Chatta-Vegas

At the end of last week, Kate and I traveled to Chattanooga

so that Kate could get some quality time in with Gran

while I attended board meetings at Covenant.

We decided to stay for the weekend -

and were really excited that Uncle Jon and Aunt Loren

were able to come up from Birmingham to join us!

Unfortunately, I was so busy chasing after Kate

that I didn't take very many pictures.

AT ALL.

(Gran - I think you took at least a few - please share!)

Chattanooga is a great place to take a toddler.

We stayed downtown and were within easy walking distance of

the aquarium, the children's museum, a playground

and lots of kid-friendly restaurants.

All of these things were a big hit.

Especially the children's museum!

We actually went 3 times over the 4 days we were in town.

I'm so very jealous of the Chattanoogans!

Kate's favorite part of the museum was the music section.

In fact the Gleason/George's pretty much took over the percussion section

for a long time on Saturday morning.

(Sorry fellow museum-goers!)

Good times had by all!

The Big Flop

Two weekends ago, Tim and I decided to set aside a Sunday afternoon for family fun

at the Big Apple Circus, which is a circus geared towards young kids

that was set up at Dulles Towne Center.

So, Tim, Kate, two Miss Daisys and I trekked out to the ex-burbs.

We spent a lot of time talking to Kate about the circus -

trying to prepare her for what to expect.

She was really excited.

Kate loved watching all the kids as we got settled into our seats.
She loved watching the acrobats and listening to the music during the opening act.
She was entertained by the clown.

But, she FREAKED out the first time someone fell out of the sky.
Of course, he was attached to a bungee cord
but Kate could not be persuaded that this was ok.

Kate wanted out of there.
NOW.
We lasted about 20 minutes into the show.

The funny part is that Kate was VERY specific about where she wanted to go.
To the Mall.
To ride the train.

So, we did what any parents who had spent over $100 bucks for circus tickets would do...

We went to the mall for a $2 train ride.

Kate was filled with anticipation as we waited in line for our turn to ride the train.

She could hardly contain her excitement.

And then she FREAKED out when we got into the train.

Kate wanted out of there.

NOW.
We lasted about 20 seconds into the ride.

The funny part is that Kate was very specific about where she wanted to go.

HOME.

So, we went home.

And, even though our trip to the Big Top turned out to be a Big Flop,

we actually had a very good time!

Fine Parenting Moment

Fortunately, this is not a common scene in our household...

but the picture still cracks me up!

Kate is very "in" to doing things like Mommy these days.

Happy Birthday, Nana!

We had a blast celebrating Nana's birthday at lunch yesterday!

Kate played hard at the restaurant...

and then she slept hard on the way home!

We love you, Nana!