Family Pictures

We took family pictures back in October at a beautiful park in Downtown Milford. Our photographer, Caryn did a wonderful job. She captured Lilly perfectly, while getting us all to smile and look decent at the same time! I was planning on using some of these for a Christmas picture, but decided not to do pictures this year! I made 2 different cards to order and didn't go through with either one. So, for my family and friends who are waiting for a card from us, look no more, the pictures are right here!! I'm in love with all the pictures, so you'll probably see some pop up here and there! I had several to choose from!
   
Lilly Lately: Our sweet girl is 4 1/2 years old. This still gets me every time I say it aloud! She LOVES going to preschool. Her favorite part is free choice time and being the child of the day. Its fun to hear her talk about the friends she has made at school, too. Lilly is dancing this year, she takes tap and ballet. This year, she was beyond excited to begin... she talks about how she gets to go on the "big stage". She'll come home showing us her new stretches and moves! At home, Lilly loves to bug her dog, she dresses him up in her clothes, necklaces and whatever else she can find. She does crafts daily; colors, paints and wraps random toys for her neighbor friends. She's also really into writing letters. We are so blessed to have such an amazing little girl!

Lilly's First Haircut

 From start...

To Finish! Can you believe how old she looks.

 

Lilly got her first hair cut about a month ago. It's taken me this long to download the pictures! But, I had to share. She was super excited to get her hair washed and cut. She's been with both of us a million times and this time if was hers! Of course, our one and only Stacie (titi) cut it for her. Stacie even blew it out- Lilly LOVED it. She told me she loved her new hair. As you can imagine, within 2 hours, the ends started to curl. She enjoyed showing it off while it lasted.

Happy 82nd Birthday to my Grandma!

 Lilly wrapped Grandma a gift. So sweet.

 Grandma looks so good! I hope I look that good when I'm 82. Love you, Gram!

 We all gathered around and sang nursery rhymes, church songs and whatever else came to mind!

 The kids did crafts and wore their Halloween costumes for fun!

 It's not a party without a talent show!

Singing, clapping and laughing- all good for the soul! What a great way to celebrate my Grandma. We all love you so much Gram!

Home Sweet Home

When we get the chance to stick around the house, we try to! I'm a mover and a shaker so staying home is challenging sometimes, however since I started working again this Fall, I treasure the time home. Now that the weather is getting a bit chilly, staying inside all snugly and warm is very enjoying. Lilly is pretty busy during the week with school, day care and dance that our evenings go by quick, but on the weekend, we make up for loss time. We are always cooking, making crafts, dressing up and playing games. Thanks to my friend Jaynie, Lilly now has a fabulous apron to wear when we bake.

Halloween Fun

Halloween was kicked off at my parents this year. My mom and dad planned an evening for the adults and kids. We carved pumpkins, decorated cookies, ate a big dinner and drank wine! Uncle Saylor showed up with plastic pumpkins bursting at the seams with sunglasses, hats, toys and more! He does this every year for the kids! And, my sis has nothing to do with it! My mom and dad always get each house a goodie bag and of course the kids too. It definitely puts me in the Halloween mood!

Adult Time

 Ryan and I went to Grand Haven for a night away. We love it there! Here's us at lunch.

 That evening in Grand Haven, we ended up at a Martini Bar and met the nicest couple!

 Headed out onto the Ovation for the Twilight Benefit. So fun!

 Grandma and I at my cousin's wedding in Chicago.

 From left to right, Sonia, Taylor, Erika, Me, Stacy, and Stacie. Behind my sis is Leslie. All my favorite cousins! We had so much fun at the wedding in Chicago.

 Mom and Dad... don't they look great!

Me and my sister's! Love you girls~

Once in a while we sneak away for some adult time. This summer Ryan and I went to Grand Haven for the night. We went last year and loved it! I went to Chicago this past weekend with my family for my cousin's wedding. Matt and his bride were beautiful! We had a blast dancing to Spanish music and just being silly. I love spending time with my family. Stacie Lynn and I had to leave our hubbies behind with the kids. They were definately missed.



A Little Out of Order- Catch up From Summer

 Taking a break from walking around...playing on the kiddie swings.

 The gorillas...they were so neat to watch. A 2 inch class window was all that separated us.

 Watching the crazy monkeys!

 The reptile house. Ryan touching the snake. I touched that same one! I screamed!!

This summer, we went to the Toledo Zoo. Ryan had a week off, so we headed to Toledo for a day trip. It turned out to be a 2 day trip... we had to go back the next morning because I lost my wedding ring there and a sweet lady turned it in. Can I just say... SO LUCKY! We loved this Zoo! Everything is so close, you feel like you can reach out and touch most of the animals. I think the 3 of us loved the monkeys the best. They were very active.

Summer's Over and Fall is in Full Swing!

Yes, I know...I've been MIA (missing in actions)!I teeter back in forth on what to do about this... I am a blog stalker and I have friends that are too... so I can imagine the frustration when you check back at my blog and, same ol' pictures, nothing new...boring! I decided that for now, I'm going to come back and see how it goes! So, lets enjoy it while we can!!
My title says it all, summer's over and Fall is in Full swing. I started school back in August, and all I can say is I'm busy! Lilly also started pre-school and sweet girl is just as busy. We are adjusting to early mornings and busy evenings. Poor Lilly is exhausted by 6 most nights. Her little eyes say it all. They are dark and tired looking sometimes before 6.

 Getting ready to head to Peanut Patch.

 Preston and Lilly at school, waiting to go in.

 Lilly and her teacher Mrs. Lynch.

 Lilly with her other teacher, Mrs. Curl.

Pre-school is going well. She likes going to school most days, however there are still mornings that she just wants to stay home, who doesn't, right? Preston goes with her to the same school however they are in different classes. They like knowing that their best friend is just in the other classroom, it's a nice sense of security for them. Can you believe how big they are getting?