free zoo day

the hogle zoo only offers a few free zoo days during the year.  so when tyler had a day off, and it happened to be a free zoo day, we were so happy!  this free zoo day happened to be in February when it was a little chillier outside, but honestly, the day couldn't have been more beautiful.  we had been cooped up inside for so long it was just nice to be outside breathing in the fresh air and being together as a family.

katelyn was able to bring one of her friends along.  they get along so well and had a blast together.

 

even little reeser didn't mind the cold.  and for a free day, it really wasn't that packed.  we were expecting it to be hard to navigate through the crowd, but it was wonderful.  hopefully we can go back when they offer their free days again.

 

valentine's day get-together

a friend of ours decided it would be fun to do a valentine's day get-together for the kids.  the kids decorated some cupcakes, ate treats and ran around having fun together.

 

Katelyn sat and put a lot of effort into decorating her cupcake.  tanner on the other hand quickly mad and ate his then ran off to play with friends.  the evidence is in the picture.

most of the kids that were present.  i think we missed some because some people had left already.

 

this is one of katelyn's best friends.  so glad these two have each other!

some extras of reese

i don't know why, but i think it's so cute when babies learn to use sippy cups.  they seem much more grown up i guess.

reese showing off that she knows she's one

this little lady loves sunglasses and puts them on any chance she can get.

valentine's day continued

we decided to do an impromptu valentine's day photo shoot.  i love seeing these kids personalities shine through in the pictures. 

valentine's day

valentine's day is so fun for kids, especially when they go to school!   katelyn's class made these cute bags and of course passed out goodies.  katelyn came home with a load of candy!

 

reaction to her shots

getting shots is just a part of a baby/toddler's life.  all of my kids have done great when they've gotten their shots, so i was so surprised and worried when reese broke out in a rash shortly after getting her 12 month shots.  after talking with the nurse at her pediatricians office though, i was reassured that this was a common reaction to one of the shots they give at this age.  yikes!

reese at one

reese was absolutely thrilled that i wanted to take pictures of her.   i sure hope you're picking up no the sarcasm.

 

reese at one year old is a joy to have around. she is a cuddler and a snuggler.  she is happy, sweet, calm and fun-loving.  she loves to be played with and loves to play back.  she loves to dance, be held and loves looking at animal books.  before her first birthday arrived, we taught her how to hold up one finger to say she is one year old.  at one she can say uh-oh, what is that, daddy, da-da, ma-ma, quack, moo, roar and meow.  we are not positive but we think she has also said go, cookie and doggie.  reese takes great naps and sleeps wonderfully at night.  reese still isn't crawling at one, but she is definitely trying. she gets on her hands and knees and rocks back and forth.  she has even attemped moving forward, but you can tell she is nervous about it.  we sure love our reeser!