Jason, Ali and Meg Come to Visit

We really hate that my brother and his family live so far away, but it sure does make for an awesome visit when they come in town. They arrived late Thursday night before Claire's 3rd birthday. When Claire woke up on her brithday, she was so happy to see Uncle Jason, Meg, and Ali. We made breakfast and let her open her presents.

Claire got an Innotab and pretend make up for her birthday.
After presents, we got ready to go take pictures. Recently Meg got a new camera and we were so happy that she was dying to take pictures. 

I love how to pictures turned out! We took a candy break half way through the pictures to keep the kids happy.

After pictures, we headed to Chick Fila (Claire's request). It was insane, so luckily Claire decided that Burger King would work. The kids played so hard on the playground that Claire and Harrison both fell asleep on the ride home.

We continued the birthday celebration that night and got ready for the big party on Saturday.

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Claire,
     I can not believe that you are already 3. It does not seem that long ago that I was on bedrest anxiously awaiting your arrival. This last year you have grown so much. You have taken on your role as a big sister and absolutely adore your brother. You are still very independent and super head strong which I remind myself daily is a blessing. You love to take "big baby" aka Nockey or whatever her name is for the day everywhere. Usually you pretend to be her mommy or her babysitter. It makes me smile seeing how sweet and loving you are to "big baby". You are such a blessing and we love you so much!!

Christmas in the Country

Every year the Autry's have "Christmas in the Country" the weekend before Christmas. It is so much fun and a wonderful tradition that I am glad to be a part of. It is an all weekend affair, but we made a day trip of it on Saturday (the best day).

We rode on the hayride and sang Christmas carols. Claire enjoyed the ride in Shelley's lap.They stop the hayride and everyone ventures out to find the perfect tree. Once the tree is selected, everyone helps cut it down. Claire loved swinging the ax with Darrell.

We decorated the tree and then Santa made a visit. Claire and Harrison both sat on Santa's lap. Claire asked for a baby doll with a paci and she told Santa that Harrison wanted a dump truck.

Harrison and Mamaw took a little rest after Santa's visit. I am so glad my kids have great grandparents to love on them!

We definitely enjoyed "Christmas in the Country". 

12 months

I can't believe my little man is one! He looks so cute in this sombrero.
At one you are:

• Wearing 24 months clothes
• Wearing size 5 1/2 shoes
• Wearing size 5 diapers
• Cruising everywhere (not walking yet)
• Saying bye bye, mama, dada, ball, baby, pretty

You are so sweet and have brought us so much joy this past year! We love you!!

Crafty

I know I am late to join Pinterest, but I started looking on it this week and feel in love with several projects. On Tuesday, Claire requested to go to Hobby Lobby and I just couldn't resist. I bought the stuff to make a wreath. I have been searching for about a month for the perfect wreath for our front door. I had no idea how ridiculously expensive a wreath could be. When I starting looking on Pinterest, I saw a wreath that I loved. There was a link to a blog to make it and it sounded super easy. I decided to change it up a bit and this is how it turned out. I love it and love the orange and white! Go Vols!!



9 months

My little man is 9 months! You are growing up so fast. At your 9 month check up, you weighed 25lbs 60z. You are 30.25 inches and your head circumference is 18.70 inches. That puts you in the 97- 99th percentile.
You are:

• crawling everywhere (you do the walrus crawl )
• talking all the time.. You can say mama, dada, baba, bye bye, hey, and you make lots of other interesting sounds
• waving and giving high fives
• wearing 18 month clothing
• wearing size 5 diapers
• the HAPPIEST baby

We love you!

St. Louis

We had a blast in St. Louis! I was so worried about traveling with the kids, but they did awesome!  When we arrived at the hotel, we unpacked and headed to dinner. Dinner was tough....Harrison had to change outfits and Claire needed to change. After traveling and quite the dining experience, we went straight to bed.

Saturday morning we went bowling.

 This was Claire's first time to bowl. She loved it!

 Saturday afternoon we went to the ballgame (Cardinals vs. Cubs). The park was so accommadating and allowed us to bring the stroller in and they set it aside until we were ready to leave. Harrison and Claire both did great at the game and the Cardinals won!!

Sunday we went to Six Flags. It was so hot!! We stayed only in the water park and didn't last more than 2 hours. Then we went back to the hotel and Claire enjoyed playing with the balloons. We always have so much fun in St. Louis. We can't wait to go back next year! (although we made a promise to not go back to Six Flags unless it was below 80 degrees)