Helping Pets

Saturday morning, Corinne and I loaded up the car with the donations from her party. I told her all morning that we would go see the kitty cats today (and dogs of course, but they aren't as exciting right now). I decided that in my next life I want to be a cat at Pet Helpers! I've never seen anything like it. All of the cat rooms are connected by little cat doors so the cats travel from playroom to privacy to playroom, etc. (with the exception of new and sickly ones). We were free to enter any of the playrooms full of friendly cats. Aside from the couches and windowsills full of soft pillows, they could also climb. Pictures can describe it best:

Here, kitty, kitty.

"This place is safe from the little girl."

They're everywhere!

The Loot.

Pet Helpers was very appreciative of everything, amazed that we brought in so much. So a huge shout out to everyone who donated! Thanks so much.

"Happy Day!"

I'll say what many parents exclaim, "It went by so fast!" (Sigh).

Corinne says "I'm two!"

As always we delight in her growth and understanding. She's slowly beginning to learn the potty. We're just taking that a day at a time. Her language improves daily, often repeating everything we say. (Which can be dangerous, ahem.) Colors are pretty much mastered and shapes are close behind. Counting to 10 is close behind as are singing the ABCs. We're pretty excited with her progress. She's always eager to start/learn something new.

Of course, there's always the inevitable two tantrum. If she's trying to show us that she has spirit and spunk, we got the picture! Her 'no's' are now accompanied by a crossing of the arms across her chest. I constantly grapple with making her mind and trying to ingeniously make her think that our commands were her idea. It doesn't help when her quick answer to "Do you want to go to time-out?!" is met with "yes!" Aahhhhhh. :-)

We started off Corinne's birthday singing and opening her presents. This resulted in her signing Happy Birthday to herself all day, "Happy dayyyyyyy, happy dayyyyy!"

Decked out in gj's handiwork (hat, scarf and new kitchen apron!). Check out my tricycle!

Oh yeah, I love my trike!

Corinne was a perfect hostess at her party. With 18 children under 4, we lucked out with a 68 degree day and a backyeard bash. I have to say that everything went off without a hitch. With the holidays just past, she really doesn't need extra gifts, so we offered for everyone to donate to the local Pet Helpers organization. (They are the only ones in the area that don't euthanize). The response was wonderful! We plan to take Corinne there this week to offer up the loot.

Here's a recap of yesterday:

Great to see the Burns family! It's been awhile since the days of taking our dogs to the house parties!

Greg, Catherine and Lauren break Arden into the party scene.

Chrissy and Isabella taking a break.

Maxine gives the horse a workout!

Hmmmm, where am I headed?--Charlie

Wells gets the yard tour compliments of Corinne.

Ella, Stella, Ailish and Rebekah show everyone the art of climbing.

Thanks to all friends and family for making her day so special! Love you all!