Silly Pics!!

We had a few silly pictures over the last week so thought I would share. Kaitlyn decided that she was going to dance like her ballerina in her music box so of course we had to put on our tutu (thanks Mimi). We also thought Aunt Ali would be proud. Now we just have to get back to TX so Aunt Ali can teach us all her moves :) God knows I don't have any to offer!

23 month pics! Only one more month till we're TWO but somehow I think we are already there!

On Saturday we went to a cook out hosted by Brad's department to welcome all of the new residents and fellows. It was great to meet everyone and the kids had a BLAST on the slip n' slide. Here are pics of Kaitlyn, Jack and Sam having a great time despite the dreary weather.

Double-trouble...

Jack with his Super Star poses!

Jack with Kaitlyn on deck ready for launch...

And last but not least... Kaitlyn's new found independence has meant a LOT of attempting to dress ourselves. She actually got the pants on all by herself this morning (had to pull them up over the back of the diaper but don't tell her that) and half the shirt - still working on the arms. As for the hat, that was her choice of accessories... lovely isn't it! I have a feeling this is only the beginning of some GREAT outfit yet to come :)

Pool Time and Baseball Game

In theme with true summer time activities, we've spent LOTS of time at the pool the past few weeks and even caught a Columbus Clippers baseball game last Sunday afternoon with the Olds. I know most of you probably don't want to hear this but we've really only had about two days above 90 degrees this summer. None the less, it's still nice to cool off at the pool and get some energy out in the afternoons. Not sure if it's a good or bad thing but Kaitlyn has absolutely NO fear of the water. With her little "swim vest" she tries to conquer the whole pool and LOVES jumping off the side and swimming back to the stairs to do it again all without any help from us. In fact, that seems to be the theme of the past few weeks - "Ms Independent" has moved in and I'm afraid she's here to stay :) I can't even count how many times a day I hear "No Momma" if I try to help her out with anything whether it's getting dresses, holding on to her in the water, helping her up the playground ladder, helping her eat, etc. Guess it's good for when baby II arrives, but we'll see! Here are a few pics from the pool one afternoon when Brad was able to join us and a few pics from the baseball game, which happen to be one of the days above 90 but we survived.









Totally unprompted by us, Kaitlyn and Sam decided that they were going to play a game of run around the lawn chairs and give big hugs about ten times :)

Summer Fun in Columbus!

Hello! First of all need to apologize for being so bad about not updating the blog this past month. Honestly don’t have a good excuse other than the fact that we haven’t spent much time indoors this month! We are officially as settled as I think we will be for our one year stay in Columbus. Kaitlyn and I have spent lots of time checking out the parks, pool, zoo, children’s museum, and even the Ohio State Fair! Promise I didn’t darn go on my own – my partner in crime, Molly, and I took Kaitlyn and her two boys yesterday. It was quite an adventure and interesting look into American society. We are enjoying Columbus a lot more than I actually thought and it’s great to have everything so close. Kaitlyn and usually walk over to the park or library at least every other day and head up to the pool a couple time a week with Jack and Sam.

As for the rest of the month of July, my parents came back up to Columbus right after helping us settle in. Again, THANK YOU MOM and DAD! They came as back up for Brad while I ventured back to South Beach, FL for Lindsey’s bachelorette party with 11 other girls! It was a fabulous long weekend , much needed break from being “mom,” and moving and a great way to celebrate with Lindz who’s big day is coming up in a few months!

Brad is well underway in his fellowship and really enjoying the people he’s working with and the experience that he’s getting so far! Life is good and we’re just taking it all in one day at a time :) Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!!

Here are some of our favorites from this past month.

Watching the Upper Arlington 4th of July parade... yes, they had a parade. Not quite as elaborate as a Mardi Gras parade but pretty impressive.

One of several trips to the zoo already. This time we took Bebe and Pops along to see the animals and ride the zoo train!

Sporting our Ohio State gear (thanks Aunt Anne!)....getting ready for football season already!

Think everyone knows already but Kaitlyn finally broke her silence and told everyone her big news of becoming a BIG sister. Baby II expected to arrive sometime around Jan 31st!!

Another trip to the zoo with our pals!

Kaitlyn's haircut at the kiddo haircut place! She did so good and just played with her hippo friend the whole time.

22 month pics!

We ventured to the local Irish Festival last weekend with the Olds. Kaitlyn and Sam were showing off their hats that they decorated themselves while listening to the music.

Our favorite phrase of the week is "No Momma" as little Miss Independent takes over my child's body. Kaitlyn is all about doing everything herself. This was yesterday's attempt at putting on her own shirt - got all but one arm through!

The Ohio State Fair....

Watching the pig races in Sam's lap :)

Our first pony ride!

The gang after a FUN filled day!