Our New Addition

Our deck is finally completed!! We are loving the outdoor space! It measures 18' by 16' deep- takes up a lot of yard- that makes Alex happy- he has less grass to mow! It is so perfect- we are very much looking forward to using it in the Spring- but we are hoping for a few more nice days this year too!

This is a side view- the far edge of the house.

This is the side- the play set is just behind here.

Another view from the back.

The steps- and we will level those pavers in the Spring, too.

A view from our back door.

Come on over and enjoy with us!

7 Months

Saturday was a big day for this big girl!

She turned 7 months and got 2 new teeth-

All in one day!

She is also sleeping nearly through the night- until 6am today and back to bed until just now at 830! I will take every minute of that! She is such a happy gem- can't you tell?!

She won't show them to you just yet- but when she giggles- they are perfectly white for all to see!

Gifts Galore

On Tuesday, her actual birthday, my parents came out after dinner (her choice of pizza) and gave her presents. We too, gave her some and this is what it looked like:What a lucky girl- so loved and adored. She is having 6 friends come over for a small party next week- so the birthday bash continues...

Celeste is Six

Already?!

She loves having birthdays, this girl of mine. She was very excited for another, as you can imagine! She and I made these marshmallows for her classmates as her treat...Halloween was the night before, so it didn't make sense to give them more candy...or did it?!

She is so big now- she told me she grew taller overnight- and I believe it!
Just because she is 6 now, she can do this:

My little girl is getting so big...we love her and are so happy and proud of her accomplishments thus far. She is so special and so loved. Happy 6th Birthday, Celeste!!

Halloween 2011

Thank goodness for Grandma's and Thrift Stores! My kids were all delighted when they got to go thrifting for costumes with Grandma! Leah "shopped" at her house for the dress, then got a cape; Alex became a pirate, courtesy of a "dress up party" my parents are preparing for- and Celeste actually got her ears from her friend and her kitty skirt from a thrift sale- all in all I think I spent $5. For all 3. Elaina, on the other hand, got a new outfit for her costume, but she can wear it again, so it doesn't count! ha ha

SO, here is your Pirate:

He was working the one of the games at Trick or Trunk. He was a nice pirate!!

Here is your Vampiress:

With her friend Alyson at the party.

Here is the "kitty", or leopard,- whichever you think:

She had to be "math kitty" at school in order to dress up!

And here is our angel:

The party wore her out!

Here are some other shots of the evenings:

Taylor Swift, aka as Charlotte, Celeste's BFF play cornhole!

Brody loves Elaina!

Belle, kitty and Taylor pose for me!

We went to a party at this house on Saturday- now it was fun to trick or treat there!

Even Elaina went out- until it started sprinkling and getting colder- then in we went!

Candy....

I got it!!

Another Halloween success!! Gotta love all the fun and candy they got- it was so much! I am candied out! The kids are still in heaven, though!

Random Cuteness

This girl is fascinated with anything that moves...she follows things around now, and looks when they go missing or out of her sight- turning her body all directions to find it! Hence, watching the cat has become a daily fun adventure for her. Look at those eyes!! So fascinated - the cat was eating treats right in front of her and she couldn't get enough!

Sheer excitement!

She doesn't know how to "pet" yet, so the cat keeps her at bay!

Our little work-a-holic!

Sleepy head.

Love how sound asleep she is.

She does NOT like peas!

No green beans, either!!

Fruit? Yes, please!

I love remote controls!

These are just a few of the darling random shots I caught her in this week....stay tuned for more!

Wild Animal

Last week there was an exotic animal farm nearby that had 56 wild animals that escaped their from their cages. Actually their owner let them go, but that is another story. Anyway, it captivated much of the nation for a couple of days because they were loose in the community. We are about 45 minutes away from where it happened, but it went nationwide. All animals were found and most were killed, so this picture I love because it shows the "beauty" in the wild! If she escaped, we would be so sad!!

But watch out, she is up on her knees and rocking...this is awful!