Presley what do Gators say? "Chomp! Chomp!"

The Saturday after we got home from the California/Spokane Dallas surprised Presley and I with tickets to the Florida/Flordia International game. Presley hadn’t been to a football game since the year before. I knew it would be a great game for her to go to because there wouldn’t be a huge crowd. It was so neat to realize that the year before Presley was breastfeeding at the game and this time she was able to walk into the stadium and even ask us for “Pwetzul and Dink?” Amazing what a year does. We ended up getting great seats! She had a BLAST! She totally enjoyed the band and all the attention she got with her pigtails and blue gator shirt on. It was wonderful surprise and a great thing for our family to do together as a way to reconnect after nearly a month apart from one another.

On the road again...to Spokane!

I had been waiting 18 months for this trip. I able to go and spend some time with Kaci in an area of the country I hadn’t visited in 20 yrs. Kaci was hoping to move to DC around the October time frame. So, the plan was I would wait to make my trip out to Spokane when she made the move so I could save some money by not making two trips and I could help her with the move. Well, that didn’t happen, so we decided just to make the trip home with her and Katelynn after the Califonia trip.
Spokane was very nice! It was, however, very, very,very COLD!! It actually snowed on the Thursday we got there. The snow was beautiful! Presley didn’t know what to think. She had only seen snow once when she was about 8 months old, so to her it was all new. She kept saying, “Snow, Mommy, Snow!!” Like it was my first time seeing it too. Super sweet! So, we had to learn how to bundle up and brave the cold. Let’s just say that Presley was NOT a fan of that! It was really, really hard to get her in and out of a car seat bundled in a snow suit. Oh, yah. I hadn’t mentioned that. It is so cold in Spokane that you have to wear a snow suit. This is really cool when you are skiing. Not so cool when you have to wear it everywhere just to stay warm. To say the least, my Floridian baby didn’t really find comfort in that!
Kaci works at the Child Development Center at Fairchild AFB there in Spokane. I have kept Presley at home since she was born and thought it would be nice for Presley to go and play with other kids without me present. So, I left Presley in hourly care at Kaci’s CDC 2 days in a row to see how she would do in that type of an environment. She did great. She did cry for me but once she got to playing with the others she did just fine. The caregivers were so wonderful to take pictures of Presley playing! It was a great opportunity for both Presley and I. I was so grateful Kaci suggested it.
Katelynn and Presley had such a great time together. They played hard and even fought hard. Yes, they ended up fighting like sisters. Katelynn wanted to make sure that Presley knew that everything in her house was “HERS” and Presley wanted to make sure Katelynn knew she wasn’t afraid to take “her” things from her! So funny! One night Kaci and I built a fort for the girls to watch a movie and have a slumber party in. It was something I wanted to do with our girls since I had Presley. It reminded me of when Kaci and I were growing up!
Kaci and I even took an afternoon to get pedicures and facials. It was so relaxing. We both really needed it. Ok, her more than me but it was a nice treat. We had coffee and got to visit uninterrupted by little princesses. It was so wonderful to get to spend some quality time with Kaci. I have really missed her being close especially being a new mom. It was so nice to get to stay up after the girls had gone to bed and visit about anything and everything under the sun. It just wasn’t enough time. I miss her everyday and I wish everyday that we could be closer. But, for this season in our life we are not and there is a reason. I believe that with all my heart. I look forward to the day that I and my family do live closer to her and Katelynn!
Kaci and Katelynn-thank you so much for being such sweet hostesses. I love you both so much! I miss you and wanted to let you know how much fun both Presley and I had.
I had been waiting 18 months for this trip. I able to go and spend some time with Kaci in an area of the country I hadn’t visited in 20 yrs. Kaci was hoping to move to DC around the October time frame. So, the plan was I would wait to make my trip out to Spokane when she made the move so I could save some money by not making two trips and I could help her with the move. Well, that didn’t happen, so we decided just to make the trip home with her and Katelynn after the Califonia trip.
Spokane was very nice! It was, however, very, very,very COLD!! It actually snowed on the Thursday we got there. The snow was beautiful! Presley didn’t know what to think. She had only seen snow once when she was about 8 months old, so to her it was all new. She kept saying, “Snow, Mommy, Snow!!” Like it was my first time seeing it too. Super sweet! So, we had to learn how to bundle up and brave the cold. Let’s just say that Presley was NOT a fan of that! It was really, really hard to get her in and out of a car seat bundled in a snow suit. Oh, yah. I hadn’t mentioned that. It is so cold in Spokane that you have to wear a snow suit. This is really cool when you are skiing. Not so cool when you have to wear it everywhere just to stay warm. To say the least, my Floridian baby didn’t really find comfort in that!
Kaci works at the Child Development Center at Fairchild AFB there in Spokane. I have kept Presley at home since she was born and thought it would be nice for Presley to go and play with other kids without me present. So, I left Presley in hourly care at Kaci’s CDC 2 days in a row to see how she would do in that type of an environment. She did great. She did cry for me but once she got to playing with the others she did just fine. The caregivers were so wonderful to take pictures of Presley playing! It was a great opportunity for both Presley and I. I was so grateful Kaci suggested it.
Katelynn and Presley had such a great time together. They played hard and even fought hard. Yes, they ended up fighting like sisters. Katelynn wanted to make sure that Presley knew that everything in her house was “HERS” and Presley wanted to make sure Katelynn knew she wasn’t afraid to take “her” things from her! So funny! One night Kaci and I built a fort for the girls to watch a movie and have a slumber party in. It was something I wanted to do with our girls since I had Presley. It reminded me of when Kaci and I were growing up!
Kaci and I even took an afternoon to get pedicures and facials. It was so relaxing. We both really needed it. Ok, her more than me but it was a nice treat. We had coffee and got to visit uninterrupted by little princesses. It was so wonderful to get to spend some quality time with Kaci. I have really missed her being close especially being a new mom. It was so nice to get to stay up after the girls had gone to bed and visit about anything and everything under the sun. It just wasn’t enough time. I miss her everyday and I wish everyday that we could be closer. But, for this season in our life we are not and there is a reason. I believe that with all my heart. I look forward to the day that I and my family do live closer to her and Katelynn!
Kaci and Katelynn-thank you so much for being such sweet hostesses. I love you both so much! I miss you and wanted to let you know how much fun both Presley and I had.
I had been waiting 18 months for this trip. I able to go and spend some time with Kaci in an area of the country I hadn’t visited in 20 yrs. Kaci was hoping to move to DC around the October time frame. So, the plan was I would wait to make my trip out to Spokane when she made the move so I could save some money by not making two trips and I could help her with the move. Well, that didn’t happen, so we decided just to make the trip home with her and Katelynn after the Califonia trip.
Spokane was very nice! It was, however, very, very,very COLD!! It actually snowed on the Thursday we got there. The snow was beautiful! Presley didn’t know what to think. She had only seen snow once when she was about 8 months old, so to her it was all new. She kept saying, “Snow, Mommy, Snow!!” Like it was my first time seeing it too. Super sweet! So, we had to learn how to bundle up and brave the cold. Let’s just say that Presley was NOT a fan of that! It was really, really hard to get her in and out of a car seat bundled in a snow suit. Oh, yah. I hadn’t mentioned that. It is so cold in Spokane that you have to wear a snow suit. This is really cool when you are skiing. Not so cool when you have to wear it everywhere just to stay warm. To say the least, my Floridian baby didn’t really find comfort in that!
Kaci works at the Child Development Center at Fairchild AFB there in Spokane. I have kept Presley at home since she was born and thought it would be nice for Presley to go and play with other kids without me present. So, I left Presley in hourly care at Kaci’s CDC 2 days in a row to see how she would do in that type of an environment. She did great. She did cry for me but once she got to playing with the others she did just fine. The caregivers were so wonderful to take pictures of Presley playing! It was a great opportunity for both Presley and I. I was so grateful Kaci suggested it.
Katelynn and Presley had such a great time together. They played hard and even fought hard. Yes, they ended up fighting like sisters. Katelynn wanted to make sure that Presley knew that everything in her house was “HERS” and Presley wanted to make sure Katelynn knew she wasn’t afraid to take “her” things from her! So funny! One night Kaci and I built a fort for the girls to watch a movie and have a slumber party in. It was something I wanted to do with our girls since I had Presley. It reminded me of when Kaci and I were growing up!
Kaci and I even took an afternoon to get pedicures and facials. It was so relaxing. We both really needed it. Ok, her more than me but it was a nice treat. We had coffee and got to visit uninterrupted by little princesses. It was so wonderful to get to spend some quality time with Kaci. I have really missed her being close especially being a new mom. It was so nice to get to stay up after the girls had gone to bed and visit about anything and everything under the sun. It just wasn’t enough time. I miss her everyday and I wish everyday that we could be closer. But, for this season in our life we are not and there is a reason. I believe that with all my heart. I look forward to the day that I and my family do live closer to her and Katelynn!
Kaci and Katelynn-thank you so much for being such sweet hostesses. I love you both so much! I miss you and wanted to let you know how much fun both Presley and I had.

Spokane

Visiting the CaliCooks

After visiting with my parents in DC for a week Presley and I headed back to Gainesville to get ready for our next 2 trips. We were home for 3 days before we headed to California to meet the newest member of the Cook family and to visit Dylan, Brent and Crystal. Jonathan had been born 6 weeks earlier and we were anxious to get to see him.
It was so wonderful to get to see Dylan, Crystal and Brent again. It was also super wonderful to get to meet little Jonathan. He was so tiny and Dylan had gotten so big. Dylan is almost as tall as I am and he is only 8yrs old. He is either really tall or I am really short. I guess it could be both!! Brent and Crystal looked really great too. Crystal looked amazing. She had just had a baby 6 weeks prior to our visit and surgery 3 days before we came. At the beginning of her pregnancy with Jonathan her doctors found a tumor on her kidneys. They wanted to wait until Jonathan was born before they removed it. Once they removed the tumor they found out that it was definitely cancerous. As you can imagine it was very heartbreaking for the family. However, PRAISE GOD, they got it all in the surgery! I just couldn’t get over how calm and relaxed Brent was, how sweet Jonathan was, how helpful Dylan was and how great Crystal looked with all they had gone through in the last month and a half!
Presley had an absolute blast with her cousin Dylan. Every morning she would wake up saying “Dilden(Dylan) where awre eww(where are you)?” She loves him. Dylan played catch with her outside, taught her how to drum and play rock band, let her play with his wedgits and played chase with her around the house. He is the only super hero she knows! After we came home she would walk around calling for Dylan thinking he would miraculously appear.
We got to watch one of Dylan’s games while out visiting them. He is a fantastic football player! That game Dylan scored let her play with his wedgits and played chase with her around the house. He is the only super hero she knows! After we came home she would walk around calling for Dylan thinking he would miraculously appear.
We got to watch one of Dylan’s games while out visiting them. He is a fantastic football player! That game Dylan scored 3 touchdowns and made 4 tackles one of which was the winning play of the game. I couldn’t believe how easy it all seemed to come to him. He is a natural athlete. He also does pretty good at track! We were at a park that had a mile and a quarter track around it that he ran in 12 mins. CRAZY!! I can’t wait to see him excel in every sport he participates in.
Kaci and Katelynn drove down a couple days after we got to California so that all the Cook grandkids could all spend some time together. It had been 18 months since we had all been together. S o, eventhough Kaci had to drive 12hrs one way so we could all be together I would venture to say that she would say it was worth it. All 4 of the kids are the same age difference of the 4 Cook Kids. My mom took a picture of Brent, Kaci, Dusty and I at the exact same age that all 4 of the grandbabies were when we got together. We tried to reinact that picture by stair staking the kids. We haven’t been able to find the original picture my mom took but the one we were able to get came out GREAT!
Crystal and Brent took us to a few California wineries. It was so nice. The one we went to in Napa was awesome. I think it was called Vi Sattui. The buildings on the winery property were beautiful. All I could think about was weddings the whole time we were there! =) We got lunch from the deli and ate our lunch on the picnic tables on the lawn. Dylan couldn’t join us because he was in school but Katelynn and Presley really enjoyed running around and chasing all the birds on the lawn. Brent, Kaci and I did some wine tasting while Crystal, the girls and Jonathan enjoyed playing outside. The wine was really good. I enjoyed the company of the guys working the tasting bar. They were very nice! The whole trip was great.
One night Crystal had a great idea to take the kids to Build a Bear. What a great idea! Presley had never done the Build a Bear and had a great time. Of course the noise the stuffer machine made did freak her out a bit but the whole part of picking out the bear and all the clothes and accessories really thrilled her. I am sure it all was very expensive but Presley now clings to her Scout bear like it is her lifeline! That is going to be a memory and a security for her for a long time! Thanks Crystal for the idea!
It was so wonderful getting to see all of them. It really only made me home sick for family. Wishing we could be closer so that we and our kids could see eachother more. I know that I had a wonderful time and Presley did too. But, it was time for us to move on to the second part of this trip. We had decided that since Kaci was going to already be in California that I would drive back up to Spokane with her so we could see where her and Katelynn had been living for the past year and a half. So after a very short 5 days at Brents we headed to Kaci’s.
Brent and Crystal-thank you for letting us come and hang out. I know that it was a lot after all your company and after Crystal’s surgery and know that it was a sacrifice to have all of us in your space. I just wanted you to know that I loved all of my time there and that your niece Presley loves you both very much.

Cali Trip

DC Trip

After Dallas’ marathon Presley and I stayed behind to spend some extra time with my mom and dad in DC. We are due to move to DC in July and I wanted to get the opportunity to look around the area and look at some homes before the move. Dallas, however, had to be back in Gainesville for school, so I did most of the looking myself. I was happy with most of the homes we found. We still are trying to make the decision on whether or not we will buy or rent. It is a tough decision but I am confident we will make the right one!
It was wonderful to be in DC during the fall season. Wow!! The colors of the trees in the North East are immaculate!! The trees literally glow orange, yellow and red! The air was actually a crisp fall feel. Every town we went to were preparing for their annual fall festivals! It was wonderful. It was a definite welcomed break from the 90 degree weather in Florida.

My mom and dad really enjoyed having Presley for the week. It was wonderful to watch Presley with them. She loves her Mae and Popa! It is so wonderful that she trusts them instantly even though she only sees them a few times a year. She enjoyed crawling all over Popa like a jungle gym! She enjoyed jumping in raked up leaves with Mae and learning to climb trees! Mae also introduced her to caterpillars. There were so many fuzzy caterpillars in their driveway and Presley thought they all belonged to her. She would stand over them and talk to them like they had come over for tea. However, if you tried to get her to actually hold one she would flip out! The video of that is actually pretty funny!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

One night we went over to my mom’s good friend’s house for dinner. Jeff and Susie have been friends of the family since I was in the 7th grade. She pretty much watched me grow up. So, it was such a treat for me to get to take Presley to their house and let them spend some time with my daughter. We had a wonderful time. Presley became very good friends with their dog Scarlet. Scarlet is one of the prettiest dogs I have seen. She had a gorgeous reddish, auburn coat and a gorgeous face!! Presley kept going up to the Scarlet and kissing her on her nose. Scarlet was so wonderful with Presley too.
Presley and I were in DC over Halloween. I was a little sad that Dallas was going to miss getting to participate in Halloween with Presley, but it was fun for my mom and dad. Presley went as a little bee. She was adorable! She walked around that night going, “Buzz, Buzz, Buzz!” Such a cutie. We went over to my mom’s good friend, Pat’s house. Pat made hot dogs and appetizers for Presley and two other little kids before they went trick or treating. We did the trick or treating in Pat’s neighborhood. Presley only lasted about 45 min trick or treating. Once we were done we went back and let Presley eat her first piece of chocolate! She is definitely a woman! She loves the chocolate. It was a wonderful Halloween!
The trip was so fun! Presley had so much fun with Mae and Popa and all the fun fall activities we got to do while in DC. I wish that we could have stayed longer but we had to get home to prepare for our next 2 trips!

DCTrip

He DID IT!!! 26.2 MILES!!!

On Oct. 25th, 2009 Dallas accomplished something many people only dream about! He finished his first marathon! That's right-he RAN 26.2 miles!

About 6 months prior Dallas and the 3 guys who will go through dive school with him all signed up for the Marine Corp Marathon. Dallas, not being a runner, was nervous from the beginning but knew with the help of the other guys that this may be his chance of fulfilling the dream of finishing a marathon.

The day of the marathon I was so nervous for him. I just couldn't imagine running for that long. His original goal was to finish in under 5 hrs. That changed about 2 months before the race to under 4hrs 30 min. Then, when we arrived at registration he decided he would sign up for the 4:15 pace group and see how it would go.

That morning mom, dad, Presley and I were running late. I just knew we would miss the beginning of the race. There were soooo many people there watching at the start line. Some how we just made it in time. However, being 5 ft nothing I couldn't see anything for the crowd. Some how my mom found a hole in the crowd and was able to get up on a hill with a perfectly clean shot of the start line. I knew we probably wouldn't see Dallas but at least we would get footage of the beginning of the race.

The announcer began his 2 minute speech before the race. He mentioned many places around the United States where people had come from. He reminded all the racers of how hard they had worked to get to this place. He reminded them of what a special race the Marine Corp was. He reminded them that the day would forever be special and that they were there to stay healthy and complete the race-Start to Finish! The canons fired and I couldn't stop screaming...and crying. I realized at that moment even if he didn't get the time he wanted that Dallas would forever be able to share this experience with his children and their children. I was beyond proud. Then, I looked down....and there was DALLAS!! I couldn't believe it! Out of 20,000+ people we were on the right side where he running. We caught him right as he was setting his watch and before he began running. He gave us one of his "Dallas slanted smiles" that said so much! It said, 'Man, I am so glad I saw you guys!', 'Well, here goes nothing', 'What was I thinking?', 'Isn't this cool?', 'Wow, I can't believe I am here!', 'See ya'll at the finish line!" He was ready to go.

We decided to try and see him at mile 10, 16,20 and the finish. We had thought about only doing 3 stops but I realized that I wanted to see him as much as possible. So, with my Dad's knowledge of DC we were able to pretty easily follow Dallas. On our way to see him at mile 10 we passed the Seabee Memorial. All these times I had been to DC and didn't even know there was one. It made me smile and helped me to see that the Marine Corp Marathon really is in a different league than other races. Its not just about the running. It is about people remembering those fallen, missing and still fighting for our freedom.

We got to mile 10 and there were tons of people. We had not told Dallas that we would try and see him there so we were sure he wouldn't see us. We weren't even sure we would see him. We did get to see 2 of the other guys there. It was really cool to get to see them and they both looked like they were just going for a stroll. So funny! Right after seeing them there was a big running pace group that came around the corner. I didn't think Dallas would be with them because it seemed to be the 4hr 10min pace group. All of a sudden my dad said, "there he is!" So we all started yelling like our lives depended on us. But, he didn't hear us. We were too far away! I did, however, get teary eyed because I realized he was beating the time he set for himself.

After mile 1o we walked across to mile 16. Wow, this area was hard to get a spot to see him at. It seemed like that was where everyone wanted to meet for food and energy gels. I almost didn't get to see him because I was trying to get my mom's attention and then all of a sudden I got grabbed by the arm. I turned and it was him! He stopped just long enough to say hi and kiss Presley. He looked so good. NOT like he had run 16 miles! Dad looked down at his watch and said, "Cindy-do you realize he is running a 4hr 8 min pace?" I couldn't believe it and I could. Wow!

So, we thought we would hustle to mile 20. This is where it gets interesting for us. We were suppose to go straight on a path to mile 20-instead we turned left. Once we realized we had made a wrong turn we were halfway to our destination and with Dallas running and us walking, pushing a stroller we were not sure we would catch him. So, we started running. We looked soooo funny! We got to mile 20 just a minute before Dallas came running by. I was standing up on a side rail so that he would be able to spot the WOOOO PIG SOOOIE sign I was carrying. We hollered for him and he ran over to us smiling and waving. Mom had Presley down on the street level and ran her next to her daddy for a few feet. I wish I had video of that because it was so precious.

We realized then that he was still running a 4hr 9min pace and that if we didn't book it he would be a the finish line before we could get there. So, we started running again. It was really tough to get the stroller up and over a lot of the areas we needed to go through to get to the finish line fast. So, dad told me to run ahead. I ran as fast as I could. By the time I got to the finish line I was barely breathing. It was like straight up a hill. Needless to say, I felt for poor Dallas! My mom and dad made it in time and we stood at the finish waiting for Dallas to cross. The 4hr 10 min mark came and went. We knew that Dallas had slowed down. All of a sudden we saw him! Here he came around the corner for the last stretch of his run. We looked at the clock and he was getting ready to beat his 4hr 30 min goal! He crossed the finish line at 4:17:29 with a 9:49 pace. He said that at mile 24 he hit a wall and it was everything he had to finish!

But, HE DID IT! He finished and in a very respectable time for a first marathoner. I don't think he can say he isn't a runner now! I guess that is relative when one of the guys that went is a running junkie! He runs a marathon a month. His time was like 2hrs 52 mins. He finished like 88 out of 20,000! Yah, I know-super crazy. One of the other guys, Mark, finished in like 3hrs 8mins(I think) and was running a 103 fever that day and had been sick with the flu the week before! Really? These guys are like robots! Ben, the other guy I saw at the 10 mile marker finished somewhere around the 3hr 45min mark. So, needless to say-they all smoked it.

I was so proud on that day! I was proud of our friends and I was beyond proud of Dallas! I was also inspired. There were so many people running for family/friends who were in Iraq or Afghanistan fighting the war and many who were running in memory of someone they lost. Dallas ran behind a lady who had a t-shirt with a Sgt's name on it, his birthday and day that he passed. The shirt said "Sgt XXX. KIA. Today I run for my son!" What an inspiration. Then you had the guys who were amputees that did the whole race on the bikes that you peddle with you arms. Dallas said that they got a 10 min start and he only passed like 2 of them. Simply remarkable.

It was, in conclusion, one of the coolest things to witness and be a part of. It is so hard to have a dream and to commit to that dream and make it happen. So many people leave their dreams in the dream phase. On that day over 20, 000 people made their dream a reality. And, let me tell you. The energy that you feel in an environment with that many people fulfilling a hard earned dream is something everyone should experience. It is electrifying!

I uploaded all the pictures from the expo on Saturday night and all the pictures from the race. Click here to see them. But, you know that I HAD to do a slide show. I finally sat down last night a decided it was time to make it since we are coming up on 2 months since the race.

Dallas-I love you....and I am proud of you! You did it babe!!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Mumsie and Grandad Visit

Mumsie and Grandad came to town!!!!

We were so super blessed to get to have a wonderful visit with Dallas' mom and dad. We met them Friday, the 9th of November, in Panama City. They were already driving down and we needed to look at some houses for our stay there during Dallas' dive training. So, they were very helpful as far as Presley was concerned as we looked at a few places. We ended up finding a great place right on the water-the lagoon, not the beach. Hopefully I can get some pictures to upload to the blog.

Mumsie and Grandad always come bearing gifts. So the first day we were back in Gainesville we got to see all the goodies they had for Presley. Mary is the champion shopper. God bless her because I don't know how she does it. Anyways, after going through 7 bags of clothes, one bag of shoes and a bag of books and toys she brought in a little bike for Presley. It is a little tricycle. Presley fell in love with it immediately. After driving it all over our house we decided we needed to take her to the park and let her ride around there. The only problem was her feet were a bit too short. Not a problem now. A month ago she couldn't really steer the bike with her feet now she can with no problems!! Anyways, so we took her to the park and let her ride her bike. It was such a beautiful day we decided to stay and play on the playground equipment. They got to see first hand the monkey that is Presley!

We did our usual walk around Lake Alice that we do with all of our friends and family who visit. It is such a signature of this town that I try not to pass it up. It was such a pretty day the day we went. Yes, it was hot,but it is always hot here. It was October and look at what my daughter is in. Heck, we went swimming while they were here. Anyways, we had a such a great time looking at all the plants, birds and squirrels. I told them it was possible to see gators in the lake but that we don't always see them. WEll, it was their lucky day. We had one swim right up to us. Presley is big time into kissing everything and went running toward the water going "MMMMMMWAH!" It was hard to explain to a little girl who sees no evil in this world that the alligator could hurt her. She didn't understand. She just wanted to kiss him!! Heehee!! I guess that is the brainwashing she is getting living in a town that adores and worships Gators!!! Hahaa!

After our walk around Lake Alice, I decided to take them to the butterfly museum. I had been wanting to take my mom, since she obsessed with butterflies, but never had the chance while she was here. So, I thought I would take Mary and Gary instead. It was something I wanted to do anyways and thought they would enjoy watching Presley chase butterflies. It was such a beautiful place. It is a little rainforest right here in Gainesville. I didn't expect as many butterflies as there were. The rainforest itself is not very big at all, but all I kept thinking was what a magical world it must have felt like to Presley. I know when I was little I sure thought places were bigger than they ended up being as an adult! Anyways, all the butterflies were beautiful and it was something I will always remember about Gainesville.

On Friday we took Mumsie and Grandad to our usual Friday play place. It is a gym that allows little ones to age 4 or 5 to come and play on the gym equipment, trampolines and foam pits for a few hours in the morning. Presley really enjoys herself at this place. I think it is a wonderful place for gross motor development. I think Gary and Mary really enjoyed watching her run around, jump around, dance around and swing around!

That weekend was the Akansas vs Florida game. We were so greatful that they stayed to Sunday so that we could go to game without Presley. We have wonderful friends here in town who would keep her, but I felt bad about leaving her for 5 hours with someone. Plus they knew her routine for bedtime which is a big deal for me to keep. Dusty, my baby brother, came down to go with Dallas and I to the game. We could only get tickets in the student section (long story). So, we sat the whole game...which until the last 9 minutes of we were WINNING!! Let's just say the Gators fans around us were not happy we were there! We ended up loosing by only 3! It was such a great game to be at and I was so excited to get to see the Razorbacks in person! I haven't seen an Arkansas football game in 4 years. So, thank you Mary and Gary for allowing us to go and not have to worry about Presley!

It was a wonderful week and made us wish we could be closer. However, I do think that the times we do spend together,although few, are very special. Presley loves her Mumsie and Grandad so much. She asked about them for days after they left. I know she is going to have so much fun when we are there at Christmas. God has definitly blessed me with wonderful in-laws and blessed Presley with incredible grandparents....they are a blessing to Dallas as well!! heehee Mary and Gary-I hope you enjoyed your trip and will remember your time with Presley fondly!

18 months old

Presley turned 18 months old on the 23rd of October. We were in DC at the time, then Presley and I left to go to California and Washington. To say the least I haven't really had the time to blog. I did, however want to go ahead and do this blog before I got to the others.

We had Presley's 18 month check up earlier in October.
She is 20lbs 12 oz
and 31in long

She is already half my height AND only gained 12oz in 6 months. So, I have determined that all the food she stuffs in her mouth is helping her grow vertically ONLY! If this continues it would be beneficial to her as an adult woman!! =) Right, ladies?

Presley is an absolute joy at this age. She is talking, talking, talking. She is now talking in sentences. Her favorite is "I want my milk!" With all the demand of a general! She runs everywhere. Climbs on everything. Hides under and behind most things. Screams "PARK!" anytime she sees one. Likes to yell "MOMMY, MOMMY, MOMMY!" at the top of her lungs (even if she is standing right next to me) until I look down and say "Yes, Presley!" To which, she grins ear to ear, shakes her head "YES" and then runs off as if all is right in her world. She has an undeniable passion for life and her people in it.

Presley is also very much into toddlerhood. She knows how to kick and whine when she doesn't want to be moved or when we don't understand what she wants or exactly how she wants it. This is something we cringe at and love. Most of these tend to be from her inability to communicate verbally. So once she is done with her meltdown-which she "must" do-we give her the words for the situation to which she repeats them with glee. Then, she almost always replays the last scene except this time she uses her new words. She is such a big girl!

Her hair is getting so long and curly. Her eyes still glow an icey blue. She has all but 4 of her baby teeth and is growing some longer legs. She loves to read, color, ride bikes, play outside, JUMP, swing, cook, blow bubbles, sing(she does Ee, Ei, Ee,Ei,OO over and over) and she loves watching Baby RAzorbacks!!

Presley is so far from the little baby I held in my arms April 23, 2008 and yet when I look at her I go right back to that first day. In the words of my best friend Missy, "What did we ever do before we had children?" They really are a joy!