Pick a peck of pickled peppers

So we had a little painting lesson the other night.

Man, do I have some talented friends!

Rickie Higgins, local artist extrodinaire, (http://www.rickiehigginsart.com/)

taught us a little about painting with oils.

We had so much fun!

We all had the same subject: a picture of a red bell pepper.

He painted first, talking and explaining all FIFTEEN minutes that it took him to create this:

Then it was our turn and 2 hours later we all (proudly) created these masterpieces!

I had a ball! Hope we can do it again soon!

Thanks for making it so much fun!

Tiny Tide

Last week this motley crew cheered the Tide to victory.

Will they help keep the streak alive tomorrow?!

Roll Tide.

Oh and according to Lillianna, Roll Cats too.

Caught!

Equal Opportunity Fan

Each one of those pens is playing a fight song in her ear.

The blue one is playing "On On U of K" (Mommy's team)

and the red one is playing "Yea Alabama" (Daddy's team).

She knows every word of both songs.

Her cheerleading outfit is for the Racers of Murray State University.

Such a good peacemaker.

8 months old

Cutest smile in the world. This one was for Ya Ya.

Loves to eat anything she can pick up.


Including most of her sisters toys.

So excited to meet her Cousin Poly. Even more excited to meet Poly's sibling coming this winter.

Her hair is growing a lot faster than she is. Her Aunt Corky thought so too. She gave her this so adorable (tacky) outfit that reads "Hair Wolf"

She is the most precious, busiest, sweetest, needs very little sleep, happiest, fearless, most adorable Hair Wolf ever.

Mommy Preschool

Craft time! It's jewelry making day!

You're the coolest teacher everrrrrrrrrrrr!

Class Picture:

Snack time!

Naptime/Recess

CCP

So for Lillianna's birthday we (Mom & Dad) took her to Build A Bear.

We thought it would be something special to her because she LOVES stuffed animals so much.

While we were there Lillianna hardly smiled. She didn't seemed too impressed with the whole thing (not that its Six Flags or something) so I was starting to feel bad that we'd spent

more on this silly bear than on her last 6 pairs of shoes combined. As we're leaving, the saleslady asks if we'd like the bear to have a brith certificate. "Does it cost anything?" Brad asks/moans. "No, you go over to the computer, type the info in, and we'll print it out." Then she leans down to Lillianna and asks, "What's your bear's name?" Without hestitation, Lillianna replies,"Curly. Curly Cathryn Parsons."

Now, the name is funny. But it's even funnier that she came up with that so fast since she hasn't named some of her oldest, most beloved stuffed animals. So looking back, I should have known at that moment Curly was special. Special is an understatement. Curly has become her new best friend, playmate, travel companion, confidant, dependent. She talks to her, sings to her, feeds her, puts her down for naps, and never forgets to bring her anywhere...not on walks, not in the car (rule: Curly stays in the car and does not come in stores), not at the park, not when she goes to bed. Curly even gets a place setting at the table, not because I think its cute and put it out for her, but because Lillianna thoughtfully gets the plate, bowl, fork, etc. out and sets it up for her. So Curly has earned her whopper of a price tag.

A few days ago, I was talking about how Ya-Ya was coming to visit. "Yeah, and it's going to be Curly's birthday, " Lillianna states. "Mmm, okay," I answered knowing Curly wouldn't remind Lillianna and therefore she'd forget about it. Well, she didn't. So, with much enthusiasm from Ya-Ya, Curly had the birthday party of all teddy bear birthday parties. Complete with festive attire and lighted candles.

Welcome to the family Curly! Oh and Happy 6th (that's what Lillianna said) Birthday!

Wonder what Curly wished for?

A new name?

3 going on 13

Two nights ago, Brad and I were getting both girls ready for bed. Lillianna was taking her time, talking to her stuffed animals, not really paying attention to Brad's requests to get on her pajamas. He patiently asked once or twice, then started explaining why she needed to be paying attention to him and finish getting ready for bed.

Lillianna looked up at him, smiled, and said, "You need to loosen up, Dad."

We both laughed and i asked her where she heard that.

i was afraid she was going to say me...

but she thought for a second and said, "Uh, on The Wonderpets."

Daring daughters

So Ellenie is starting to make us believe that she might be our wild child.

Our fearless one.

She will go after what she wants at any (physical) cost.

For example, take the park yesterday. She sees the pole...

hits the pole with her head (see pink area) and tries again...
got it!
So now from the other room I often hear Lillianna giggling, then...

"Mom, come look at Ellenie. You can't believe this. Just look at her."

I go running, knowing she might have climbed the wall and is sitting on the mantle.

no, just standing again.

proud older sis.

Why hello tom thumb. Doesn't she look too small to be doing anything but laying, maybe sitting?

But I do think that a combination of Ellenie's inspiring fearlessness and part of turning three, Lillianna, our ever cautious child, has started taking a few risks.

Again, take the park as example...

We've been going to this park for over 2 years and she's never even looked at this pole.

You would have thought she was scaling the tip of Everest with her determination and white knuckles.

Which is why it's so funny that she was only 2 and a half feet (maybe) off the ground.

who knew?

Yesterday a realtor called and wanted to preview the house. Which meant I needed to straighten it and get all of us dressed. I wasn't sure how I'd occupy both girls attention while I scurried around but suddenly they were both content. Fascinated even. 3 minutes....5minutes...I flurried around making up beds, picking up....10 minutes...couldn't believe my luck in even getting to get dressed, brush my hair...15 minutes! They were both having so much fun!

What kept them so entertained? TV? no.... a book? no.... a loud, colorful toy? oh no....

a box of 50 individually wrapped tampons.

Who knew? Lillianna sorted them, piled them, counted them, hid them, found them, lined them up. Ellenie just played with one the whole time...occasinally tasting the plastic wrap.

Who knew.

Llamas, Rabbits, Cows - oh my!

With Brad gone, the weeks are a little l-o-n-g.

So we hit the road for a l-o-n-g roadtrip up to Central Kentucky to see Dandy & Wil.

It was worth it! We had so much fun!

Ecspecially when we went to the...

STATE FAIR!

Both girls were real troopers with all the walking and excitement...

Lillianna LOVED all the animals the most though.

She loved this cow. I loved how sweet and excited the farmer was to Lillianna.

This pig wanted to eat the stroller wheel. Lillianna is still talking about this.

Blue Ribbon Bunnies. No we didn't bring one home.

Llama Mama. So neat.

Not the best pic of my beautiful baby. But it's the hot part of the fair. Lillianna got to ride a Ferris wheel, carousel, and a twirling-make-you-so-dizzy ride.

Ellenie got to watch and eat ice. (which is what she's doing above.)

The rest of the trip was restful and full of play time. The girls loved walking and playing outside with Dandy and Wil. We had such a good time visiting and being spoiled by their hospitality.

Thank you for the great visit Dandy and Wil! We love you and can't wait to see you again soon!

Front Porch Frolicking

Brad is now gone from Sunday to Friday, coming home on the weekends.

Makes for long weeks with many, many moments of missing him very much.

Last Friday we thought he might be getting close so we went out on the front porch to watch and wait....

Watching for Daddy (with her binoculars of course.)

Hmm...hasn't gotten here yet. Maybe a popsicle will help him get here faster.

Who wouldn't be excited to come home to this sweet sight.

Here you go Ellenie, but don't tell Mom I let you have some.

I give you one lick and now you want the whole thing. Typical little sis.

We were ALL so excited to see Brad. We miss him so much.

Princess Ballerina Camp

Monday: Before camp began...Bibby as usual is very excited. Lillianna is...well, doubtful.

Tuesday: Lillianna preforms before her captive audience before class

Friday: All smiles before the big finale...Lillianna and Bibby can't wait!

Lillianna LOVED ballet class. She has been "balleting" ever since.


Sweet ballerina.