We tried taking some Christmas pictures at our house. I'm glad we didn't go to a studio because Annabelle would not cooperate. She didn't want to sit on her daddy's lap or even sit on her own chair. We ended up bribing her with candy. We still didn't get a great picture. I'm beginning to rethink her 2 year picture shoot too.
We did get this cute picture of AB and her daddy and this other picture of AB looking at Twas the Night Before Christmas from Rosemary.
Christmas is nearly here and I kept forgetting to take Annabelle to visit Santa. So I decided that Wednesday was the day. We headed over to the mall around 11 and didn't have to wait in line at all! It was great. We talked to Santa for a few minutes trying to get Annabelle comfortable with Santa. In the end I sat next to him in the huge red chair and had Annabelle up on my lap. She was so cute in her sweet red Christmas dress. We got a great holiday coloring book and a picture to help us remember Annabelle's second Christmas. After visiting Santa, we walked around the mall and looked at the dog fashion store and the expensive baby clothing and decor store. I hope that this picture can bring good memories to Annabelle in many years to come.
Annabelle and I had fun putting our ornaments on the Christmas tree. Aaron put the tree up and plugged it in. I fluffed up the branches while Annabelle and Aaron watched Sesame Street. We looked through the ornament box and picked out some special ones to put on the tree. We also put up a small tree in Annabelle's room too. We went to Hobby Lobby for Annabelle to pick out some special ornaments. She got a penguin bell, some colorful balls and a cute picture frame with a cat on the top. We put lights and her special ornaments on her tree. I also bought some candy canes that are sweet tart flavored. Annabelle especially putting these on the tree. She likes eating them too. We will have our tree and other decorations up till New Years. I hope that to enjoy many more years of fun decorating the Christmas tree.
Annabelle loves playing outside. Any chance we get we go outside. It keeps her busy for hours. We have a huge oak tree in our backyard that produces way too many leaves, it's nearly impossible to rake them all. I made several small piles around the yard one day. Annabelle went from pile to pile playing. I tried to film it but she was smarter than me and ran off everytime I got it out. She had such a great time that day. It's been too cold recently for us to go outside. I know she misses it. I hope we get some snow this winter, she will love it. Happy Fall Everyone!
For Labor Day weekend this year we headed down to Houston to visit Aaron's family. His Mom and Dad picked up Grandad on their way down. And his Sister and her family met us at Perry and Debbie's house (Aaron's Aunt and Uncle). We stopped in Dallas and stayed with Grandma for the night. I always enjoy seeing her. In Houston we had a great time visiting, eating and watching the weather channel. Hurricanes threatened the coasts along the Gulf of Mexico. Despite the weather, we decided to head down to Galveston. It was so fun watching the little ones as the waves came up nearly knocking them over. The also enjoyed sitting in the sand and grabbing huge handfuls. Jeff took Sophy out in the deeper water and the waves really pushed them around. It was so fun, I didn't want to leave but the kids were exhausted! We had a great time at Perry and Debbie's house. The house is lovely and the land is picturesque. The only thing I didn't like was the humidity which so so high that the air was thick making it uncomfortable to go outside. Good thing they have a pool! After we left
the hurricanes finally came in and did tons of damage. Perry and Debbie and Katie were able to survive with a generator, a small fridge and gas range. We were so thankful that there wasn't much damage to their home or animals. Thanks for a great weekend Perry and Debbie! I can't wait to come back.
Monday morning we headed to the pumpkin patch. We ha
the Chanel 4 news team were there when we were. Shannon and I were briefly interviewed and our kids taped as well. Click on this link: KFOR and go to the 4:30 and 6 pm news casts to see us. They are two different segments.
Saturday we went to the fun fair at the park across the street. We had so much fun playing on the really tall slide. I climbed to the top and pushed her up and up. When we got to the top the crowd yelled "Go cheer leader!". Annabelle was so cute in her Oklahoma University cheer outfit and wind breaker coat. Annabelle loved the little bouncy castle with the ball 
pit and the mini slide. It was perfect for her and her cousins. 
The wedding was pretty great. The ceremony was in a beautiful park in Topeka, Kansas. I have rarely seen anything to rival it's natural beauty. Everything was perfect. Aaron's poem fit the couple very well. I'm glad that they liked it so much. I had it framed for them as a gift.
Last week Annabelle went to Becky's house. She is a wonderful woman we met at church. Becky takes tons of pictures. This one was taken at a gazebo near her home. It is such a sweet picture of Annabelle. I wanted to share it with everyone. We are so fortunate that God sent Becky and Carla to watch our precious little blessing.
Aaron was sick for about 7 days. He had a high fever and a cold. He tried so hard not to be around Annabelle but she is so cute and sweet how could you stay away? So she got sick and wanted to rest and sleep instead of play and run. As far as sick kids go she was the best. She was happy even though she was sick. She smiled through her pacifier and said "happy, happy". It was so sweet. I felt bad every time I touched her head with my cheek, it was so hot! She's all better now. Her appetite is back and she enjoys playing and running. So far I have not been sick. But my daily routine was put on hold when Annabelle is sick. When Annabelle is sick, everyone is sick.
Monday, I started working on this dress. I got the pattern from my mom who got it from her mom. Grandma took such good care of her patterns; when she was finished with it she ironed it and fit it perfectly back in the envelope. I got it all back in there when I was done so that Annabelle can use it when she has a little girl.
old jeans and used some more of this fabric. If you want to see the bags check our my other blog: Trish's Art.
Wednesday night I was at Walmart. Just taking my time shopping while I didn't have AB, she was at home in bed. I was looking at the clearance swimming stuff and found this cute Elmo sprinkler. I had to have it. It was only 3 bucks. I knew Annabelle would love it. And these pictures are the proof. She had so much fun playing with the 
water. She stepped on the edge and the other water went higher and sprayed her in the face. It was so fun. I went back to get some to give as gifts but they were already gone. I'm sure I'll find something else.
This b-day was one of the best. It started with the awesome camcorder at the beginning of the month and ended with a check from my in-laws.
Thursday night Aaron and Dan surprised me with this awesome birthday gift. I was so surprised I was speechless. After that I spent some time reading the manual and watching a helpful video that came with it. Here are some important features about the Sony Handycam:
Friday evening after a great dinner at The County Line BBQ, I wanted to stop by Oklahoma Christian for Family Fun Night. Aaron, Sherry, Alan, Annabelle, and I headed over around 8:15. We walked around and saw a few people
that we knew. I was looking for the petting zoo. Annabelle petted a donkey that was grazing and then headed over to the ponies. She ran right into the middle of the riding ring. So we got in line for her to ride. I wasn't sure if they would let her because she was much smaller
than all the other kids. But they put her on the smallest pony, his name is "Little Britches". She wasn't scared or apprehensive. She held onto the saddle horn real tight with her left hand and held my hand with her right. She did so well riding in the little circle. She's a natural! We had fun and I can't wait to take her again.
Saturday, June 7th, we
over. We set up Annabelle's pool and filled it with nice cold water perfect for a hot summer day. Six of Annabelle's friends came over. They played in the pool, sprinkler, swing and sand.
On May 24, Aaron and I went to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. We headed downtown to meet the Austins, Gordons, and Dan to celebrate Kris's birthday. As we walked into the theatre there was a photo display set up and I got my picture taken with Indie and Sallah, from the Raiders of the Lost Ark. I think I look awesome and ready for adventure.
Saturday, May 31: Little Rock, Arkansas
We had great fun. I highly recommend going to this great zoo.
Saturday, the 19th, Annabelle and I went to the Zoo with Nicki and cousin Sophy. After a short nap we met at the horse track and walked over to the zoo. There were lots of people there that day. First thing we went to the aquarium to see the sea lions and other under water life. Annabelle loves looking at the fish at Walmart so I thought she would enjoy the aquarium at the zoo. We saw so many fish. I think she likes the little ones the best. These little sea horses were so cute.
We went around the rhinos, hypos, elephants, deer, donkies and found the giraffe. Giraffe are one of my favorite animals. I can relate to them because I'm tall. They are pretty animals and graceful when they run. I have always admired the giraffe.
After we left, Annabelle fell fast asleep in the car. I think Nicki has a similar picture of Sophy on her blog, Austin Lite.
Well, the house is ready to sell. I took many hours, many people, and a lot of money to get it ready. But it is now on the market.
