Camera-less

I am camera-less today. In our whirlwind weekend of activity, picture taking and fun, I accidentally left my camera at my Dad's house yesterday in a hurried attempt to get my daughter to nap at least once in the three day span. The nap attempt failed yesterday, but I am thrilled that my baby girl is napping today. And during nap time, I usually look through photos, clean off the camera and edit photos. And...given I am camera-less today, I am feeling a bit naked and not sure what to do with myself.

And so, I sit here in a quiet house, enjoying the quiet. Enjoying the glow of the Christmas tree and ignoring the pressure to find anything else to fill my time.

Gingerbread Party 2011

As a child, my mom made gingerbread houses every year for her first grade classroom. Although I could never confirm it, I like to think children secretly begged their parents to switch classrooms just so they could be a part of Mrs. Perkins gingerbread fun.

We began this morning making icing...the way any 3-year old would...messy.

Today, I hosted a gingerbread party of my own. With my precious daughter and a few of our friends. And Nana of course. What a special day it was for all of us, full of fun, friends and lots of sugar. Just the way we like it!

the houses assembled and ready for our guests

Our friends hard at work decorating...

and Elliana sneaking some candy along the way

Elliana showing off her finished house

Group shot minus Jay & Katie

And after all that sugar, we had to spend some time in our new bounce house to burn off some energy. Here, Adelyn is coming out of the house...

Elliana and Nana post party excitement or sugar high...whichever you prefer

And a picture of myself and Nana taken by Elliana...thus the large belly shot (~ 6 months pregnant).

Fall Fun

This past weekend, we were blessed with extraordinary weather for mid November. Sunny, crisp blue skies with temperatures in the 70's. Although we were quickly approaching nap time, we went outside to play anyway.

With the high winds lately, our leaf pile was smaller this year than years past, but we made the most of it. Per Elliana's request, I raked up some leaves into a pile beneath her slide. With the gusto of a child much older than 2.5 years, Elliana quickly climbed up her rock wall and slid down into the pile.

And when that got old, just jumping in was just as much fun.

Our afternoon quickly morphed into a photo chasing session, where Elliana posed cute until I raised the camera and then she turned away and ran. This pregnant momma chased her as best I could, and I actually was able to snap a few up close and focused pictures.

Sometimes it is the most ordinary, unexpected moments that truly can take my breath away with gratitude and humbleness.

Elliana's First Dance Class

Yesterday, I took Elliana to her first dance class. It was really an introductory course to see if we should sign up for the actual classes before committing to pay that much first. And so, here is a 3-minute glimpse into her first dance class. I think she did amazing and see more dance classes in her future!

Beautiful Butterfly

Our little girl chose to be a beautiful butterfly this year for Halloween. And, a beautiful butterfly she was! Her costume sparkled, shined and lit the way as we went trick-or-treating this year. Yes, her little butterfly literally lit up the night each time she pushed the magic light up button.

It didn't take long for Elliana to strut her stuff and walk with confidence up to each house and proudly announce "trick or treat!" as she eagerly chose the candy of her choice.

We were grateful to have both my parents and T.J.'s parents down to watch our butterfly spread her wings and fly! It truly was a terrific evening, full of laughter, candy and lots of smiles.