Snow Much Fun

Last Sunday we took Audrey to the snow for the first time! At the first sight of the cold, white stuff she pointed out the window of the car and said, "Snow!" We only had to drive to the top of the four lanes to find enough snow to play in. We parked the car, got Audrey all bundled up, and watched her take her first steps in her snow boots. She was a little unsure at first about not being steady on her feet. It took some time. Within a few minutes, she was walking somewhat confidently on her own. For the next couple of hours, we went sledding, built a snowman, and had a snowball fight. What else is there to do in the snow, right? Well, for Audrey, she could spend the entire day doing nothing but eating handfuls of snow. To be honest, that is what she did the majority of the time that we were there. We didn't mind at all, because there was plenty of it and it was all clean snow that she ate...we made sure of it! ; )

First ride on a saucer.

So excited!

Audrey and Daddy, ready to ride!

Audrey and Mommy

Building a snowman with Daddy.

Giving the snowman a hug.

Bunny hill with Mommy...

...black diamonds with Daddy!

Catching snowballs being thrown by Daddy. It was girls against boy!

Hmmmm, this tastes pretty good...

...yeah, I think I like this quite a bit!

Look how deep the snow was...up to her knees at least.

This picture of us was taken by the snowman we made. Just set the camera right on top of his head. He took a great picture, Audrey just forgot to smile.

Eating lunch on the tailgate of Daddy's truck. Snow much fun!!

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

A couple of weeks ago, when we had that big week of rain, rain, rain, it was the perfect time for Audrey to try on her rain gear that Nani and Papa got her for her birthday. And, of course, I had to snap a couple of pictures because she looked so darn cute!!

So sweet!

Shoes, check. Jacket, check. Just missing her umbrella.

My Friend the Vacuum

For the longest time, Audrey has not liked the vacuum. We don't think it is the sound that has bothered her, but just maybe the way it moves across the floor and sucks things up? Not sure. Anyways, the other day, when Aaron and I were cleaning, Audrey decided to venture out and help Daddy vacuum. Once she saw that there really wasn't anything to be afraid of, she grabbed a hold of the vacuum and didn't want to let go. She vacuumed her room for the first time, and loved it. Yay, the vacuum is her friend!!

Our little helper, vacuuming her room for the first time...and hopefully not the last.

So focused while she works.

Big Girl Bed

About a month ago, we decided to move Audrey into a big girl bed. We wanted to have her comfortably sleeping in her new bed before the new baby arrives in May. She was so excited about her big girl bed!! She was more than ready to give the crib to her new baby brother or sister. Going to bed has never been a problem, but the first couple of nights were rough because she would wake up totally disoriented. Naps have been great as well. The only issue we have run into, is that Audrey is waking up an hour earlier than normal. She used to sleep until 7:30am or 8:00am, but now we hear her door open anywhere from 6:00am to 7:00am. Bummer for Mommy and Daddy! What is so cute is that she will come running into our room and say, "I all done seepy nigh-night. I seepies dood!!" Unfortunately, it is too early for her to be up, so we take her back to her room and explain that it is still "nigh-night" time. Then, she learned how to step up onto her foot board to turn the light on and off. Fun! After a month, Audrey has learned to stay in her bed and not to touch the light...well, at least she stays in her room. There are mornings that we hear her playing with her baby dolls, reading books, or playing with her toys. As long as she is keeping herself busy and allowing Mommy and Daddy to get a few more minutes of rest, we don't mind. : )

So proud of her big girl bed!!

Can't wait to go "nigh-night".

Swimming

During our Christmas vacation, Audrey was given the opportunity to go swimming!! Good friends of ours had heated their pool up for their grandchildren to swim in over the holidays. When their family left, they turned the heat off and waited for it to cool back down. Before all the heat escaped, we were invited to come over for a swim. The temperature of the water was 90 degrees and the pool is completely closed in with a large tent. Daddy and Audrey were the only ones to get in the water...it was a little too cold outside for Mommy to even think about getting into a swimsuit. Audrey absolutely had a blast!! She was so excited and had no fear! She jumped right in and swam to Daddy. We were so proud and so thankful that Audrey got to go swimming in the middle of the winter. Every once in a while, Audrey will say, "I go simming in Becky's (daughter of the owners) pool!" We tell her that it has to get a lot warmer before we can go swimming again. Audrey just can't wait to get back in the water!

Getting ready to go for a swim. Notice the big, yellow duck in the background...one of her favorites to ride on in the pool.

Swimming with my Daddy!!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

What a wonderful Christmas we had this year! On Christmas Eve morning, dressed warm and cozy, we went over to the Koury's to celebrate with Nani, Papa, and the Tatums. We were able to relax and enjoy time with our family without feeling rushed and having to move on to the next location for the day. In fact, we didn't have anywhere to be until 4:00pm that evening. Audrey was able to play with her cousins until nap time. Nani prepared a delicious brunch that left us all feeling very fat and happy. That night, we went over to Aunty Cathy's house to celebrate with the Cirimeles. Once again, a yummy meal was prepared and enjoyed by all. Then, it was back to our house for drinks and desserts.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Audrey and Kaleb

Audrey and Abby

Audrey already has a couple of babies that she likes to take care of, but she loves her new baby doll that she got for Christmas. This baby actually drinks from the bottle, burps, and then falls asleep. Audrey is getting lots of practice for the arrival of her baby brother or sister in May. We already know that she is going to be a wonderful big sister!

Kaleb and Audrey eating the yummy brunch that Nani made.



Christmas Eve at Aunty Cathy's house.


Another fun tradition that our family has is that no presents can be opened until the children sing a Christmas song. My cousins and I used to be those children, but as of last year, the jingle bells have been passed down. Here is a picture of Kaleb and Audrey singing, "Jingle Bells".

Here are the children who used to sing the first Christmas song of the evening, my cousins Megan and Erin, me, and my sister, Jennifer.

On Christmas Eve night, Audrey was beginning to show signs that she wasn't feeling very well. Sure enough, Aaron and I were up for hours at a time, comforting a sick baby. Getting up early Christmas morning was rough, but Audrey was a trooper. She definitely wasn't herself, but you would never know it by looking at the pictures below. She tried her best to put on a happy face and make it through the day. This year, for the first time ever, our sweet family of three had Christmas morning all to ourselves. We sang Happy Birthday to Jesus, opened a few presents, and ate a big breakfast together. We didn't have to be at the Kourys until noon. It was awesome!!

Audrey got her first tricycle from Mommy and Daddy.

This was the expression that was on Audrey's face after almost every single gift she received.

Aaron and I

The Loves trying our best to get a family picture on Christmas.

Audrey with her Nani and Papa.

After celebrating with the Kourys, we drove out to the Loves for the rest of the day. It was a nice change this year, compared to the past. The holidays didn't seem as stressful and we were able to fully enjoy the time we had with family.

Audrey with her grandma and grandpa.

Audrey and her cousin Maci. These two are only five weeks apart and when they get together they have so much fun playing with each other.

To celebrate the arrival of the New Year, we went to a friend's home to have drinks, appetizers, and just to hang out. The little ones played together and even slept together when the time came. We had 6 big kids sleeping in one room, 3 little ones in another room, and 1 little one in the last bedroom available. Yes, 10 kids, 3 rooms, all asleep at one time. Impressive! We had so much fun ringing in the new year, 2010, with some of our very closest friends. We can't wait to see what the Lord has planned for the Loves, and we want to wish you all a Happy New Year!

All ready to bring in the New Year with her friends...slumber party!!

Audrey reading books with her friends Taryn and Molly.