Happy Birthday Noelle!

I know this is a little late, since Ellie's birthday was last friday, but we were in Ohio visiting the folks and this is the first chance I've had to sit down and write. Izzy is out trick or treating with Ben and Ellie is sleeping for the moment. Thank you for peace...

Ellie's birthday was exciting but difficult. We were leaving for Ohio that night and I also decided to try to squeeze in Isabella's dance class and birthday portraits for Noelle. I know, I know....

Noelle refused to nap that morning. She must have known that she is a big girl now and doesn't need 2 naps like those little babies Audrey and Reed. Isabella was a royal stinker all morning (usual 3 year old pokiness and refusing simple tasks such as dressing, brushing hair, etc.) and must have sensed my annoyance because she did not improve as the day went on. By the time we got to the portrait studio, Noelle was exhausted and not interested in standing in 1 spot. Isabella, continuing to punish me, refused to help make Noelle smile. When we got home Noelle crashed and slept for awhile. When she woke up Ben was home and we celebrated with cupcakes. She took a few bites but didn't seem to like the sweetness which is fine with me. Isabella ate all her icing and like usual, was definitely affected by it! Then we packed up and shipped out - the girls slept all the way!

I am glad that we had another celebration for her in Ohio because I felt like she deserved a better birthday than the one I had given her in Knoxville! She had a great time and got to spend the day with our families. Thank you for all the kind gifts. She and her sister are very blessed to have so many people that care for them. We had a good visit and are looking forward to the time when we do not have to travel so far to see everyone.

I can't believe how fast this year went by. When I first became pregnant with Noelle I had no idea how crazy my life would become. I thought I was busy with just 1 child. Now I wonder what I did with all my free time!! But really, she is a joy to be around. She will be my strong girl I think, with a sense of humor to back it up. Her smile will light up many hearts.

Here we go again..

Well y'all, another year has passed in my life and oh how many changes we have had in our family! Last year this time I was swollen from head to toe and anxiously awaiting the birth of our baby. Isabella was still somewhat a baby - she slept in a crib and used a paci even though she could give me the synapsis of her day in complete paragraphs. Today I turned 33 and I chased after an almost 1 year old toddler and answered one thousand "but why?" questions from my little girl. We had a good day, me and my girls. Ellie took 2 naps, Izzy and I watched dancers and danced in the basement and then "tailgated" in our new minivan while we sang the name song "Izzy, Izzy bo bizzy....". We went to the mall where I attempted to spend some birthday money and then decided it wasn't worth the trouble. Instead we played at the little playground there and tossed pennys in the fountain. When Ben got home we had cupcakes and then went to dinner. Izzy was a little loopy from the icing and Ellie did not want to be contained so that did not go so well. However, they are now in bed and there is quiet in the house. I reflect on how difficult I think that my life is sometimes and then remember how truly blessed I am for such a wonderful family.

Continuation of mountain trip

I was having technical difficulties after adding that video clip in so I just decided to start another post so please go back and read the previous post if you want the whole exciting story about our weekend! I am just not computer savvy! Here is Isabella on a ride with Ben.

Ellie rode some rides as well. She even drove the 50's style cars and loved it (hated waiting in line however.)

For Ben and myself, the trip was alot of work as all of you with little ones know. We endured frequent whining, many potty trips, and lack of sleep. But in the end, those little glimmering moments made it all worth it.

Our mountain trip

Since we may be moving from the area soon we decided to take a fall trip to the smokies this past weekend. Our cabin was beautiful - we have stayed in cabins many times before but the view from this one was incredible, especially with the fall color beginning to show. Isabella loved running up and down the steps and checking out the hot tub (although we did not allow her in it). Ellie got into all kinds of trouble as it was not baby-proofed. For those of you who have not seen her in person lately, she is my stunt-baby. She started walking just before 10 months and is now trying to run. Here is some video of her on one of the porches.

We decided to go to Dollywood as we have not had the opportunity yet to sample this southern confection. The girls had a great time. Isabella loved the rides and watching the singers. Her favorite ride was the river raft where we got completely soaked. She was never scared which surprised me. She just kept saying "Oh my goodness! It's the end of the world! We are all wet!". I think she was imitating me.

I started a blog today!

What a thrilling accompishment! Today I actually did something I said I was going to do. The ladies in our playgroup have been blogging about their cuties for awhile and I thought it was a wonderful way to let long distance friends and relatives know what the kids are doing. Since we may be moving to Ohio in the spring it will also be a good way to keep up with the friends we have made here in Tennessee. I have watched our children grow up from babies to toddlers to preschoolers these past 3 years and I would love to see what grade schoolers, teenagers, and people they become (think we could keep it up that long girls?). I will write more later, but for now I need to figure out how this all works!