Columbia

We went to Columbia this weekend to spend some time with family. On Saturday, Brooks and I went to the basketball game with Booker and Sallie. It was an exciting game and a fun evening out. Thanks to Mimi for watching both girls (and Carol Anne for helping out)! It was a cooold weekend and we even saw a few snow flurries.

All Bundled Up

Rocking by the Fire

Mimi and Lil

Grace was very excited to see her cousin Elizabeth on Sunday. She asked about her the minute we got there. She loved spending time with her aunts and uncle too.

Cutie Cousins

Napping with Booker

Grace and Lily

It has been very challenging getting a good picture of the two girls together. My attempts usually end with someone in tears, but I finally got a few cute shots.

Grace is becoming more and more interested in Lily- she asks to hold her, tries to share with her (sometimes) and talks to her when she cries. Lily watches Grace's every move and smiles at her often.

Thanks Aunt Kelly for the adorable shirts!

Sisters are Special

Grace

Lily

Daddy and Lily

ABC's

Grace was in a singing mood yesterday and I was able to finally capture it on video.

Sorry it is so dark and I don't know how to turn it upright. She got a little distracted at the end when she dropped her fake band-aid (which she calls a boo boo in the video).

I All Dressed Up

Grace was sitting in my closet and "helping" me put laundry away over weekend. As I was busy putting clothes away she said, "I wanna wear a party dress." When I told her she wasn't going to a party, she started trying on my shoes and looking through my dresser drawers. I wasn't paying much attention, just folding and putting clothes away. Then she came up to me wearing this and said, "Look mommy, I all dressed up." Hopefully if she ends up being a fashion designer her line of clothes will have a little more coverage...

Lily ~ Three Months Old

Lily is growing and becoming more alert each day. She loves to smile at everyone and is just so sweet. Lil, Lily Bean and Lila are some of the nicknames we have for her right now. Wish I could freeze time...

Nana's Visit

My mom arrived on Friday to spend the three day weekend with us. We had a great time playing together, going out to lunch, shopping, going to Chuck E. Cheese (which Grace requested), going to Benjamin's birthday party and enjoying the great weather.

Grace had lots of fun cooking for Nana in the

new apron and chef hat that she brought her.

Nana and Lily

Grace enjoyed Benjamin's 3rd b-day party at the Children's Museum.

It was nice to spend some one-on-one time with

her while my mom took care of sweet Lily.

Sitting up like a big girl!

Walking the Babies

Grace did lots of exploring on our walk. She stopped to touch something (leaf, rock, puddle, brick) about every ten steps. She is pretty curious these days. I think Lily really enjoyed the fresh air even though she slept the whole time.

So glad you were able to come visit us, we miss you already...

No Tears Today!

Well, we made it through the first day back to school with no tears! I talked to Grace for several days about going back to "school" and stressed the fun things like playing with her friends, but she still seemed a little unsure about it.

We took Lily to the "baby" room first and then walked down to Grace's room where she just stood and looked around as I waved goodbye, but no tears fell. When I finally had time to breathe and think as I drove the few blocks to school (getting two kids ready in the morning is hectic!) I choked up, but no tears came down.

All the teachers just adored Lily and gave me a good report when I picked her up. As we talked about Grace's day at school before bedtime tonight she said, "I ready to go." I'm crossing my fingers that they will continue to like going to "school" this year and always... it definitely makes going to work a little easier.

Lily's Nursery

Since we moved in the new house a few weeks before Lily was born, I haven't had much time to work on her nursery. My friend Stacey came and painted on Sunday while we were in Columbia. I was so excited to see her wonderful work when we came back home! When I showed the wall to Grace she said, "Now see Grace's room." Looks like Stacey will have to come back soon and paint another room!

Now that her room looks so cute, maybe she will actually sleep in it soon...

Check out www.sweetaspeas.com/ if you are interested in seeing more of Stacey's work.

Happy 1st Birthday Elizabeth

We went to Elizabeth's 1st birthday party today. It is hard to believe she is already one!

She had a cupcake party and was such a cute birthday girl!

Cupcakes are one of my favorites!

Grace loved helping Ellie open her presents,

I just had to remind her a couple times that they weren't for her...

Lily and Carol Anne

Did it get dark in here?

Lily and her Mimi

Birthday Girl

Just wait until Grace is 3, Elizabeth is 2 and Lily is 1...

Bowl Game

We went to Kevin and Christina's house to watch the Gamecocks play today. Despite the game, we had a great time hanging out with friends...

Grace helping Clare open her b-day present.

Upstairs with Kevin

New York Continued...

We had lots of fun visiting with family and friends in NY. Grace sat through her first movie (Alvin and the Chipmunks), had a sleepover at her cousin's house, and went to Chuck E. Cheese.

Lily and Her Cousins

The Newest Addition ~ Madison

Uncle Mike Meeting Lily

Bath Time

Pajama Dance Party

Visiting with Friends - Lauren and Gregory

Grandpa and the Gang

Lily (2 months), Grace (2), Allison (4), Morgan (6), Jake (7)