Fun at the Dallas Zoo

What a great day for a family outing at the zoo! The weather was perfect. When we arrived Lilly didn't know what to think. I have to call myself out on a mistake that was funny. It was the first exhibit we saw of the day and I was busy taking pictures and looking through the camera lens when I told Lilly, "look at the raccoon." Um DUH not a raccoon but instead a Lemur. I guess Robert will be teaching her about animals. :) Oops.

To be honest I don't think she paid much attention to anything until we saw the chimps/monkeys. Lilly said "monk" and pointed which made me think that she was interested. :) 

This was my favorite picture of the chimps.

I think she also enjoyed the giraffes and elephants. She attempted to say elephant and did pretty good if you ask me. Although she thought everything was a dog. All we heard most of the day was "dog....dog...dog"

Lilly got to play at the Children's Zoo as well. She climbed on rocks and ran everywhere. By this time of the day she was geting tired so we didn't stay long. Let's just say getting her back into the stroller wasn't fun.

Before we left we also saw a GIANT rabbit. The picture doesn't do it justice. It was HUGE.

Overall taking a 16 month to the zoo was a wonderful experience and definitely something we will do again. She had a lot of fun.

Not even 5 minutes into our drive home baby girl was out! And as I am writing this she is down for the night. I guess we wore here out. 

Books and Learning

Lilly really enjoys reading books or as she calls them "baba." Lately that is all she has in her hand carrying it to mommy or daddy to read to her. I can officially recite all the Dr. Seuss books we own from memory now, I have read them so many times. Don't get me wrong, I love that she enjoys books and is learning animals, letters and numbers. A few times when I was singing the ABC's song to her she said "E, F, G" at the right time. Still trying to get that on video but no luck so far. She doesn't say it on cue. :( She also counted to two today. I'm so amazed at her ability to learn.

Lilly is also obsessed with shoes or as she calls them "SHEEE." Yep, starting her at a young age. However, she has her favorite ones and doesn't like the fact that she is outgrowing them. I bought her some squeak shoes and she hates them. I think that might be a blessing actually because they are annoying. What was I thinking. Glad that the squeaker is removable.

Now that Lilly can walk and stand on her own she is climbing on any piece of furniture she can find. This picture was taken in her room she gave me "the look" when I told her to sit down. It's quite humorous.

Her smile is infectious. If I am having a bad day all my worries and stress goes away when I look at this baby girl. I love that little crinkle nose smile. :)

The Gurley's are Blogging Again

I haven't blogged in about 4 months so I have some catching up to do. Well a lot has happened since September. Lilly turned 1!!! It was a great day celebrating with family. Lilly had a blast with the cake and enjoyed all her presents. Can't believe that my baby is 16 months now. Time has just flown by. If only she will slow down just a little bit so we can adjust to her being a toddler and no longer a baby. I remember my mom always telling me, "you will always be my baby." I completely understand that saying now. Thanks mom! Here are some pictures from Lilly's birthday party and 1 year photo session.

Halloween was fun! Lilly didn't really go trick or treating but she enjoyed people watching. We dressed her up as Princess Leia. She didn't enjoy wearing the buns but she kept them on for a couple photos. We also celebrated my mom's well deserved retirement and my dad's and niece's birthdays.

 Cousin Kaitlyn as a Tiger 

 Chewbacca and Princess Leia

 The birthday boy and girl!

Thanksgiving and Christmas was filled with a lot of family time and we LOVE that. Lilly got to spend time with grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Here are some of my favorite photos from both holidays.

Lilly's shirt says it all. We thankful for a lot but most of all we are thankful for her.

We need to work on our table manners 

Christmas at the Novotny's

Great Uncle Richard and Lilly

Robert and I might be on our phones a little too much. She is picking up on our habits. 

 Aunt Stacey and Uncle Danny

My mom with her Lilly print

My Mom and Dad (Memaw and Pawpaw)

Family Christmas Photos

Christmas at the Gurley's

 Papa and Lilly

Gram (Robert's mom) made a beautiful smocked Christmas dress for Lilly.

It's snowing on Christmas!!!

More Grama

Shortly after the new year we traveled down to Gatesville to Gram and Papa's house. She got to spend time with her great grandparents before they went home to Alabama. Her More Gram and More Papa witnessed her take her first three steps.

Lilly is officially WALKING at 16 months! We are so very proud of her.