A week in N.C

Last month Morgan, Ruca, and I went to North Carolina to stay with my nephews while my sister and her husband went to Texas. I was basically there to cook the boys dinner and take them to and from school. Morgan really enjoyed spending time with her cousins and jumping on their trampoline. I didn't take to many pictures, but I did bring my camera out for like 5 minutes.

Bowling

A while ago (back in the beginning of March) I thought it would be fun to try and take Morgan bowling. I thought she was old enough now to not constantly try and run off and actually enjoy playing a game. I was right!! The kid LOVED it. She even had to pick her ball up from the corral and carry it to the lane herself. It is so nice now that they have bumpers and the little ramps to let kids have a fun time too.

We had a chance to go another time at the end of March and she has since requested to go again. Looks like we might be taking more trips to the bowling alley in our future.

Oh and here is another picture that has nothing to do with bowling. It is just a cute picture and wanted to share.

Unfortunately, this is NOT how these two usually act together. Both of them like to play a little rougher than I would like, but when I try to separate them Morgan usually tries to tell me that Ruca is her best friend and she loves playing with her. I think when they are both a little older they will chill out a little. I hope!

February misc.

Here are some random pictures I took this past month:

"Snow day"

Morgan is obsessed with the umbrella. She always says "oh no! It's raining. Quick get under the umbrella with me". She played with it a little too much though. This umbrella bit the dust this morning.

I really wish this image was clearer. I really like this moment. I don't get to relax and snuggle with her often anymore.

"Lunch with the Queen"
Actually, she called herself the King, but I knew what she meant ;). I really enjoy having special time with Morgan outside of the house. Something as simple as going to the mall and having lunch in the food court can be a lot of fun.

Just a little painting

Morgan has kind of a short attention span sometimes. At least when it comes to doing something OTHER than watching T.V.  I have found however, that the girl loves to paint! She will sit still and make as many pictures as I will provide paper for. It's great when we are stuck inside on a cold, rainy day.

There is Ruca again. She has to see what is going on.

As you can see, she isn't afraid to get messy! I don't care you can see how much fun she is having :)

Cookie Decorating

On Valentines day, Morgan and I made homemade sugar cookies. She helped me pour and mix all the ingredients, roll out and cut the dough and she even helped decorate them when they had cooled off.  I didn't get any pictures of the entire process, but I got a couple of her enjoying the finished product.

I don't know what makes me smile more, Morgan's face or Ruca sneaking in the picture and just waiting for some of that cookie to drop :).

Home made bird feeders

I was needing an indoor activity to do with Morgan because it has been so cold out lately. I wanted to find something simple that she could basically do by herself with just a little coaching. So I thought a bird feeder would be great.

I think everyone has made one of these in their life. You just take a empty toilet paper roll and then cover the outside with peanut butter. After that, you roll it in bird seed and hang it in a tree. Voila! You're done. :) So simple.

Christmas/catch up

I took a total of three pictures on Christmas. It started off with Morgan sleeping in. Which NEVER happens. All I can think is that it took her forever to fall asleep the night before in anticipation of Santa coming that she wore herself out.  It was actually a good thing she did though because I had to prepare food for later on at my sister's house. I originally thought I would do it the night before, but I didn't get around to it.

Morgan's Santa present was a play kitchen. She was pretty excited about that which was fun to see. She also got a floor puzzle, candyland, a leapster game, 3 gabba gabba beanie babies to complete her collection, my little pony bubble bath and several other little things that I am forgetting.

That's it! Those are the three pictures I took. I can't believe it. I guess  I was just caught up in Morgan's first real "Santa" Christmas and watching her enjoy it.

After we opened presents we went to my sister's house and had lunch and played board games. It was all pretty relaxing except for towards the end when both Kevin and my sister started feeling sick :(.

Morgan has grown so much since we have moved to Tn. She really loves when she has opportunities to help. I asked her if she wanted to help me wash the pots and pans and she jumped at the chance.

I have also noticed a little bit of "sibling rivalry" since wet Ruca. Morgan has noticed that we have to give Ruca quite a bit of attention because she is so young and because of it she a lot more interested in things like having her picture taken.

Lastly, here are a couple of pictures to show you how quickly this pup has grown.

Gotta love those ears!

Well here we are at a brand new year. I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for the Shaw's. Happy new year everyone!