February in Texas

There is a whole lot of love to celebrate in February with Valentine's Day,
and you know I love a theme.....







but there was a little bit more than that going on at our house in February.

We celebrated Girl Power!...

read good books...


took good naps...


played at the park...

had a picnic...

visited the zoo with donuts & kolaches...


and did things like play in the dog kennel and cover ourselves in yogurt...

fourteen

At fourteen months, this McQuinn sister...

... is busy. I said the same thing about her older sister at this age, but she takes the cake. She doesn't stop moving. Unless she is sleeping or reading. 

... is my climber. Those little legs push and work their way on top of anything. We have temporarily moved the chairs from the playroom as Caroline has a way of ending up on top of the table when they are around.

... is little. I think she might be taking after mama with those short legs. We may be in 12-18 months for awhile.  

... loves music & dance. The second she hears music, she stops and starts her twirling, her signature move. Lately they have let her come into Lauren's dance class at the end and she is in toddler heaven. Although she hasn't quite grasped the fact that she isn't an actual member of the class. 

... is a pretty good eater. She is good at experimenting with new foods, but has a special place in her heart for carbs. Did I mention she is my girl?

... adores her big sister, her bunny, dolls, dress up, forward rolls at Little Gym and books. She's also a pretty big fan of Daniel Tiger.

... is a little shy, but warms up pretty quickly. Gives the most amazing open mouth kisses and is still my little snuggler. 

January in Texas

We kicked off 2017 with some sun, little gal smiles, and a whole lot of family fun.

One of the best parts of living in Texas is our winters - they're not cold enough to keep us indoors and sometimes the weather is down right enjoyable. 

Which means we got to enjoy playing in the backyard and even breaking in a few of our new Christmas toys by taking them to the park.

Our house is feeling the sisterly love. As Caroline grows so does the way she plays with her sister... and they are having fun!

And these growing girls continue to keep us busy, from picnics and tea parties to Little Gym & Costco trips, we don't stop.

But once in awhile, we do slow down...

and it's so sweet.

thirteen

Oh, thirteen months.
We officially have a one year old in the house.



At thirteen months, our dear sweet Caroline...

... doesn't slow down. She is on the move, all of the time. She climbs, she walks real fast, and she's into everything.

... loves to play outside. Swinging and sliding are her favorites.

... has no fear. Which causes this mama a lot of anxiety. This little girl will climb anything and is constantly in search of a way to stand on top of tables. Oy.

... well maybe some fear. She is a bit bashful... she's a total flirt until you get too close. Then the stank eye comes out. We just started class at Little Gym. She loves to work on her forward roll, but isn't crazy about anyone but mom assisting her.

... is still the best snuggler. Her hugs... the best. And now she is all about those open mouth big kisses.

... is a good little eater, but still has her moments. She loves blueberries, bananas, chicken, and grits. A great snack day involves some Pirates Booty. And she would rather feed the dogs the majority of vegetables that come across her tray.

... loves her bunny, is so sweet with baby dolls, and plays doctor with her sister and loves to wear the stethoscope.

... speaking of sister. Adores her. And tolerates all the choke holds and tackle hugs.

... when there is a quiet moment, she can be found in her bedroom, reading her books. Just like another sweet little girl in this house.

December 2016

We are nearing the end of 2016 - an amazing year for us as we navigated the world as a family of four.

And like each year before this, December finds a way to fill itself up with tradition, twinkly lights, and the joy of family and friends
while making us pause to take in the pure magic of the moments with those we love.

I adore December for all of those reasons
and she was so good to us this year.

We kicked off December with all the things that make us giddy about the holidays...

advent calendars & letters to Santa

pajama walks to look at lights

Gingerbread houses




celebrations at school

christmas tree pictures

Matt's Christmas Party

Our visit to Santa was our most magical yet,
two little girls on Santa's lap at Disney World.

Lauren asked for a blue flashlight.

The day we returned from our Disney trip, we had another Christmas celebration...
Lauren's Holiday Dance Recital

It was so good - everything you would want from a 3 year old dance to Candy Cane Christmas.


And since it's Christmas in Texas, we still enjoy walks to the park and swinging in the backyard



We traveled to Tennessee for Christmas this year and decided to go a little early,
which meant we celebrated as a family of four
(or six if you count Char & Bella)
a little early as well.




Celebrating early also meant that Santa had to find us in Tennessee.
Lauren prepared some reindeer food at school,
so we decorated Papa & Grandma's yard just to make sure they would locate us.






Santa found us.

Lauren got her blue flashlight.

Santa brought both the girls new dolls.
Lauren and Morgan were fast friends,
wearing matching jammies and watching Polar Express in 3D.


The 3D was a big hit this year.

Christmas Day brought a traditional Christmas meal and a soccer game







{that run}

We spent the rest of our Christmas vacation
celebrating Caroline's birthday,
{& snuggling that baby while we could still call her that}

enjoying Tyler & Holly's surprise visit,


planning Caroline's birthday party,
and saying good night to 2016.
Old tradition meet new tradition.
Grasshoppers

followed by champs & Catan.