Picking Strawberries

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

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!!!

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!

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

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

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!!!

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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.