Christmas Pictures

This year we went to Portrait Innovations to get Christmas pictures and new pictures of Samantha.  We were quite proud of some of the great pics we got!

A Visit with Kris

Recently I was blessed with a call from my one of my dearest friends, Kris, asking if she could make a road trip and come visit.  Of course I was so excited and we cleared the schedule to make time!  We had a wonderful week of girl time - including lunches, shopping, taking her to my Zumba classes, a lot of late nights sitting up talking, an adults-only movie night and just catching up.  I wish we could see each other more often, but cherish these moments together.

My Southern Belle

If you have ever met my mother you know that she embodies the south and is PROUD OF IT!   One thing she always taught me growing up is that a proper woman does not leave the house without a dab of makeup and a curl.  Granted times have changed and much to my mother's chagrin, girls now flatten their hair more than curl it and motherhood has made my makeup days less - but she'd be proud to know that her dear granddaughter is a lover of curlers (I know my Grandma and Great-grandma are giggling from heaven).  Luckily, don't under-estimate Miss Samantha she is much like her mama as a child, rough and tough while wearing a tutu.  ;)

"Monsters Mama, Monsters"

This Halloween showcased what a change their was between Samantha at 10 months and her at 22 months old. Last Halloween she was no aware of monsters and would have been happy in any outfit I stuck her into. This year she definitely had something to say about both! :)

She (at some point) became very aware of what monsters were. She was now scared of every monster in the stores and even became convinced that shadows were monsters. She get timid and cling to Keith and I saying "monsters, monsters" in a whimper. Daddy did come to the rescue and convince her that monsters could not come in the house and that there were a lot of good monsters, like the sweet ghost decorations in the house. Samantha would even comment "no monsters in the house mama." As adorable as this was, we were worried about what Halloween night would bring.

On top of that, I had visions of her being a beautiful princess, but after our sister and law gave us a chicken costume, which Samantha found hysterical, the princess was out the window. She'd wear the chicken costume around the house weeks before Halloween, looking at herself in the mirror and getting into giggling fits. It was adorable!

Also, in the days leading up to Halloween Keith's parents came in and we embarked on the holiday traditons - making yummy apple-filled goodies, carving pumpkins, and going to the Halloween celebration at Indy's gorgeous Children's Museum.

Sporting some cow PJs in the spirit of Halloween dress-up.  :)

Heading into the Children's Museum with Papaw and Yaya

Yep - that is her reaction to the "monster" ;)

Dressed up like a dinosaur and playing with one of the many amazing exhibits.

The toddler room at the Museum is SO cool - Samantha loves the fishing pond, tractor, playhouse, and all the opportunities to dress up and goof around.

Enjoying the Carousel ride with Yaya

On the way home - worn out after a busy day.  Getting in a nap before trick or treating that night.

Her Halloween basket from Mommy and daddy since I didn't want her to go crazy on candy.

Finally it was time to get bundled up and dressed up.  Here is our Chicken Little:

Okay, so we did have to let her dive into the candy a little bit.  :)

What a magical Halloween this was!