Chug-a-Chug-a-Chug-a-Chug-a-CHOO! CHOO!!

Before Christmas some of the ladies in my family went to the Eiteljorg Museum to see Jingle Rails. My cousin, Julia, her son Liam, my mom, my grandma, Lola and myself all made the trek downtown to see the miniature train sets. There was a miniature version of Indianapolis and other places across the United States. Trains were weaving in and out of displays. The kids are a little too young to really appreciate it but it was a fun place for us adults and the kids could at least look at the lights. It was great to spend time with the family.

The entire group of us all together at the entrance to the exhibit.

Mom carrying Lola around to look at all the trains and displays.

Four generations of ladies.

Lola trying to walk around the exhibit all by herself. Who knew that not a week later she would start walking all by herself.

Right now Liam is half Lola's age so he still gets to be papoosed to his mama. Lucky little guy. I wish I had someone to carry me around like that. :)

Lola and her Grandma Bean.

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Lola was born when there was a TON of snow on the ground. Sadly, at that time she couldn't appreciate the beauty of it. It's wonderful to look at, but personally I hate the cold. It's been a long time since I played in the snow. As a parent you get to relive your childhood with your kids and playing in the snow is one of those things you get to do again. We bundled Lola up in her new snow pants and new jacket and off we went into our front yard. She was absolutely mesmerized by all of it, but was kind of upset because she couldn't really move her limbs. She kinda looked like the kid from "A Christmas Story".

We could not get her eyes off the snow!

The only movement we could get her to do was a vertical one. She would plop herself down on the ground and couldn't go anywhere else.

This would have been a great picture if Lola wouldn't have been looking at the snow, but I think it's still pretty good.

Lola loved eating the snow. No worries...I didn't give her any yellow snow!

Another vertical movement to the ground.

She didn't really like the idea of making a snow angel. Maybe next year :)

We'll have to photoshop Drew into this picture. I think he would fit perfectly to our left in front of my mom's car.

More snow for the little monkey.

Getting Lola undressed was a lot easier than getting it all on her. She had really silly hair from her hat.

No Walking Yet - Just Standing

Lola is trying her hardest to get mobile. You gotta crawl before you can walk and walk before you can run. In a baby's world, you have to lay on your stomach and roll over before you can crawl; you gotta crawl before you can walk; you gotta stand on your own before you can walk. Lola is practicing standing on her own. She pulls herself up on everything she can. This usually scares us to death because she isn't quite stable on her feet yet, but she sure tries. Here is some proof that our little monkey isn't to far from being mobile.

First real time standing alone. I look silly behind her but at least I'm showing everyone that I'm not holding on to her.

Now it was Drew's turn to get her up.

Then she just started to show off.

She got a little over confident and started trying to take steps on her own.

She got one step in before she tumbled into her daddy's open arms.

What is your morning ritual? Playing hide and seek around the couch!!!

Every morning Lola and I wake up, eat breakfast and then hang out in our pj's for a little bit. We usually play with toys and watch "The Jungle Book" (which is Lola's favorite Disney movie), but a lot of our time is spent walking around and playing hide-and-go-seek. Lola hides behind the couch and I try to "find" her.

Before the fun begins. She's got that mischievous look on her face like she's got a plan. The plan: hide from mommy and have her chase me.

She doesn't hide very well. She always sticks her head out from behind the couch.

"Oh no!!"

"You found me!!!!"

We Are Thankful for FAMILY!!

This Thanksgiving, our family traveled North to Blufton, Indiana to spend the holiday with the Kipfer and Isch families. On Thanksgiving day, we spent it with Drew's father's side and we spent Friday with Drew's mom's side. It was a great holiday! We enjoyed spending time with family and friends and we are so grateful that we were able to do that. There are so many things that we are thankful for this holiday season.

Lola and Rafe...best friends already.

Family picture

Daddy reading Lola a book

Great-Grandma Kipfer and Lola

Uncle Ben!! Lola LLLLOOOOOVVVVEEESSS her Uncle Ben!!