Lydia's Newest Quilt

Lydia has quite the quilt collection, six total. She loves 'em and seems to know that they belong to her as soon as the blankets are unfolded. This quilt is especially meaningful to me because it was a collaborative effort between my mom and I. After Mom taught me to embroider, I completed the animals. We chose the colors and fabrics together. Mom did all the sewing and quilting. Megan

Vivid Highlights

The highlights from our trip to the Midwest are quite vivid! Seeing family is always so meaningful and reinvigorating for John and I. Though she almost got blown away from strong winds, Lydia did experience her first snow. She enjoyed the lights of Christmas, especially the magic trees. Best part of the trip for Lydia was easily the presents. As we opened our car doors upon arrival back at the condo, the toys practically came spilling out. Lydia was thrilled to see that the gifts actually came home with us, something she must not have considered a possibility. Overall, Lydia is an excellent traveler. She adapted to the long car rides and new places like a champ. John recently commented that I hold her to too high of a standard but she truly surpassed my expectations on this trip. Thank you Lydia! You are wonderful. Megan

A Christmas Gift

I got exactly what I wanted for Christmas and early too. John has been accepted to the Coast Guard! He was one of six chosen from around the country. I am incredibly proud of him and so looking forward to this new adventure. The Navy has been good to us but John's future as a Coast Guard Pilot looks so bright. Megan

Merry Christmas

John dressed up as Santa! Tomorrow he will be traveling in the helo to a local elementary school to spread holiday cheer.

And here is Lydia scared and hiding from Santa. Megan

Tangle

Lydia's first tangle. Many more to come, I anticipate. Megan

Chex Mix

The seasoning and butter of chex mex are Lydia's favorite part of the snack. She hands the soggy pieces of pretzel and cracker to Lucy, while keeping the chex for herself. If Lucy is a little too rough when taking a piece, Lydia will say "ouch." It does not prevent Lydia from handing Lucy the next piece. They enjoy the snack together.
Megan

Air-Conditioning in December

Besides celebrating my Birthday and getting a Christmas tree, it does not feel like December at our house. Just check out the tank dress Lydia is sporting today. We have been running the air-conditioning for over a week now! I shouldn't really complain because the warmer temps make taking Lucy on walks so much easier but I do miss winter. Add that to the many reasons we are looking forward to packing up the car and heading north in just over a week. Can't wait to celebrate Christmas with family. Megan

Lucy and Lydia

Here is a video I took this morning of Lydia helping me around the house. Lydia is completing her favorite chore, emptying the lint from the dryer. Afterwards, she becomes side-tracked by Lucy's bones. This is why Lucy loves Lydia. They certainly are in cahoots with one another. Megan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhmcgzCeoCM&feature=youtu.be

A Short Time in Wonderland

40 minutes. That is how long we lasted at today's Christmas party at John's squadron. It might have been the wrong week to introduce Lydia to open-gym. She seemed to think she should be free to roam wherever, whether it be jetting towards the running helicopter (that flew in Santa) or adamantly attempting to go in the "big-kids only" bounce house. Tantrums ensued. It was totally exhausting for both John and I. We saw the line of over a hundred kids waiting to sit in Santa's lap and were in agreement that Lydia didn't need to sit on Santa's lap this year. Megan