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.

Festival of Lights

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

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

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

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

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

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...