2011 in Review (Part 1)

Can it really be time to celebrate the close of 2011? Though it seems impossible, I suppose the calendar doesn't lie.

What a year it has been for our family. Since I have been more than lax in keeping the blog up in the second half of the year, I thought I'd remark on some of the events that didn't get shared with the world. Enjoy!

 Happy, happy girl.

One of Grandma's (now Nana's) very frequent visit.

 Sweet girl.

Mary Ellen's first dip in her little pool.

 One of the many visits to Nana's house.

First trip to Busch Stadium with cousin Brooke.

 Nature Day at Wakiva River.

 Love Nana's house!

Mary Ellen loves her tree swing!

 

 

 Beach Day!

 

Happy Birthday at the Willow Tree.

Bathtime with Jenson

Year 1 in Mama's Cardinal jersey.

Trip to see the cows on Barb and Dick's farm

Love the music at Willow Tree Cafe

Another trip to Nana's house. Love her flowers!

A visit with Great-Grandma Knepper

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

The Christmas season is upon us, and I have been waiting for the whole year! Don't get me wrong, last year was an amazing time to share with our then 5-month old daughter, but this year is something else. Mary Ellen is taking it all in, and I had no idea how fun it was going to be to watch her get so excited about the lights and the songs and, of course, Ho Ho.

First stop of the season: The Winter Park Christmas Parade.

Waiting for the parade to start. Such cuties!

She really enjoyed catching the candy when we finally scored a seat near the road. Like mother, like daughter.

 Mary Ellen's glimpse of the Big Man.

 After the parade, it was time to pick out the Christmas tree. We got a great one, and it's been up for a whole week now. Too early? I think not!

 Such a big helper:  hanging up our new advent calendar. This one came courtesy of my friend Alie, who started a crafting blog to raise money for American Cancer Society. Check her out - she's a really creative chica!