Flamingo flyby

Over the weekend, Bayli underwent her first Great Backyard Bird Count.  GBBC, as non-first-timers refer to it.  Props to her Aunt Angie for introducing us to the event.  

Bayli committed approximately 20 minutes on Sunday morning to count the birds in our yard.  Her results, "WE NEED MORE BIRDS MOM!!!  Why aren't the birds that are usually here not coming when it is really important for me to count them?"  

I think she counted maybe 6.  And they were probably the same 3 House Finches making trips back and forth to our feeder.  

As sad as it was, it was pretty entertaining to listen to her chatter about her non-bird-sighting.  She finally decided that the birds weren't coming because it was too noisy in our house.  Her efforts to quiet down the household were in vain.  She came to the conclusion that she needed to make a wildlife viewing tent to hide in. 

I wish that we had taken a photo of her make shift wildlife viewing tent stationed in the middle of our family room with a direct view out the back windows.  It was complete with pillows for seating, drinks, stuffed animals, and whatever else she managed to hide in it before we started to get on her case for making a mess. 

My favorite part of the event was her Flamingo non-sighting, which went a bit like this:

Bayli:  Mom, I see one!!!
Me:  What was it?
Bayli:  I don't know.  It was small and maybe black or brown.  I think it was a Flamingo.
(long pause)  I mean House Finch.

i scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!!!

 

shoe palooza

Her fascination with shoes has, well...grown.  

Her favorites now being, anyone's that are not hers.  Although she still loves her own.

I love watching her slip on a pair and trudge around the place.  That or slip on one and pack around the second.  I guess that she thinks it is okay as long as they are near her person.  

My other favorite thing, the infamous blue glove she also has been sporting on her person.

Don't you just love her funny shadow that makes it look like she has two crazy piggy tails instead of one?

We could watch her try on shoes all day long.

Funny Chase

Chase, just emerging from the bathtub (he has been obsessed with his penis lately):

Me:  Chase please don't touch your penis
Chase:  Mom, what's this? (Now holding onto his scrotum)
Me: (very uncomfortable at this point)  It is your scrotum.
Chase:  (pause)  Oh, a scrotum penis?

almost dejavu

 Just like her brother.  

Frequently found packing around a water bottle.  

Can't leave home without it. 

 Pees up a storm.  (Now we have two little bodies whose pee we will fight over when we are trapped in a desert.  Just in case you needed to know.)

Has to have a straw.

 If packing a water bottle was the only behavior she was picking up from her brother, life would be a lot less difficult.  

We could definitely do without her need to vocalize in the same manner as her brother...LOUDLY with high pitched ear piercing screeches.  

I think that he is beginning to wish that he hadn't taught her those skills as well.

we teach 'em young

7

Bayli had a delightful day with her family and bestie.  A visit to the Aquarium, Wendy's, and cake was all that she asked for.  Well, not all, mother nature didn't provide her in way with much snow. She wanted to go sledding.  

this unusual weather...

has made for two happy kiddos.

I mean,what little nearly 18 month older, isn't thrilled to be outside, in January?

 And what little 3 year old wouldn't try to soak up every opportunity to be outdoors, in January?

What little baby lets you swing them for nearly an hour straight, in January?

And what little guy, gets to say "higher, HIGHER!!!" in January?

And then slide nearly 50 times, in January?

And what little gal wouldn't be tickled to tag along with the hens, in January?

 And what mom wouldn't give up a day of chores, to share in an adventure outdoors with their littlest loves?  

That and try out their new lens on wintered plants?

Family for Christmas

This season came and went so quickly.  Maybe if it had snowed more frequently, time would have slowed down a bit.  But between the everyday rush of things, life has been like pushing the fast forward button.
The week building up to Christmas was spent wrapping up that everyday stuff.  Bayli had her 1st Grade Christmas Program, as cute as they usually are.  Filled with yawners, nose pickers, skirt flippers, prop breakers (followed by sad facers), cheesers, "hi mom"-ers, hand actors, no front teeth-ers, and the list continues.  If I ever finish editing the video, it should be pretty funny. 

The Annual Atherley Christmas Eve Party, was a fun event.  This years theme was The Great Outdoors.  So we started off with a weenie roast.

Then it was on to building rockets.

Super proud of their rockets

 And finally, the Launch!

Chase's rocket was pretty impressive, I am pretty sure his went the highest.

Jed and DJ were the designated retrievers.  They were just as entertaining as watching the rockets.

Chase insisted on retrieving his own rocket.  His screams were a sign to the men, "don't mess with me!"

They finally started pointing it out for him.

For a short while, Chase wanted to be like the men and catch the rockets.  His efforts were unsuccessful.

So were his efforts in patiently waiting his turn.

As usual, Bayli was perfect at being beautiful and silly.

Everyone had a wonderful time

Even those who were at the repair station.

And Lily, well, she was content to muddle about being cute.  She could care less about the rockets.

 After rockets, it was gift time.  Followed by treats and games.  We had a fun time.

Chase showing his tummy.

Love that face

notice hands down his pants

Notice Chase's cute little bum. 

Lily thought twice about having Uncle Nate help her open her gift. 

She opted to sit with mom instead.  I love her happy smile with the site of clothes, that's my girl.

No clue why Sheri and I are saying How to one another???

Lily loved her jammies.  So did the other kiddos.

 Christmas morning was met with 3 excited kiddos.  They opened their stockings, Santa Mouse, and Santa gifts before readying themselves for Church.  After church, we finished opening our family gifts.

Bayli's favorite gift was her Zooble Nursery from mom and dad.  Chase loved his construction books from Santa and ambulance from mom and dad.  Lily loved her kitty, books, and blue boots.  I am super excited about my new camera lens, can't wait to photograph some bugs!!!  And Jed loved everything he received (at least that is what I am speculating). 

Then, we headed out for the Annual Christmas Breakfast at the Dixon's.  Well, this year it was breakfast for lunch.  And, as usual, DELICIOUS!!!

Lily loved her new baby and stroller. 

She was leery about how to retrieve her back from Uncle Rob.

Bayli loved the Zooble collection and Teensies she received.

Chase loves his new helicopter.

And everyone had a good time kicking back after the crowded room emptied a bit. 

They all look totally stoned.  Love these kinds of pics.

cute girls.

Now that is a cheese.

 Then it was off to Nona's for a visit.  Unfortunately we didn't come home with any photos of the kids with Nona, Chase was too leery of her "owy nose" and more interested in the chickens throughout her home anyways.  Instead, they each came home with a Christmas Bear from her collection.  Thanks Nona!!!

Then finally, the kids got their wish of returning home to play with their loot. 
It was wonderful spending the weekend surrounded by so many people that we love.