Calling all moms of little girls!

I know it's a little soon, but Christmas is right around the corner. I wanted to get a head start on things since December is a big month for us with Christmas, our anniversary, and Davis' birthday!! But, I'm a little stuck with what to get Gabbie. What do I get for her? She's into whatever Davis is into, so I'm a little lost. She'll be 18 months next week and 2 years old in April.
I need your help! Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
Love,
A mom who's not that girly herself and had a son first. =)

Point Defiance Zoo!

We went to visit my family in Washington a couple weeks ago. We had such an awesome visit. I had a blast! The first highlight was seeing my good friend from high school and growing up, Cindy, who I haven't seen in 8 or 9 years!! Isn't that crazy!?! Well, it didn't seem like any time had passed at all. We just picked up where we left off and had a really fun time. Thanks Cindy!!!

The next day (Thursday, Sept. 3rd), we went to the Point Defiance Zoo up in Tacoma. Liz, Rhett, Lauren, Anders, Amy, Sarah, Jacob, Grace, Davis, Gabbie, and I all went. Liz and Lauren have season passes, so we all got in free! It was a gorgeous day and the kids had fun being together and checking out the animals.

Posing (sort of) at the entrance.
Davis and Gabbie checking out the monkeys.
One of the monkeys came over and was swinging around everywhere and giving us a great show. Then, he swung right over to this tapir (I don't know -- looked like a big pig to me. =)), and hopped right on him. So funny. The kids loved it. The tapir didn't do much -- he just kind of rolled to the side more and then went back to sleep.
Everybody hitching a ride.
Gabbie, Anders, Jacob, and Grace at the Polar Bear exhibit.
Aaaaw. Anders giving Gabbie a hug.
There was a great kids zone with toys, sprinklers, and a petting zoo. All the kids loved it. Davis picked a favorite goat and just fed that one. How responsible. =)
The last stop -- the carousel. Davis picked out a black horse and LOVED it. It was difficult getting him off and away from the carousel. He really wanted to go on it again. =( Gabbie loved it too.
So happy!Gotta cut those bangs.

Joy School!

Davis started Joy School at the beginning of the month. There are two other boys that are doing it with him and they are really having fun. This was the first day and the project they did. Davis was excited to have friends over and tomorrow he gets to go over to one of their houses! It will just be Gabbie and me! What should we do? I think we might go get our nails done. =) This is a really fun, easy project. We've done this a few more times since then. You make crayon shavings by using a peeler or a paring knife. Then, fold a piece of paper in half and put your shavings on one side of the paper. Fold the paper and put it inbetween some newspaper or construction paper so it doesn't stick to the iron. Then, iron the paper until the crayons melt. Unfold it and you have a beautiful symmetrical design. Davis just wanted to use one color this time, but you can use as many colors as you want!

Fun with Brandi Cousins

After coming home from the reunion, we washed everything, slept in our own beds for a few days and then drove down to Danville to visit with Bob's sister, Cindi and her girls. The kids and I drove down to have more fun with cousins!! We swam everyday and went to the beach one day! It was a ton of fun. Davis didn't want to leave, of course.
Dog pile on Papa!!!

Davis was trying to catch seagulls the whole time. He braved the water for a little, even though it was freezing, but then got knocked down by a wave coming in. I anticipated it and was on my way as it was happening. I wish I had my camera to get his reaction. He was so mad that he was wet and cold.
Gabbie was in the sand the entire time. She loved it!
Bethany took Davis, Courtney, and Lauren down the beach to find shells. Too cute.

Family Reunion

We just got back from my family reunion (my mom's parents and brothers and families) yesterday and we had BLAST!! We are a bit sleep deprived since the kids were sleeping in the same room with us, but we still had a ton of fun. We drove and the kids did great. Thank goodness for portable DVD players. =)

The whole clan!

Gabbie and Davis loved being on the boat. Thanks Adam!! I went skiing for the first time in a long time (I can't even remember how long it's been). It felt great!
Gabbie and Anders blowing bubbles with Grandma.
Davis caught some butterflies with his favorite cousin, Jack. Thanks, Aunt Teresa for the nets!

Davis digging with Rhett.

Davis covering Grandpa's legs with grass. How relaxing. =)

Taking a bow after their performance at the Ogden Children's Museum.

Family Pictures

We had our family pictures done this week and they turned out awesome - supa-dupa fly. =) Gabbie would have rather just run around, but she was cooperative enough to get some cute ones. I love the candid ones more, though, anyway. Davis was a bit shy at first, but then he finally warmed up after he was pretending to burp... all boy. =)

Sorry for the long post, but I have too many favorites. And there are literally hundreds more! Cathi, you did an amazing job! Thank you so much! You're awesome! =)

First Stitches

We had our first trip to the ER for stitches on Thursday night. Davis was on the bed in the guest room/office when he lost his footing and fell and hit his head on the desk. We weren't sure at first whether we needed to take him or not, but finally decided to go to the hospital. It was a good thing because as the cut started to swell the opening got bigger. We waited a really long time, as to be expected, but Davis was a trooper. He was pretty happy before and after the stitches were in, but it was a bit of a wrestling match during the surgery. I had to sit on his arms and legs while a nurse held his head. They initally tried some topical numbing solution, but after 2 stitches the doctor injected some more anesthesia. He settled down a little so she could get 2 more in, so the final tally was 4. I guess it was good we took him in. He got a stuffed animal Snoopy before we left and he was asking to go home and go to bed. We got home after midnight and he went right to bed.

It was so cute. The next morning he put a bandaid on his puppy. Then, Davis proceeded to put bandaids all over the stuffed animal until the box of bandaids had to go away. Gabbie joined in and wanted bandaids on her legs, too. =)

And here they are in all their glory. The area around his cut started to bruise today, but it's not bad at all. He'll be ready to go back swimming in just a couple more days when the stitches come out.

Just FYI, Gabbie is leading/pulling Davis around by this necklace because he is pretending to be a horse. Just wanted to make sure you know we don't promote violence in our home. =)