Nutty Nutcracker

I just want to thank Ellison for being so girly.  Last night, Graham and I took Ellison on a date night to see "A Nutty Nutcracker Christmas".  She love, love, loved it!  And I love, love, love her for loving the theatre. (That's a lot of love, I'm aware)

After the play, Ellison would not stop twirling, singing, and delighting us with her own show.  We had a wonderful night. 

On our way home, Ellison exclaimed, "I can't wait to get home and see my baby brother!"  I guess a Big Sister date was just what the doctor ordered. We love you, Ellison!

Black Friday

I did it. I actually went Black Friday shopping on Thursday night. Weird, right? Well, I noticed that Toys R Us was opening at 9 pm and in a moment of complete and utter stupidity thought it might not be packed and worth my time.  My reasoning was that everyone who worships Black Friday would be standing in line for the shops that open at midnight and not at Toys R Us. I was wrong.
Line wrapped around building. Once in (45 minutes past doors opening), 2 of the 3 items I had come for were gone.  Don't worry, I found a few other things that I needed. However, the real kick in the pants and why I may never ever do this again... the checkout line took 2 hours.  Really don't know if the ends, a savings of $77, justified the means? I would have to say no.

Ok, so since checkout took me 2 hours and I was departing the store after midnight, I decided to stop at Macy's.  Worth it. $150 saved. Once I left Macy's, I decided to stop at Ulta... worth it.

Wait, one more thought, even after saving $350, my kids still woke up in the middle of the night aka the time my head hit the pillow. Oh yes, and they still woke up by 7 am.

Anyways, I decided to to just keep chugging today.  No, I did not head to the malls.  I took Ellison and Dylan (by myself) to Sea World.  We had a fabulous day.  Sea World was empty and the kids were in great moods.  Major score for me!

Miss Too Cool and Mr. Along for the Ride

I took the kids by myself, so I was shocked when Ellison
had no problem riding alone.

Especially when the ride goes up high...
she rode it a couple of times.

Pure bribe to leave the park without crying.
Works every time.

Giggle Monster

Graham, Ellison, and I invited a few of our favorite people over to celebrate our giggle monster turning one.  Dylan was slow to dive into the cake, but eventually did.  And in typical Dylan style, he was trooper despite the lack of nap and a cold - great kid!  We love you Dylan and look forward to many more celebrations!

Diva-licious

Grandma has a special date planned for Ellison today.  Some of my fondest memories are my Mom picking me up early from school for special one on one time (I wish everyone was so lucky to have a Charlene in their lives). 

Ellison was very excited this morning and  wanted to dress up in a Christmas dress.  I was thinking she would choose one of her red dresses.  Silly me, a girl after my own heart (ok, well she captured my heart and holds on tight)...

The "Model" Pose

 

The "Rock Star" Pose

 

The "Typical I'm 3" Pose

 

The "Nice for Mama" Pose

My Little Pilgrim

The kids donned their pilgrim and Indian outfits and put a show at All Saints for the Thanksgiving Feast.  I watched Ellison walk into the room panning the audience for us.  When Ellison finally caught my eye, she squealed with delight. Melted my heart! We are blessed to have a wonderful school for both Dylan and Ellison to attend.

Celebration #1

Ellison was holding Dylan's hands back to keep him from
burning himself.  Such a good big sister!

Dylan is 1!!!

I have said it before and will say it again, surprises can be the most wonderful gift.  Graham, Ellison and I were truly blessed a year ago when Dylan arrived into the world.  A year of Dylan...

November 2010

December 2010

January 2011

 

February 2011

March 2011

April 2011

May 2011

June 2011

July 2011

August 2011





September 2011

October 2011

November 2011

Bye, Bye Weekend

I discovered this weekend that I need to set healthy goals.  For instance, finishing my ULWR paper this weekend was not a realistic goal. In fact, it was rather absurd. Especially when I have so many other things to do and such precious adorable children. 

Ellison enjoyed Alana's Birthday Party.

Ellison had a great time with her cousins, Kyle and Riley.

 

Dylan sat at Ellison's table for the first time and enjoyed a snack.
He is growing up!

 

Don't let  Andy's excitement fool you.
He was mocking me while I shot photos.

Expert Counter.

Expert Climber
aka
Handful!

 

It is hard to see, but Ellison took some scissors to her hair.
She now has bangs!