Fun with Mamy and Papy

We just finished a great visit from Charles' parents.  They came and stayed with us for a month. It was the first time they had been back since Isabelle was born, so she has definitely changed a lot.  She absolutely adored them.  It really helped her French too to have them around.  It is amazing how she can switch back and forth between languages depending on who she is speaking to.  

During their stay we were able to do a lot.  Charles' dad went right to work doing different projects as soon as he got here.  He painted the garage floor, our bedroom, the family room, and two bathrooms.  He hung several picture frames and fixed a few things around the house. Charles' mom went right to work cooking and cleaning and playing with Isabelle.  They are the best in-laws!  We are so grateful for all they did while they were here.  

Fortunately their visit wasn't all work and projects.  We made a trip down south, with our first stop at my Grandma's house in Vero Beach.  After which we headed down to the Keys for a few days.  It was such a nice and relaxing week.

Vero Beach

Relaxing at Ma's house.

  

Charles' parents took the canoe out around the island.  It is a beautiful ride.

So this is a sore subject.  A little background... Charles has been fishing several times over the past few years.  He is yet to catch a fish.  He has caught a rock, but not a fish.  We went down on Ma's dock to try our luck.   Within a few seconds of throwing his line in, Charles' dad caught a fish.  He tried again and caught one right away.  Still no bites for Charles.  I came down to the dock and within 30 seconds I had a fish.  Needless to say Charles was pretty disappointed. Sorry Charlie.  I'm sure you'll have your chance one day.

Aunt Carol and Uncle Andy took us out on their boat for a morning ride.  Isabelle got her chance to drive the boat.  I remember doing that with my Pa when I was little.  Lucky for us there were lots of dolphin out that morning.

The Keys

After a fun time in Vero we headed down to the Keys.  We stayed at a nice place called Holiday Isle Resort in Islamorada (almost half way down the Keys).  We got in Thursday night so Friday was our first full day. We woke up to a terrible storm.  Not exactly what you want when you are in the Keys.  We looked online and saw that it was supposed to be clearer in Key West so we decided to head on down. Thanks to some missionaries that we found on the side of the street we were able to find an IHOP in Marathon on the way down to Key West.  

After a lot of driving we finally made it to Key West!  The drive payed off, the weather was absolutely beautiful!

We spent the afternoon at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.  The beach there was beautiful.  Charles did a little snorkeling while Isabelle enjoyed playing in the water.

Charles' parent soaking up the Florida sun.

While walking down Duval Street we saw the cookie store that I had been to many years ago. Of course we had to stop and get one of the huge cookies.  They were as good as I remembered!

Carol and I ten years ago in front of the same cookie place.  Mmmm good!

You can't go to Key West and not go to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.

Isabelle thought this statue was so funny.  She kept touching the little boy.

Chillin' by Mallory Square.

J'aime ton sourire!

Playing in the water at our hotel.

We went to Robbie's Marina to feed the Tarpon.  While I was a little grossed out to touch the dead fish, Isabelle was not scared at all to pick them up and throw them to the tarpon.  The tarpon were everywhere and they were hungry!  I think the pelican wanted the fish too.  With all the tarpon here Charles could definitely catch a fish!

We found a great restaurant near our hotel called Lazy Days.  After dinner we went out back on their dock and took some family pictures.

The Zoo

When we got back from the Keys Charles had to go back to work.  Isabelle, Charles' parents and I spent a fun afternoon at the Zoo.  There is a fun splash park for the kids that Isabelle loved after a long day in the sun.  At first she was a little timid about the water, but then she just got right in.  

Rock Springs

The day before Charles' parents left we went to Rock Springs.  The springs are absolutely beautiful.  We rented some tubes to go down the river and packed a picnic lunch.  It was great until the mosquitos started attacking.  The mosquitos seamed to really like Charles' dad, he got bit all over.  Despite the annoying mosquitos we had a great time.

We had such a nice visit with Charles' parents.  We can't wait till they come back again!

Happy Half Birthday Isabelle!

Isabelle had her half birthday on Tuesday!  I can't believe she is already 18 months.  But at the same time it seems like she has always been a part of my life.  Isabelle is learning new things each day, she never ceases to amaze me.  Charles' parents got here at the beginning of May.  It has been great to have them here and for them to be able to get to know Isabelle so much better.

Here are some of the most recent updates on Isabelle and what she likes:

Talking:  Isabelle is a little parrot.  She repeats everything we say.  Recently, she has developed a new favorite expression "Heck Ya!"  The first time she said it Charles and I cracked up, so of course that was her cue to say it over and over.  Isabelle is doing great with both languages.  It has been a big help having the extra French influence of Charles' parents these past two weeks. Isabelle really seems to know and understand the two languages.  Isabelle loves saying prayers.  Every time we get to the table she folds her arms and says "prayer" before we can even say anything.  If we ever bring out a new dish after we start eating she always makes sure we say another prayer for the new food.  What a great example she is to us. Isabelle loves to say the prayer herself.   Usually she repeats what we say, but just this past week she started adding in her own things.

Me: "Thank you"

Isabelle: "Thank you"

Me: "for"

Isabelle: "Jesus"

Me: "and"

Isabelle: "Momma"

Me: "and"

Isabelle: "Papa"

It is so sweet to hear the prayer of a little child.  On occasion I have even heard her saying her own prayer when I am in another room. 

Favorite Songs:  Isabelle still loves to dance.  She always asks me to turn the music on. Lately she has started making specific requests.  She has named all the songs the best she logically can: "Low" (yes she loves Flo Rida), "Gaga" for "Just Dance," "Closer," "Castle" for Les Miserables' "Castle on a Cloud," "Rainbow" for "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "No Air." These are just a few of the many songs she likes.  She definitely has her taste of what she likes and dislikes.  

 

Favorite Activities: Isabelle loves doing puzzles, making different animal sounds, learning body parts, climbing on everything, and playing with her baby dolls.  Everyday when we walk to the mailbox Isabelle takes her baby in its stroller.  Isabelle loves looking at pictures and naming everyone in them. She loves all of our family and friends and we all adore her.

Favorite Books:  Isabelle adores reading.  She has more books than we can keep track of. After reading a book a couple times Isabelle will have all the names memorized and will start saying the words on the next page before we even turn it.  I always find her in her room sitting in the rocker reading her books to herself.  Some of her favorite books are Goodnight Moon, The Belly Button Book, Petit George, Moo Baa La La La, Je T'aime Mon Bebe, and Emilie. 

Favorite Numbers: Isabelle is big on counting.  She counts everything.  So far she can count up to 9 on her own.  She doesn't really seem to care about 10, 9 is like the best thing to her.

Isabelle loves playing in the fountain out back.  

Isabelle loves flowers, especially ones that smell good.

One of Isabelle's biggest developments is starting to potty train.  For a couple months now she would tell us when she needed to go potty, so about a month ago we finally went and got her a little potty seat.  She gets on it daily, but has only gone in the potty a few times.  I think it is more of a game to her.  I am not in a huge rush to get her potty trained, although it would be nice.  I'm sure it will happen when she is ready.  

We are so proud of Isabelle.  She brings us more joy than I ever thought possible.  I look forward to each day and the new things she will learn.

Easter Bliss

We made it back home from Vero Beach in time for Easter Sunday.  Easter has always been one of my favorite holidays.  The feeling of love and gratitude for our Savior is overwhelming.  We had a beautiful Sacrament Meeting at church.  The music and talks truly invited the spirit. Carol sang a beautiful solo that brought me to tears. After church we went over to my mom's to eat.  Brian had his fancy camera with him so we went down the street and took a bunch of family pictures.  Despite the 85 degree weather we got some nice pictures.  

Family shots

All the cousins

Isabelle was a little too young for this cousin picture, but she made sure she got in it anyway.

Back at my mom's house we had a little Easter Egg Hunt out by the pool for the kids.  Even though this was Isabelle's first Easter Egg Hunt she caught on really quick.  She got right into it with the other kids.  They all loved helping her find eggs too.

So excited to find an egg.

Chloe and Cassie striking a pose during the egg hunt.

Isabelle was thrilled to continue the egg hunt when we got back home.  

"Don't worry I can reach."

Isabelle thought the Easter Egg Hunt was great, imagine how ecstatic she was when she FINALLY discovered there were "bonbons" (candy) inside the eggs.  She was in heaven!  This face tells it all.

All in all we had a wonderful Easter Sunday, full of love, joy, gratitude, and family.  What more could you ask for?  

Spring is in the air!

Spring is in the air!  Like a lot of people, I always look forward to Spring Break. Not because I am in school, but because it means Carol and her family get to come here.  Like always, we had a great time this year.   I wish it never had to end.  After a week of fun and games we headed down to Vero Beach.  Charles was able to take Friday off work so he was able to join us!

MA'S EASTER PICNIC

The Ligon Family

The big event of the weekend was Ma's Easter Picnic.  It is a family tradition that we have done for as long as I can remember.  Everyone comes together, as well as two other families, the Arces and the Blackstocks (who unfortunately weren't able to make it this year).  We typically have the picnic on Easter Sunday so we send someone down to the park the night before to reserve our pavilion.  This year we had the picnic on Saturday so Charles, Carol, Isabelle and I went down to the park around 7 am and put a table cloth on the table and made our own "reserved" sign.  It was a good thing we did because we were the first ones there, but while we were there a few other people started arriving to reserve tables.  

The highlight of the picnic is the games.  It is always a contest  between the Ligons (my family) and the "Others."  We have a big conch shell that we write who wins the games each year.  The winning family gets to keep the shell throughout the year.  

The golf game is popular among the men, especially in our family where we have avid golfers. Needless to say, the Ligons won the golf contest.

Hula Hoop has always been my families' specialty.  I won the kid contest with Mikenzie and Laila and I won the adult contest.

Of course there was the tug of war contest.  First there was the kids contest which unfortunately we lost.  Then it was time for the adults.  So we had our four strongest family members, which naturally I was a part of and the Arces had their four strongest.  Of course we won!

Erin and I got MVP for sure!

The water balloon toss is the most popular of all. Both the kid and adult contests resulted in Ligon Family wins.  As tradition goes, the water balloon toss was followed by a massive water balloon fight. After tallying the score of all the games the Ligons won 4-1!!!   

Ma brought a slip 'n slide, which was huge hit with the kids.  Isabelle had to get in on the fun so we went ahead and changed her into her bathing suit.  She loved all the water spraying everywhere.

Isabelle and her Papa.

Little Addison and her Tata.

Since we went down to Vero Beach a few days before the picnic we were able to enjoy our time with Ma and Carol's family.

Ma took us all to a Japanese Steak house...mmmm good!

What a good helper, Isa got the newspaper for Ma both mornings we were at her house.

Isabelle loves little Addi, but who doesn't?

Supermodel

GOLF

Charles and Brian took advantage of the beautiful weather while we were in Vero and went and played a round of golf.

With all the water on the course, it's no wonder Charles and Brian lost so many balls!

Brian right before his hole in one!  

Just kidding, no such luck.

I guess water wasn't their only obstacle.

I love this picture, you can see the ball in the air and the sand flying, great camera Brian!

LAX

Erin had her last lacrosse game of the regular season here in Orlando.  We all got to go and cheer her on. Erin did awesome and had lots of goals and assists. We are so proud of you Erin!!!

 

Dad and me at the game

Wet 'n Wild

We made our first trip of the year back to Wet 'n Wild.  It was quite a different experience with Isabelle now walking.  Isabelle absolutely loved it.  The look on her face tells it all.

Isabelle posing for the camera in the kids' wave pool.

Isabelle loved going by the slides.  

Every time we got down Isabelle would say "more slide."  

So we kept going down the slide over and over!

Fun in the sun!

Cassie, Mikenzie, and Chloe

Don't Forget the Chapstick!

Everything about Isabelle screams "GIRL." Everyday she asks to wear a dress, she picks out shoes from her closet full of shoes (I think she has more shoes than me), she puts on my makeup and jewelry and she asks for me to do her hair with a "bow", all so she can look "pretty" as she loves to say.  This is all her doing, not mine.  Then, whenever we see anyone (even strangers) she points out her shoes, dress, and bow, to make sure they notice how pretty she is.  Isabelle's newest item she has added to her list is chapstick.  She is absolutely obsessed! Wherever she is, her chapstick is there with her (except for in bed, I have to draw the line somewhere).  The first thing she asks for in the morning is her chapstick (and yes, she can say it loud and clear).  She is very particular about it though, if she doesn't have the top of the chapstick she will go nuts, she has to have both parts.  All day long she takes the top on and off and puts chapstick all over her lips, my lips and Charles' lips.  Charles has been forced to accept having strawberry and mango flavored lips.  What a champ!  

One day this week I was picking Isabelle up from the child care at the YMCA.  I noticed she didn't have her chapstick in her hand, which is very unusual.  I asked one of the workers if they had seen it.  They said they knew she came in with it, but they weren't sure where it was. Isabelle heard us talking and said "Chapstick?"  She then went over to a shelf that held a bunch of toys.  The YMCA worker went over to the shelf to see if the chapstick was on it, but it wasn't there.  Isabelle got down on her knees to look under the shelf and said "chapstick" again.  They then moved the shelf and sure enough the chapstick was underneath it.  Isabelle picked it up and smiled and once again said "chapstick!"  We were all amazed that she remembered where she had lost it earlier that day.  She continues to amaze me, she always knows right where it is.

Another day this week there was a photographer at the YMCA.  The membership director, who we've gotten to know pretty well, asked me if Isabelle and I would be willing to have some pictures taken of us.  So we went in for our "photo shoot"  I thought they were going to take one or two pictures but we ended up being in there for about an hour.  Sure enough Isabelle had her chapstick with her in every picture.  I guess we'll see if they use the pictures or not.  

When we got back from North Carolina Charles had bought Isabelle some chapstick as a welcome home present.  She was thrilled with the prospect of having more than one.  She also found two more in Charles' desk.  So now she carries them all around.  It is starting to get a little tricky for her to do anything else since her hands are full of chapstick.  When we leave the home I make her choose just one to take with her.  I've taken advantage of her having multiple things of chapstick to learn to count.  So far she is counting up to three in both English and French and she seems to grasp the concept of  counting.  She continues to amaze me everyday.