Family Reunion - of sorts

We headed north for a long weekend, and for once, it was actually relaxing!! We returned with smiles on our faces having spent some quality time with family.

You will have to excuse the lack of pictures. Unfortunately, we somehow missed getting pictures of about half the family...sorry Aunt Carrie and Grandma!

Evelynn, as usual, spent as much time as humanly possible on Grandpa's lap. Here they are enjoying a nice book.

Here's Auntie A and Uncle B, finally home from a long journey as they studied abroad and traveled most of Europe!

As much as Evelynn talked to them via Skype, I don't think she knew exactly what to think of them in the flesh. I guess it will take a while before she warms up to them again!

It was sure great to see everyone!

Grew Overnight

Today I definitely had one of those moments where I looked at Evelynn and thought, wow, you are growing up!

It seems like just yesterday (okay, that sounds super nostalgic, but hang in there with me) that I took Evelynn home from the hospital. I just remember that I kept having to remind myself that she was going to be in my life from that point on...and how I couldn't get my mind wrapped around the fact. 

Now, I can't imagine my life without her! She is just so much fun, and I can't get enough of watching her learn and grow. Every new word, physical feat, or genuine curiousity brings smiles and laughter. I honestly can't imagine how empty my life would have been without her.

I guess I needed to share my thoughts and feelings as I was taking these cute pictures today. My little lady, pigtails and all, evoked many emotions from me, what can I say?!

Evelynn's serious look.

Evelynn being goofy!

Check out the new treads! Evelynn is taking another peak at the new shoes Grandma and Grandpa gave her for Valentine's Day. She has been testing them out with lots of "bump"-ing today!

Nap Refusal

After 45 minutes of whining, fussing, hollaring for me (for anyone really), I finally went and picked Evelynn up out of her crib. It was evident that she was not willing to take her nap, even though she was exhausted.

I literally walked out of her bedroom, went and sat on the couch with her, and started patting her back.

Not even five minutes had passed and she was completely zonked on the couch!

We must be entering the age where it is their way or the highway...I'm not sure I am going to survive!

Hollywood!

My camera had a major shmear across the lens, which I didn't realize until I tranfered the pictures onto the computer. Thus, I had to majorly crop the photos in order to get the fuzz out of them! Anyway, just wanted to warn you that these will lack the photo quality because of the cropping!

Here's my little Hollywood movie star! She FINALLY decided that she likes her sunglasses!

Umm, so the picture above CRACKS ME UP!

Evelynn's new thing is to say "cheese" anytime the camera is out - that's why her mouth looks weird in some of the photos.

I couldn't get the blur out of this photo, but I love the lounging look.

Grandma and Grandpa Woods found a great bargain and brought it down with them when they visited! Evelynn loves her new outside toy! There is also a sandbox, but no sand - so pictures will come later!

If you look super close, you can still see that little birth mark Evelynn had as a baby. It has faded significantly, but you can still see it.

This video is almost Funniest Home Videos worthy, but not going to get the million dollar prize. I still crack up when I see it though. It's almost funnier when it is your own kid!

Stacking

So, I must admit, I am feeling a little parental guilt. Evelynn begged me to get all of her play-dough down from a tall shelf. I did so rather begrudgingly thinking about the mess that was ahead of me. Little did I know that she intended to stack the things! The girl didn't even want to play with the play-dough itself. Like I was saying, guilt...mostly for my attitude about getting all of the play-dough out, but also for not having blocks around for my little girl to build things with. Oops!

Poor Reggie

As my parents go visit family in Texas, we have the joy of keeping their sweet cocker spaniel, Reggie.

Though Reggie loves playing with Sam, I am not so sure he finds quite as much joy in Evelynn.

Don't get me wrong, he is great with kids, he just isn't used to them 24/7 like good old trusty Sam.

Nonetheless, Evelynn absolutely loves Reggie and can't get enough of petting his curly fur. I can't help but think that by the end of the weekend, Reggie will be a better "man" - for lack of a better cliche.

Does anyone else think this picture is hilarious?

Valentine Gifts!

Grandma and Grandpa Woods visited on their way to Texas, and they brought all kinds of fun goodies! Grandma even found a replacement fuzzy hat for the one that got, er, eaten by Sambo Rambo. Evelynn also received some new shoes, and a Veggie Tales book. Great Mama and Papa also gave her a Valentine Bear with chocolate! I wasn't able to get a picture of that because Evelynn insisted that I take the chocolate off of the bear immediately because it wasn't in huggable condition out of the bag. Thank you so much for all of the fun presents!

Daddy Time

Evelynn has hit that age where she absolutely loves to read, especially right before bed.

 

She has also begun a love for elephants, which is funny in a couple different ways. The first thing is that Brad has taught her how to purse her lips together and make a very realistic elephant trumpet sound. The second is that many young children call her Ella-ven or Elephant, unable to remember her name.

 

I hope her love for reading continues to thrive as she grows. My own love for books has only increased as I get older, and I hope she will be just as drawn to books for a life time ahead.

 

Make a Smilebox postcard

Random Funnies

I have decided that it never gets old to watch a toddler eating with a spoon. Always funny!

We couldn't resist a snapshot of Evelynn's newscaster hairstyle. Oh man, how good would this be for blackmail if she actually does get a job in newscasting! I would die!

While I was in the guest room/junk room, I threw both of the kids in the pack n play. They had lots of fun, and weren't really ready to get out by the time I was finished cleaning in there! Note to self: pack n play could be VERY useful in the future...

Outside Adventure

Make a Smilebox photobook

Table Fort Fun!

We have officially moved our office (aka computer junk) out of our bedroom into the breakfast nook (aka office nook). However, the little table and chairs that once occupied that space are currently taking residence in our dining room!

Though this bothers the majority of people in our family, Evelynn and Sam do not seem to mind at all!

As a matter of fact, Evelynn has claimed it to be her very own fort, and she and Sam love to play peek-a-boo games through the legs.

It sorta looks like Sam is eating her finger in the picture above, but rest assure it was only a kind lick.