it's a beautiful day in the neigborhood...

We have started to thaw out here in Georgia and I must say, it's a welcome change. While out and about the other day running errands, the girls and I stopped by Sweet Apple Park in Roswell. It was such a great park, with lots of play options and for the first time, Sammy was able to keep up with Cara. I sat back and watched as the two of them ran around laughing, and felt so blessed. I always wanted just one kid, mostly for selfish reasons, and even after Cara, I felt that adding another would just be too much. But watching them play together as sisters at the park was such a special moment for me as a mom. I gave each of them a best friend for life and now, as they grow, I really see the value in them being close in age. I snapped the picture above after Cara insisted on walking her sister up the sidewalk. I hope she continues to always provide a hand for her little sister to hold.

ten things to know about miss samantha...

1. she calls her Mom, baba. unless incredibly tired, then you can hear "mamamamama".

2. her dance moves could rival a river-dancer's.

3. she has been in a size 3 diaper for almost 9 months now. had i known that, and also that i was having a diaper shower, i would have requested all size 3 diapers!

4. sharing is not her strong suit, unless getting bit and yelled at is something you enjoy when trying to play with a toy.

5. she seems to understand most everything i say. unlike her sister, she doesn't feel the need to talk back to everything i say.

6. her favorite toys right now would be her fisher price blocks and whatever cara is holding.

7. she's my number one cuddle bug! will cuddle me at all times of the day, and i looooove it!

8. loves waffles, bananas, blueberries, publix sugar cookies and chicken nuggets.

9. she makes the BEST faces! her serious face and side eyes would have to be my favorite.

10. LOVES her daddy. for the first time ever, picked him over me this past weekend. looks like it's time to have more!

daddy-daughter date night ♥

Chik-fil-a has always been a favorite of mine for getting the kids out of the house when the weather wasn't so great, or for a meet up with Gigi. They have a great play area, good food options for the girls, and excellent staff that makes it very convenient when you have kids with you. They have exceeded my expectations here lately though! While stopping through there at the mall one afternoon, I saw a flyer for a Daddy-Daughter date night. Having never heard of it before, I became instantly intrigued and told Chris about it. He thought it was a fun idea, so I registered him and Cara for a night out together. I of course would have LOVED to be there, as a fly on the wall, witnessing the two of them partaking in conversation. BUT, that would defeat the purpose of them spending quality ALONE time, so I opted not to smuggle Sam in and spy on their evening out. (at least that's my story, and I'm sticking to it!)

Chris filled me in on all the deets and it sounded like such a great experience for father's and daughter's. Upon arrival, they handed in their official invitations at the door and Chris was presented with a rose to give to Cara. How did they know she was royalty?? The tables were decorated with table cloths and glass place settings, while a wait staff took their orders. They had place mats with conversation starters for the two to engage in fun, interesting chats. Chris and Cara spoke mostly of princesses, and after a lull in conversation Cara suggested, "should we talk about princesses some more?". It wrapped up with ice cream and some time in the play ground. Cara really enjoyed herself!

It's so important to me that Chris gets to show each of his girl's how special they are, and I am thankful Chik-fil-a is working with families to make it all possible. Next year, once Sam is older, I think a daddy-daughter DANCE is in order.