Sunday, November 27, 2011

families that play together...stay together!

We had a wonderful time in Signal Mountain, Tennessee this Thanksgiving.  Paul, Stacy, Vincent, and Daniel hosted all of us for a few days.  Bill, Jane, and Grandma Nora drove up from Florida to make the guest list complete. The food was delicious and the company even better! 

Emma Jane has been talking about playing in "Vincent and Daniel's sandbox" for over a month now, so this was one of the first things she did.  She also had fun swinging and playing the piano with Grandma Jane and, although she'd never admit it, being teased by Grandpa Bill and Uncle Paul.  Our big girl had a ball with the boys and even told us, "When I grow up, I want to be a noisy boy!"  She frequently used both Vincent and Daniel as jungle gyms. 

We celebrated Vivian's birthday with pumpkin pie and our little turkey gobbled it up!  She really enjoyed experiencing the whirlwind of all the animals in the house...dogs, cats and fish.  She even started saying "gaga" for dog and something that sounded very much like cat.  The highlight of the trip for Vivi....rolling grapefruits around on the floor! 

Both girls were worn out on the drive home! 















Wednesday, November 16, 2011

she's not a little caterpillar anymore!

   One of my all time favorite children's books is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.  As most of you know, Vivian has always been our very hungry baby!  This is one reason I chose this adorable book as the theme of Vivi's first birthday party.  Vivian's first true belly laugh can also be attributed to this book.  When she was about 2 months old I was shaking a caterpillar rattle over her as I recited some of my favorite lines from the book.  She laughed and laughed for what seemed like an eternity.  It was one of those moments that warm your heart.  So....the idea for a very hungry caterpillar party was born.  Vivian really had the time of her life!  We are so grateful for our friends who celebrated with us.  I cannot believe our baby will officially be one-year-old next week.  She is a vivacious, curious, sweet, spunky girl who brings joy to our lives each and every day.  Happy Birthday, Vivi!  We love you!