Just Smile

As we enter this Thanksgiving holiday weekend it's nice to reflect back and think of all the things each and every one of us is thankful for.

 

Mine is my faith, health and perfect little family.

 

Shelby is the best thing to ever happen to us.

We are complete.

Even when others may try and break us down with hurtful words, it's this little girl that keeps us looking forward.

 

Just look at the evolution of her smile.

 Can it get any cuter?

Here's to a safe and happy holiday to all of you!

Pre-Turkey Day Weekend

To think that this time last year we were in countdown to Shelby mode, and this year we're getting ready to celebrate her first Thanksgiving.

Wow, how time flies.

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Home girl is a walking machine!

It's so darn cute, my heart just explodes with love!

Shelby is quite the 'Daddy's Girl'.

And.. vice versa.

For those of you interested, a video to prove her walking skills and love for her Daddy.

My parents were in town this weekend because my cousin's husband had surgery.

They stopped by on Saturday to see us.

Shelby showed them her walking skills too.

My Mom and I did a few projects to get party preps started for her birthday bash in 2 weeks.

I don't want to give anything away but just know that there will be tons of snowflakes to be had!

My Dad taught Shelby to do this thing with her lips.

It's so cute and even when she sees him on Face Time she immediately starts doing it.

We did a little shopping too and Shelby is already picking out toys she wants from Santa.

:)

Speaking of Santa, we went to the Southern Christmas show today with my SIL and niece.

Even thought Thanksgiving isn't here yet, I couldn't resist dressing Shelby in festive outfit.

At least it doesn't have Santa on it.

Right?

I haven't been in years and I was surprised it wasn't more crowded.

I'm guessing it had to do with the fact it was the last day for it.

Always great stuff but I go more to get ideas than to buy things.

Cousin Paige enjoyed herself and managed to talk her Mom into buying her more than one thing.

SELFIE!!

An attempt at a picture.

Not so successful.

Shelby had no problem showing off her walking skills here too.

Or, making new friends.

I swear, I think she's going to have my extrovert personality.

Haaa!

Our day at the show ended with a concert by the Miller Piano Company.

Shelby was a hoot here too.

Dancing for everyone.

Paige joined in on the fun.

Good times for sure.

Now ready for our influx of guests that starts tomorrow.

Let the holidays begin!!!

Beaujolais Festival 2013

Every year the 3rd Thursday of November marks the day that the new bottles of the French wine, Beaujolais are cracked open.

And, every year, Charlotte's Mayor International Cabinet hosts a Festival in celebration.

One of my good friends has been the organizer of the event for the last several years so I always look forward to it.

 Beaujolais wines are all red and a little on the dry side.

To be honest, they're not my favorite, but the event is.

 This year's Festival was held at Charlotte's new location for Foundation for the Carolinas in Uptown.

Aside from wine there was munchies including fruit, cheese and meats.

 There was music....

 And, great company.

My friends Kelli and Amanda met me there.

 Love when Kelli wears her hair straight!

 The event was a great way to get out and mingle along with checking out the art in the Foundation.

 This was by far my favorite piece.

I can see this hanging in a study or even a little boy's room.

 The evening wrapped up with a fencing demonstration which I found fascinating!

To think that it's an Olympic sport does still blow my mind though! 

 Have you ever attended a Beaujolais Festival in your town?

Christmas Card Time....

It's that time of the year.

Christmas card time.

We didn't send any out last year.

Since I was due on December 5th, my plan was to do a Christmas/birth announcement but then she was late and by the time we got home from the hospital there just wasn't time and it didn't make sense.

So I sent out her announcements after the 1st of the year.

 

This year -- I'm wanting to do a family picture. 

Something that says 'holiday'.

Yeh, we have great pictures we took in the mountains last month and so forth, but I want something with us in red and looking festive.

 

So, here's what I'm thinking.

My parents bought Shelby a Radio Red Flyer wagon for her birthday so I thought using it in the pictures would be fun.

 

Here are two ideas I found on Pinterest.

This one is my favorite but of course we would be in more festive looking clothes.

We probably wouldn't be at an actual tree farm either but instead outside in a wooden/pretty area.

 This is another cute idea.

A little cheesy though.

We just plan on having my Dad take the picture when we're at their house for Thanksgiving next week.

Thoughts?

Any other ideas?

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We've got a busy week ahead.

Our friends from Ohio(that we went to CA with in September)and their 2 kids, are staying the night with us Monday en route to Hilton Head.

Then on Tuesday, my nephew and his girlfriend are spending the night with us.

On Wednesday, we'll all leave to go to my parents for Thanksgiving.

I'm ready for the holidays!!

How about you?

Life Lately in Pictures

Nothing too eventful going on around here.

We've been in town the past few weekends and just enjoying family time at home and out and about.

So, I figured I would just do a picture dump on here and fill you all in on what's been going on.

Shelby turned 11-months old this past week.

These monthly pictures have been fun but they've gotten harder and harder each month.

Between her not wanting to sit still, keep a bow on her head or look at the camera, it's hard!

So, here's what I got for this month.

Still cute, because she's a cutie!

It turned off REALLY cold here this past week.

In fact, it even snowed on Tuesday.

At our house we only got sleet but it was in the 20's in the morning and 30's when I would get home.

We live in a 3-story town home with no backyard so we have to physically get out and walk Buddy.

I do it in the morning while Brad gets Shelby ready for school and drops her off.

Then in the afternoon when Shelby and I get home it's part of our routine to walk Buddy again.

NOT so fun when it's 30-something degrees, blowing wind and sleet and you're trying to push a stroller, wrangle a dog.

UGH!!

But, we do it!

I just bundle Shelby up and at least Buddy isn't into cold weather.

Since then the weather has warmed back up to 70's during the day.

This weekend we made a trip to a park down the road from us.

Brad dared me to do the monkey bars.

WOW!

Harder than what I remember.

Then he took a turn.

We were laughing our butts off!

 I posted this on IG and a lot of people comment that they do this at boot camp and Cross Fit.

I can see why.

It's a workout for sure.

We tried taking Shelby down the slide but she really didn't get it.

 My turn.

(BTW - I look horrific)

She put her foot down so we really didn't make it down.

 Shelby has 8-teeth now and eats pretty good.

The only thing she's really not into?

Stuff with pasta sauce.

Like lasagna, pizza, etc.

 We just started this weekend trying to get her use to eating off of a plate instead of just off the high chair.

It went ok.

Not great, but ok.

So, my question is - when do you introduce a spoon and fork?

 We got a sitter last night for the first time since June, and went out for our friend Keith's birthday.

Total blast!

We literally didn't get home until 1:30am!

 Our sitter finally texted and asked what time we would be home because her Mom was worried about her driving late at night.

YIKES!

 And, last but not least I'm in holiday mode peeps!

I actually bought the leggings on the right.

Even thinking about wearing them for family photos!

Who am I??

 That's all I have for tonight. 

I'll try and think of more exciting posts for later this week.

Happy Sunday!