Olsommer Family

Hello!

2012-01-27T20:21:00.001-08:00

Brooks is finally waking up to the world. He is such a wonderful baby!

2011-11-29T11:43:00.000-08:00

Just had a bath. So clean and handsome!

Brooks Allan

2011-11-29T11:29:00.000-08:00

Brooks Allan Olsommer joined our family on November 22 at 8:53pm. He is a very happy and healthy boy 7 pounds and 15 ounces, 20 inches long. He is not a red head, but his hair is an auburn color and there is alot of it. We are glad to have him home. Caden and Corley adore him. We are truly blessed and have so much to be thankful for this year.

Disney Moments

2011-10-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

Other birthday pictures

2011-09-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Corley!

2011-09-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

We had a great birthday weekend with visits from Mimi, Poppy, Bella, and Pop. Although Corley wasn't feeling well for much of the time, she sure enjoyed the presents and cake. I think she is beginning to understand what birthdays are all about...she sang "Happy Birthday Corley" all weekend.

Corley's birthday at school

2011-09-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

Corley was able to have a small birthday celebration with her friends at school. One of her favorite books is The Very Hungry Caterpillar so Michael and I created the masterpiece you see above. It was super cute and she loved it!!!

Some snapshots of our morning

2011-08-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

Corley's drop-in day

2011-08-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

Today Corley got to visit her new classroom and meet her teachers and new friends. There are seven children in her class right now with two wonderful teachers. She will be in school two days a week for 3 hours each day. Hopefully this will help with some of her attachment issues. Caden was so sweet to check on her while she was there and he asked when he will get to walk her to class for the first day. Great big brother!!!

First day of school

2011-08-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

2011 - age 4

2010 - age 3

2009 - age 2

Caden was definitely ready for school to start, as usual. This year, though, Corley wanted in on all of the morning rush. She got ready just as he did and met me at the door with her backpack just like Caden. She carried it to the car just as he did. Let's see how funny it is next Tuesday when she realizes that she will be going to school, too:)

We walked Caden in to Mrs. Julie and Mrs. Elizabeth's classroom, although Caden requested that he do it alone. He reminded me SEVERAL times that he has done this before and that I could drop him off like all the other days. When he walked into the classroom I didn't get a "see you later" or anything. He was already busy with his friends. It is great that he loves school so much! Hopefully it will rub off on Corley and Brooks through the years.

Corley - just too cute

2011-08-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

Pool time

2011-08-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

Daddy brought a surprise home from the Walgreens clearance...a huge pool for the kids. They were so happy and even talked him into to joining them. Sucker! I told him, that is what happens when you buy a pool big enough for moms and dads. They have enjoyed it all week. I have to admit that I like having it on the deck. I can rest in the shade on the deck while the kids have fun. Now that is perfect for a pregnant mommy.

It is a BOY!!!

2011-08-10T10:45:00.001-07:00

We are so excited to be adding another little boy to our family. He will be named Brooks Allan, both of which are family names. Caden is really happy to have a roommate. He seems to think that it is not fair that daddy and I get to sleep together but he has to be all alone in his room. God must have heard his prayers! Our due date has fluctuated some - somewhere between the end of November to the beginning of December. I am praying for the earlier time as this heat and chasing small children have already made me super tired of being pregnant. As long as he is healthy, though, we will be happy:)

Our little cowgirl

2011-08-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

Corley loves riding Neigh...probably more than Caden ever did. She is much like I was as a little girl. Apparently I LOVED my horse, too:)

Golf Camp

2011-08-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

Caden still loves golf and has attended two camps this summer. The first was in Athens. He loved the course, coach Lauren, and the other camper. The second was here in Anderson and he was among 10 other children of all ages. He still had a great time!

Corley visits the fire station

2011-04-26T05:27:00.000-07:00

Corley, Michael, and I joined some friends for a visit to the Anderson Fire Station. She loved the big firetrucks and did not want to get off. Corley discovered that she could see herself in the shiny metal of the trucks...typical girl. Always checking for a mirror.

Braves Season Opener...

2011-04-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

The season has begun. Game 1 of 10 has been played...the longest 75 minutes ever. They were cute and so funny to watch. One photo Caden was playing catcher. It doesn't seem to be a good position for him. On the other hand we are not sure what would be a good position. Either way, he is the cutest #5!!!

Germs Galore!

2011-03-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

We have been hit by a virus with high fever, a stomach virus, and now strep throat. The past few weeks have been miserable for us all. Poor Michael, Caden, and Corley. They all have strep. Good thing for medicine. Everyone should be feeling like new by tomorrow. Hope we are done with the germs since Spring is here!

More tee ball pics

2011-03-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

Tee Ball

2011-03-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

The season began yesterday for our YMCA tee ball league. The kids were so cute. Caden and his friend are on the same team so it was even more exciting for him. We will have practices for the next few weeks and games will follow in mid April. So far no information has been given for that. Corley was a little sad that she couldn't join the festivities, though. She was ready to play some ball.

Burkett Wedding

2011-03-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kathleen and Jaret who were married March 19 in Thomaston, Georgia. We enjoyed the wedding and visiting with all the family. I guess I will now be viewing weddings from the back of the church or at least near an exit.
Caden and Alexander loved the band and the cake. Elizabeth and Corley liked the dancing but felt it was too late for them. They were both ready to go to bed!!!

St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

Bella, Corley, and I visited Caden's class today for the St. Patrick's Day parade. The children were so cute and had some fun green snacks. Afterward we had lunch at Chick-fil-a where we enjoyed a green milkshake. YUMMY!!! Then we fed the ducks and played in the yard before naps. Great day for us.

Church

2011-03-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

So blessed to have my family. They are so sweet, well most of the time. The kids love playing after church for a few minutes. Just some cute pictures from a beautiful morning today.

I LOVE TRAINS!

2011-03-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

This is a train that was my Great Uncle Bud's. He got it for Christmas when he was around Caden's age. THANK YOU Uncle Bud! We play with it all the time.

Corley's big girl bed

2011-03-05T11:18:00.000-08:00

It is time for Corley May to move into a big girl bed. She and Caden were so excited to help take the crib out and put the new bed in. Corley climbs all over it, just as we remember Caden doing. Pledge (our cat) has also enjoyed having it. She and Corley have a special bond and it is very evident as Pledge likes to sleep on her bed.
Night 1 went very well and she has taken a morning nap and her afternoon nap in the bed today. It takes a little longer to get her settled, but she really seems to like it. Such a big girl!!!

Birdhouse

2011-03-05T11:13:00.000-08:00

Michael and Caden built a birdhouse and painted it this morning. It is so beautiful. We can't wait to hang it up and wait for some birds to move in.

Typical day for Caden

2011-02-27T11:44:00.001-08:00

Caden plays golf EVERY day! We have a putting area in the golf room inside (our guest room) and he plays all over the yard. If only he was old enough to go to the golf camps and play with others. He doesn't care, though. We still practice!

Corley all dressed up!

2011-02-27T11:40:00.001-08:00

Bella brought Corley some dresses yesterday and she loved trying them all on. This was her ready for church this morning. She thought she was so cute!!! She even left the bow in her hair almost the whole way to church. That is the longest it has ever lasted. Maybe there is hope.

Update

2011-02-25T11:46:00.000-08:00

Here is a small snapshot from our last few months. More later!

Midnight Flight

2010-09-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

The boys participated in a 1 mile race and I completed my first 5K last night. Caden was barely awake for the beginning of his race at 9:15. WAY past his bedtime. Everyone survived and are ready for more.

Beach trip

2010-09-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

Our short vacation was full of fun. We visited the beach, pools, Ripley's Believe It or Not Aquarium, putt putt, and zoo on the way home. A lot for three days with small kids. Now we are recuperating from our vacation...or at least Michael and I are!

We gave in!

2010-08-27T07:27:00.001-07:00

We swore we would never own a minivan but have come to realize that having something functional is way more important than feeling cute while driving. It isn't even one of the fancy ones (you know we are too frugal for that) and we love it! If only I had been willing to test drive one last year before we bought the Pilot...

Corley is ...

2010-08-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

*picture taken by Caden this morning at breakfast

Well, Corley is just a mess. I really hate to admit this since little girls should be cute, neat, clean, and sweet. She is always cute to me, but I know what others are thinking. SHE IS A MESS!!! She stands at the door and cries to go outside. She will crawl all around the yard, in a dress, and not pay one attention to the mud. She plays on the playground like a big kid and she will do anything that Caden does.

Other than that, she has one tooth and is walking EVERYWHERE. She is also really good on the stairs. (I let her play on them with us around - my belief is that since we have them she better learn how to use them.) I can't believe that she is almost one year old. Oh, how she has changed:)

Caden's back at school

2010-08-27T07:03:00.001-07:00

School has started for the year and Caden is loving his new classroom. His teachers are fantastic and are so excited about the year. Their enthusiasm makes it so much easier to leave him. Did I just say that? Yes, even after three years I still cried on the first day and have teared up each day after. Why is that? I guess because he doesn't mind leaving me! I have to get his attention just to say goodbye. My little boy now wears size 10 shoes and can wear a small in the young boys department of some stores. When did this happen???

June happenings

2010-07-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

Visiting Greenville

2010-05-15T18:58:00.000-07:00

Uncle Steve came to visit this weekend. We went to Greenville to the Saturday Market downtown and then to the Reedy River Falls. Lots to do and see in Greenville. Caden and Corley enjoyed the grass most of all.

Preschool Spring Program

2010-05-07T17:24:00.000-07:00

Caden's preschool held the spring program today. There were some cute little bumblebees singing...we were excited that Caden actually sang. It was nice that Mimi could visit today and so that she could witness the singing. This is the first time that he participated with the singing.

Catching up a little

2010-05-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

We have been busy the last month. Play dates, landscaping, parties, trike-a-thon, and much more. These are a few pictures to share. I can't believe that we have been in Anderson for almost one year now. It feels like we were just house hunting. There are only 13 days of school remaining. Guess it is time to begin planning for our summer.

Supper time

2010-04-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

I need some GIRL friends...BADLY

2010-04-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when I play with Caden. A baseball cap and trains. Don't we have anything that I might like? Dolls or at least something pink?

Just a swingin'

2010-04-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

Corley had her first swing experience today. I think Caden may have been more excited than Corley. He loves that they can swing together. I love that I have both my arms available!!!

Frenulectomy...what???

2010-04-13T06:07:00.001-07:00

Corley is such a big girl. She had a frenulectomy this morning. This is a procedure to cut the skin under her tongue. The whole procedure took 10 minutes and she is back in action. The only problem...no food until tonight. She can only have water.

Lesley is NOT a photographer!

2010-04-04T13:18:00.001-07:00

Caden is learning to use the camera

2010-04-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

Caden is working very hard to master the art of photography. I erased over 40 pictures - some of his trains, the house, Corley, and us. It is very interesting to see life through the eyes of a little guy. The good thing is that Michael and I will be able to have pictures of the two of us...as scary as they may be. Until now we were always the ones behind the camera.

Easter Egg "FIND"

2010-03-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

Our church had its Easter Egg Hunt this past weekend. It was too easy for the little ones - they actually spent time deciding which ones to pick up. FUNNY! It was very cold and not spring like. We still had fun, though.

Sitting up now

2010-03-31T11:25:00.000-07:00

This week has been very busy for Corley. She is finally sitting up unassisted. There are still some accidents, mostly involving the helpful big brother. Moving on to crawling...

Pizza Night

2010-03-31T11:22:00.000-07:00

Michael and Caden are making supper. We have pizza every Friday and we are determined to teach Caden so that he can be in charge of supper every once in a while. It is not too early, is it?

Loving it all...

2010-03-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

I always wondered what it would be like for us with the addition of the second child. Now I know. WONDERFUL! I love every moment of it. Caden is so good with Corley. He loves to help me with anything that involves her. She is the first person that he asks about when he gets in the car from school. If he doesn't see her, he looks for her. She is so lucky to have such a good big brother.

Things are starting to become more fun for him. He loves that she can chase him - he runs and she follows him in her walker. He slows down so that she can catch up and know where to go. She is beginning to sit up and he really likes that. He has taught her how to use most of her toys and sings to her all the time. He even made up a song...the "I love Corley" song. So sweet.

Reading with Uncle Steve

2010-03-08T17:37:00.001-08:00

Watch as Steve reads the book. Either the book is really boring or Caden is super tired. Needless to say... NAP TIME!

The wheelbarrow

2010-03-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

Uncle Steve came to visit

2010-03-08T17:16:00.000-08:00

Uncle Steve spent a few days at the Olsommer home this weekend. Caden wouldn't let him out of sight. It was fun having him visit and we hope that we didn't scare him away forever.

The waterfall is down

2010-02-26T11:15:00.001-08:00

Many of you remember how excited Michael and I were when we bought a house with a water feature that was already installed. Yeah well, it was rotted and falling to pieces. It would have been quite an investment to get it running again. Needless to say it is gone! These are some pictures of my two "working boys".

Isn't she cute?

2010-02-20T05:40:00.001-08:00

Toddler Bowling

2010-02-20T05:35:00.000-08:00

Caden, Corley and I went bowling with some friends in Anderson. One game...10 toddlers...2 hours. I am not sure when we will be able to fit bowling into our schedule again!!!

Look, I have feet

2010-02-13T18:59:00.002-08:00

Corley found her feet a long time ago but really hasn't given them much attention until this week. Now she won't leave them alone. I guess if I was this flexible I might roll around and eat my toes, too.

Snow in Anderson

2010-02-13T18:59:00.001-08:00

Really?

2010-02-08T12:24:00.000-08:00

I was cooking lunch and turned to find...

Welcome Elizabeth York!

2010-02-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

Born Friday, January 29 - 7:09 pm - 8lbs 3oz

Corley is growing

2009-12-11T21:24:00.001-08:00

Isn't she cute? We think so. I can't believe how much she has grown. Thank-you Aunt Mollie and Uncle John for the rattle. Corley plays with it all the time...she loves it as much as Caden did. And she sits at the table with us now (playing in the high chair) and watches everyone eat. Maybe Santa will bring her some food!

Not-so-good photos

2009-12-11T20:53:00.000-08:00

I hope you enjoy these. This was one of our at home photo sessions for the Christmas card. I laughed the entire time and decided that it wasn't worth the frustration any longer. Poor Corley was MAD by the end. And Caden wasn't overly helpful. I am sure most of you can remember similar experiences with your own.

Thanksgiving Feast

2009-12-11T20:26:00.000-08:00

Caden's school celebrated Thanksgiving with a feast for the children. The classes performed a few musical selections - Caden did not. He cried and whined the entire time, but did enjoy the food afterward. Imagine that...he is our child for sure. Michael and I asked a million questions to determine why he was so unpleasant during the performance. We later determined he was sick after getting a temperature of 102.7 after his nap. With a visit to our pediatrician we discovered that he had tonsillitis. This began our Thanksgiving week and it ended with a virus. Vomiting right after Thanksgiving dinner with the family was not our idea of fun. I am learning that kids are always sick. Or is it just mine?

Balloons Over Anderson

2009-11-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

Isn't this cool? This is the sight above Anderson this weekend.

The Worst Birthday Ever...that I can remember

2009-10-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all the birthday wishes yesterday. I hope no one is offended that I did not answer the phone. I haven't felt well the past two days and it worsened yesterday. Long story short...hospital visit - kidney infection - drugged up. I should be feeling better by the end of the week.

Growing

2009-10-23T22:05:00.001-07:00

This has been a big week for the kids.
*Caden has used the potty TWO times. This may not seem exciting, but he has had zero interest until Monday. Now he is willing to try after his bath. I will take what I can get.
*Caden hit 30 lbs. Does this mean that I can consider it a workout when I carry him?
*Corley hit 9 lbs. She is finally gaining weight. She wore a 0-3 month dress to church Sunday and one today. They are much too long, but at least the newborn clothes are getting too small. We didn't think she would ever grow out of them. It has taken almost 5 weeks.
*Corley slept 6 hours straight last night. Pray that there are more of these to come.

Two thoughts

2009-10-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

1. Isn't is weird that moms are never in a picture with the kids? As I am updating tonight I realize I am ALWAYS taking the pictures. Interesting.

2. I don't have any clothes. I mean, I don't have any clothes for my new job as a stay at home mom. So... Do I buy "mom" clothes OR do I overdress everyday? Somehow I don't think that chasing Caden in heels and a skirt, or playing at the playground in a suit is a great idea. I guess I will begin the hunt for "not-so-mom" mom clothes.

Bath

2009-10-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

This isn't Corley's first bath, but there are some cute pictures.

Dad's day off

2009-10-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

Michael had the day off on Thursday and we were off to Greenville to the zoo. (This worked out perfectly since Caden had a low fever and couldn't go to school.) We had a nice trip and enjoyed a picnic lunch at the park. Corley missed the entire thing...

Cold days are here

2009-10-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that the cold has already arrived, although I am not complaining. It is such a nice change from the heat of the summer. I know Leah (and others) will be happier, too, since heat and pregnancy are not a good combination. You can see Michael and Caden enjoying some "warm" cocoa this past weekend. Caden loved that he got to use a real mug and sit outside/in the garage to drink it.

The Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

Caden, Corley, and I visited the pumpkin patch outside of Athens with Bella, Aunt Leah, Uncle Mike, Alexander, and Kristen. Caden and Alexander had such a great time - Corley didn't seem to care either way. The boys went on a hay ride, rode the cow train, picked pumpkins, played on some weird playground equipment, and visited some of the animals. Our cousin, Kristen, joined us for the big event. Luckily she was able to take Caden on the cow train. I don't think I would fit!

Adjusting

2009-10-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

Someone once told Michael that you are not real parents until you have two children...with one you are just playing house. Now I see! I am thankful each and every day for such a supportive husband and an involved daddy.

Corley has been a wonderful addition to our family. Caden loves her so much. He kisses her, reads to her, sings to her, brings her things, and always checks on her when he hears the faintest noise. You can see in the photo that Caden brought Corley some of his trains so that she could play, too. Can't you just see the excitment in her face? Caden is the best big brother. (I do remind myself that this may change at ANY time.)

Notice how much Corley looks like Caden in this particular picture...it doesn't help that she is wearing something not so girlie.

Corley's here!

2009-10-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

So I am a little late posting this - about three and half weeks late. Corley arrived on September 18 at 10:27 am. She was 8 lbs and 19.5 inches long. Everyone was shocked to see the red hair. We had no idea that she would be here so early in the morning as I was prepared for a long day of labor. Nana and Aunt Leah barely made it to the hospital before the delivery. Everything went well and Michael and I are so blessed to have two healthy children!!!

Caden's first day of school

2009-08-28T10:01:00.001-07:00

It is finally time for school to begin. Caden asked me about his new school all summer long as he was anxious to meet his new friends. He has been three days this week and seems to really like it. He is there from 8:15-11:15 which is perfect for me to get a few things done at home. Of course this will all change in the next few weeks - Corley will be here soon. I think it is so cute that they are required to bring a full size backpack each day. He looks so funny with it on since they are almost the same size.

Helping my dad

2009-08-28T09:55:00.001-07:00

Who can resist playing with water and lots of suds? Not our Caden. He was up to the challenge when we asked if he wanted to help wash the cars. The idea was even more exciting when it was mentioned that he could wear his bathing suit. Although he looks really helpful in the photos, he spent most of the time spraying us and throwing the rags into the bucket to watch the suds fly everywhere. Fun for us all!!!

What have we done all summer?

2009-08-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

We have been quite busy which might help to explain the lack of updates over the past two months. (You can view the slideshow for some of the times when we actually had the camera available.)

Michael is now a licensed pharmacist in Georgia and South Carolina - no more free advice (Ha,Ha!) He really enjoys working for Walgreens so far. Our house is becoming a home. We have been busy with projects since we closed June 15. Hardwood floors were installed to finish the first floor...it really makes it look bigger. The kitchen cabinets have been painted. We are still waiting for Corley's bedding to arrive so that we can get the nursery in order. Trees, lots of trees, have been removed to make our backyard more useable. Please don't fret - we had millions of trees to begin with. Caden got a swingset for his birthday. He calls it "Caden's Park" (although we talk about how he will have to share with Corley when the time comes). While all of this has been happening, I am getting familiar with my new role as a full time mom. It is very different for me, but I do enjoy it. Hopefully it will get easier as I meet other people.

Planting flowers with Nana (June 7)

2009-08-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

Birthdays...

2009-06-02T18:04:00.000-07:00

This week is super busy for us. Uncle Taylor's birthday is June 2, Michael's is June 4, and Caden's is June 6. We will be full of sweets by the end of this week. Tomorrow is Caden's last day at his school. Before we move, we decided to celebrate his birthday at school like all of his friends have done and brought cupcakes to share. Most of the class liked the blue and white cupcakes - some more than others. Do you think that Caden enjoyed his???

Picking Strawberries

2009-06-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

We visited a local strawberry farm to enjoy the nice weather and let Caden learn about plants. He had so much fun. We told him to look for the very red ones, but he picked every one that he saw...and there were lots of them. You would have thought that he won the lottery. While at the farm we shared some homemade ice cream. It was delicious. After coming home, Caden helped clean the strawberries and we had them for lunch. The funny thing about this whole adventure is that Caden seems to have lost his taste for strawberries. He would not eat them at all!!! It is a good thing that I have been craving fruit with this pregnancy.

Pharmacy Graduation

2009-05-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of Michael. It was only seven years ago that he began his educational journey at Athens Technical College. We have had lots of bumps along the way, some good and some not so good, but here we are. We have finally reached the end/beginning. It is amazing how significant this one weekend is in the journey. Enjoy the pictures of Dr. Michael Olsommer and family (but you don't have to call him that- no matter what he says).

It's a GIRL!!!

2009-05-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

Our little addition is a girl. We are still a little shocked as we just knew that it was a boy. I guess we will have to adjust. Actually, it isn't a terrible thing as we couldn't really decide on a name for a boy. On the other hand we have had a girls name picked out for over a year. She will be named Corley May Olsommer.

Anderson, South Carolina...Here we come!

2009-04-29T17:01:00.000-07:00

It is official. Michael has accepted a position with Walgreens in Anderson.
For those who know us best you may find it a little ironic since we have always hated South Carolina. Hopefully our luck will change and we will love it. After visiting Anderson we knew it would be a good home for our growing family. It is only 30 minutes to Greenville and its amenities, and an hour and a half to Atlanta. Michael and I will visit again May 8-9 to look for our new home. We are so excited and look forward to having lots of visitors. (Remember...it is easier for you to come see us than us to pack up with two kids and come to you!)
If you are interested in learning more about our new home you can visit some websites. There is a lot to do in the area.

The Chocolate Pudding Situation

2009-04-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

Michael and I took a short trip to visit a few areas where Michael was interviewing. Upon our return it seems that Bella has introduced Caden to chocolate pudding. Not only did he have some in a little container (pre-packaged) but he liked it so much that they made some to share with everyone. He got to lick the bowl and everything. When Caden came home with us he continued to ask for chocolate pudding. Sunday morning after our breakfast we gave in. Caden got his chocolate pudding and savored every bite. His love of chocolate is definately from my side of the family.

Riding bikes with Pop

2009-04-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

Bella and Pop love riding bikes and Caden has admired all the bikes for the past year. He was so excited that Pop got a special seat so that he and Alexander can join in the fun. He wears his helmet like a big boy and talks about all the things that he see as they bike. He is so lucky

EASTER EGGS!!!

2009-04-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

I think Caden was amazed at what was happening to our eggs. He was so excited to see the colors and even more excited to share with Bella and Pop.

Baseball Game

2009-04-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

My little boy loves all sports. Although I do not share this passion, I try to show interest as I see that he will play them all as he grows. We have had a few mommy and son dates to the baseball games at his school. He loves to watch, narrate, and cheer for both teams. It isn't too bad, I guess. I love watching how excited he gets.

So many changes...

2009-03-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

We are getting close to Michael's graduation, moving, and now a new baby. So many changes and we are so excited about all of them. It is hard to believe that our little "angel" will be a big brother. Actually, it is very scary to think of him as a role model. YIKES!!!

We survived the first trimester, mainly due to modern medicine. Now we are past the nausea/vomiting and exhaustion. We are now able to enjoy the next few months - that is until the heat of the summer is upon us. We will keep you updated as our little one grows. And yes, we will find out the gender as soon as we can. We are not the kind who can wait.

My little helper

2009-02-27T18:03:00.000-08:00

I am so glad that Caden likes helping around the house. We try to let him be a part of everything so that he will learn and he is taking this very seriously. He loves doing laundry, cooking supper, sweeping, and cleaning up. I had no idea that he would grow up so fast.

Visiting the York's

2009-02-27T17:41:00.000-08:00

Leah and I try to get the boys together as much as possible. They really enjoy playing and it is fun to watch them together. There is definitely a love-hate relationship, which I guess is very typical for cousins. I just wish we were living closer to Athens so we could see them more.

These are some highlights of the boys in January. The Olsommer's met the York's at the Georgia Aquarium (with everyone else in the world) for a quick visit. Both Alexander and Caden loved the fish. Caden really liked the beluga whales and has been talking about them since this day. Yes, talking. He tries so hard to say it and we know what he is saying. He even sits and talks to the picture of the whales that we got from our trip.

The other photos are from the boys with the big truck. Caden loves for Alexander to push him around but hasn't quite learned the importance of returning the favor.

Callaway Gardens

2009-02-18T12:26:00.000-08:00

During the Christmas holidays we decided to take some day trips. Michael and I picked Caden up from daycare early (notice the hairstyle from nap) and traveled to Callaway Gardens, north of Columbus. We thought he would love the butterfly exhibit (where my friends Tammy and Chad were engaged) and the light show. Caden really enjoyed the butterflies except that he couldn't catch one. It kept him busy. He also really liked the waterfalls - something that isn't that interesting to the rest of us. We packed a picnic for the car as we heard that the line for the light show was really long and we wanted to get in line early. It was fun to picnic in the car and Caden loved being in the front seat with us. The light show was wonderful - more for Michael and I. Caden got a little bored since it took almost an entire hour to go through the lights. He sat in the floorboard of the front seat and every once in a while would pop up to see what we were talking about.

Christmas

2009-02-18T12:03:00.000-08:00

The holiday season was long and busy. Since we are in Albany this year we had lots of traveling to do. We celebrated in Lawrenceville with the Olsommer's before Christmas, Christmas day in Albany with the Bell's, and the weekend after in Bartow with the McMillan's. Caden was very frustrated after getting lots of goodies and not being able to play with them as we traveled from one location to another. We will be so thankful to be back in a house next year where family can come to US!!! It will be too hard next year. Oh, Michael will probably be working and won't get too many holidays off as the new employee.

No Christmas Cards This Year

2009-02-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

If you were wondering why you did not receive a card from the Olsommer's this year it is because they did not turn out. Several attempts were made, though. Our first attempt was with Stills of Life Photography in Jefferson (www.stillsoflifephotography.com). She made our cards last year, but Caden got sick and busted his lip. We waited. Next, we took cute pictures in front of our tree in our pajamas but when I picked up the order it was completely out of focus and it looked HORRIBLE. We tried to take other photos to replace this one but Caden did not cooperate. I guess it is difficult for a little boy to be still for a picture. Please forgive us. Here are some of our attempts for you to enjoy.

It's been so long...

2009-02-18T11:23:00.000-08:00

We know it has been some time since our last post. We have been so busy as I am sure most of you have. There is so much to share from the past few months so we will try not to miss anything.

Festival of Lights

2008-12-14T17:04:00.000-08:00

Bella, Pop, Michael, Caden, and I visited the Festival of Lights at Chehaw this weekend. Caden LOVED the lights! I think his most favorite part, though, was being able to get out of the car seat and see what was happening in the front seat. He climbed into Pop's lap and pushed the first button that he could reach...the window. It was probably the highlight of his day to watch the window go all the down and know that he made that happen.

Christmas is almost here

2008-12-10T20:25:00.001-08:00

The York's came to Albany this past weekend. Caden and Alexander enjoyed hanging out together. They are getting very curious this Christmas and both like the tree. Michael and I had not planned to decorate since we are living very temporarily this year. We even left all our decorations in Athens. Mom was nice to let us borrow a tree and a few ornaments to make the holidays a little more exciting. We are looking forward to being back in North Georgia next Christmas where we will be able to celebrate our new beginning. That is our Christmas wish this year...for Michael to find the "pefect" job so that we can start planning our move.

The Big Boy Bed

2008-12-10T20:11:00.001-08:00

It is amazing how quickly babies become toddlers. Our baby is no longer a baby, of course he hasn't been for some time. Caden wants to be a big boy so much. Now he can be. Some friends of my mom's were going to take these bunk beds to the dump. We love free things, so Michael took on the job of painting them...brown, of course. We put them up about two weeks ago - right after he had surgery to put tubes in his ears. I don't know whether it was the surgery, the bed, or both but he is sleeping very well. I wish everyone could see how much he loves his bed. There has never been a complaint about naptime or bedtime. He plays and reads in it throughout the day. If you are wondering, yes he likes to jump on it. He is learning that he has to be careful because he hits his head on the roof. But you know boys. It may hurt, but he also thinks it is funny.

Christmas Party

2008-12-10T19:59:00.000-08:00

The Kennedy's hosted a Christmas party where we got to make (and eat) Christmas trees. I had so much fun and even tasted my first M&M. I don't think mommy can keep me away anymore. Oh, you may have noticed the short sleeve shirt at a Christmas party. This Albany place is always hot. I don't know if I will need long sleeves here.

Visiting Papa Jack and Mimi

2008-12-10T19:42:00.000-08:00

The York's and Olsommer's visited North Carolina. We had so much fun...until Alexander hurt his foot. No need to worry, though, he is just fine now.

Boo at the Zoo

2008-11-02T08:28:00.000-08:00

The Olsommer Family celebrated Caden's first Trick-or-Treat experience at our local zoo. It is a big production and well worth the time and money - for the older kids at least. Caden was tired and frustrated with his costume. There is a hat for Scooby Doo, but Caden wouldn't wear it. But he did find a big Scooby Doo while we waited in line for 30 minutes...

More stuff...

2008-11-02T08:00:00.001-08:00

Marks Melon Patch

2008-11-02T07:41:00.001-08:00

We visited the famous Marks Melon Patch to pick out a pumpkin. There were many things to see. The sunflowers were in full bloom and there were all kinds of pumpkins to choose from. Caden tried to pick up some of them but quickly realized how heavy they are. I think his favorite part, though, was the homemade ice cream. Yum yum!

SMILE!

2008-10-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

This is Caden's smile...scary isn't it?