Park time

After a Sunday home with sick girls we decided to spend some time at the park yesterday. On the sick note I learned Bailee's was from hidden mold in her waterbottle. I felt terrible especially when I discovered a little in mine as well! I felt sick once I found it and did an all day soak and clean. I wash them regularly but didn't know I could have been taking off the mouthpiece to clean it. Regardless I am grateful they are all clean now and it was just a little upset stomach and nothing worse. Thinking about it still makes me queasy!

   Well we wanted to get out but couldn't decide on anything specific so as we were driving we decided to go to a sports complex near us that has playgrounds. We couldn't have picked a better place to spend a little bit of our afternoon. Since we don't have a yard Elise was so happy to crawl around in the grass and pick up leaves.. Then proceed to put them in her mouth. Elise is growing so fast. She babbles a lot and gets so excited when she plays with Bailee. She currently things my phone case is the best teether and will throw some pretty dramatic fits when she doesn't get it. She definitely is beginning to realize the power of her voice and knowing what she wants. She is so smiley and happy and loves to be chased. She continues to stand very well on her own. She is a pincher. Arms, neck, face, or whatever she can get to. She also has a fascination with hair but mostly just for other little kids or babies. That is always the first thing she will grab for. 

Bailee loved having some play time with daddy in the field. We decided to go to a freshly mowed outfield of a softball field to let her run and feel free. She raced with us and attempted cartwheels. Dave and I were surprised we were still able, although I felt a bit of a pull on some muscles that have not been used in a while :) 

Sword fighting... Bailee was definitely at an advantage. 

Dave and I both have great memories of playing outside in our yards as kids and even though we aren't in our own house yet, we were glad to find a place that we can go for the girls to experience open grass to play. The next time we go we will definitely remember our bat and balls to get a little batting practice in :)

Daniel Smith Days at Rock Castle

On Saturday we had a little family outing on a beautiful day! We visited a historic home just a couple of miles away from us that belonged to Daniel smith and his family. He was a part of creating the state lines that form Tennessee among other things. Andrew Jackson was a relative of his and there was even a man at the event who portrays him and did a great job! 

When the house was built the lake wasn't there but the property is gorgeous and is now surrounded by beautiful homes. 

There was a little herb and flower garden where we were able to try a plant (can't remember the name) that was really sweet and resembled peas to me. We also tried some chocolate peppermint leaves! We were just trying to feel like we lived in the early 1800's. 

Excuse my terrible posture!! So one of my favorite things to see was the basket making. I loved the ones they had on display and I signed up to get the information for when they do classes to make your own! I love baskets but always feel the ones in the store are not worth the price for the cheap quality which they appear to be made. I am hoping the class will be budget worthy and I can have a piece of functional home decor that I made myself. 

They had lawn games from the era as well as writing with a quill. 

They put on a fashion show, right at Elise's naptime, and I loved hearing about the clothing and styles of that time. I was so grateful to be able to listen and watch without distraction as Elise slept and Dave had Bailee. 

Once the fashion show was over Bailee went on her own to listen to a woman play the harp and then had some time to play with her friend from nursery who was there with her mom. The harp music was beautiful and we really enjoyed sitting on the hay bails feeling the breeze and just listening. 

Lastly we toured the house. We were only able to see a couple of rooms but I always enjoy imagining what it would have been like living in that time. It really makes me grateful to live in the times that we do with SO many conveniences! 

Dave sacrificed some sleep so we were able to go but we were happy to be out as a family and to learn a little bit of the history in our area. 

Bailee the reader

Bailee has always taken to reading and has always loved books. Most nights we have to limit the amount that we read to 3 or we would be reading late into the night. This summer she has started to enjoy listening to chapter books as well. We started with The Little Princess and soon after were reading Cinderella and other fairy tales. We let her have a little extra time up while Elise settles for bed to just sit on the couch and look at books as she is doing in the picture. She loves that time to feel like she is older and gets a special privilege. We are so grateful for her love for reading and we spend a lot of time at the library because of it :)

Tennessee State Fair

Yes I have been terrible about posting but I am trying to decide how I want to journal since there are so many options and I love the app I use. Anyway.. Trying to blog again :)

Today we decided to try out the Tennesee State Fair and although we can't compare it to the one in California it was still a nice day out as a family. 

We got ready and headed to Nashville this morning. The temperature dropped to being in the 60's so it was nice being out with much cooler weather during the day. It really felt like fall and it got me excited for my fall candles. I have realized that I am only in the mood to burn candles in the fall but it is something I look forward to in the season. 

We saw the biggest pumpkins and watermelons that I never knew could exist and it made me wonder how they even taste because I had been taught that bigger doesn't always mean that it will taste good. Anyway, they were my favorite of the displays! 

Man oh man this baby is yummy! In the 8 months she has been in our family I just can't get enough of her! She has such a fun personality and is so happy and loving. I continue to be greatful for the greater plans The Lord had in store for our family by blessing us with her :) 

We watched the flying hounds and some pig races which were both entertaining. 

So I am usually very anti-fried fair food but today I was feeling curious and went ahead to experience deep fried Oreos. Really they were not too bad. I probably won't go searching for them again but it is always fun to experience new things :) We even let Bailee play the dart toss game to win a stuffed animal which she is holding below. She had fun with it :)

As we were about to head to our car we finally noticed some horses arriving and decided to go check things out as our last stop. Bailee had an experience riding in June while we were in California and ever since we got back I have had the thought in the back of my mind to contact some of the programs here to start getting involved to see if it is something she really wants to pursue. Dave and I also love seeing horses and they really are majestic. 

Overall it was fun to just be together in our community and to check out the fair here :)

3 months

Elise is 3 months old now! She is over 15 lbs already and 24 in long. She has grown so much that I now have lots of extra small diapers to figure out something to do with. 

She is such a good baby now that I don't have milk and ice cream. Other dairy products don't seem to affect her the same as those two do so I am grateful I can at least enjoy some things again :) 

Our typical nighttime routine. After bath I feed and rock her a bit before laying her down in the port a crib next to my bed. She typically sleeps 4-5 hours before wanting to eat again and then stays with me the remainder of the night. I have debated putting her in with Bailee within the next few months but I love waking up to her sweet little body next to me with a big smile on her face. 

Sitting up

I knew that once I put her in, there was no going back. That is, going back to the floor. She LOVES being up and watching all that goes on. Elise is so happy sitting and her happiness is infectious! Bailee sits in it too and fits well. She hated it at Elise's age but thinks it is the coolest chair in the house now :)

Dishes, teething, and bedtime stories

Bailee washed off all of the dishes and put them up on a towel to dry! I was so proud of her enjoying cleaning. It is times like this that remind me of the importance of being an example. She watches me cleaning and desires to help an it becomes a positive thing instead of a dreaded chore. I waited until she napped to do a more thorough cleaning and when Dave came home she proudly showed him all of the dishes she cleaned. 

Elise is teething and fell asleep gnawing on the side of my thumb during dinner. I hate having my hand in her mouth but it worked so much better than the teething toys or a pacifier. I then had to get Bailee ready for bed holding her this way. It was quite the task! For once I truly felt like I was super mom :) haha. Wiping a bottom, washing my hands, brushing teeth, putting on Jammie's, all while holding a baby who awkwardly has her mouth clenched to my finger... I am sure many moms can relate on some level. 

Ending the night all reading together. Bailee had Elise in her lap for the first book before Dave got home and I didn't want that time to end. I loved being able to read to both girls cuddled up on Bailee's little toddler bed :)