Saying goodbye to January

ZOO

We took a short drive to the Zoo today.  This photo was taken inside the "Rainforest."  There were volunteers holding animals in the exhibits today-Aaliyah had just passed up the chance to touch a hedgehog and a ball snake.  I think she may have been feeling a little nervous.  (She may have been thinking...what are they going to make me touch next?) Gabby was interested in all the sounds- and enjoyed being held all morning. 

COUSINS!!!!

First Play-Dough!

Fun with Shiloh! 

Time with GRAMMY AND GRAMPS!

Our Little poser :)  Gramps and Gabby both like the deer artwork.

Playing with trains and...reading a book in a train!

Grammy was reviewing photos on her camera...Gabrielle and Aaliyah both got in on the fun.

Gramps and Grammy came to see their newest family member.  They are being kept busy by projects around the house, dancing with their granddaughters, trips to the mall, and library. What a great way to welcome the new year.

HAIR DAY!

Aaliyah and I had a busy day!  She is happy with her new "hair pretties."

The combing and box parts took the longest!

Once all the boxes were in rubber bands...all 16 braids were done in no time!

Aaliyah likes the braids in "Piggy's."  :)

LET IT SNOW!

January is almost halfway gone-this year has already gotten ahead of me.  We are so blessed to be a family of four.  A year ago I would have laughed if someone told me we would welcome 2009 as a family with two girls! Some of my favorite moments are watching Aaliyah share her world with Gabrielle.  Today Aaliyah introduced Gabby to sledding! 


We got our first real snow storm of the year.  (And season!)  Aaliyah has been a little apprehensive about being outside in the cold, but today was an exception.  She had a great time. Gabrielle got her first look and feel of this "frozen white stuff," and didn't seem all that impressed or bothered.  But then again she was outside for all of ten minuets.  I told Aaliyah that she could try a bite of snow, so she tried to catch it on her tongue- then she realized that she could get it off the ground. Then she realized that she could THROW! the snow!  It was a fun afternoon. 

 

How a pile of snow became "Frosty."

Aaron heaped up a pile of snow outside our garage, Aaliyah was so excited to see it become a snowman.  She was delighted to make friends and felt that it was very much "alive."  I think that we may have seen "Frosty the Snowman" one too many times last month.  

January 2009

Sisters on a couch.

Here is the way to start the new Year :)

Photos from "photo booth"

This was fun, Gabrielle was sitting on the bed (*SITTING!!) 

while I was cleaning up the room, she was following my 

movements back and forth, and talking to me ("talking.") 

The computer was handy, so I opened photo booth, and 

hoped to get "a" photo before she toppled over.  I got several. 

 Even with the four second delay on the camera, she stayed 

in position for four photos in a row. 

Side by Side Christmas Firsts'

Here is Aaliyah, eating her gift....and Gabby, getting a little hungry too...

Aaliyah loved being on her back under the christmas tree...she would kick her legs and squeal in delight.  Gabrielle had a similar reaction...even if it was a "fake" tree this year :)