Coaster!

Cousin Kylie has a roller coaster, and we stopped by her house on the way out of Houston this Christmas to test drive it. Audrey loved it, and Amber was already planning to buy one on the drive home.

Here's the pictures of our "coaster" (as Audrey calls it).






She drinks rainwater if it collects here (I know, gross).

Christmas in Austin

Here's a few pictures from our Christmas here in Austin.





There were fewer presents, but Audrey was getting better at opening them after all the practice in Houston. Ethan still needed some help :)



Here we're reading a book Daddy bought for Ethan.



Mommy got these dolls for Audrey--she loves them. They're little plastic figurines of Disney Princesses.



Mommy bought a recorder for both Audrey and Kylie this year. (I think Mommy has since "lost" Audrey's).



And, finally, the "big" present we got the kids this year--a trampoline. Nowadays Audrey jumps in the trampoline while Ethan jumps in his jumper :)

Audrey's 1st Day of School

We hadn't intended to put Audrey in any sort of daycare or school, but at our last pediatrician appointment, our doctor really recommended at least a little exposure for the socialization benefits. We started looking around and found a school near our house that we really like--Bright Star Academy.

Audrey goes for only a few hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She's still adjusting to the routine, but we think she'll really like it once she gets used to things.







In the lobby they have all these TV screens where you can see inside the classrooms. On her first day, we sat and watched Audrey for a little while to make sure she was okay (actually, she was having a meltdown most of the time--but it's improved since then).

Audrey's 1st Movie

Mommy took Audrey to see her very first movie in an actual movie theatre--Disney's Tangled. Daddy stayed home with Ethan. Audrey did really well. She really enjoyed the popcorn.




Afterwards, the girls got some ice cream.

Christmas with the Izland Family

We had another great Christmas with the Izlands! Thank you for everything--we had a really nice visit. Mommy and Daddy got the best present of all this year--a night alone on the town--hooray!



Audrey got some fairy wings from Nana over at the Wood house, which she's still wearing here. Daddy cringed when Audrey got curious with some of Grandma's nice Christmas decorations, but we survived the holiday without her breaking anything :)



Ethan in Grandma's rocking chair--he looks so big already.







Pulling a stunt which he'd later reprise at our Christmas at home in Austin, Ethan slept through most of the festivities.




Caleb is getting so big!



Look at all the Christmas booty! (Ethan asleep in background)



Audrey loved these plastic candy canes Grandma Karen had on her tree. I found one the other day (I'm not entirely sure how it ended up in Austin)... Audrey must have swiped it.



Aunt Ericka and Cousin Caleb.



Audrey loves her Ariel doll that Uncle Eric and Aunt Lauren gave her...



...and this neat remote control puppy from Uncle Adam and Aunt Ericka



All three kiddos on the couch.



This race car set from Uncle Adam and Aunt Ericka was a hit--Caleb and Audrey were both transfixed.






Audrey did some cooking with Grandma :)




Grandma has a huge set of blocks that Audrey likes. I think this is the tallest tower she's ever built--usually the urge to knock it down is just too hard to resist.

Christmas with the Wood Family

We had a great Christmas with the Wood family! We really enjoyed seeing everyone and especially getting Audrey & Kylie together again. Thank you to everyone for all the gifts and for such a wonderful few days.



Ethan and Papa



Three generations of Wood men




We needed to give the kids a bath, so we just used Nana's sink. Kylie looked on with curiosity :)




Ethan enjoyed Papa & Nana's new furniture...



...but I think his own 'recliner' is still number one.



This toy (intended for Ethan) was a big hit with both girls. Go figure.