Visting Unca Nate

Last weekend we went to visit my brother, Nathan, at college. Anna was so excited. Of course she had to take her Dora backpack, can't go anywhere without it. She took off sprinting when she saw Nate and wouldn't let him put her down for the longest time. He's definitely her bud!

Nate has a pretty nice dorm room compared to what mine looked like many years ago. A 42" flat screen t.v., DVD player, playstation 2...they're living it up! Anna made herself quite at home settling in on the fouton and laying down on a pillow.

Big girl bed

We've transitioned Anna to a toddler bed and she's doing well. It took a few days to get her comfortable in it and to get her to stay in it but I think we've made it. The first time we put her in it, she locked us out of her room. The second time we went in to find she had emptied her dresser and was trying to put her bathing suit on. The third time she had looked at books that she left all over the floor and then fell asleep in the rocking chair (see last picture). But I think we're past all that now as she's been staying in her bed at naptime and bedtime and sleeping good. YEA!!

The batteries in my camera were running low and I couldn't get the flash to work but hopefully you can pick out the exhausted little girl asleep in the rocking chair in the corner. :0)

Fun with Friends

We had a great time this weekend with friends. Quentin, Paula, Elli and Jess came to visit and stay for a few days and it was so nice to see them again. We've been spoiled getting to see them 2 times in the past 2 months after not having seen them for 2 years after we moved from TN to TX!

On Saturday we went to a very advanced, large dairy farm that has tons to see and do. The corporation milks 30,000 cows across ten different farms and owns 19,000 acres. They make their own cheese, milk, and ice cream. We took a bus ride to one of the farms to see how they care for their animals. The girls loved riding on the bus.

The farm keeps all the heifer calves that are born and sells all the bull calves.

This is one huge milking carousel that the cows ride on 3 times a day. 72 cows can fit on it at one time and they are milked in 5 minutes!

Having a yummy lunch of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.

Anna and Jess liked playing the calcium climber game.

Before leaving the farm we were able to see a baby calf be delivered. I think us adults were definitely more into it than the girls but it just reinforced how awesome our God is giving animals the same maternal instincts as us humans in taking care of our babies. Nature is amazing!

The girls had a great time playing with the wagon. Be sure to watch the video...they're so full of energy and so fun to watch!!

Our neighbor, Bob, was out taking his dogs for a walk and stopped over to let the girls pet them. Gus and Scooter provided the girls with lots of entertainment. Bob let the dogs off their leashes and Gus did a great job burning some of the girls' energy by running all over the yard letting the girls chase him. They are good dogs who are patient with children. Anna isn't always very easy with them but they keep coming back for more of her attention. She loves to watch them out the window each day and they often run over to our yard to play.

Big Sister

Anna's going to be a big sister! Mommy is due on or around March 15 and we are very excited. We've been a bit fearful this week as some spotting has occured but after having an ultrasound we were much less worried. We heard and saw the baby's heart beating at 174 bpm but also found out there is some bleeding in the uterus. Hopefully with rest and the power of prayer it will heal on it's own and all will be well. Anna will make a great big sister, as you can see she's already the pro at feeding Elmo (see movie below). :0)

Mommy in Training

Anna has been practicing her mommy skills. She's often dragging her diaper bag and babies around the house telling us, "have a good day" as she makes her way to the "grocery" or "to church". It's so fun to watch her play and immitate us. She feeds her babies and Elmo, puts them to bed, reads them stories, and makes them burp. :0) This is such a fun age, most of the time. :-)

Making Cookies

Daddy and Anna have started baking together and this was their first attempt at making sugar cookies. Anna loves to help and is learning from a pro. Michael is a great cook which is nice for mommy. :0)

Time with Family

Over the past few weeks we've been blessed with getting to spend time with our families. Anna's doing great with learning each person's name which is difficult as we both have lots of family members. Unfortunately, many of my pictures turned out blurry so I don't have many to share.

Kenley was too cute wanting to be everywhere Anna was so whenever someone would hold Anna, Kenley automatically wanted that person to hold her too. I think Anna has a shadow. :0) It is so fun to see the girls play together.

Over the bridge, through the woods, and up the hill to Great Grandma Smith's house.

Having LOTS of fun playing in the sand with Aunt Aimee. She is definitely a kid at heart and will make a wonderful pediatrician!