he and the girls were able to do a couple of walk-a-bouts outside.

Last year was the worst experience I had ever had there, I almost thought I was going to cry, so I was a little nervous this year. I have been going there since they opened, our first photos there were Kaylee's 9 mos. pictures. The people I had become accustomed to have since moved on and a couple do photos independently now. However this year the girl we had was amazing! She was so nice and helpful. She could tell I had been there before when I pulled my list out in preparation to look at the photos so she just let me do what I needed to. Needless to say we got a lot of great photos.

I am always so excited to put the new photos up, although bittersweet too. I always bring in different ones to work than I have at home. Last night on our bed I had them all spread out and was trying to decide which ones would go in the frames at home and which ones to work. It was quite the process! Whenever I put the new photos in I scroll back through all the ones of years past and am reminded how much the girls have changed and how quickly they are growing-up. I got a little teary eyed sitting and watching people come in with their babies. It seems not so long ago those were ours. Now instead of looking at family photos with babies I see girls. But between you and me I will always see a little bit of baby in the family photos, no matter how old they are.

Here are some of the new pics:

Busing Family 2010


My beautiful May Babies-who are not so baby anymore!

Daddy and his girls!

Mommy and her ladies!

Kaylee McKenna; May 17, 2005

Ainsley Isabella; May 1, 2007