ZOO LIGHTS

That's me and L on the right

 As the weather has been so temperate we could not resist the temptation to head over to the National Zoo and check out Zoo Lights. We had dinner at one of our old neighborhood favorites and then headed on over. We've been so many times, but it is so much better when you have a little one.

Close up!

L checking out all the kids. She loved it!

You might be wondering what's on her head....

A flashing light up Christmas tree! We are those parents who had to have this for her!

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

We decorated the house over the weekend. We had to make some pretty major adjustments for a certain someone....all and all tho, it turned out great and we are ready for Santa!

Our dining room

Mini tree on the counter...

L self medicating as she just could not take the decorating excitement (kidding, this is her with her nebulizer)

Getting the sparkle back in her eyes

We had brunch with friends, L is checking everyone out

Heather and Fiona

L and Fiona play

L and Daddy play tackle, one of her new favorite games

Moving on up...

Today we moved Cory into his new office space across from the court house (which is the large building behind his). We hired movers for the heavy lifting but spent a bit helping him unpack and exploring his new space.

Entrance to Cory's new office

Inside shot

Looking back at his area

Team Carlyle family shot

Gobble Gobble

We headed over to Sean and Heathers to celebrate the day of feast.Everyone pitched in and brought something to share. It all turned out wonderful and was great to be with friends on Thanksgiving.

Had to get a close up of her shoes from Gramma. They even managed to stay on for most of the day.

Ready to show off her stuff. Her dress is a little high Nana as we had to bunch it back so that she could crawl.

L and Lucy playing in Fiona's new play area

Self pic of me and Lucy

Angie and Molly

Cory, L, Fiona and Sean

Lucy-Lu

The girls attempting to pose for a shot

This is not easy

Fiona chilling after the big meal

Turkey Day Moves

Here are some new tricks that L is up to on her first Thanksgiving morning. We had some fun family time this morning before Cory had to head off to work, preparing the bird and sides. We will join friends later this afternoon to celebrate and consume copious amounts of food. We wish we were with family today. Sending out hugs and our love.

The time has come

To baby proof the cupboards

Help Dad with the new car seat

put up a gate on her favorite stairs

Ride double with Duder in the Duck

Admire Duders hair!

Discover and play in her new kitchen play area

Lions, Tigers and STAIRS...oh my!

Someone said to us that you only have to baby proof at the rate or pace that your child is discovery things. I really like the idea but at the current pace we are on we are constantly 2 steps behind her :)

L's Surgery

Today is a day that we are thrilled to have over. Laurelea was great and weathered her surgery like a champ. She befriended all the nurses in pre-op. Cory went with her while she was put under and I went back to get her once she was up. It took her about 30 minutes to get back to sleep and once home she was back to herself. Hopefully this will do the trick and kick the infection and get her on the mend.

L playing with Rocky and her new toy from Fiona

"Hey Mom, why are you taking my picture?"

New ball from Fiona

Football's are delicious

Balloons from Auntie Karli, Uncle Jason, Nana and Papa

Thanks for the card and well wishes

L' loves balloons!

Bubbles from a Bestie

Laurelea goes in for ear tube surgery tomorrow morning. We are both nervous and anxious about the procedure. They say that it is routine and common but nothing about your own child is "routine". Fiona and her folks brought by such a thoughtful care package. It contained bubbles, which L loved and lots of toys, books and even food for me and Cory, which was super nice as I have a restricted diet.

Hold good thoughts for L tomorrow morning.

Shenandoah

We rented this incredible house out in the Shenandoah mountains for the long weekend. The four little ones kept us on our toes and entertained. We ate, drank and slept well and can't wait for a return trip next year. Here are some of the highlights:

House that we rented called the Shenandoah lodge

view from the front porch

Baby in a box

Lucy with her zebra hat

:)

Lucy, Pete and Jackie watching opera

Lucy and Jackie checking out the great outdoors

2 babies in a duck!

playing peek a boo with Cory

Best game ever

cuties in the tub!

On Sat we went on a hike

Molly, Jacob and Lucy

me and L at the top

Team Carlyle (this is the last time we are using this carrier)

The Clarks

Back at the house

L

Patio where the adults spent the evenings either in front of the fire pit or in the hot tub

Fake girl stashes