Scootin' along

Grammy gave Olson a cool scooter for his birthday, and he's quickly getting the hang of it! 

Sleepyhead....and his energetic sister

So I'm getting dinner together last night, and walk over to the table to find this...

Tired of waiting for dinner?

After giggling and taking a couple of pictures, we woke him up to eat. He did a pretty good job for a few minutes, then this happened...

Needless to say, it seems that our sweet boy was not quite used to being back in the Eastern time zone! 

On the other hand, his little sister was as entertaining as ever!

xoxo the nelms family

Back to school 2013

Two bags headed to school this year!

I thought this day would never come. 

Back to school. 

Don't get me wrong, I loved every minute I got to spend with my little darlings this summer, but it was time. Time for a break from mommy and Jungle Junction and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and fending off Lilly the snack-snatcher. Time for new friends, new games, and structure for the kids. Time for mommy to tackle her "summer list" that seemed to grow longer instead of shorter over the last three months. I miss my little buddies when they aren't here, but that just makes me enjoy our time together even more when they come home. 

Hopefully they feel the same way. 

Going to the 2's room this year!

A serious moment as they contemplate today's importance 

Woohoo! We have no idea where we're about to go!

My sweet almost 3 year old.

I'm sure I'll love school! I love everything! (except what the humidity is doing to mommy's hair)

Now, when do I get to pick them up?

xoxo the nelms family

1-2-3 Jump!

Olson is getting more daring!

Bathing beauty

Our little climber

Someone seems destined for rock climbing. She would not give up! Don't worry, dad was right by her, ready just in case!

Look who's ONE!

I know, I know. My baby turned one over a month ago, and I am just now posting pictures. Summer has been a blur, and these two kiddos are keeping me busy! We had a fun, small, family party for Liddy Costen to celebrate her first birthday. In the wise words of Kaylin, "They had good cupcakes and I met Lady Gaga." Both signs of a fun time.

I think I like this...

Back off mom, this is all mine.

Do I have something on my face?

Trying out her new pewi bike

This new Princess chair is just my size!

Happy 1st Birthday, Liddy Costen!

xoxo the nelms family

Vacation!

Olson, Liddy Costen, Grammy and I loaded up the car and headed down to Naples for a week! The kids were great on the long drive, and we had a fun time exploring what Naples has to offer the under 3 set. A lot has changed since I lived there nine years ago! We spent time at an amazing park, the zoo, the botanical garden, and of course, the beach! 

After a day of recovering from the long drive, the kids and I hit the zoo with my friend Amy and her kids.

O loved the zoo. He is still talking about it! Obviously Liddy Costen felt the same way.

The giraffes were the highlight of the visit!

Olson and I had a couple of fun mommy/son mornings at the beach! This was the first day, and Olson was not sure what to do with it all. But he quickly got the hang of things, and loved "swimming" in the "ocean" (I had a hard time getting him to say "gulf"). It was so fun to watch him play in the surf, and I think he really enjoyed it!

The beach!

Checking out the waves.

Mesmerized 

I think he likes it!

Snack time!

 The Naples Botanical Garden has a fantastic Children's Garden that we had to check out! It was so pretty, and had many kid-friendly activities and play areas. There is even a Butterfly House! This is definitely a must-see in Naples.

Running on one of the many paths.

Chalk break!

Liddy Costen loved walking on the paths, too.

Run run run run!

Getting a better view!

A little sand play.

Walking on the driftwood.

And the highlight of the garden...

The splash park! Bathing trunks optional.

Liddy Costen loved it, too!

She loved climbing on the rocks. Showed no fear.

Thanks for the fun, Naples. We can't wait to go back! 

xoxo the nelms family

I'm walkin', yes indeed...

It's true! Liddy Costen has been working on it for a while, and has managed to string together more than 2 or 3 steps at a time! Very exciting!

Here's another video of her, where you can actually see her face!

She just has to keep up with her brother, doesn't she?

xoxo the nelms family

Grammy's Birthday Surprise!

Uncle Jeff pulled a fast one on Grammy, and flew in to surprise her for her birthday! I think he was here for a total of about 26 hours, but we loved seeing him!!

Running down the hill--a favorite activity

LC eventually warmed up to Uncle Jeff. He's so tall, she said. 

The birthday girl with a couple of her favorites

I know I'm not supposed to be in the monkey grass

What a happy group!

Jeff enjoyed his new jon jon for his beer

Thanks for coming to visit, Jeff! 

Come back soon, Uncle Jeff!!

xoxo the nelms

11 months!

I cannot believe that this is our last photo shoot before Liddy Costen turns one! As usual, she was a doll, and very active. She really knows how to turn it on for the camera!

yep, I'm 11 months old.

I am such a happy baby!

And so flexible!

My top front teeth are coming in!

I still don't have much hair, but it's filling in a little bit! 

I love to walk around holding on to mommy's fingers.

I love pretty much whatever mom feeds me. Except avocado.

Ok, no more photos!