Birthday Fun With Lilly

Two Saturdays ago, we went to Addison's first birthday party (other than her own). It was for her friend Lilly who was turning one. Lilly's parents were in our birthing class and we have kept in touch and we were so happy to celebrate Lilly's big day with them.

Addison and Lilly getting reacquainted (it's been six months since they saw each other). They were adorable together, Lilly checking out Addison's ruffle shirt and Addison eyeing Lilly's awesome hairdo.

She is so stinking cute.

There was block playing, cheese eating and general mischief making.

Daddy helped Addison paint a pumpkin. (and we discovered that paint will stain your tongue)

The awesome cake Karen (Lilly's mom) made. Yum!

We had a great time and hope to see them all again soon!

Nose, Eyes and Toes

(Scott) Tonight it was just Addison and I together while Jill spent the evening with some of her girlfriends. I have been under the weather lately, with a cold, but spent the day on the couch resting before picking up Addison from day care and then spending some quality time with her this evening before putting her to bed. She is getting so smart in the past three or four weeks, really recognizing there is meaning behind words, and expanding the vocabulary she can understand.

Tractor Parade

This past Sunday was the perfect fall afternoon, clear, crisp and loaded with sunshine. A whole slew of people took this as a good sign they should attend the annual Charlotte tractor parade. Talk about a slice of Americana.

Charlotte is a very small town about 25 minutes from our house and it is a particularly beautiful stretch of Vermont. Long vistas of rolling hills, beautiful fields and during this time of year, bright fall foliage.

Apparently every year around this time, they gather together for a little fall celebration/parade and show off all their tractors with pride. Here's an oldie but a goodie. (check out the driver's hat and plaid jacket)

Here's what Addison thought of him and his tractor. I am not sure she really appreciated the tractor piece but she loved the animals they had at this shindig. She moo'd with the baby cow, petted the sheep and mini horse and went nuts over no less then six dogs. We were busy! (and Mommy's camera was across the road so we have no evidence of this)

A John Deere shot for Scott.

Addison and I.

A truly giant tractor. (I think this is technically a harvester?)

Scott's fantasy John Deere.

Addison & Daddy.

Loads of tractor viewing people.

We had a great time enjoying all the festivities and we'll be sure to catch this event again next year and highly recommend it to any visitors in the area around that time!

Culinary Master

Every day Addison accomplishs some new task that reminds us yet again that she really is becoming a 'big girl'. Last Thursday she was enjoying her dinner but seemed to be a little frustrated with her mashed potatoes. It was bath night so I figured, what the heck, I'll give her a spoon and let her go to town.

As you can see in the video, she totally surprised me when she immediately took said spoon, scooped up her potatoes and popped them in her mouth. A total pro. I was stunned, proud and just loving how darn cute she looked manning her little spoon. What a doll! Of course now we need the spoon all the time and most items don't quite 'stick' to it the way potatoes do. Swiffer, anyone?

Florida Wedding

My dear friend Amy married a wonderful man this past Saturday at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club outside Jacksonville, FL. The wedding was gorgeous. The bride was radiant and her dress was incredible. All of the details were so lovingly thought out and executed and the joy of the bride and groom overflowed to everyone around them.

The ceremony courtyard. Just beautiful.

Carrie, Danielle & myself

Amy & her dad (look at the movement in her dress, sigh)

The bride & groom (Amy & Eric)

I am confident that Amy and Eric have many long and happy years in front of them. They are a perfect pair and it was so wonderful to celebrate with them. Congrats!!

(And yes, I did have a weekend to myself in FL with my best girls. It was awesome! I shopped, napped and talked, talked, talked with abandon. )

Florida, Here I Come

'Hey, Mom! Whatcha doing over there?'

Heading to Florida. By myself.

'Whoa!'

Today I head out to Florida for a long weekend for a close friend's wedding. This has been the summer/fall of weddings and we still have one more after this one. I love a good wedding. It is totally my kind of thing. The dress, the details, the dancing, the love, the champagne. Love it all.

Ideally Scott and I would be traveling to FL today as that was the original plan. However, Scott's recent work training changed our plans and I find myself traveling alone today. I must admit, it is a strange prospect. I was very excited to have a weekend with just Scott, especially after him being away for three weeks. But it is also unimaginable to me at this point to have two and a half days totally to myself. Ummm, not sure I can even remember the last time that happened. So, I know that it will be rejuvinating and lonely all at the same time and I can guarantee that come Sunday I'll be so excited to head home to where my whole family will finally be together again.

And in the meantime, many thanks to all the ladies watching Addison in my absence and before Scott's return. Have fun with your girl's night/weekend!

xoxo