Nemo and Marlin

also known as Cora and Greg!

heading south...

We're DRIVING to Georgia for Christmas and, so far, the trip has been pretty good. We're forever grateful for the integrated DVD system in the car, of course...

We stopped in Bayonne last night to spend time with GG and Aunt El and the Makowskis. We had a ball and ate plenty of our favorite foods from the "region" including mushroom soup, pierogies, halupki, New York bagels and Sabrett hot dogs (Yeah, we left REALLY stuffed!)

Unfortunately, these are the only pictures that came out from our stay... but they're 2 pretty good ones, we think!

a tooth has erupted!

(and we're starting some solids -- in honor of Daddy's birthplace, peaches were the first...)

latest stats: 21 lbs and 27 inches tall

fun with Aunt Becky!

we LOVE when Aunt Becky comes to town!!!

Cora's perfectly content and happily amused by bubble wrap

(it should make for an easy Christmas!)

Cora and Daddy giving Finn and Bonny some special treats

making Christmas cookies

Bonny directing from above

Cora put eyes on ALL her cookies (including the snowflake, tree, star and candy cane!)

Cora jams on her new dog guitar!

Emi preferred to teethe on the box of her new bunny

Madea madness

Here's a typical day of events here in the Madea household:

(makes you REALLY want a 2.5 year and 6 month old, huh?!?)

daddy-daughter dance

Cora teaching daddy about ALL her dolls

WHAT is up with her hair?!?

Yes, Cora is actively potty-training and Yes, Finn and Bonny have taken over Meg's spot on the couch

6 months old!

Emi's sitting up straight, standing, saying "dada," smiling, giggling and reaching for EVERYTHING and putting it into her teething mouth :)

please no papercuts!!

horrified she can't touch sign anymore

getting a grip

yearbook pose

Cousin-Palooza

9 kids under the age of 5... what a ball! Thanks to Aunt Marge and Uncle Ron for hosting us yesterday for a huge meet-n-greet-n-play-n-play-n-play :)

Evan, Julian, Charlie, Cora, Emi, Jack, Caitlin, JT and Abby

(getting this many kids to sit and be cute for a photo proved to be impossible... don't worry, Caitlin eventually found a place on the couch!)

JT remembers what life is like with a baby in the house... and proof that Caitlin got on the couch!

Emilia finally meets her Auntie Allie and cousin Caitlin

"all grown up" cousins Liz, Jeff, Greg, Jen and Allie with Great Aunt Tim

... And just the "Georgia cousins" with kids and Aunt Tim!