November Catch Up

It is hard to believe that is already December 1st and I last posted on November 1st, where did that month go! We were fortunate to have some amazing fall weather here in Charlotte and tried to get outside as much as possible. 

Much of Mike's November weekends were spent raking leaves, his favorite time of the year for sure! But the girls loved jumping in huge piles. The sad part is we still have 1 big tree with lots of leaves still on it so Mike will be going strong through December as well. 

 Ella has been begging me to come to her class and have lunch with her. A couple of the other Moms have come and she kept asking when I could come so I surprised her and brought her Chick-fila. I just adore her TK class this year. The teachers are fantastic and her class is so sweet. It was a hard decision between TK and K but I am so glad that we gave her the gift of TK (yes, I think having this year is a true gift). Maybe having an August birthday isn't so bad after all.

 Mike had off work on Veteran's Day and the girls had off school so we went and played at Freedom Park where they just put in a brand new playground that is awesome and then walked over to check out the ducks. MG loved waving to the ducks!

 These two love each other so much and I love seeing them like this.

 My little stubborn one hates wearing a coat. I mean, hates it with all her heart so every morning it has been cold, we battle it out. However, when DeeDee came to town when Mike was away at a tennis tournament, we went to a store and she found this monkey hat. She wouldn't take it off so DeeDee got it for her. I guess if she refuses to wear a coat, at least she will have her hat. 

 These two were all smiles before school one morning. I love how MG is looking up at E.

 Miss Sassy Pants

 Finally, we just had a fireplace built in our screened in porch. We love having fires and being outside so we combined them. It turned out great and we have been enjoying lots of time out there.

Mike's parents came into town for Thanksgiving and we had a great time and have already started our Holiday traditions so I will be better and post again soon.

Enjoying the small things

Sorry for the crickets around here, this fall has been so much fun and so busy. We haven't done anything too major, just busy with everyday life. After attending two funerals in two days this past May (one for my amazing uncle and one for my friend's precious 3 year old daughter), I knew I wanted to savor the small everyday moments as much as the big ones. Life is short and there are no guarantees so make the most of everyday. So, that is exactly what we are doing, enjoying the small things...

Like sisterly love. These two could not adore each other more and it makes my heart melt.

 Catching up with old friends. We all met and worked together at Bank of America and now we are all in different places and doing different things but getting together for lunch and catching up was such a treat.

 Attending fall festivals with good friends

 and someone wanting to come home with a pony!

 Cuddling and reading books with daddy after bath time.

 Two cuties before heading to school and pigtails, I can't even handle the cuteness!

 Wearing daddy's tennis shoes!

 Warm afternoons spent at the park.

 Loving on her puppy, who she refers to as "kota"

Perfect fall weather and a Panthers win, nothing could be better.

 Climbing trees after tennis lessons and she loves tennis lessons! Score for Mommy and Daddy!

 Spending the weekend in Atlanta celebrating DeeDee's birthday and just happens that Frozen on Ice was in Atlanta that weekend.

 Two little girls very excited to head to see their idols, Elsa and Anna!

 And guess who fell asleep at the end of the show. Too much fun and partying!

 Celebrating my mom with a fun night out with my parents and Court and Laura.

 Scarecrow heaven! My parents little hometown had this great scarecrow display with tons of different scarecrows. They were pretty amazing and girls loved seeing them.

 First father/daughter "camping" trip. They planned all week on actually camping and sleeping in the tent but when the low was going to be around 40 degrees, they decided to go for the day and then head home late. Ella had the best time with one of her besties Caroline!

 They even had trick or treating. Elsa and Sleeping Beauty were ready to rack up some candy!

 And no camping trip is complete without a smore. They had the best time and I am so glad they are making memories together.

 And lucky me got to stay home and do this all weekend. Potty training! We tried this summer and she was not ready but this time around seems to have worked so much better. Knock on wood but I am hoping it sticks this time.

So, that's life right now! Nothing too exciting but we are definitely loving life with our two little princesses and we are truly cherishing each day. Every day is a gift and yes of course some days are challenging and hard and some are easier and more fun but we wouldn't change a thing!

Fall in Review

I can't believe it is December already! I wrote in my last blog I was going to be better at blogging but this fall was just busy and I know the holidays are going to be even busier so this post will be a lot of pictures and not many words but I need to start catching up somewhere.

Ella played soccer this fall and while she was no Mia Hamm, she did enjoy it and it was very cute to watch them each Saturday morning running around.

 We went to Atlanta and Big Canoe for my Mom's birthday. My dad surprised Ella with front row seats to see Disney on Ice. They had a blast and now Ella always want to sit in the front row, spoiled.

 At the apple festival

 We had such a fun weekend in the mountains and the weather was amazing

First day wearing pigtails

Pumpkin Patch Fun

"I found one just my size"

 Sophia the First princess and Ladybug for Halloween

Our neighborhood Halloween parade

Trick or treating with our buddy Ellie, both princesses

Leaf jumping!

Daddy's with Donuts day at school

I was the mystery reader in Ella's class and then stayed for playground time. We had a blast playing together!

My friend Karen's birthday included a spa day for the girls, it was AMAZING!

Our old neighborhood got together for our 3rd annual friends Thanksgiving a couple weeks before Thanksgiving. There are lot of kiddos now, 12 in total!

Maddie Grace and Braelyn

DeeDee, Papa and Uncle Court came up to Charlotte for our Thanksgiving. The table right before dinner

 We took Ella to see the movie Frozen Thanksgiving weekend. There were some scary parts for her but the popcorn made up for it!

 On Veteran's Day, Mike had the day off work and the girls had off preschool so we drove to the columbia zoo. The girls loved it and had the best time, we will be back soon.

Check out the huge gorilla in the background

penguins

Elephant

massive turtles

Well hello mr giraffe