the first night and Aiana, Anika, and I met up with them the next day. It was a gorgeous day! We rented a sailboat and sailed around the harbor for a couple hours after breakfast. Anika really was not happy about wearing a life jacket so our adventure didn't last too long. But it was perfect. We then (since we were so close to home) went home to put the girls down for a nap. 
clinging onto her childhood yet loosening my grip to allow her to blossom into the young lady God is creating her to be. I get worried about the negative influences that she could potentially get caught up in, but then put my trust back in God knowing that ultimately He is in control here. It is such a bitter sweet stage. She is a gorgeous young lady...she's smart and funny, and she has a very compassionate heart. I feel like I'm at a crossroads with her and find myself looking over the past years thinking about all of the should have/could haves, but then I smile as I look ahead at all the she and I have accomplished together and who she is today. Sometimes I worry about whether or not she knows just how much I love her (I know that I didn't realize how deep my mother's love was until I became a mother). I don't want to get caught up in worry, I think that is just a part of being a mom. There is so much to enjoy, the joy definitely overpowers the worry. Anyway, this whole thought started today when Aiana told me she took down all her Disney Channel fan posters. :( She now wants to paint her room brown with orange polka dots, orange is her favorite color!
Caylin is very imaginative, stubborn, affectionate, and funny. She still doesnt sleep through the night. So Will and I decided to end that battle and put a little doggy bed in the corner of our room. Caylin goes to bed in her room but every morning I find her in her little corner. It has taken so much stress off all of us! And Caylin has been a lot happier. She continues to make us laugh with her funny stories, imaginary conversations, and expressions. The other day she and I were on our way to the store after she chose to come with me instead of stay home with daddy. Half way to the store I heard her grumbling in the back "dang it, oh man". I asked her what was the matter and she sighed "I forgot, I wanted to stay with daddy...God help us".
The other thing that makes me laugh is thinking of when she opened the game Uno for Christmas, Aiana said "oh Caylin, you got the game Uno!" Caylin stood up and raised the game in the air and yelled "Unos Dos!" So now every time she refers to Uno, she said "Let's play Unos Dos!"
the car but she wanted it because it was her favorite color purple.
Anika still loves her sleep, she sleeps from 6pm - 6:30pm and during the day she takes about a 2 hour nap...sometimes 2 naps. BUT that little stinker is a VERY picky eater!!!! She has one type of bread that she'll eat and she wont eat the organic purely o's but will eat cheerios! What the heck!!! On top of that she's allergic to dairy, eggs, and peanuts. She's doesn't really like the puree's anymore but doesn't like the texture of table food either. I have always been the mom who says "My kid will not be picky, they will eat when they are hungry!" Well, HA! My kid does not eat when she's hungry....she screams! So a lot of the time she ends up eating like a duck...bread! And the bread she likes is the Organic omega 3 bread from Costco. She does like broccoli, and asparagus, pears, and banana. I have to be tricky with all else (that is not a carb). I got her to eat a jar of veggies yesterday by sitting on the kitchen floor and first feeding a bite of food to her little Grover...then she took a bite. 
She's still not quite walking but has been taking 2-3 steps when Will and I have her walk to us. She is a HUGE fan of climbing! She will climb anything and everything she can get her little leg on. We never had to child proof our house with Caylin, she never climbed or put anything in her mouth, but with Anika it is a whole other story.
Christmas Eve was a little different for us. Normally we celebrate with my dad, but it didn't work out this year to be with him on Christmas Eve, but the night turned out perfect. Will was at church all day as he was part of the service, so the girls and I met up with him later in the evening. After we attended church we went over to our friends house. I was so excited to spend time with my girlfriend who is in town for Christmas. She is like a sister to me, whenever we are together we always laugh and reminisce about our childhood. I love that girl! and wish she lived closer!
We have been having tons of fun with the Wii. My mom, Will, and I ended up playing golf until 11pm. Last night Aiana, Will, and I played golf and tennis until 11pm again! I was a little unsure about bringing in "video games" into our house but actually I think it's going to promote a lot of family time. I like it better than just watching tv because we are all interacting together and it's great excersice! 
Last night we were able to spend the evening with my dad. All in all we had an awesome Christmas this year. It was a busy month, but not stressful, and most of all we feel full of Christ's love. 
