Good Times

We had a fun and eventful weekend.

Friday night, we met our friends, Jamie & Jennifer, and their little girl, Elyn (who is 3 weeks older than Taylor) over by Perimeter Mall.  They live in Woodstock and we live in Loganville, so it can't get much farther apart for two couples who both live in the metro-Atlanta area.  So, every few months, we meet up in the middle for some good grub and great conversation. 

Yowzers... some cellphone-camera  flash that was!

Just for fun... here are the last couple of times we got together:

This was probably when the girls were 2-3 months old.

This is when the girls were about 6-7 months old.

My, how they grow!

Saturday was a really fun day. We went to the gym in the morning, so the girls got to play in their play area there. When we got home, we all went outside and played for a few hours. (well, Taylor and I did for a little over an hour, then she went in to take a nap. Stephen and Sydney stayed out for most of the afternoon). We kicked around the soccer ball, played basketball (I whooped Stephen in a game of HORSE, Little Tikes b-ball-style), played on the playground, tried to fly a kite, and just ran. And of course, I got some pictures. 

At 4:00, Stephen took Sydney to the birthday party for twin boys in Sydney's class.  I stayed home with Taylor, getting ready and waiting for my mom to arrive.  That night was Stephen's work's Christmas party, so my mom was sweet to volunteer to watch the kiddos.  That evening, Stephen and I headed to Callanwolde, a historic mansion near Emory, for an evening out.  It was a lot of fun!

So, today was a different story.  Sydney had what we think were growing pains last night (she's had these twice before, where she screams and screams in her sleep, grabbing her legs).  It's either that or cramps, I'm not sure which one yet.  So, I slept with her last night, and she also coughed all night long.  But, we woke up okay and decided to go to church anyways. 

Right when we got to church, it hit Stephen- nausea, headache, chills, etc.  I couldn't keep my eyes open, I guess from not getting a full night's sleep.  We left after the sermon before the last couple of songs and benediction.  Stephen had a fever and really could do nothing but lay down.  I was taking care of the kiddos all day so he could rest.  Since we were all a little under the weather, we stayed inside to avoid the cold.  Here are ways we spent our day:

Sydney lined up my little hair clips on the stairs (the stairs that look empty are actually clear hair clips). 

Sydney writing her letters... I, L, E, F, O, and half of an S. ;)

Silly Sydney, arranging a circle of various things.  She is my very orderly child, can you tell?

A Pinterest-inspired piece of art.

Nap time or doll morgue?  You decide.

Sydney and Monkey hanging out... she was taking him to the "doctor".

Christmas-themed Rice Krispie treats.

Whew, what a weekend!  One more week and then I'll be off for two.  I can do it!

Here comes Santa Claus...

So, we've had three visits to Santa, and we are 3 for 3 with unsuccessful "happy" pictures with him.  I'm totally okay with that.  I myself was a kid who screamed bloody murder when I had to sit in Santa's lap.  Every picture, up until the age of 12, is me crying.  Ok, not really 12... but pretty close. :)  Ironically, in college, I worked with Santa and took pictures of all the screaming kids.  Funny how life is sometimes. :)

Anyways, here are two of the three trips to Santa. 

First trip... a girls venture to Walmart turned into an opportunity for a free 5x7 picture with Santa.  At least we got a smile from Sydney, though she wouldn't even think about sitting in his lap. (hence, me being in the picture.  Obviously, I wasn't planning on it. ;)

These were taken while the girls were at school.  I forgot Taylor's shoes and stockings, and they provided a brand new hairbow that they were selling for her to wear.  Their faces almost scream a look of panic, but it's also sweet in another way.  I also love how their expressions are almost the same!

Last night was Sydney and Taylor's daycare's Christmas program.  It was held at a nearby church.  Stephen was in California for work, but my parents were sweet enough to drive down in the yucky rain to come see the girls perform.

They start the program off with all of the kids- small infants through K-5- doing a parade up and down all the aisles.  That was the extent to Taylor's performance.  She got to join us for the rest of the show. 

Sydney's class got up on stage and performed 'Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer' and 'Silent Night'.  They did the whole Silent Night song in sign language.  All the other classes performed, too, and at the end, all the kids (2 through K-5) sang 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas'.  It was very sweet!  Here are some pics from the night:





Sydney coming to give me a hug during the opening parade.

Taylor and D-Dad.

Grandmom, D-Dad, and my two thumb-suckers.

My pretty little girl!





I just have to say that I love my girls' daycare, and am so happy to have a great place to send my children every day while I go to work!  The teachers are just wonderful; the owners are fantastic; my girls learn SO much.  Plus, the little hour-long show last night had a packed house.  I couldn't believe how much support the children have with their families and friends.  I am so happy to be a part of a great community!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Christmas-time is my favorite time of the year.  The only thing that would make it better would be if the temperature would be around 70 degrees or so all winter long.  Wait a second... my wish has come true!  It has been about 70 degrees lately!  I'm anticipating a brutal winter... sigh... OK, I digress.

Anyways, the K-Bash household is fully-decorated.  The girls have seen Santa a total of 3 times already.  Christmas parties are in full swing.  Christmas cards are in the mail.  All shopping has been completed, and all presents have been wrapped.  Now, if only Taylor would leave the tree and its presents alone... ;)

House decorations:

I got most of the decorations up over the Thanksgiving break.  All the indoor stuff, at least.  Last year, with a newborn, we didn't even attempt the outside decorations!  Not that we ever do much, but we usually at least put some lights on our two columns.  I had bought some wreaths and bows to put on our windows during the after-Christmas sales a couple of years ago, and I actually attempted those this year.  (which I like, but they kind of freak me out when they bang against the window in the wind!)



Kids' Christmas Party:

Stephen's work does these awesome kids' parties for both Christmas and Easter.  For this Christmas one, they had Santa come visit so you could take your kids' picture with him (or in our case, a family picture since both kiddos wouldn't go anywhere close to Santa without us!).  They also have arts and crafts, face painting, cookie-decorating, breakfast food, games, and more.  Lots of fun. 



Play time!

Since the weather was really nice on Saturday, we had a good time playing outside in the afternoon.  I love breaking out the camera to "experiment" on the girls.  I really need to take a photography class. 

It was a great weekend!  Now, back to work... and a busy week ahead it is.  But, lots to look forward to in the next few weeks!! 

12 Months!

Happy birthday to Taylor!

12-1-2011

I can't believe a whole year has gone by!

Taylor has had a very eventful month 12.  Here are some of her accomplishments:

• Probably the most exciting one... WALKING!  Taylor is a walking pro now! 
• Saying "Uh Oh!" when she drops things.
• Going to Tennessee for the first time. 
• Celebrating her first Thanksgiving.
• Clapping.
• Getting her first black eye... she was walking and tripped and hit the corner of a rocking chair. :(
• Seeing Santa.
• Standing up on her own from a sitting position... not holding onto anything.
• Having her first birthday party!

More pics from this month:

This has been the greatest year of my life, being able to see my two beautiful girls and my wonderful husband every day.  I'm so thankful for Taylor!