It's Halloweeeeen Time

Each holiday brings new experiences that I just love sharing with Mary Ellen. This year, Halloween has lead to the discovery of some really fun pretend play. I bought some window clings that have several Halloween characters, a big spooky house, and several pieces of candy. For the last several days, we've played Trick or Treat with these little guys and Mary Ellen is really getting the hang of it. Yesterday, we took turns dressing up in her various hats (where did she get all those hats?!) and knocking on her door to Trick or Treat for pom-poms (pink ones, of course). So much fun!

Well, today she got to try it out for real. We visited the Central Florida Zoo's Zoo Boo Bash. It was a perfect day (mid-60s when we left the house) to spend at the zoo, and we all had a great time. Especially our little Kitty.

Too bad they were still in the parking lot...This is one of the few pics with the kitty ears still in place. Mary Ellen is officially dressed up as Mimi, but it's a little easier just to explain that she's a kitty.

Curious little cat.

Happy Halloween!

I was really impressed with the treats at the zoo. Each of 8 stations had a fun little treat, and not one of them was candy.

The otter put on quite a show for Mary Ellen.

Weird foot massage chair things. Sorry, Bri. This one just had to be shared.

Fall Is Here!

This fall has already been so jam-packed with activity. Where to begin? 

How about Jenson's big day? We were so happy to be able to share in the fun. And all the Friends were there!

Amy's cupcake ball glove turned out great. Perfect for J and pretty darn cute!

Balloon!!

True to form: Jenson's as happy as can be and great for the camera. Mary Ellen has her eye on the prize.

It was a sea of red as we sang for the big guy.

What? Is there something on my face?

Quotable Quotes

My girl is somewhat of an early talker. She speaks so clearly, and lately, she's starting to put together more thoughts of her own. Here are a few of my recent favorites:

[from her crib, which refusing to go down for a nap]
Mommy! Mommy, I'm awake! Mommy, I'm awake and I'm crying! Mommy, I'm awake and I have an idea!

[after bumping her head, she pleaded to Brian for some help]
I bonked. I think I need the penguin (the icy penguin that we keep in the freezer). And I think I need the iPad. The iPad will make me feel better.

[after waking up from a nap]
Mommy, I have a question for you: Can we go play at the park?

[out of the blue comments; I can't get her to do this on command, but it is one of my favorite things she does right now]
(cocking head to the side and gesturing with her palm up)
1. I like pink sometimes.
2. I like kitties sometimes.
3. I like Minnie sometimes.
4. I like Mimi sometimes.

Please feel free add any others that I've forgotten!!

Friday Night Hoedown

I've not laughed this hard in a long, long time.

For It's Root, Root, Root...

She's become quite the sports fan. And singer.

Watching Her Garden Grow

Now that I've got the seasons in Florida figured out (hey, it's only taken 9 years), one of my favorite parts about living here is that we get two true gardening seasons. I always rush the fall one a little bit, but then withering plants will be a small price to pay for the fun that Mary Ellen and I had last weekend. Notice the excitement?

My choice of seed were beans (because they sprout and grow so quickly) and her choice was, of course, pickles (cucumbers). 

 Patience isn't always a virtue that my darling possesses. Hope you like that water, seeds.

A brand-new tool for my brand-new gardener.

Back to School

Big Girl Mary Ellen and Daddy on her first day at her "new school." She's going 2 days a week in the mornings, and she could not love anything more.

Just for fun, I had to include the same photo from last year's first day of school (Jan. 2012). Notice a difference? And of course I notice that I need a haircut in both photos. It's a constant problem around here.

All ready to go inside that big door!!

One of the things I love about this school is that the first thing they have the kids do when they go in the door is wash their hands. What a great habit to start. And now she tells me that she washes her hands to "wash off the germs." Brilliant!

Mary Ellen had no problem watching me go out the door. She has things to learn, you know.