Mommy and Elle Time

Today I dropped Gwen off at a friend's home and took Elle to the beach for some much needed "mommy and Elle time".  I worked on some things for my photography class and Elle played in the sand.  She loves the beach.  This is the beach that I grew up going to every summer.  It is surreal to live here now.  It was so fun to watch her play in the sand and walk on the pier that I loved so much when I was her age.  It even smells the same!  It was a really fun afternoon and I can't wait for summertime so that we can be there more often.

Tiger's Breakfast

 If it's mealtime you are sure to find our little dog in the same spot.  Tiger takes his position next to Gwen's highchair, hoping she will drop something (anything!) from her tray.  Lucky for him, Gwen is quite a messy eater. He has his own food bowl but seems to enjoy droppings of sticky toddler food much better.  Cute little Tiger...got to love him. 

Storytime

Every night it's the same routine.  Jammies on, brush teeth, say prayers and then Elle gets to choose 3 books she would like to have one of us read to her.  Tonight Jon was with her and I caught this sweet image.  They read Carebears, Ariel the Mermaid and then Dr. Seuss'  "The Foot Book".  I love this time of the day.  Elle will just chat and chat about all the happenings from her day.  After we turn out the light, we have to lie with her until she gets a little sleepy. She sucks her thumb and pinches my neck (it's her sign of affection).  We then say, "OK, we are going to get our pajamas on and then we will be right back".  Even though we never "come back" it works EVERY night.  We tip toe out the door and then she dozes off to sleep.  

Sisters

This picture was taken exactly one year ago today.  It is one of my all time favorite photos.  I put Gwen on Elle's bed while I was hurrying to get a few things done around the house.  When I went in to check on her, Elle had crawled into the bed with Gwen and was snuggling with her. Elle had a hard time with the adjustment period of having a new baby in the house.  This was the morning I felt like "everything is going to be ok...they love eachother"!  As busy as it is being a mom of 2 little ones, I know I need to spend more time enjoying the quiet moments just like this.  

New Bedroom Furniture

Here is our new dresser.  Months and months ago I was looking for a new dresser.  Jon had me design it and then told me to have it priced out... I didn't think we would order it for a long time.  However, on my birthday, he surprised me and told me that he had ordered it.  He had kept it a secret from me for 3 months.  He's too good to me.  Love you Jon!

Simple Pleasures

Our new bed frame arrived.  I am thrilled.  I am a sucker for "all things pretty".  How can a piece of furniture make me so happy?  I love it and Elle does too.  Any time anyone stops by, she asks them if they want to see, "mommy's new bed because it is soo beautiful!"  I have trained her well.  

Here We Go!

 Here we are at the beginning of a new year.  My grandpa gave us the greatest gift for Christmas.  His life history.  I was so intrigued by it, I stayed up WAY too late and read it all in one night.  He had written about his life as well as his mother's life.  I could not have asked for a better gift.  It made me start to think how important it is to keep a record of my little family.  In an attempt to journal our family's happenings and to stay in touch with family and friends I have created this blog.  Elle is 3 and my baby, Gwendolyn,  just turned 1!  How did that happen?

I am excited to see what 2008 has in store for our family...here we go!

Amy the photographer?

A new year means a few new year's resolutions.  One of my new year's resolutions is to become a little better at photography...ok A LOT better!  I have a long ways to go.  I just started a 3 month photography course online.  My first assignment was "due" last night and here it is.  I had to turn my camera from auto to (gulp) manual!  Here is my first attempt.  A picture of my little Elle doing her signature look.  She calls it her funny face.  It always make me smile.  

New Year, New Blog