the atlanta zoo (revisited)

We've been to the nashville zoo too many times to count. So, the Atlanta zoo (during thanksgiving week) was fun for a change. They had several animals that we don't have! And, no I am not some huge animal lover... I mean I don't even really like animals at all! teasing.....





Here are some lions. Yes, I realize this is not a close up picture. There was a momma lion, 3 cubs, and a daddy. The 3 cubs were laying pretty much on top of the momma. She was cleaning them, discipling them, and even playing. Call me crazy, but it just reminded me of "us." I feel like the girls and I (and jim when he's here) are always hanging out in the smallest room of our house, or on only one section of our couch, or if one's in the tub, we are all in the tub, etc...... (think I'm crazy?)

this snake = my body weight

So, they had several monkeys or whatever version this is. I guess I didn't realize that these guys feed their babies the same way we do! I know I'm slow..... I got so tickled because they really seemed like humans. One momma was even swatting her little one away because she didn't want to feed right then!

But, here's the second worst or rather second most funny thing. Emery saw this view (picture above) and said really loud, "Look at its bottom!" Of course we all laughed! The picture is kinda dark, but I'm thinking that this is what I might look like from behind. he,he

The worst or rather funniest thing Emery said is not blogging material, but what funny memories from this zoo!

tagged....4th in 4th

(I can't believe I'm actually doing this , Jennifer!!! Would you look at that picture?)

I mean seriously... what luck that my 4th picture in my 4th album would be this?? I'll go ahead and clarify that I am not nursing in this picture!!! I would never let anyone take a picture of that! But, since I won't be something I'm not.... this is what we looked like most days after merrill's arrival. I'm guess that this was in the evening and that merrill was maybe 6 weeks old?? I can tell I hadn't showered or put on make-up and from the looks of things... we hadn't left the house that day! Enjoy this picture..... and feel free to laugh!

I tag:

Britney (since I never did this when you tagged me... should have though, could have been a better picture)

Laura Beth

Natalie

Jenny H.

double the trouble

So, this post is for my mom! Last year at one of my favorite children's stores mom and I saw a pink and green smocked christmas dress. We didn't buy it, but mom said she would smock something for both Em & M this year. We she did it and she did it well! I feel very lucky to have such a talented momma! I love that these dresses can be passed around to any nieces and nephews we might get from the sister or the brother some day! I think the girls will be able to wear these dresses for 3 years! At least 2, but I'm hoping for 3! Thank you Mom, we love them!

Love the glasses? I actually took a bow making class a few weeks ago. I am so proud of myself of this bow! (if I do say so myself)

this bow... not so much, but I really didn't have enough ribbon.

Did I mention in my last post that I left my make-up in Atlanta? I really need better backup makeup.... I'm getting old... I'm getting old!

Thanksgiving week

We had a great couple of days in Atlanta with Nana and Poppy for Thankgiving! We didn't get one picture on Thanksgiving day, but that's okay! We did lots of fun things.... I think we wore Nana & Poppy out!Picture from the road trip..... Merrill will go to anyone. She starts leaning in and then it pretty much forces the person to take her. This includes Mindy the clown at Chick-fil-a family night! Makes for some kinda uncomfortable situations. I'm just not sure I want everyone holding her, but how do you say that?

We went to the children's musuem one day. Emery had a great time once all the other children left for a lunch break! Oh my how kids are funny!

Jim forgot his razor, so when he leaned in for the picture, his beard scratched em. So funny!

Nana & Em

Merrill had a BLAST at the musuem

Okay, not sure what happened with the layout here. But, I put the picture of Jim on here just cause I thought he looked handsome and thought it was hilarious he was holding a fake loaf of french bread. Just so you know.... this was at the museum.

We also went and rode the pink pig. I think this is a pretty big deal to Atlantians??? Anyway, Emery loved it. Merrill actually got to ride too. I had Merrill in my lap and the worker said, "Ma,am, she can't ride in your lap. She has to sit on the seat." I said, "Seriously?" He said, "Yes." So I included a couple different pictures of the 1 minute ride! Merrill actually stayed seated the whole time!

we went to zoo atlanta one day. It was so much fun! I am working on a separate post about that adventure! Fun times.....

carosuel ride

train ride

I'm thankful for...

Okay, so I am loving this time of year. I love that my 3 year old is actually grasping what Thanksgiving (thankfulness) means. Here are a few things that Emery is thankful for..... These actually make her prayer at night!

1. letters
2. picture frames
3. curtains
4. chocolate
5. party hats

So, I'd like to list a few 'simple' things that I am thankful for too! (besides the obvious, of course!)
1. baby einstein dvds
2. dum-dums (excellent bribes for both of mine)
3. the girls nap time
4. the purple johnson & johnson baby bath
5. my camera

In every single one of these pictures, I could say, "If only this wasn't in the the picture or if I had only moved this, or brushed her hair, etc..... But, then again it would mean the pictures don't really portray our little family!! It's killing me that there isn't ONE bow in these pictures. I will not disappoint next time!

taken right before merrill did a face plant on the hardwood!

how quickly we forget.... this was taken the next night!

clean sisters

Loving some electrical sockets. I have popped her hand sooo many times for this! She doesn't care! She keeps me really busy. I don't think Emery ever tried to touch an outlet!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I can't believe she's 11 months!!

Merrill was 11 months yesterday. It just seems like yesterday that we decided on what her name should be, and now here I am needing to be working on her party! The tiny thing just started walking and of course strangers kinda stare- she looks like a 6 month old!! We love this sweet baby girl so much! (and her sweet big sister too!)

Some new arrivals & some Halloween pictures

I now have 2 new baby cousins! Madison and Macey were born to my cousin Jenny (and Jeff too!) last Wednesday! It was such a fun day waiting at the hospital for their arrival. This is the only picture I've gotten of the precious-ness so far, but once I get over my little cold, hopefully I'll get some more! They are so tiny and adorable! Check Natalie or Julie's blog for some more pictures!
And then finally, a few pictures from all the Halloween festivities...... Trunk or treat, Emery's preschool party, and then trick-or treating! Fun times, but I must say I'm ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas now!

Daddy and his ballerinas at trunk or treat. I can't remember if these were real tears or tears from the wind- it was quite chilly!

this took the prize for me..... The Halls as the Toy Story crew

singing the prayer at school- adorable

of course I have to post one with em chewing on her nails.

an attempt at a group shot

another attempt!

emery and mia at school. I love seeing them together because Mia has a good foot on Emery! Emery looks so small next to her. They have been together at school for 2 years now.

Emery & Rogan (neighbor)

Me: Emery, please smile for the camera

Emery: I can't.

Me: Why?

Emery: I'm scared!

Me: It's just Rogan in a costume!

Emery: No words, just crying now

Mrs. Thompson our other neighbor- very sweet and really enjoys our girls

Mrs. Erin promised emery m&m's. So, of course Emery didn't forget that! Emery couldn't have been more thrilled to receive an entire bag just for her! THANK YOU ERIN!!!

Okay, so Halloween isn't my favorite. But, I do find it humorous what some people will do just to scare little children. This is one of my parent's neighbors. Mom and Dad have lived in the same house now for 25 years. I've seen this neighbor maybe 5 times and he lives right next door. We thought it was hilarious and quite out-of-character for him to dress up this year!

our smallest ballerina has taken off! She loves going up to the playroom at my parents. She is actually taken steps now too!

sneaking barbie shoes out of the dollhouse- the child believes that EVERYTHING is food.

emery and kate (school & church friend) At trunk or treat it was so cold! Emery is wearing Merrill's jacket in this pictures. I believe its a 6 month???

One story to document.....

Emery has been saying, "I'm not hearing ya!" and "I can't hear it!" talking about the TV. She also has been what I thought was ignoring us. So I picked her up from school last Thursday and she had a fever. So Friday we headed to the doctor. She had a double ear infection and some serious chest stuff! Nice! So, I'm feeling like Mom of the Year here! I'm wondering how long she has been hurting!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go!!!!!!! More posts soon!