Ozarks - Bridal Cave

Certain activities are good with small kids, going to the caves was a bit on the challenging side.  The girls were very active and wanted to walk, walk, walk, and run!  Luckily there was 4 of us to corral them!

 The rock formations were beautiful!

 We thought we were thinking of everything by bringing the backpack for Isabelle; however, we found out the cave was too small for it!

 Daddy was double-girling it!

 More formations

This pool of water was so clear!

 Isabelle our little walker

Speaking of things not fitting....I almost didn't fit!

Group picture....though I'm not sure where Amelia was running off to!

Ozarks - Amelia LOVES Swimming

This year for vacation we went to the Ozarks!  Gramma and Grandpa went with us and we had a great time.  I have to admit, I've been procrastinating on posting since there are so many pictures!   So there will be a few posts from vacation.  

To start it off, Amelia was so excited to go swimming!  AND wear her goggles, which she got for her birthday AND go with the monkey.

The excitement is boiling over for Amelia!

Amelia was very willing to pose for pictures....though it was hard to hold her back from the pool!

Swimming all by herself!

Love that big ole smile!  It is such a genuine smile.

I love that girl!

Taking a moment to look around.

Daddy and Amelia!

Playing in the fountains

Gotta bring along monkey!

Amelia had so much fun swimming!

After swimming, we also went to the playground.  Grandpa and Isabelle swinging.

The girls swinging - note, Amelia on the big girl swing!

Swinging like a big girl!

Isabelle, just chillin'!

Little Conversations

Amelia: "Mommy, you're freakin' me out"

Mommy:  "Why?!"

Amelia: "You're freakin' me out, Mom.  You're freakin' me out."

Mommy: "Why?!"

Amelia: "Because you're not listening to me"

Amelia [while coloring in her coloring book]:  "This is just a little butt paste Mom"

Mommy: "What?!"

Amelia: "Its just a little butt paste"

Mommy: "Because you are coloring in the crack?!"

Amelia: "Yep"

Isabelle Antics

Isabelle keeps us very entertained and on our toes......she now....

Likes to 'talk' on the phone (mainly daddy's)

Will grab the red man (our back rub assister), lay down and try to rub her own back

Climb, climb, climb....onto our kitchen chairs, on the foot rest to the couch, on Amelia's bed, only any stool around.....now if only she could get down.

tries to put her shoes on

We put on a temporary tattoo on her arm and she proceeded to lick, suck, and bite to try and get it off

Scream bloody murder anytime she doesn't get what she wants

Mimic her sister whenever she can, brushing her teeth, playing with the toys Amelia plays with, brushing hair

Feeding Joey

Eat like crazy and finally gain a little weight - she's still a peanut, just a heavier peanut

Pregnancy Sayings With Amelia

While I have been pregnant Amelia has had some interesting things to say.....

Getting pregnant was quite the surprise, so when I got tested at the doctor's office they called with the results.  Now at this point I was still in shock and we really hadn't talked about it much at all.  I hang up the phone....

Amelia (very stern):  Mommy, you prega-nant!

Amelia told both Nana, Papa and Amber and Gramma and Grandpa that mommy was prega-nant!

One morning at breakfast I sit down with my heavenly coffee.

Amelia: Mommy!

Mommy:  Yes, Amelia?

Amelia:  The baby in your belly not like that coffee!

Amelia:  Mommy?

Mommy:  Yes, Amelia?

A: How is that baby in your belly going to get out?

M: How do you think the baby is going to get out?

A: Through your mouth!

M: Really?!  I am going to have to open my mouth really wide don't you think? (Opening my mouth)

A:  (Opening her mouth) Yes!

M:  Do you think the baby will fit?

A: NOOOO!

Mommy:  Amelia, you are going to have a brother!

Amelia: What's that?!

(On more than one occasion)

Mommy or Daddy:  Amelia what should we name your baby brother?!

Amelia: JESUS!!!

Mommy:  Amelia, did you know your baby brother can hear you?!  I already knows what your voice sounds like!

Amelia:  Hi baby brother!  I love you!  (Hugs my belly - ever so gently)

At daycare to her friends, while Daddy was there.

Amelia:  The baby in my mommy's belly is going to pop out!

Every night Amelia prays for her baby brother or sister.   Even though we know its a boy - it still comes out brother/sister.  Its still just too sweet.

Isabelle's 1 Year Pictures

These are Isabelle's 1 year pictures!  Yes, she is now 16 months, but what can I say - I am a procrastinator at picking them out.  Thank you so much Mark and Melanie for taking them!  Cannot believe Isabelle is getting so old!

I have to say....I love this last picture....yes she is crying uncontrollably, but really - its not totally uncommon for her, so its a bit fitting to have a picture of it now. :)

All Things Isabelle

Oh Miss Isabelle, what can I say?  You are a spunky little girl that I cannot take my eyes off of.  You have no fear.   At 16 months, you still only have 4 teeth, which makes me a bit nervous for you when they all decide to come in.   We've been working with you and signing, but honestly you don't really like it much.  Instead you usually get you message across very loudly in other ways.   You laugh from your belly - always and its the sweetest thing in the world.   You love to dance......you squat down, stomp one foot and will spin in circles.  You mimic us all the time - especially with words.  You do have a few in your arsenal.... dada, mama, tickle, jojo, bye bye.  I'm sure you have more, but those are all I can think of for now.   You still cuddle so much, give kisses, wave, blow kisses and for the most part you like people.

In the beginning of August Amelia got to spend the week with Nana and Papa, which meant Isabelle became an only child with us!

Isabelle found this bag and had so much fun digging through it

She also figured out how to make it a purse

Isabelle in my baptism dress.  I think I wore it before I was a year, so the fact she can still fit in it - is quite amazing!

She looks so danty

This dress was gramma's and I think was handmade by her great great grandma.

Isabelle taking monkey for a ride.  For the most part Isabelle has stopped climbing this very unstable item with wheels.

Adjusting monkey just so

Love you so much little girl!