I Was Right!

I predicted this past visit to Oklahoma would be the best yet and I was right! To say we had a great time is an understatement. Jade truely bonded with her extended family and it was a true joy to sit back and witness it all! It started when she saw G-ma, her eyes lit up and a big smile followed...from that moment on, she was G-ma's girl (even when mommy was near). This was the first time she really remembered everyone from the previous visits, no "warm-up" time necessary and that made me so happy and proud! She also really took to Sydney, following her around and wanting to hold her hand, it was too cute:)
We squeezed a lot into four days and of course, took plenty of pictures. One of my favorite things about our visits is that Jade always comes away saying new words and learning so much. G-ma and PaPaw have a fish pond in their backyard (which became a quick favorite for Jade) she can now say fish, make a fish face, and rub her fingers together to get the attention of the fish! She learned how to smell flowers, say Ben (kind of just sounds like "B" but we all took it to mean Ben) and from her big girl cousin Sydney, she now knows how to use her "high-pitch" voice to get our attention. In other words...she can SCREAM!! it's loud, but i have to admit that it's also kind of cute...for now! But my favorite of her new words is LOVE! G-ma taught her how to pat her heart and say love. We are working on the full I LOVE YOU, but she definitely has the most important part down! And of course, she got all kinds of gifts in her "treasure chest" Each grandchild has their own treasure chest at G-ma and PaPaws house, and the "fairy lady" always leaves a little something in it for each visit. This time she got her own little laptop to help her learn shapes, numbers and animal sounds, a little pink car, a touch and feel kitty cat book (we LOVE the touch and feel books right now) and her very own "baby stella". Sydney has had a baby stella doll for years and now Jade can follow in her footsteps. She's already a big fan, sleeping with her new baby! We were sad to say goodbye (really...Jade did NOT want to let go of G=ma!!) but it helps knowing we'll be visiting again in just seven short works...let the countdown begin!

 Jade and Sydney saying hello to the fishies

 The OKC Thunder lost the the Miami Heat in the NBA finals while we were there, but we love our Thunder anyway.

 Watching Ben's hockey practice (hence the pants and heavy coat in mid-june!)

 Showing Sydney the Buckle Bear

 G-ma and her girls! (and of course, their baby stella's!)

 Jade sharing her toast with PaPaw

 mmmmm...

 PaPaw giving Jade an up-close look at the garden

 Jade waving to her new friend in the garden

 PaPaw teaching Jade how to feed the fish

 G-ma helping Jade to ride the duck (she watched Sydney do this the day before and wanted to give it a try!)

G-ma and Jade waiting for a snowcone!