It had been a while so we pulled the finger paints out today! This was Noah's first time and he was a little unsure of what to do. But leave it to Rachel to show him how! Shortly after the fun they enjoyed a much needed bath!
It's been quite some time since I really had any updates on Rachel. It seems we are out of "major" milestones such as walking, talking, etc so everything seems to just kind of flow and be "as expected." however, I wanted to document some things I'll want to remember in the future about her hobbies and interests, as well as things she is able to do at her age.
Her biggest toy fav is anything to do with the Disney fairies! Not only in toys, but her room decorations as well. We recently moved a twin bed into her room and she was able to pick her bedding. She adores the tinker bell bed set and uses the excuse of being cold so she can bring the comforter out to the living room to use. Her communication and comprehension skills continue to improve. She is quite the little negotiator, and tells us exactly what she thinks WHEN she thinks it. Example: at Christmas aunt Jenn bought her a pair of Disney princess light up tennis shoes. Upon opening them she yells... " I don't want this kind, I wanted fairy ones!" there are many times she says embarrassing things, just as this, but I guess we are blessed she can communicate, we just heed to work on some manners! Recently she has become interested in "dress up" and "pretend" activities.. Noah just doesn't really like being a princess so she especially likes when Kate comes over for the fun. Even though Noah doesn't enjoy "dress up" they really play pretty well together...if you think torture and playing have the same meaning! :) the two of them know exactly how to push each other's buttons, but then again, what siblings don't?! Rachel loves to finger paint, blow bubbles, read books, play with her new leapster explorer ( a new Xmas present from ggma and ggpa), and watch movies. (Amongst her favorite are Gnomeo and Juliet, Tinkerbell, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid.) favorite foods now a days include "dough bread" ( she calls homemade bread dough bread) corn dogs, Mac and Cheese, peas, and if she asks for a cookie she PREFERS an Oreo...well really 2!
Rarely is there a day she doesn't get a spanking...she is DEFINiTELY my challenge, but she does have a sweet spirit as well...even if we don't see it all the time. She still is truly one of the greatest blessings of my life.
Aunt Krista organized a gingerbread making activity at Gma and Gpa Oakley's a few days before Christmas. Tons of fun for everyone!
Not that either one of my kids cared at all about seeing Santa...but it was a great time to go to the "jumping place" with Daddy and some other family that doesn't normally get to go at the same time as us! Last Tuesday we went to Pump it Up with The Prindle Family, Michelle and Tegan, and Uncle Trey and Aunt Monica. It was especially fun since the kids hadn't been in a while. (Momma is still out of commission for bouncing and climbing, so we haven't been able to go during the days!) The kids and adults had a great time! 
We finally got around to having Rachel's 3 year pictures taken. She did so well, I had very hard time picking 1 pose out for the package! Luckily, Sears emails all the prints. Here are 15 of the 42 the photographer took! She is sometimes a handful, but moments like this make it all worth it! (The 10th pic is the one that I picked for the package!) :)
He finally has a couple more teeth! The first of the 2 came in 2 weeks ago and the second of the two came in this past Tuesday! He is very into taking things from his sister and then quickly running away from her. it can make us all crazy at times! But he also has a sweet side. He is now willing giving us kisses when we ask. (well, usually anyways!) He loves noodles, Cheetos, and has recently fallen in love with apple juice! The sweet taste keeps him begging for more. (although we have had to limit him bc it can make for quite a bit of pooping!) :) my great sleeper has also recently turns into a nightmare! The past week he has been waking up between 4-5am! As you can imagine this is a HUGE ordeal! Hopefully once he is through teething! and we get his horrible diaper rash (from all the pooping) under control, he will get back to normal! But overall during the day he's a pretty happy, loving, destructive little guy! It's true as they say, children change EVERY DAY! I'm thankful to get to experience almost every moment!
Our "baby" girl is already 3! It seems like I was in the hospital just yesterday, but she is so much a part of our lives, it seems asthough she has been here all my life. I cannot wait to see what the futre holds for this precious life. Happy Birthday, Rachel Elise!
We had her party before her birthday, so Momma and Daddy took Rachel to the zoo by herself so she had a special afternoon all to herself. Pics of the fun afternoon are below. The party pics will be posted soon!
