Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuug!

Aubrey's latest skill is giving hugs. This is by far one of my favorite baby skills of late. Not just because it's super cute and cuddly, but because it's something that she initiates on her own to show us some love.

Several times a day, she will crawl onto me (if I am at her level), or saddle up beside my leg (if I'm not), and lean her whole self into me. As she does this, she turns her head to the side and says, "Huuuuuuu." No 'g' needed, I guess. We all know what she is saying and doing, and it's absolutely irresistable!

Where does she come up with this stuff?

Last night, as I tucked Camryn into bed and snuggled with her for a few minutes, she struck up a conversation with me out of the blue. It went something like this...

Mama, how did we get this house?

Well, your Daddy and I pay a little bit at a time so that we can live here.

So, you pay for it, and we called the builders, and they 'build, build, build' (insert hand gestures here), and then we got it?

Well, no. The house was already here, and Daddy and I kind of liked it, so we paid some money. Now every time we get paid at work, we pay a little more money for the house too...a little bit at a time.

Why?

Because houses are very expensive and so you have to pay for them a little bit at a time, instead of all at once.

(Silence. Wheels turning. Processing.)

But, I could help. I have money in my piggy bank!

You don't have to do that, sweetie. Mommy and Daddy have it under control.

But I could!

Yes, you could. But wouldn't it be more fun to spend your money on something else?

I don't know. Maybe.

Play date with Maren

Camryn got to enjoy a play date with her friend Maren today! Although it was beautifully sunny, it was really cold, so while they ran and ran around the park, Amie and I clutched our hot chocolate and followed the sun as it moved. The temperature didn't seem to bother the girls though, as they enjoyed chasing each other around the play structure, and tumbling over one another again and again as they headed down the slide together. Their giggles were contagious, and they can't wait to get together again. Thanks, Amie and Maren for a fun morning at the park!

This is what happens...

...when you ask your husband to entertain the girls while you get dinner started. Amusing, yet frightening too.

Christmas, again!

With all of the snow and ice over the holidays, Brian's parents weren't able to make it over to celebrate with us. So last weekend, we finally got to have "Christmas" with Mimi and Papa! We did our best to recreate the holiday, from wearing holiday PJs to opening gifts, and even baking a special breakfast. Brian also cooked a prim rib on the BBQ all day for a belated Christmas dinner. Yum! Camryn soaked up the extra attention from "Meems" and "Pops,"as she so affectionately nicknamed them, and Aubrey made everyone laugh with her antics all weekend. Thanks, Meems and Pops for a fun weekend!

Sisterly love (or strangulation?)

The gifts definitely had a princess theme :)

Aubrey was happy just to rip paper!

Happy Birthday Aunt Beth!

Auntie "Beffy,"
We hope you have a wonderful day. We look forward to celebrating with you soon!!! Camryn would like to know, "Will there be cake?"
Much love,
Your favorite girls :)

Sweet baby girl

Here are a few sweet photos of Aubrey taken with my Dad's camera in the last few months. Too cute not to share...

Quite possibly my new desktop photo on my computer...

Saying something important, I'm sure

Enjoying Christmas Eve (and her coaster)