Happy Easter Day!

Hunting for eggs was so much fun this year. We had two egg hunts - one with a group of "storytime" friends and the other in our neighborhood. It didn't take long for Mary Ellen to the get the hang of it this year.

The Bunny came!

Easter Dress!

Making a Bunny House with Mommy

I just love this face.

Dyeing Easter Eggs with Daddy

Nana and Papa!

So forget that it's been several months since the last post. These pics from Mom and Dad's last visit had to be shared.

We visited Blue Springs State Park to see the manatees. I think Mary Ellen was a little disappointed by how slow and quiet they were. But still, it was a very unique experience.

 Mary Ellen LOVES her Nana and Papa!

 That's right. We took her to the Magic Kingdom. Her world will never be the same.

 Brave Nana took Mary Ellen on the Merry-Go-Round.

I'm not sure who's having more fun on Dumbo.

 Not our best family pic, but this was taken right about nap time (or what should have been nap time).

Mary Ellen enjoyed the outside of the Winnie the Pooh ride much more than the ride itself. In her defense, it was pretty intense and scary for a Winnie the Pooh-themed ride.

She got to meet the big man himself. The Disney gods were smiling on us that day!

Best Santa Picture. Ever.

Christmas Time Is Here

The first Saturday in December is hands-down one of my favorite days of the year. Our family's Christmas kickoff day starts with a parade and ends with a decorated Christmas tree. Fun, eh?

 

Motorcycles are loud!

I think this delighted face was caused by about 100 dogs walking in the parade.

Santa! Mary Ellen was not excited about seeing the big man this year. In fact, she was fully against it. But when he drove past in the parade, waved and pointed right to her, she seemed to change her tune a bit.

Happy Day!

Helping to choose the right tree.

Setting up the nativity.

Mary Ellen loved helping to hang the ornaments this year. She loved that fluffy snowman!

My Big Girl (and her big girl underpants)

One of the biggest steps in toddler-hood is nearly behind us.

I can't believe how big my girl is getting. We had been dabbling in the idea of potty training since last spring. We had a little potty for a while and Mary Ellen had some successes this summer, but over the last two months, we've nearly gotten the job done. She only wears pull-ups now for sleeping and has taken successful trips to the Science Center and to a Magic game in big girl pants! Aren't we brave?

There's not a whole lot to say about this except that I am incredibly proud of how we've all handled this transition, and I think it speaks volumes about Mary Ellen's personality. We didn't have to do any bribing. We didn't do much arguing. I followed her lead, and we got the job done. And I should thank the good people at Target for stocking Minnie Mouse and Hello Kitty underpants. That helped.

Now here are some pics (unrelated to potty training) including some from our Oct trip to St. Louis. I know that's what you all want to see.

 

Mary Ellen shows of a dalmatian that she made at school. Each day after school, we stop and take a picture of her holding whatever project she made. Hopefully at the end of the year we'll have a nice collection of photos, and I don't feel too guilty about not keeping each and every piece of art that she makes.

 Jenson and Mary at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

 Daddy's little girl.

 Love that Grammy Anne!

 Four generations.

One of my favorite pictures ever, taken in Mom and Dad's backyard.

 

 

Spider Cookies! They were Mary Ellen's idea when it was her turn to bring for snack at school.

 Trick or Treating at Daddy's work.

 One of Mary Ellen's first friends, Elise.

 Trick or Treat!

The Best Ol' Polka Fest

Thanks, Nana!

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.