Parents with toddlers are constantly dealing with the "picky eater" problem. From what I've read online, we're not supposed to push the new food. Just try again later and introduce in small portions. Or try to pair the new food with one they already like. 
I found a good article on Mayo Clinic that gives you 20 tips for working with a picky eater. To read more, click here. Don't forget to snap some shots of your little one getting messy with their new favorite food too!
Eric turned thirty today. For his cake, I made a 3 and a 0 out of chocolate and tried to use them as cake toppers, but the three broke so it didn't look as cool as I wanted it to.
Even though he didn't want his picture taken, I insisted and he gave me this creepy smile. This isn't really the way he smiles, but this is what I got... thanks, sweetie.
I hope you enjoyed your day, Eric! I love you!
Usually toddlers develop a fear of bath time because they've gotten soap in their eyes recently or water up their nose - some type of unpleasant experience. Other toddlers connect bath time with bedtime - "If I take a bath, I have to go to bed - if I DON'T take a bath, I DON'T have to go to bed!" Aren't our kids the smartest?
From reading through babycenter.com, parents are saying to take a bath WITH your child - especially if they're afraid. Other parents have found bringing in toys that are up to date with your child's interests. If your child is digging letters, bring in some of those foam letters to stick on the shower walls. If your child likes coloring, bring in some bath crayons. Parents usually get a "you're taking a bath weather you like it or not!" attitude, which is only going to create a traumatic experience for your baby (and frustrate you even more). Put in a little effort to make bathtime enjoyable for your little one and the phase will end soon... hopefully...
He brought his new baby sister Aria (sorry if I got that wrong... I think that's right?)
She was a cutie and I was glad to finally meet their mama!
I love the colors in this one. The background gives it a funky feel. The dancers watch each other's performance to show support, which I think is so sweet! 
There were a lot of mother/daughter teams there too - if you have a daughter and are thinking of ways to connect/bond/spend more time together, look into hula lessons - these girls were so talented and were all ages!
One more of the boy. He was the lucky one that got to do the shell horn thing.
It took me forever to figure out what to do with this one and I'm very pleased with the final effect! 
Thanks again to all of you for being so great on Saturday! Some of these will probably go up on Marilyn's website after your next performance so if you weren't on here very much, remind me to get more photos of you next time! xoxoxo
Denise
Aren't their costumes the best?
The little details like coordinating bracelets and anklets were my favorite.
I think this little one was the youngest... and the most energetic! :)
This one is my new best friend... they call her "cookie." :) I was actually feeling sick by the end of the day and she went and got a snow cone for me - the sweetest!
Another little dancer - check out those lashes!
If I ever see a bumper sticker that says, "Real men dance hula", I'm getting it for this guy. He was the only boy in the bunch and did a great job at the performace.
Pat was a total laugh - I liked her right away - definitely a funny one :)
Mandy was SO CUTE in her costumes - they did a cowboy hula that I loved and I had to get her in her straw hat!!
They used hula instruments as well. I think these are called Uli Uli's - a gourd rattle with colorful feathers.
And this one is an Ipu - a gourd drum. I actually love this photo - I added some texture and really like how it came out.
the park had set up the stage in front of a ton of wires - so I didn't get the best dance shots, but they have a performance later this month, so I'll try to get more then. For now, I put these two together.
That's it for aloha part 1 - get ready for part 2 coming soon from the rest of the day!
