Where the Wild Things Are

Okay. Maybe it does.

Merry Christmas from the Salter family!

A little break from swinging to look for the birds


Saturday night my Dad's family came over for a lot of food, a lot of presents, and a lot of chaos. We were missing a few cousins and spouses, but all nine great-grandchildren were there. A highlight for me was this sweet thing. Her mommy was at a wedding, but she and her brother came with their grandparents (my uncle and aunt). Her mommy and I look similar and it was obvious she thought so too. I got some sweet loving from her!

This is just classic. Trying to get nine children, most of whom are under 5, to sit still for 3 seconds, while holding little babies, and see if we can get even half of them to look normal. You see Elle was doing her part to make sure Reese was looking at the camera. My grandmother looks pretty thrilled about the photo shoot too.

"A present for me? How did you know I love musical fish?"

Opening presents the next morning with Dad and Sandi

Trying to get a picture of the three of them

Thomas was a hit!


I don't know if you can see it in the picture, but my husband is currently wearing two car key rings as a wedding band (another perk of working in the car business--all the key rings you need!). Why in the world would he do that, you ask? Well, he says his ring is too small. But now that I think about it, I haven't seen his actual ring in awhile. Perhaps this Christmas every kiss will begin with "K" in the Salter house. And on that note, I hope you are singing the Kay Jewelers commercial in your head.

His other new trick was sleeping from 7:30 last night until 7 AM this morning without a night cap. And although I'd like to think this will be the new normal, there are a few teeth looming on the horizon. Tomorrow marks the big half-birthday followed by his check-up on Thursday. It has been a fun-filled fast six months!

We spent this past weekend in Dothan to celebrate Christmas with my Dad and his family, got to see some great old friends and meet a special, somewhat famous, new one. Hope to post some pictures of our trip tomorrow. Tonight will be an 8:30 bedtime for me!

Elle didn't understand the "you only get to pick one" rule.

I thought this was sweet. Grady was leaning in to snuggle with Mommy. Steven later told me he was trying to see something but couldn't because my shoulder was in the way.

He took Blossom for a little spin around the pony ring.

Elle and Mae took a ride on the Twactor Train. Grady refused to ride because he couldn't ride in the front with the man driving the twactor. But all in all, one spectacular afternoon at the farm.

She did a little coloring and sign making before hand.

Thank you for all your prayers. Like I said, God's peace was evident. It could not have gone any better. We are drinking the Lortab like water around here. Just Elle really, although I've thought about taking a swig. To recovery, of course.

I left you just a few days before we went to Carillon Beach for Labor Day week.

And we had the entire beach to ourselves for a week.

Unfortunately, I was too busy enjoying myself and my family that I have very few pictures of our time. Not one of the five of us together. Or any of the multitude of family members that joined us at various times over the week. You will just have to trust that it was absolutely wonderful.

We did have to spend the first night in a different place because the air conditioning wasn't working at our house. The thermostat read 99 degrees. But upstairs, it was only 91 degrees. I kid you not.

My husband did manage to get us two free nights for our heat strokes/trouble. My favorite quote as he was talking with the property manager: "I don't know how much money you make. But I don't make a lot and we had to work really hard to save to come down here for the week." And we'd like to think it paid for air conditioning...

I had a naked photo shoot with Reese. He was naked. I had my clothes on.

He got a little tired of it. Or maybe he just wanted some clothes.


We threw a WALL-E party for Elle. She finally stopped sucking her thumb and this was the motivation for it all. If I'd only known the power of WALL-E a few months ago. Oh well. All in good time.

We are so proud of her. And she is so proud of herself.

One thumb sucker down, one to go. And yes, he is "feeding" Mickey. At least he got the Boppy first so he could be comfortable.

For any of you wondering, Elle is scheduled for surgery on Monday. But, she is sick again so we will probably be postponing again. I'm taking her to the pediatrician tomorrow morning. I really should get frequent flyers miles from my pediatrician's office. I would be racking up.

Why is he always eating at the table in every picture?

And after:

Reese got submerged for his first big baby bath Saturday. Yes, I have just been giving him sponge baths since birth. He's not dirty and the other two didn't like the baby tub until about two months anyway. He was so relaxed the whole time. (I know that doesn't look like a relaxed face. You'll just have to trust me on this one.)

Elle's first will be September 21st. She is having her tonsils and adenoids removed. I wish it were tomorrow. Her tonsils have always been what the doctor called "generous". She had strep throat this summer and now they are just huge. The ENT called them "kissing tonsils". There is almost zero space in the back of her throat. She is snoring like crazy, waking up like crazy. She can barely swallow and her voice sounds like her mouth is full of cotton. I cannot wait to have this done. I think she will be a much happier, well rested, and healthier little girl.