Swimming Pool

We spent a few days at the pool this week. Our young crew wears out fast, but we pack a lot of fun in. Bringing along snacks always helps. Thanks for playing with us, Liddy and Gigi!

Big Girl

Our girl is growing up faster than I care to think about.

First up, big girl bed: Will and I were not ready for Laurie to leave her crib. But she was able to get in and out of her cheap, rickety, poorly put together crib at will, so...it was pretty much time.

It has been something of a success. We were worried she would be wondering the house at all hours of the night, but I guess we already fought that battle when she was getting out of the crib. Course, we have had problems. Her room is a wreck in the morning and post nap.



















And sometimes you find her not in her bed at all.















Next, big girl britches: Not nearly as successful. I have no idea what made me think it was time to potty train. No idea at all. And whatever it was, I want to take it back, I sincerely apologize. I think I was just curious to see if she were ready. Which she's not. Generally, when I ask her to sit on the potty, she tells me it's taking a nap. Hmm, huh.

I feel like tt has touched every square inch of our house. And why would I even want to potty train her? (well, other than the financial benefits) Diapers don't bother me and neither of my girls have ever been inside a public restroom. Again, why? Back to diapers it is!

Memphis Zoo

We also toured the Memphis Zoo on our trip. Despite the high temperatures, we had a wonderful time. It was especially nice to get a discount from our Jackson Zoo membership! :)

Laurie is getting savvy enough to know what she wants and demanded to ride the carousel from the time we walked in the gates. And didn't particularly want to get off.








































The grizzly bears put on quite a show. They tossed and tumbled in their pool for quite a long time. You can see Laurie and Will watching them from the observation glass. The memphis zoo really has great spaces for all their animals.

Dyersburg and Memphis Botanical Gardens

We have been wanting to take a trip to see my Aunt Jane and Uncle Bob in Dyersburg. I am really close to them and they have only seen Laurie once and haven't met Anna Fair yet. We had a great visit and the girls were so well behaved. Thank you for entertaining us!

We thought we would make a little mini-vacation of it while we were in that direction. First up, this awesome children's area of the botanical gardens. This was an amazing area for children and grown ups alike. I loved it just as much as Laurie. So much to see and do!

Laurie has always been of the mind, that once you find what you like, there is no need to venture any further. Once she discovered this little green house, there was no coercing her to explore further, no matter how enticing the other play areas may be. She liked the loft, the windows, the wall art, a little chair and desk; she loved it all. Maybe next time we'll have to start her at the brook or maybe the music area or tree house.

Poor Anna Fair, as usual, she just tags along.

Happy Birthday, Charlie!

To celebrate Charlie's birthday, Aunt Laura and Uncle Charles threw him a Slip and Slide, Spider-Man in the Park Birthday Party. We had a great morning playing, slip and sliding and celebrating Charlie's birthday. Laurie loves playing with all her cousins. She was so excited about the slip and slide, though not so much with the sharing and taking turns. It's ok though, nothing a little cupcake and candy can't fix.

Happy Fifth Birthday, Charlie!!

Anna Fair and Josie

From their first introduction, Laurie has always loved Josie. Josie has always been an object of entertainment and often Laurie's best playmate. It's been quite surprising to me that Anna Fair is not a fan. I mean, Josie constantly licks her in the face, and who likes that? But still. I guess it's just another reminder to me that our two girls are very different little people.

Josie had surgery recently and spent a lot of time indoors. Their relationship has improved, but I don't think they will ever be best friends like Laurie and Jo.

Cousin Lovin'

We ran into our cousins at the library's puppet show. Meg is particularly fond of Anna Fair, she kept asking me, "Sit right here, sit right here." So I obliged. She was pretty cute with her little arm around Anna Fair. I made a note to hire her for babysitting soon.

Vacation Bible School

I helped with Vacation Bible School at First Pres last week. Anna Fair is to young to participate, but they did have a small program for the 2 year olds. Both girls were such good troopers through a long week. I had a blast too(crafts for the 5's), as I hope others will help when my girls are of age.

Here is one of Laurie's craft projects, a funny place-mat with her picture and handprints. As Daddy says, she has such a pretty smile!

Sitting Like a Top

Anna Fair has been sitting so well and getting really vocal. It's hard not to compare the girls, I do not remember Laurie ever talking this much! We are so proud of each of her accomplishments, but it makes me sad too, to see my baby growing up so fast. These last 7 months have flown by and what a fun time it's been too!

Memorial Day With the Carters

We spent a fun day in Natchez with my family. Cici and Roro have an awesome back yard. We thought Laurie would tire of swimming in no time and we would head to the lake for a boat ride. We were wrong. Three and 1/2 hours later and she finally called uncle. Laurie was asleep before we left their street

Laurie loves swimming, she jumped and splashed and floated. All her cousins are older than her and her overprotective mother worried they wouldn't play with her, but I was so wrong. They were so sweet and helpful.





























Laurie is getting pretty good at the trampoline.















Parker has a pretty sweet tractor, complete with sippy cup holders!














Bebe had fun enough with her own little bathing beauty.