Friday, February 27, 2009

Discovery Fun

Today was such a fun day- Brea had a blast with her friends, Kyle and Ben, at the Discovery Gateway. There was so much to do and so many things to see. Her favorite area was the water area, of course! This was also her favorite area when we were at the Children's Museum in Ohio. She was so mad when I took her away to see what there was to do in a different area. She was getting soaked! This picture seriously says it all! Brea was loving it all so much that she'd stop & smile for a picture but her eyes were still going everywhere, taking everything in! Brea loved the tree house and for some reason she wanted to slide down the steps instead of climbing up them. I can't imagine it felt good, but no matter how many times I showed her how to climb up them and then slide down the slide, she was determined to do it her own way... I can feel us getting closer to her terrible two's every minute! Brea thought the helicopter was amazing! She couldn't believe she was standing inside it. She was loving every minute until the cute little boys "driving" the plane pushed a button that played a recording of the noise of a helicopter taking of that was so loud it even scared me for a second! Brea had such a great time with Kyle and Ben. I love that there is so much for her to do and learn there. I wish we lived a little closer so we could visit more often. And one of the best parts was the awesome nap she took when we got home because she was so tuckered out! What a fun day.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

G'Day Mate!

Grandma Nelson has been off in Melbourne, Australia serving a mission for 18 months. We missed her so much, and not only because we missed her amazing cooking (Although, I'll admit that Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner have been totally lacking the past two years!!!) The last time she saw Brea she was just about to be 3 months old. I was so worried that Brea was going to be a little standoffish when we met her at the airport. We'd been looking at "GG's" (for Great-Grandma) picture and Brea had already mastered saying "GG" but I was still worried that she wouldn't be able to put two and two together. Well, about five seconds after getting into the airport all my worries vanished. I ran to Grandma and got a huge much needed hug from her and after a few other hugs while Brea watched, Brea was ready for her turn...And she wouldn't let go!!! A few of our family members had a shared hug, since once Brea got a hold of Grandma she wouldn't even think about releasing her from her death grip!

But she still has lots of love for Grandma & Papa Meadows and Aunt Shell!Here's a bunch of the Nelson, Larrabee, Meadows family members with our beloved Grandma! The Idaho Nelson's came down for the celebrations. We had a fun party that night with our family and some of Grandma's friends. I didn't want to leave that night. Even though we'd spent the afternoon and night with her, I just felt so weird leaving when we still had so much catching up to do! Eventually we did leave and Brea and I were back to Grandmas the next morning!!! We love her and all of our family so much.

Cookie Makin'

We always have to make super yummy (even if they are super unhealthy, too) sugar cookies every Valentines. And when I say "we" make the cookies, I mean I pretty much buy everything we need and then I stand around and watch Andrew work his magic. I have tried repeatedly to make sugar cookies and they always turn out HORRIBLY... not even the kind you'll just eat because they are around. They're the kind that I choke a few down because I spent so much time making them and I'm ticked off they were gross... again! Anyway, here's a few fun pics of this year's event. Brea & Daddy working hard decorating the cookies... I'm so lame I didn't even make frosting and I'm still waiting for Andrew to master that one!
Brea concentrating on her little cookie (hidden by the frosting!) The cookies turned out great again, but I think Andrew was bummed because Brea just wanted to eat the little conversation hearts. Nice job Daddy!!!

Family Pics- Thanks Ashleigh!