Happy "Day-day" Collin!

It seems like just yesterday I turned two: wild hair, still in diapers, learning new words, loving the Thomas the Train....

Now I'm three.....

And one thing has stayed the same...I still wanted my mama to make me a Thomas cake.

Growing up every day: jumping, playing, inquiring, smiling, laughing, learning about the world God created (and about God Himself!), loving my family. Its not always easy being three, but I'll enjoy it until I'm four!

Our little old man/baby girl

For a couple weeks, Ainsley kept making these old man faces so I thought it would be funny to do a little comparison. Any resemblance???

Winter Wonderland in Georgia

SNOW IN GEORGIA?? Yes, its true. It didn't last very long, and it wasn't the best for snowmen or snow angels..but we were able to make snowballs. Collin loved it, of course!

Collin wasn't digging the snowsuit at first.

Ainsley was only outside long enough for a picture. She kept falling over, wearing her fluffy snowsuit, and it was a little too cold for her liking!

A nice, quiet Christmas

We at the Ireland household enjoyed a low-key Christmas. Not too busy, not too loud, not too much money spent, the way it should be right?? :-) It can be sad to be away from our families at the holidays, but it also gives us the opportunities to establish our own family traditions and spend some quality time together. And another bonus: I didn't even have to clean my house or cook! Here are a few snapshots from our Christmas:

Ainsley and Santa at the MOMS Club Christmas party. We don't really push the whole Santa thing in our house, but this Santa is top notch..and how precious is this picture??

Not quite sure about this guy.

Our Christmas Card picture

More Buzz Lightyear Pajamas!

Ainsley liked unwrapping her gifts, and most of the wrapping paper ended up in her mouth.

Collin and his janitor set. Taking over Pipi's business.

Ainsley's first tea set

Daddy and Collin having a tea party.

Whatcha got in the bag?

Precious moment of the day: We have been working with Collin on his manners, saying, "Please", "Thank you" etc. After opening all his toys, he was very happy, and I asked him, "What do you say to Mama & Dada?" He said in a very sweet voice, "Thank you Mama, Dada" and gave me the best hug. While I had asked him to say thanks, the hug communicated it from his heart. One of those moments that makes my heart smile!

More fall fun

October was a busy, but fun month! Can't believe it is already over. A little recap of our adventures:

Chad and I had a little overnight to Blue Ridge, GA. It was very beautiful, but VERY cold. We were able to take a scenic train ride. We were very thankful for sometime together (and for those who offered to watch our kids!!)

Our church held our first Trunk or Treat. Those who aren't familiar with the idea, our church members parked their cars in the church lot and opened the trunks, and creatively decorated them. Also, kids dressed up in their costumes and were able to "Trunk or Treat". Everyone was so creative with their decorations and ideas. I'm so proud of our church family! Collin's "costume" was Superman and Ainsley was a flower.

Funny story about Collin's costume: one of his nursery buddies dressed up as supergirl. Once they saw each other they started going at it, as if they were archenemies, not superhero allies (all in fun of course). I couldn't stop laughing seeing these two together. Really cute!

Our beautiful flower

Pastor Barry & Denise's trunk. They won first place. Very fitting for our pastor and pastor's wife, who is a operation room nurse!

Pastor Mark & his family had a great trunk too! Based on one of Collin's favorite movies: CARS!

We took Collin & Ainsley to Atlanta's children museum: IMAGINEIT. There were a lot of things there for all kids...even Ainsley!

Cheesy smile

Cheesy smile #2 with Curious George aka Back Roll. We had no idea where he comes up with his names for things.

Painting (That lasted for a whole two minutes)

Gone fishing

Ainsley on the baby "waterbed" She had a lot of fun with this.

Fall= Apple orchard time

Being the Michigan gal that I am, fall and apple orchards are a tradition. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Georgia has apple orchards (you can call me ignorant, its okay!). For my 29th birthday yesterday, we had a family day and traveled to Ellijay, GA to spend time at Hillcrest Orchard.

Family pic before the pig races (yes, pig races). The pigs had funny names like Hamgelina Jowly, Hammy Faye Bacon, and Donald Rump.

Collin and daddy looking at the baby chicks.

Collin not to excited about petting the baby calf.

A little braver

Why is Ainsley so happy??......

The animals came to her!

(They thought her stroller was pretty tasty.)

Collin's favorite activity: THE BIG SLIDE!!

Weird "swing"amajig

Adventures in Eating

"Mama, I am ready...FEED ME!"

After my first rice cereal "meal"

Round Two: Still like it !

Sweet Potatoes were a hit.

Ainsley is a really messy eater! She never fails to intercept the spoon before it gets to her mouth, thus getting food all over her hands...then wipes her hands over her face. I don't even wipe her off until the end, because she just keeps swiping the spoon from my hands!

Here is the result: