Welcome to the Neighborhood

After a quiet first week in Indian Hills, our neighbors extended us a warm welcome to the community. First, we received a poinsettia and some cookies from our next-door neighbor. A few days later it was homemade chocolate chip cookies from the neighbors down the street. That's some quality Southern Hospitality. 

Two of a Kind

Graham and Aubrey get plenty of quality time together, and they tend to make the most of it. If it's quiet, something's wrong. Most often, they're loud, spirited, and bordering on out of control. 

It took us a few days to set up Graham's bed. In the meantime, Graham and Aubrey discovered that G's mattress made for a fun makeshift trampoline.

Two things help us to survive grocery store runs: the race car carts and the free samples. 

A Typical Day With Aubrey

Okay, so there's no such thing as a "typical day" with Aubrey. You never really know what you're going to get. However, there are a few safe bets of things that are likely to happen ...

Aubrey LOVES to "drive." She asks if she can drive seemingly every time we get in the car. Sometimes she even makes the request while we're inside the house: "Go outside. Drive." Here she is asking for the keys.

Most often you'll find Aubrey trying on someone's shoes, but occasionally she branches out to other articles of clothing. Here she is trying on Erica's winter vest and putting her neck through the sleeve.

Aubrey still seems to enjoy eating food off of the floor rather than from the table. Naturally, she dumped the food there first. 

Hockey Night

Erica and I wound up with prime seats to the Nashville Predators game the night before we closed on our house. Graham told our realtor he was a big Predators fan during the final walk-through at the house, so our realtor gave us his tickets to that night's game. Unfortunately, it started too late for G to attend; given some of the crowd's colorful cheers, that's probably a good thing. 

Preschool

Graham started preschool on Dec. 4. He attends TOTS Preschool three days a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. He's enjoyed his new school and has adapted well to his new surroundings.

Graham covered himself in a blanket as we drove to preschool on the first day. He called it his "African living home." I was concerned he might be scared about school, but there was no hesitation once we arrived.

Graham was a good sport about taking photos outside the school on his first day. On the second day he said "no pictures today" as we walked through the door. 

Aubrey held up her goldfish as a show of support while Graham held up his "First Day of Preschool" sign.

Aubrey made herself at home at Graham's preschool on day one. 

Graham took advantage of her "only child" status while Graham was at preschool, stealing G's blanket and his car seat.

We're fortunate to be able to do a family drop-off at preschool each day. Here's a photo from one of those subsequent drop-offs. 

Exploring Nashville

I became a little stir crazy last week. I wanted to spend time outside exploring Nashville in person and get the kids away from four of their favorite pastimes: iPhones, iPads, and computer and television screens. That led to our Saturday family outing. 

We started our little adventure with a trip to the Nashville Public Library for an amazing puppet show. The kids remained engaged for the entire 30-minute production, a sure sign of success, and had the opportunity to explore the set afterward. They managed not to break anything, which is perhaps an even bigger success. Our first two photos below are from outside the theater.

Afterward, we picked up some coffee (just the adults) and visited Cumberland Park. We tried to go there once before but were unable to due to a football game. The parking lots were being used for tailgating. This time, we encountered very few people due to the chilly, overcast conditions. Graham and Aubrey enjoyed the playground, open spaces, and outdoor stage. We also headed up to the walking bridge and took in some gorgeous views of the city. 

After the puppet show.

Graham enjoys a hands-on display outside the theater.

Aubrey, Erica, and Graham take advantage of the side-by-side-by-side slide. If it was a race, Graham won.

Graham practices for American Ninja Warrior. He was proud of himself for climbing the rope course.

All smiles at Cumberland Park.

Graham takes in the sights. 

Aubrey climbs just high enough to peek at the city.

The Nashville skyline from atop the walking bridge.

A view of the Titans' stadium, home of some memorable Ravens victories :-)

Erica used to work in the building in the background, which is nicknamed the Batman building. 

As we struggled to get a selfie, a passerby reminded us that not all photos have to be of the do-it-yourself variety.

Aubrey Turns Two

Our little girl turned two this month. She enjoyed a multi-day celebration that started on her actual birthday and continued during a weekend party with family.

Aubrey's big day started with a trip to the living room, where gifts and a birthday balloon awaited. 

Graham was more than happy to help Aubrey open her birthday gifts. Turns out he's been pretty excited to play with them as well. 

Aubrey relaxes in her new chair from Mimi and Pop-Pop.

We enjoyed a birthday dinner at Fazoli's and then stopped back at the house for cupcakes. The gift bag for Aubrey's present from her cousins and Aunt and Uncle was big enough to fit five people (and probably more).

Nothing says "Happy Birthday" quite like Minnie Mouse cupcakes. Between our family lunch at Red Robin, dinner at Fazoli's, and cupcakes for dessert, we had full stomachs that day. 

Enough photos, just let me eat my cupcake already. 

That's the stuff.

Elmo helped us celebrate Aubrey's second birthday during a family party on Sunday. 

"Hey cousin, that's MY cake!"

I swear Graham was smiling in the other versions of this photo. Unfortunately, I had my eyes closed in what would have been the best one.

Mom and Dad with the birthday girl.

Blowing out the candle. 

Graham and cousin Kora, aka Knight and Princess. They played dress-up during the party.

Graham and cousin Rachel. 

Fall Fun

A few weeks ago, we played in the leaves in the yard. The kids discovered that it's not quite the same as when the Peanuts gang jumps in a pile of leaves. Lots of fun nonetheless. Graham and Aubrey also got some time on the play set, which has been a favorite activity of theirs during the time we've stayed with Erica's parents.

Up to his neck in fun.

Ladies in the leaves.

Erica looks like she's making a silly face; she's actually yelling "Help, I'm drowning in leaves. Put down the camera and come save me."

You can tell this is staged because our kids are awake and we look relaxed. 

Aubrey loves to swing.

Halloween

Captain America and Minnie Mouse braved a rainy Halloween night to gather candy during the Trunk or Treat event a Moss Wright Park. We also made a stop to see Graham's new friend, Kellen, in what will soon be our neighborhood. It's a popular trick-or-treat spot, so much so that Kellen's parents rant out of candy despite buying $65 worth of goodies. Much to our surprise (and delight), Graham shared some of his candy with trick-or-treaters after they ran out.