ChristmasVille, Part 2

I can't believe it's almost the end of January and I am just updating you on the beginning of December still :( I guess having two kids has taken a toll on my free time and energy! I vow to get at least one post up each week for the next month- aiming low so I can feel accomplished when I can do more. ChristmasVille was full of activities, including an awesome rides/games area, where Mommy & Eleanor went on a carousel

Eleanor made Mommy very proud with her swinging skills

Daddy gave some guidance & direction, but Eleanor was a natural

Swinging for the seats!

Such concentration- Mommy is hoping for a softball player in her in the future..

Emerson just tried to stay warm and cozy

While Eleanor had the best seat in the house

There was even fake "snow" to play in so Eleanor started a snowball fight with Daddy

Eleanor's friend, Kaitlyn, joined her to meet Charlie Brown- plus check out Eleanor's mermaid balloon (courtesy of Pickles Da Clown)

Of course, ChristmasVille would not be complete without a visit with jolly old Santa Claus- plus Mrs. Claus is always with him too! Eleanor's face shows her excitement!

Happy Anniversary!!

Since our wedding pictures are too old to be digital :), here are a few good ones over the past years to tell my wonderful husband and amazing father, happy 9th anniversary!! I have enjoyed every minute of our time together and look forward to much more! Here you are grinning from ear to ear getting ready to welcome our baby boy into the world!

July 2008- Celebrating my sister, Leanna & brother-in-law, Bobby's wedding in Key West. It's amazing what sun and fun does to us- we look so tan & happy!

Now that we have a little photographer in Eleanor, we can get some nice shots together- Summer 2010 with Emerson in my belly

August 2010- Relaxing with about a week left before Emerson's arrival. Wherever the road takes us, I look forward to traveling it with you, Nakia. Love and lveo you! Sarah :)

ChristmasVille 2010

Rock Hill has an annual festival called ChristmasVille that is so much fun- it is even listed in the Southern Living magazine! It kicks off with a parade & although it is COLD, it is enjoyable, especially from Daddy's shoulders.

Plus, it helps to have a nice warm blanket.

Emerson kept warm in his "A Christmas Story"-like outfit

Thanks to our neighbor, Robbie Compton with Campbell& Maggie, for braving the cold with us!

Check out the cool hat I made at the library!

Plus, I got my favorite thing, a gingerbread man, painted on my face.

Emerson is trying to keep warm

Goofy smile for Santa's storytime

Daddy and I were paying close attention to the story

A failed attempt at a family picture, but cool antlers on Eleanor

A lot to be Thankful for

Now that Christmas has also come and gone, it's time to reflect back on Thanksgiving (or let Mommy catch up with what we have been doing!) We spent Turkey Day with our good friends, Rich, Laura & new baby Owen Miller in Charlottesville, VA. Thanks to Laura's parents for loaning us their house while they were out of town- we had lots of room plus amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Eleanor and Emerson loved to cuddle on Dr. Martof's (Laura's daddy) comfy chair to watch TV.

It is still difficult to get us both to look the same direction and smile at the same time.

We went for a nice walk where Eleanor found her favorite thing to collect- a stick!

And second favorite thing- leaves!

Check out our view of the mountains!

Little Miss Diva, back inside the warm house, showing off her fall outfit

Thanks, Mr. Rich, for taking our family picture where we are actually all looking (at least, I think Emerson is looking at the camera)

Emerson and Owen are only 3 months apart and we hope they become good buddies when they get older, like Nakia & Rich are

Owen was showing Emerson how he is starting to figure out crawling, while Emerson was very angry about tummy time

Hi Owen!! We had a great time getting to know you!

Mommy is having trouble turning this picture but you have to see what Emerson's shirt says

Close-up on super-cute Emerson

Mommy and her beautiful children

We also went to the play area at ACAC (where Mommy used to work, as Eleanor kept saying) to see Lisa Little and her three girls. Gracie is a little Mommy and enjoyed holding Emerson (although he can be heavy!)

Maggie is also a great little Mommy and takes good care of her sister, Gigi.

I see a great babysitter in the future!

Gigi even gave Emerson kisses- I think she was trying to tell Lisa that she would like a baby brother/sister, but Lisa said no.

Gracie and Eleanor had fun playing together and we always look forward to the next time we see them!

Cuddling on the Couch

I feel so blessed to have two beautiful, healthy children who love to be around each other.

Eleanor has lots of hugs for her brother

Smiles for both

They even have matching serious faces

Bed Buddies

One of my favorite times of day is when Eleanor crawls into our bed (as long as it is after 7 am!) and wants to cuddle with Emerson

She loves to hold his hand

He loves her so much!

I hope these times never end!