Eyebrows

We discovered a talent Kate has for lifting her eyebrows.  

She was doing this all during Thanksgiving Dinner. 

So funny.

I just wish I could have recorded the really good ones, this just gives a small taste.

Giving Thanks 2011

We are blessed.

I honestly couldn't ask for more. 

We have so much to be thankful for in our life. 

Thanksgiving 2011 was a memorable one.  We loved having Dave and Alissa join us!  Dave took on the project of providing the meat of the meal.  And, for those of you that know my brother, you know that he is full of surprises.  Well, he showed up with two chickens. They turned out awesome, with only a little raw meat at the end. Good memories.  The food was delish. Alissa made the best mashed potatoes and stuffing and Brett's stuffed mushrooms were oh so good. With the combo of everyone's efforts, we feasted like Kings. 

Our day ended with a nice stroll through the Pier at Alexandria.  The Christmas Lights were up and it was a beautiful night.  A perfect way to end the day. 

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The feast, and a feast it was.  I am so full, still.

The cutting of the chicken.

Kate enjoying her feast.

Abby wanted to cook her 'chicken' like Uncle Dude.  Here are the two chefs together.

 Proud of his chicken.

Last week, to celebrate Thanksgiving, we did a walk for the Homeless with our friends and had a great time. 

 Riding the metro.

In Love

I am in love with Fall in Virginia.  Personally, I think it's the most beautiful time of the year.

 

11 Months

I can't believe this little girl is already 11 months old?!  This year has gone by way too fast.  There are days that seem to be long with late nights, teething, or tears, and then others where I feel like I blink and my baby's a toddler.  I love walking in her room when she wakes up to find her perched at the front of her bed jabbering, shaking the rail and smiling from ear to ear.  I love how she will still nuzzle her little head in my shoulder when she's tired.  There are so many little things I love it is hard to pinpoint them all. I just need to remember to savor all these moments and not sweat the little stuff.  She is only a baby for a short time.  

This girl is an active one. She is pretty good at wrestling and if track had a category of crawling, she could definitely compete.  Kate is on the move and soaks in every minute of life.  She hates to be strapped down in a carseat or highchair because that is holding her back from her 'agenda'.  She has almost 4 teeth now, and with that we have to be careful.  Since she is teething, she loves to chew and bite on things.  The other day I had an unexpected sharp pain in my big toe and it was Kate.  She had bit into my toe like it was a teething ring.  Sweet Baby Kate, we love you!

10 Months

At 10 months Kate loves to wave, jabber, and stand up all on her own.  She gets so excited to stand up on her two little feet that she will start clapping for herself, then lose balance and fall to the ground.  This little girl has also become an expert at crawling and cruises through the house. She is very good at unloading shelves, drawers, and closets. It's not hard to track her entire path. :) Her favorite thing to do is play dishes with her sister.  They love to make dinner with the plastic food. The first two teeth have surfaced this month, causing some tears. 

This baby is growing up way too fast. 

Grandma's Christmas Calendar

Every year my Grandma does a family Christmas Calendar.  Each year it's always a surprise what pictures will be published for all to see.  It is definitely the most anticipated gift at the family party. Since Dave and I are both living far away this year, Grandma called and requested some pictures.  We were a bit surprised she called because usually she just uses an old high school prom picture or something to that effect. We thought we would take full advantage of the opportunity and have some fun with it. Dave had the great idea to take pictures in his area of Richmond.  Brilliant.  Grandma will love it, right?!  Here are the results of our family photo shoot. 

 Abby wasn't so sure about the idea.

We love visiting Dude and Lissa in Richmond.  They help keep us sane in the city life.
This video from the trip is my favorite.  They are so cute with the girls.
Love you Dude and Lissa!

Wrestler

A new favorite activity in our house: Wrestling.

Ironically, guess who wins??

I wish I could have caught the beginning of this match.  I just got the end, but you get the idea.

11-11-11

I had to do a post today because it's 11-11-11.  Pretty sweet, right?! One of the very few days in all history that the date will be all 1's.  We need to do something cool today just to say we did it on
11-11-11.

Most of all, Happy Veterans Day!  We are so grateful for those who have served and continue to serve our country. We are BLESSED to be free because of the many who sacrifice their time and lives.

Random Pictures.
(Abby loved having the computer take our picture this morning.  This is what we got. )

Sleeping Babes

Abby has been afraid of the dark lately.  We had put out night lights, sang songs, said prayers, read stories and did everything possible to try and help her overcome her fears.  The other night, we noticed she was unusually calm after we had put her to bed. Was it the nightlight?  The story we read? No. Hmmm. What was the key to helping her not be afraid?  We walked in to see her cuddled up next to Kate's crib.  Two sisters helping each other not be afraid.  Problem solved. She hasn't been afraid since.

Sweetest thing.  

I love my sleeping babes.  

(And, yes, she does sleep with her purple shoes on.)