Ella on the train

And yes, she really does want a guitar for Christmas! It is the only thing she has specifically mentioned :) I just love this little video!! I still think her little voice has got to be one of the cutest sounds ever!!

Polar Express to the North Pole!

Yes, we've had a busy weekend! Cutting down a tree AND a train ride to the North Pole to see Santa . . not too many little gils can say that :) We took a train from North Bend to Snoqualmie - about a 30 minute train ride! But at the end we got to see the North Pole and Santa AND have free cookies and cocoa (my fav part!). Ella called the train the Polar Express and was very excited to meet Santa but picture A Christmas Story! When she finally got to Santa she freaked out and cried and couldn't tell him anything :) Layla went right up to him and hugged him and sat in his lap!! It was a very special day!!!! Although we did not get one family pic :( I'll have to keep searching for that perfect Christmas card photo :)







Ella beginning to get nervous about Santa! She looked at me and said "I think I'm scared Mommy!"

just to embarrass danny :)

classic ella :)

The Griswalds live on!

Since moving to the PNW, each year at Christmas Danny has been cutting down our tree! I get such a kick out of it and the girls seem to really enjoy it as well! This year I was smarter and we were all decked out in our rain boots and coats so no one would get upset about the mud :)

Full of Thanks!

We had a relaxing, quiet day at home with the girls for Thanksgiving! I made the traditional dinner - turkey and all :) - and it was quite tasty! Although the girls only wanted to eat the mashed potatoes and rolls, oh well! It was fun to watch the Macy's Parade with Ella. She was very into it this year - getting excited whenever she would recognize someone!

Helping mommy brush up for Black Friday sales :)


Watching the parade!


Drinking her first glass of bubbly :) She actually had 3!


Cheers!! (it was sparkling grape)


I'm thankful for . .
- Our children, of course! We have been blessed to have VERY healthy, VERY vibrant little girls!
- Danny! I don't think that needs much explanation :)
- Danny's job! It may require long hours and crazy amounts of money for tests :) but in these uncertain times I'll take it!
- Being able to stay at home! It's hard and we've had to make many sacrifices to make it work - but I wouldn't give it up for anything! I'm so blessed that I get to be a part of my girl's daily lives - even the mundane!
- my parents! they are such a constant source of love, hope, faith, wisdom, encouragment, support, and friendship! I am truly a lucky woman!
- my friends near and far! you know who you are! you are my chosen family!

Happy (early) Thanksgiving!

Many people have already begun their Thanksgiving voyages and I hope this week is a wonderful one for all of you! We are looking forward to a very fun and busy weekend with the girls . . I've already got the Christmas music going and you can see the blog is decorated :) Being here for the holidays always makes me appreciate our family and friends soo much more - I guess absence really does make the heart grow fonder :) I hope everyone gives thanks this week for all the wonderful and many blessings in our lives!! I am missing you all as we approach the best time of the year!!

Sunday in the park

We went down to the Edmonds Marina Beach/Park! Cold but fun :) The sun was setting before we left and I tried to get some pix by the water but once again the toddlers were on strike and refused to strike a pose!! My hopes of a good family Christmas photo this year are slowly fading :)

Reading by fire light

There's nothing better than snuggling in by a fire!





Layla and her chair

We like to move it, move it!!

We took the girls to see Madagascar 2 this weekend! The girls seemed to have fun although I think the first one was far better for kids! The sequel had quite a bit more adult humor in it :)

Danny and the tests!

Danny took his 3rd exam this past week. Only 4 more to go :)We are still waiiting results from the FIRST one . . to say he is anxious is an understatment! With all the holidays and everyting fast approaching, he is going to take a break from testing and resume in January/February!

18 months!

Layla had her 18 mos check on Thursday. I went in knowing pretty much what my pediatrician was going to say :) She's growing like crazy in her height but not keeping up in her weight - she's very tall and very skinny - what a problem to have :) She's 34 inches tall (97%) and 24 pounds (65%). We are all thrilled that Layla is walking but now I'm having to really watch her language devlopement and understanding! I know she'll get there!! Other than that . . all is well!

my little homegirl!

i think these are by far the funniest pics i've gotten!

you can take the girl out of the ATL but you can't take the ATL out of the girl!!

i was trying to get her to give me a peace sign but it came out like this ..

pigtails and angel wings!

One more year

until I'm officially married to an old man :) Danny turned 29 last weekend! I was slacking with the camera and only got one pic! We took Danny to Outback to eat and had a relaxing weekend.

Dance Party

Usualy around dinner time everynight, I turn the music on and our living room becomes a baby disco :)

Layla had her last PT appt yesterday! She walked into the PT office and walked out - what a good feeling! Her physical therapist was impressed with all her progress and gave me a few more ideas to help her get caught up with other children her age! Her language skills will be the next big thing we work on, but I'm not too concerned with that! Ella wasn't really a talker until she turned 2, so I've got 6 months until I'll worry :) It was suggested that I bring her back to PT when she is 2 so they can do one more final evalaution of all her areas of development to make sure she is ok, but I think we'll make the call when the time is closer! She's just perfect as she is right now :)

Test drive

We've been holding off on getting Layla any shoes until she was really steady and stable but today she finally got a high tech pair of new tennis shoes :) I took the girls to the park to test them out! Layla LOVED finally being set loose outside! It was like watching someone discover they have super powers!