PAX South 2015

Zach surprised us with an awesome family date in January. He got us tickets to PAX South, a game convention.

Being large with child, I tried to take it easy while meandering through the halls. Zach found different groups to play games with and I took the girls around to explore the booths, activities, and various photo ops.

For dinner we went to a Brazilian steakhouse that was located across from the convention center. It was delicious!

Lucy had I had a great time collecting buttons from all the booths and putting them on her lanyard. She also sweet-talked herself into several photo ops with cos-players.

This picture is by far my favorite. I can't help but laugh every time I look at it.
The Warriors and Confused Baby.

Heaven! She's in heaven!

This costume was really impressive.

This girl was working it.

Lucy putting on a show while dancing to "Happy." This guy was a great sport to dance with her. They drew quite a crowd.

We had a great time at the convention. The only down side was that we were hoping to meet some local people to invite over for game nights, but unfortunately all the people we met were from out of town! Maybe next year.

Thrifting: Duck Bathrobe

I love visiting our local thrift store on their weekly "Half-Off All Items" day and seeing what treasures we can find.

It was love at first sight for both Lucy and Clara when they saw this rubber duck bathrobe. Lucy begged me to take a picture of her with it and Clara wouldn't stop repeating "Duck! Quack!"

Much to both of their disappointment, the glorious duck bathrobe didn't come home with us that day.

Clara Update: Boxes, Big Girl, Ballet

Here is an update of what Clara has been up to so far this year.

Modeling her favorite slippers in her favorite chair.

The first photograph in my new series: Babies in Boxes

Getting ready to go outside and play in the water table with Lucy. Work those grandma pants!

Eating her "soup" with a knife while enjoying her new box chair/house?

This picture reminds me of a genie going into it's lamp. 

Trying to sit in this box = Classic baby logic.

"Helloooo in there!"

Box hat.

Start them while they are young! Clara putting dirty laundry in the washer. 

Watching "ballet TV" at ballet class.

Clara "changing" her bunny baby's diaper. Haha. Now with Henry around she is even more invested in her "babies" and their care. 

Christmas in January

The Christmas fun kept on coming when we got a package from my mom filled with presents and treats!

Lucy and Clara loved their new books and baby dolls, and I enjoyed the homemade chocolates! Thanks, Mom! There were even presents for the new baby to enjoy for when he made his future debut.

Thanks, Grandma Gillson and family!

We always love getting real mail around here! Thanks again, Mom!

Daddy Daughter Dance: October 2014

In October our church hosted a Daddy Daughter Dance. It had a western theme and I tagged along to help manage two little girls, so Zach could spend time with each, as well as take some pictures. We also went out to eat before hand at one of Lucy's favorite spots, Chick-fil-A.

Once at the dance I was so surprised to see how well attended it was, and was even more surprised to see so many dads actually dancing!

Half of the gymnasium was blocked off for dancing, and the other half had the lights on and stick horses for the little ones to run around with. Lucy loved this part.

They also had activities and booths around the church in different rooms for those that might not like to dance. There was a fishing booth with candy, penny toss, professional photo booth, and other various games. In the gym there was a "make your own trail mix" bar with various mix-ins.

The morning of the daddy/daughter date. Starting the day off right with Daddy story time. 

Ready to go!

Zach dancing with Clara and Lucy behind him dancing with some of her church friends. 

Stick horse time!

The dance started after Lucy and Clara's bed times, but they still had fun. You could tell Clara was tired though. I hope this is an annual thing because it was awesome! I was really impressed with the whole thing.

Sister Time in 2014

Here are a few pictures of Lucy and Clara spending their days together this past fall. It will be so different next fall when Lucy starts Kindergarten!

Sister story time.

Snuggling.

Park day while the weather was nice.

I love to see these girls becoming friends. Warms a mama's heart.

Sisters Dance

Lucy and Clara loved their their weekly ballet class this past fall, and have started performing on their own time.

Pretty girl. 

Giving the kitty a kiss.

Their performance involved a lot of blankets. 

Hahaha! I love this one of Clara.

Binder clip keeping the dress on her. 

I love seeing them play well together. <3

"Hi."

Costume change!

Clara, so dramatic!

Twirling.

We're excited to start ballet class again now that the holidays are over. Lucy really loves dancing all around and showing us her made up moves. I was surprised to find that Clara followed instruction when I was telling Lucy which dance moves to show her Dad one day. Clara was doing them too! Who knew she was even paying attention!?

I'm glad I could share my love of dance and performing with my girls. It brings be back to my younger days of putting on productions and musical numbers with my little sisters. :)