Thursday, December 18, 2014

Family Pictures

After missing holiday family photos last year, I was determined to get some good ones this year. I would say - mission accomplished.









Saturday, November 29, 2014

The Magical Forest

For years a local charity, Opportunity Village, has hosted a holiday attraction called "The Magical Forest." I had never been becuase a) it is a bit of a drive and b) it's kind of an of an odd thing to do when you're without a child. I thought this was the year! Shelby already asked about meeting "Christmas," aka Santa, and she is really loving the lights all over town.

It was lovely! Larry and Anita came with us and we had a terrific time. We went before Thanksgiving, so it was not too busy. I am sure it's a zoo though between now and Dec. 24.  There was a "forest," where local businesses sponsored and decorated a tree. They wee a sparkly spectacle and ingeniously impressive. If it wasn't as late and chilly, we could have spent twice the time in there.






In addition to the forest, there were several attractions - carrousels, slides, a train,  the local fire department - all kinds of fun! Thank goodness for Jack....I would have been sick as a dog if I tried to ride that carrousel!



And the main attraction: SANTA! Shelby was one part apprehensive, one part excited. What did she ask Santa for? Wait for it......."Chocolate candies."  That should be easy enough!




My Cute Little Turkey

Shelby's school hosted an evening Thanksgiving event several days before the holiday. It started at 6pm, which makes it tough with a sleepy toddler, but both Jack and I went to check it out.

I came straight from work, so I captured some of the prep in the classroom. Each class did a little "performance" and then shared what they are thankful for. From there, ALL the families piled into a single class for a "feast." At this point it was already 6:30, the line was huge and the sanitation was....questionable. With that, we grabbed a dinner roll and headed home.

My favorite part: When Shelby was asked what she was thankful for, she said, "Mommy & Daddy." :)








Saturday, November 22, 2014

Hooray for Jack!







I am so proud of Jack! He recently hit a remarkable milestone at 24 Hour Fitness. He has trained 15,000 sessions! Yes, 15 with three zeros! That is a lot of stretching, counting, coaching and inspiring. He's the best in the biz. Hooray for Jack!

Thursday, November 6, 2014

And Some Randoms...

These were a few other, fun photos I captured from Halloween Day. I swear, Shelby must have piled 100 stickers on that pumpkin of hers.

Thanks Mom for Shelby's cute Halloween outfit!





Expect the Unexpected  - Bonnie Spring Petting Zoo

For the first time in a LONG LONG time, I was kind of bored last Sunday! I decided we should go do something we've never done.....check out the Petting Zoo at Bonnie Springs. Like the Orchard, I had never been, but had heard about it for the longest time.

In summary:  It was a fun expereince. Way overpriced ($27 for three of us). Surprising interesting assortment of animals! And kind of strange.

Upside: It is right at the base of the mountains, so it's beautiful and they have a train that is Shelby's dream come true.

It was rather chilly that day and Jack was a little under dressed, so unbeknownst to Shelby, she doubled as a space heater for Jack.

 This was Shelby's look of disgust at all the chicken poop. I don't blame her.








Just Lovely

Last weekend Jack was extra tired and I was extra energized. So, while he caught a few extra hours of Zzzzzz's on Saturday morning, Shelby and I set out on an adventure. We drove to the far north part of the city to a place called Gilcrease Orchards. It was lovely! I have heard of this place for years and years, but had never checked it out. I heard on the radio that there were only 3 Saturday's left, so we set out for the unknown!

We. Had. The. Greatest. Time!

Gilcrease Orchards is a lovely destination where you can pick your own fruits and veggies, indulge in warm apple donuts, enjoy fresh air and ride the tractor-pulled hay rides. Shelby was in heaven and I returned feeling like I had just gone to Utah or something. It was so gorgeous!







 I will for sure come back next year. Shelby and I picked some tomatoes, but to be honest, coming off pumpkin season, the whole place was pretty picked over. It was one of the most fun mornings I have maybe ever had with Shelby. Love my little Miss Sunshine.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Cheers to Katie and Aaron

My dear friend Katie (in white) recently got engaged to a wonderful man, Aaron. I was able to share int he joy at her engagment party. Love these girls!



Shelby's School Carnival

I love love love any opportunity to see Shelby at school, in her environment, with her friends. Her school recently sponsored a Halloween Carnival and fortunately, both Jack and I were able to make it! I even got there a little early to catch Shelby do some crafts with her friends :)







School Photo - October 2014

Just shy of 2.5 years old. xoxo


Our Happy Little Monster

Hard to believe 2014 marked Shelby's 3rd Halloween! She has taken an interest in monsters, dinos and other things that rrrrawwwrrr, so we thought there was no better costume than a pink monster. Pretty scary (cute!)  if you ask me!