Toddler Bed

Last week we set up the toddler bed for Isabel. She is at least starting out in her bed for night time and seems rather willing to get in it if she knows mom is in the room until she falls asleep.

Of course, Clara and Ollie like to get in it too.

Amy's Wedding

From Chad and April's house we caravaned to eastern Tennessee for cousin Amy's wedding. She had invited Clara to be the flower girl and Gage, the ring bearer. Those two were both excited and a bit nervous. They performed very well (for 6 year olds.) Both dropped what they were holding once during the ceremony. Clara was a bit fidgety, but that was to be expected as they stood with the wedding the party for the entire ceremony.

Later that evening we took the kids to an arcade-type place to let them have one last bash with cousin Gage. They enjoyed bowling, miniature golf (Ollie's favorite), and rock climbing (Gage's favorite.) The next morning we headed home to Texas. All of our main traveling days, coming and going, were in rain. Damian was so tired of driving in rain. But despite the rain, 2 "friendly" stops by Tennessee law enforcement, colds, drama, sciatica, and only one major vomiting , we had a great holiday.

Christmas in Sharpsburg, GA

From David and Rachel's house we drove 45 minutes south to Sharpsburg to Chad and April and Gage's house. Gage could hardly wait to see his cousins. He had been waiting for "his Clara Mae" and "Baby Oliver". The last time Gage saw Oliver he was a baby. Gage had yet to meet baby Isabel. Of course he loved her and quickly told his mom and dad he wished he had a baby sister.

Uncle Chad treated us to the Build-a-Bear Workshop. Clara and Ollie were so excited to go through this process. Clara named her bear "Violet" and Ollie named his bear "Paws." We didn't buy any clothes to go on the bears, which Clara desperately wants ( birthday present idea!)

Isabel got in some good aunt and uncle lap time.Clara lost her 2nd tooth of the trip (5 in all) at Gage's house.

Gage very badly wanted to lose one of his own. Frankly, we were glad she would not be a "snaggle-tooth" for Amy's wedding.

Yes, they watched movies together, but the cousins also had good outdoor play time on the bikes and the 4 wheeler, with the dog and cat, and walking through the woods.

Isabel's language seemed to take off during this holiday. She now says "eye", "nose", "mouth" and tried to pronounce names like Silas( sounded like ice), April and Gage. She very clearly now says "Ollie." One of her most frequently used words (besides "mama") is "more" except it sounds like "moy."