Outside with Nana and Papa

Grace enjoyed her week with Nana and Papa. They spent a lot of time outside, she just loves to be out! Lately she has been demanding to go out and gets upset if we come in when she is not quite ready. Here are some pictures of their outside adventures:

Papa and Grace looking to see what they can find in the lake

Look, Ducks!

Grace already misses Bailey. 

She enjoyed taking him for lots of walks.

Playing Dress Up

I had to post these pics because they are just too cute! Grace got this tutu from our friends Stacey and Dave for her birthday. She seems to enjoy running around in it, and can even say tutu!  I'm sure there will be many more pictures of her in it, maybe next time with the leotard.

Prima Ballerina

I found this when I was going through some hand me down clothes from Grace's cousins.  I think Grace is really going to enjoy playing dress up when she gets a little older...

Our Little Tinkerbell

SEWE

Today we went downtown to the South Eastern Wildlife Expedition. Grace had so much fun seeing all the different types of dogs and puppies in Marion Square. She also had fun observing and touching lots of other animals!

"Daddy, can I please have a dog!"

Does he bite?

I've never felt a snake before.

Mining in the sand with Taylor

Pretty Bird

It's a good think she can't ask for things yet, 

or I think we would have brought one of these home!

Happy Valentine's Day

Nana and Papa are arriving today and will be here for the whole week. Brooks and I are going out to dinner by ourselves tonight to celebrate V-Day. We are going to the restaurant where we had our first date (Atlantic Ville on Sullivan's Island). Can't Wait!

Moving Up

Grace officially moved up to the toddler class on Thursday this week. She had been visiting a little before that and they said she adjusted really well. She now takes her nap on a mat instead of in a crib. They have story time, sing songs, and have a number and letter of the week. They also go outside to play which Grace really loves! She is learning how to use her cup and no longer drinks bottles at school. As most of you know she is a picky eater, but I think watching all the kids around her eat is helping already. She just finished eating the most food for dinner that I have ever seen her eat! I can't believe how fast she is growing up..before we know it she will be off to kindergarten. 

Wonderful Weather

Since the weather has been beautiful this week, Grace has been spending a lot of time playing outside. She's been having a blast exploring the backyard and finding lots of things to touch (and taste). She loves kicking the ball around (especially when daddy kicks it really high) and really enjoys playing in the dirt. Today we played in the front of the house and she got to see lots of the dogs in the neighborhood. She has recently learned how to bark like a dog, so she was trying to communicate with them of course. She was also getting pretty mad that I wouldn't let her get too close and pet them all.

Down in the Dirt

Look what I found

Mmmm...

I Don't Know

Grace has a new favorite response to questions that we ask her. If the answer to our question isn't, "no" or a shake of the head for yes, this is what she does...

She uses this response to answer various questions and at first I wasn't really sure where she picked it up. Then I realized it was from me... Every night when Brooks comes home I ask Grace, "Who is here?" and I put my hand up just like this. It is amazing the things they pick up on.

The "Growing Rogers" Family

We went to Columbia this weekend to visit with the Rogers family. Grace finally got a chance to meet the newest addition to the family, her cousin Ellie. Although she was more interested in the dogs, it won't be long until they are running around and playing together. It was a beautiful weekend, so we were able to take Grace outside to play. She even went swinging at the playground by Uncle Clark and Aunt Kelly's house. Here are a few pictures from our visit.

~Booker and Mimi with their girls~

~Checking each other out~

~Sweet Ellie~

~Mommy and Ellie~

~Daddy and Ellie~

~Mimi and Grace~

~Mimi and her girls~

Super Bowl Fun

We went to Kevin and Christina's house to watch the big game on Sunday. Although Grace didn't get to enjoy all the delicious food they served, she had a blast. She really warmed up to the two of them and kept putting up her hands for them to hold her. Their dogs, Lola and Harlan, were very sweet with her and helped entertain her during the game.

Lola playing peek-a-boo...what a great dog!

Go-Doggie-Go

How Sweet

The Two Babies

Harlan and his mom

Angel Oak Tree

On Saturday, we decided to go visit the Angel Oak tree which we live just a few blocks away from. This tree is considered to be the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi River. It is thought to be 1,500+ years old. I've been wanting to go take pictures of it for a while and it was a beautiful day yesterday, so....

Grace and Daddy