Decorating Carlysle's First Tree

Decorating a tree with a toddler is not easy.......

Carlysle's "First" Christmas Tree

We took Carlysle to pick out her first Christmas tree this past weekend. Yes, I am aware that she was born in October of last year but I swear the last Christmas I remember was two years ago. Joey and I are pretty sure they called off Christmas last year because we had a newborn and didn't know when it was night and when it was day. I usually start decorating for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving and last year I didn't put out one Santa Claus.

Joey and I did eventually decide it would be best if we actually picked out the tree because Carlysle wasn't very picky. She could care less if there was a giant gap in the tree or if it was 4 feet tall.

Thanksgiving Pictures

Here are some pictures from our Thanksgiving Holiday. We had a great time visiting with family and stuffing our faces at multiple houses. Our first trip was to Joey's Dad's house where we enjoyed LOTS of good food for lunch.

This is Grandy (Joey's Dad) with Carlysle and John Andrew.

Carlysle and Gee Gee (Joey's Stepmom)

Then we made our way over to Joey's Mom's house for Thanksgiving Dinner. Yeah, I know sounds rough....two Thanksgiving dinners in one day. We are lucky and not mention a little fatter. Ok maybe that's just me. We all know Joey will never be fat.

Yes, in our family "Naked Tea and Reading Time" is a normal activity. I know it seems strange but once you get used to it.....it's quite freeing.

And what is a family gathering without putting the cousins in the bath together.

Trip to Mimi's House

Here are some pictures of our trip to Mimi's house. Carlysle loves to play outside at their house. She has a lot more freedom there because our front yard is too close to the road and the back is a land mine of dog poop!

Carlysle's Bathtub Chatter

We spent the night at Mimi and Papa Joe's (Joey's Parents) house this weekend. Carlysle was taking a bath and having quite an interesting conversation with her bath toys. She was "talking" up a storm. She does tend to be pretty chatty in the tub but this sounded serious. I really wish we knew what she was saying. We decided she definitely sounded like she was teaching school so she may be following in her Mimi's footsteps. However, we did decide we would not want to be a "student" in that class. Whatever that fish did.....it must have been pretty bad. She was giving him a good scolding.

This video is fairly long but if you can get to the last 30 seconds.....you'll get to hear "scolding".

Carlysle Getting her Groove On....

Here is some video of Carlysle dancing to her favorite songs. I would like to take credit for her moves but she gets them from her Daddy. Anybody remember Joey's signature move "the Bunny" from our wedding?

Modeling

Joey thought Carlysle looked cute in this outfit so he took some pictures.....or tried to.....

The car seat is fun to sit in when........

it's not actually in the car. Joey took the car seat out of his car before work one morning and left it in the dining room. I was trying to get ready and noticed she had been quiet for a while so I went on a hunt and this is where I found her.....much to my surprise. She normally does not enjoy her car seat....at all. I guess it can be fun when it's not in the car and she's not strapped in.

Carlysle's Trip to the Zoo with Mommy and Daddy

Joey took the day off (a couple of weeks ago, sorry for the late post) and we decided to take Carlysle to the zoo. He was a little disappointed that he had to miss her first trip. We had so much fun! Carlysle is really into the animals. Well the ones that were big and scary or at least moved. She could care less about the large turtles that looked like rocks or the birds that just sat there.


Actually the aquarium was her true favorite. I'm sure it's because the fish are constantly moving so it kept her entertained. She kept trying to kiss the fish through the glass, which I'm sure after being touched by multiple grimy hand children was super clean.

Yes, the picture above was taken against my will. Unfortunately, they did not have any large stone Gamecocks at the zoo for her to get a photo with. Don't worry fellow Gamecocks, I have sent an email to Wis TV about this very matter. Hopefully, they will be just as concerned and take care of it.

Carlysle also tried multiple times to kiss this goat. I can only hope she will be a little bit more picky when she she starts to date........at age 35.