BIG BRO & LITTLE SIS

These two are so cute together and I just have to share some of the moments we have managed to capture on camera. As Mallory gets older, the two of them have really started to grow a strong bond and it is so amazing to see. They are a little mischievous at times, though. We wouldn't doubt that for a bit with Tyler's track record. She is already a little stinker and is following in her big brother's footsteps very well!Playing on the floor.Tyler giving Mallory a bottle.Tyler feeding Mallory dinner - what a big helper!"Okay, Tyler, you aren't going fast enough. I'll do it myself."Watching a movie together.What cutie pies! We are so blessed!
(And, they both look just like Tim. I am ready to see some resemblance to me.)

LOTS OF FUN IN JANUARY

We did a little bit of this and a little bit of that during the month of January. For the most part, we took a nice long break from all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays and Lily Pad's show season. October - December flew by so fast! Christmas had arrived before we knew it and was gone in a snap. Lily Pad had a very successful show season and is gearing up for a fantastic 2009!

Here is what we were up to as we re-cooped:

The DeMauro Family was in town from Charlotte and paid us a visit one evening. It was great to see them, again! Mason is growing so big - he'll be 2 years old in April!Me with Mallory, Mason and Tyler.
Let me just say how hard it was to get these kids to smile and look at the camera at the same time!

Melanie and Mallory.Chris and Tyler. Love ya Godfasha!


I got to enjoy a girls night out with some of my sorority sisters I hadn't seen in a while. It was great to catch up over drinks and tapas!Brooke Myers, Brooke Ford, Jami Vansant, Me and Nicole Barrett.Me and Melissa Dalton.


Our sweet little Madelyn Clifford turned one! What a special birthday! Mallory and I got to attend and celebrate with our special friends.Madelyn enjoying her first taste of birthday cake!

TYLER'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM AND PARTY

My mom and dad were able to attend Tyler's Christmas stuff at school, but unfortunately, Tim was not able to get off of work. So, we took a bunch of video and photos to share with him. Since this was Tyler's first experience performing in front of a crowd, we weren't sure what he would do or how he would react. He was great! A little timid at first, but then he broke out of his shell and really performed the part! They sang Christian songs with arm motions, while a few other children acted out the scene at the Inn. It was adorable!

Me and Mallory with my parents

Me and MalloryOur proud little man walking down the aisle towards the stage.

I wasn't able to take many pictures during the actual performance, due to video taping, holding Mallory, and laughing so hard I was crying. Believe me, it was the cutest thing ever!

Ms. Karen is reading the children a story.

Me posing with Tyler.
(Notice how he is sitting between two girls - his favorite two in the class)

Tyler introducing his baby sister to his friend.

Papa helping Tyler decorate his treat.

CHRISTMAS 2008

Whew! The holiday season came as fast as it went! But, once again, it was a great one! We had a "low-key" holiday this year with the grandparents and Granna.

Merry First Christmas, Mallory!
Even though she wasn't quite sure what was going on, it was such a joy to see her experience her first Christmas, as well as Tyler sharing the memory with her.
Here she is with her very special friend, Madelyn (her first Christmas, too!)
The four of us woke up on Christmas to a nice delivery from Santa. We had our own little Christmas by ourselves before welcoming the rest of the family for a delicious dinner and church.We also got to experience Christmas with Granna (Tim's grandmother on his father's side) here as as new Georgia resident. She has permanently moved from Baltimore to Atlanta to be closer to us. We are so grateful to have her here!

MOMMY'S LITTLE PIGGY

You know the famous scene from "A Christmas Story" where the youngest son is pigging out on his mashed potatoes? Well, here is Mallory's version of it, except with bananas...

(You'll have to pause the music player to the right to hear the video.)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Halloween was a crazy day, as usual, but ended up being a great one. I had to set up for a show at 3pm, head home in Friday traffic, and get the kids ready for the festivities. We were dressed and ready just in time. We had a few friends over for pictures, met with even more friends down the street, and began our journey to trick-or-treat. Tyler was a firefighter and Mallory was a dalmatian (a fire dog named "Sparky"). Tyler had a blast with all of his buddies. It is so much fun to watch these kids grow up together and get more out of every holiday as each year goes by. Mallory had a great time watching them from the wagon or my arms. She was such a sport and just tagged along. After several pieces of candy had been consumed and the treat bag was filled, it was time to come home, brush teeth, and get in bed. Oh, and as were getting the kids ready, we found Mallory's first tooth! I just happened to check (as I do everyday) and there it was!Madelyn Clifford and Mallory in their "My First Halloween" shirts.

Halloween pictures before trick or treating. Tyler and Mallory with the Tipper Triplets.

Tyler with his neighborhood friends.

Allyson and Madelyn Clifford with Blythe and Mallory.

Mallory with Daddy.

HALLOWEEN AT HILLSIDE

Tyler's preschool had a costume parade on Thursday, followed by a Halloween party that was hosted by your's truly, along with another Mom. It was a fun day filled with candy of every kind, not to mention the cookies! The children did a few activities to pass the time by, and then we headed home to run off the excess amount of sugar.
Mom and Mallory at the parade.
Tyler in the parade with his class.
The set-up for the kids' snacks and activities.
The kids working on their pumpkin books.
Tyler with his counting book.