Excursions, Asides, Ramblings, Etc.: August 2013

This Just Happened!

My Maggie started Elementary School this past Wednesday. I was a bit sad - not in tears, but just sad that it all went so fast. I am also so excited for her. She is awesome, and I know she will love being a "big kid!"

Elementary School is a completely different animal than Preschool. I have no control over her environment. I can't walk her to class. Matt drops her off, I pick her up, and in between, I think about her and pray for her constantly. She has loved it so far!

So, here's to a new chapter and all of the fun new adventures it brings! We are so proud of you, Maggie, and we love you so very much!

Half of a Year

I am six months old! Here are some fun facts about me:

1. I weigh a lot (21 lbs. and 9 oz.), and I am in the 97th percentile for weight! I am in the 75th percentile for height, and my head is big, too (because of all of my brains)! The doctor said, "he is just a big boy all around." When my mommy is holding me, people always comment on how big I am and how small she is. But, what they don't know is that my mommy was a huge baby, too - at least in the weight department.

2. I love to roll over and over and over! I have started to sit up on my own for short periods of time!

3. I am really affectionate. When someone picks me up, I get so excited that I smile and give them a big squeeze. I love to reach for and grab the face of whoever is rocking me, and I give out slobbery, open-mouthed kisses freely. My mommy says it is fitting that I am so cuddly and loving because my name, Oliver, means affectionate.

4. I am still a really good sleeper. I typically sleep from 7:30 or 8 pm until 7:00 or 7:30 am. My sleep has been a little bit off recently because I am working on cutting my first two teeth!

Aren't they so adorable?!!

5. I am such a sweet baby. I am steady and even most of the time - just like my Daddy. My Mommy is completely in love with me, and she has to pray daily not to ruin me. I think it is so funny that I have her so wrapped.

6. I am still crazy about my big sisters! They are so sweet to me. They read me books and show me toys while my Mommy gets ready in the morning.

Well, that's all for now. I will let you know more as I get bigger.

Love, Oliver

Birthday Trip!

Almost exactly between the girls' birthdays, Mimi and I took them to the American Girl store. This is not your "Average Joe" Store, mind you. There is a bistro, hair salon, and more dolls, clothes, accessories, and doll furniture than you could ever imagine. We definitely spent more money than we would have if we had given the girls' parties, but it was a wonderful experience. The girls (and their dolls) had a ball!!

The girls riding in the balloon with Saige!

Who doesn't love cookies snuggled in bed with your AG doll and Mimi?!!

Ready to "take on" the AG Store!

Looking through the ballerina box of clothes and accessories.

At first, Kerri Grace was a little bit overwhelmed by the awesomeness.

Hair Salon!!!

Maggie picked out a hair extension for Alexis.

Kerri Grace picked the fish tail braid for her doll, Molly.

All "dolled" up (no pun intended) for lunch!

Lunch Time!

Molly and Alexis enjoying their lunch.

Kerri Grace loved feeding her doll!

Maggie read the conversation cards and enjoyed her yummy dessert!

We topped off the trip by riding the carousel on our way out!

Happy Birthday to Both of My Amazing, Sweet, and Beautiful Daughters!

They Said It Couldn't Be Done!

Literally spending all summer at either the beach, the lake, or the pool, that is. We gave it a really good try, and came just about as close as anyone can come! Not a single Gaymon child or Mommy got burnt...so I guess you can figure out the one in our family that kept his fabulous farmers' burn/tan in peak form. Ha! Ha! I love my man!

We went to Litchfield with my entire family. We had a great time, and didn't let the exhaustion (from having five kiddos there) slow us down! =)