Stephen & Lisa visit

One of Michael's college roommates, Stephen, came to see us (along with his wife, Lisa). It was a short weekend, but we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. They arrived late Friday, after Gabi's bedtime.


Stephen meets Annabelle


Daddy and Bella

Saturday morning, Gabi found two books with stuffed character animal-friends sitting in her doorway.


Gabi helped Lisa read Fox in Socks for the first time
(quite a challenging book, but they did great)


Bella listening intently to storytime


Lisa and Stephen sure know the way to our girls' hearts -- BOOKS!


Stephen then engaged Gabi in one of her other favorite passtimes -- MUSIC!
Stephen teaching Gabi how to play "C is for Cookie" (but with the words "G is for Gabi")


Lisa and Bella enjoy tea time

We then took our guests on a long walk to downtown Decatur to show them the sights.


We stopped at Scott Park to let the kids play;
Gabi and Bella weren't the only kids who wanted to play


In fact, the "older kids" might have enjoyed the playground the most...
Two little monkeys, swinging from the bar


Pirates in Scott Park


Come on, Gabi. You can do it!

Our 5+ mile walk completely wore out the little girls, who didn't even have to do all the walking! (Bella rode in her stroller and Gabi, in the wagon.)


Bella got caught under her spit-up pad and between her crib bars


Too tired to even notice naptime kisses


Gabi showing Lisa how to spell her name
(Well, at least she's holding the crayon correctly...)


A kiss for baby sister


The phone is rattling!


Gabi and Stephen's piano reprise


Ever good-natured Bella


Michael serenading Annabelle


Burp cloths make great teethers


Gabi warmed up to Lisa so quickly that she requested Lisa read her bedtime story
(I could tell she's a Kindergarten teacher!)

The next morning when I got up to my alarm clock (aka "the baby")...


"Mommy, Bella is crying."


"So I'm reading her a book."


Stephen reading Gabi yet another book
(as if to say "Don't forget me")


The Golden Baby Age:  Bella can sit up and play with toys on her own


Gabi found Horton an egg to sit on while she reads him his book

Yesterday, Gabi and a couple friends went to the movie theater to see Horton Hears a Who, and Gabi brought her Horton with her. He was definitely a hit. The kids decided to sit on their own in the row in front of us mommies. They were adorable!