Aunties Visit

Last weekend we were happy to have the company of Auntie Stephanie and Auntie Hannah. Due to poor weather, they didn't arrive until late Friday night so the kids were so happy to wake up Saturday morning and have aunties to play with.

 

Thomas and Steph played with Play-Doh.

 Hannah and Nora stacked blocks.

Grandma Jo hooked us up with passes to Sea Life and Nickelodeon Universe. Sea Life was our first stop. I was a little anxious about the Aquarium keeping Thomas' interest but he loved it... ALL of it.

It was really quite amazing. Most of the aquarium was like a tunnel with fish swimming all around you. The sharks and sword fish were pretty cool. The jelly fish room was super neat too but cameras were frowned upon in that exhibit.

It was so nice having S&H along on the adventure.

After lunch at Famous Dave's the Aunties took Nora shopping and Erik and I took Thomas to Nickelodeon Universe. There were only a few rides for kids his age and all the lines were super long. I didn't think Thomas would last long, especially since it was way past nap time. But, we wanted him to experience a few rides.

 

The first ride was in Thomas the train. Thomas looked so cute in the train, Erik looked so funny.

They waited in line for quite a while for the Carousel. I didn't think either of them would have the patience but they made it and it was worth it.

The last ride was the longest wait. Thomas was super tired but Erik got some good snuggles while in line.

All that waiting just to ride a toy semi. They can go for a ride in a real big rig anytime they'd like but I guess there is something special about having your own steering wheel and horn. (Bummer about the blurry pic.)

Both kids were pooped that evening. All we had energy for was snuggling on the couch taking selfies.  :) Kissy Face!

That is one happy little boy, surrounded by love.

 

The next morning we did church and lunch. Hannah, Steph and I got our nails done during nap time and then it was time for them to hit the road. The weekend went so quickly, probably because it was so fun! These two can come back every weekend if they'd like! 

Nora: Nine Months

Sweet baby girl is nine months old today! We had her well visit this morning and it is always a relief to hear "she looks great!"

Measurements: Big baby girl weighs 22.5 lbs. and is 29.5 inches tall. She is in the high 90th percentile for weight and height and 85th for head size. Nora has 8 teeth now and her hair is slowly thickening up.

Eat: Anything and everything and a lot of it! She is a hungry hippo. Seriously, every time my mom facetimes with us Nora is in her highchair. She basically eats whatever we eat plus baby food and a lot of cheerios. She has four 7oz bottles a day. One before both naps, at bedtime and one in the night.

Sleep: Yay! Nora was down to one bottle a night for most of the month but made me super proud today because she slept through the night! I am hopeful that this is the new trend! She (usually) takes two naps a day. A short 30-60 minute nap around 10:00 and a long nap in the afternoon usually from 1:30-4:00. We try to get both kids down by 8:00 but we are usually having so much fun that we lose track of time.  It's closer to 8:30 by the time Nora goes down and 9:00 by the time Thomas is tucked in.

Play: She wants whatever Thomas has: books, cars, blocks, babies. She likes to sit in front of the bookcase and pull out all the books. Nora enjoys the bath tub but has started pulling herself up which makes me super nervous. She also likes to put her face under water, funny girl.

Brother: Holy buckets, Thomas is such a great big brother. There are still moments when he forgets to be gentle but I forget all about the rough "play" when he sits down next to her, takes out her nuk and says, "Hi pretty girl, tell me something." Or when she cries in the car and he says, "It's ok Nora, Thomas is here." I just love watching their relationship blossom.
Daddy:  Nora's new favorite activity (besides eating) is walking.  She is so proud of herself as she walks across the floor with the help of Mama or Daddy.  One side effect is that now she doesn't like to spend much time being held or snuggled.  She grabs for my pointer fingers when she's ready to go, whether we are playing in the loft or praying during church.  It's fun to watch her light up as she waddles from one room to another.

Mama: Nora is such a snuggly sweet pea. She sleeps with us at night and likes to be touching one of us at all times. If I have my back to her she keeps her hand on my back or arm. If I am facing her she puts one had on each cheek. There are times I wish we had a little more space in the bed but there is nothing better than her soft hands holding my face.

We have a big month ahead of us. I expect Nora will for sure be crawling and also getting close to walking on her own. We have a big family trip in a few weeks, and Erik goes away for a weekend so this month will fly by. I really need to start making some first birthday plans!

South Carolina

The weekend after Christmas we were able to get away to much warmer (but not super warm) temps. Erik's mother and Grandma gifted us with a trip to South Carolina to visit the rest of the Pilot side of the family. We hadn't seen many of them in years. There were 3 cousins that we had not even met yet. So, it was a fun little reunion, especially since there were six kids under five years old. Crazy!

 

This was Nora's first experience with air travel. Thomas' last flight was when he was four months old so it was pretty much a new experience for him too. He loves airports and planes as much as his father!

We were so happy to be done with our traveling for the day. Thomas was ready to play! He enjoyed a quick little lunch with cousin Marley.

It was so fun to be on the water for the afternoon. It wasn't super warm but it sure was nice to be outside without freezing!

Family pic! The warm sunshine sure felt nice.

I love this picture of Erik and his sweet Grandma Hazel.

After the boat ride we visited the park. Thomas watched big cousin Eli go down the slide head first, now it's the only way to go down!

Auntie Stephanie snuggled Nora on the swing.

Our poor kids had been cooped up for weeks so I wanted to keep them outside as much as possible. Thomas was thrilled to be out playing.

Sleepy Nora seemed to enjoy herself too.

Thomas and Jack had fun sifting through the sand together. Thomas is three months older than Jack.

The second day we visited a children's museum on Hilton Head Island. Like father like son, Thomas was most interested in the "jumbo jet."

The magic sand was fun too, but playing with cousins and auntie is the most fun!

Grandma playing with both babies. Nora loved that little mirror deal, and Thomas loves anything with a steering wheel.

Must have been a great book!

Whew Whoo!

Big Cousin Marley was so good to Nora. Wish these kids could play together more often.

Big group photo. Thank you Deb and Kent for hosting us all weekend- such a special weekend with family!

Nora with Great Grandma Hazel.

Our chubby little red head.

Little loves for Daddy.

My best guys.

I love this shot of Marley and Thomas.

It was so refreshing to spend the afternoon playing outside.

It's amazing how entertaining wooden blocks can be. I stack them up, she knocks them down.

It looks like Grandma Jo is enjoying some play time with Thomas and Marley.

We had to remind Thomas about grass and push mowers.

Photo Credit goes to Uncle Peter.

Just chilling in the swing. Can not wait for spring!

Thank you to Grandma Jo and Grandma Hazel for "sponsoring" the trip. Thanks to the Fuller's for being such accommodating hosts. It was SO nice to spend time with family we don't get to see very often.

Merry Christmas Gift

In an effort to save time and stress with buying Christmas gifts for our family, Erik and I once again decided on giving the gift of an experience. We had planned the 2nd Annual Anderson/Daggett Sleigh Ride much like the one we did last here (here); however, due to below 0 temps we decided to cancel the sleigh ride and bring the party indoors. Our Plan B was bowling and I think the evening was a success.

This was Thomas' first bowling experience. He was lucky to have a lot of good coach's. Looks like he is on target for a spare!

We divided the group up onto four lanes, I happened to share a lane with my dad and Thomas which meant my dad and I squeezed in many extra frames as Thomas was off sneaking drinks of soda from all of his aunties and uncles.

Lane #1: Peter (who bowls in a league and put us all to shame), Mathew, Mitch (Hannah's boyfriend) and Hannah.

Steph and Grandpa John waiting for their turn.

Thomas and his Godmother, Auntie Lolo.

This little guy was lucky to have the undivided attention of both grandma's.

Grandma Jo and Auntie Stephie

Erik and Grandpa John

Thomas with his best bowling buddy.

The Anderson's and Daggett's. So fun to spend time with all these people. Erik and I have many great childhood memories together because of all the fun times our families have had together.

Who do you think bowls a better frame?

Maybe I'm just more humble...

Fun times!

Sisters.

Nora Mae slept for most of the evening but didn't entirely miss out.

Nuts about the blurry picture but isn't this the sweetest?! My mom was taking the kids home and it was totally time for Thomas to leave but I just couldn't take Nora from Grandpa John so Pretzy got to stay out a little later.  Lucky girl or lucky Grandpa?

Merry Christmas to all.
Love- Erik, Elise, Thomas and Nora