Storytime

Lyla has always loved books. We read at least 2 dozen books everyday. I think it is such a magical time together, where we get to snuggle up close, and loose ourselves in another world, for just a moment. 

Oh Christmas Tree

This was our first year since having Lyla that we bought our own Christmas tree. Her first Christmas, we were in the middle of a move, so we didn't get one, then her second, she was crawling, and I wasn't brave enough to risk it. But this year, she is old enough to actually get excited about it, so I'm glad we got one. We always get a real tree. Yes. . . . it costs money, but I love the smell of a real tree, and the joy of picking them out. 

Lyla had so much fun looking at trees. She totally freaked out when she saw these tiny ones not much taller then her. 'Bebe twee!!' She just wanted to give them hugs. 

By the time we got home, it was time for her nap. While she slept, we put up the tree. When she woke up, she was so mesmerized by it. She just wanted to look at everything that was on the tree, pointing it out and getting so excited. She loves having the lights on, and asks that they be on all the time. I love that she's excited for Christmas this year!

ABC's

This is Molly. The other day I was in the kitchen doing dished, when I caught Lyla teaching Molly her ABC's. She would take a letter off the fridge, then give it to Molly and tell her what it was. It was too cute! I love my smart little girl. She brings so much joy to my every day. It's little moments like this, that makes me feel like i'm going something right.

Thanksgiving

We had a really wonderful Thanksgiving this year. Lyla is finally getting to that age, where she is learning to play with others. And so having her cousins over was awesome. The one she really enjoyed playing with was cousin Nellie, who is just 5 months younger then her. I'm sure they will be best friends when they get older. As soon as Lyla woke up from her nap, the person she wanted was 'Newie'. It was pretty cute. 

Of course, it was just nice being surrounded by family. That's what I love about the holidays. 

Cousins coloring together.

All the girl cousins with Grandma- they're a little outnumbered, 7 to 3.  

Lyla giving Nellie hugs!

While She Sleeps

Sometimes I wake up early in the morning, and I just lie in bed waiting to hear Lyla's voice over the monitor. Would it be nice to sleep in....absolutly! But I'm awake, and the person I really want to see is still sleeping. So I lie and wait. I close my eyes and listen intently for the tiniest sound that suggests she might be awake. 

And the moment I hear something, I sneak in her room, crawl into bed with her and cuddle her as she wakes up. Then we read books until she's ready to get up.

She fills my heart with more joy then I even knew existed. I am so grateful that this sweet spirit chose to be apart of our family. Love, isn't a strong enough word to describe how I feel about this little one.......But I sure do LOVE her!!

Park Pics

We went to the park, to scout out places to do our Christmas family pics. We tested out a few places, but it was just nice to be there because Lyla loves being outside, and I want her to enjoy it as much as possible before it gets too cold.

Halloween

I think Daniel's favorite part of Halloween is the carving of the pumpkins. He gets so excited, and loves coming up with fun ideas.

 Last year we started the tradition of being M&M's. I enjoy dressing up, but I think spending a ton of money on costumes, is just crazy. So we just stay with tradition.
Last year, Lyla was a brown M&M

And this year we made her yellow. We keep the colors neutral on purpose.
When the girls at Daniel's work found out what Lyla was going to be for Halloween, they made her this adorable tutu to match her costume. It was perfect, and it added just that little extra!

I love Halloween in our neighborhood. We have families drive over to our neighborhood just to trick-or-treat. It's so fun. This year we had around 450 kids come to our door. It gets expensive when you have to buy that much candy, but it's so fun to be apart of. We basically just sit out on our front porch, because it's pointless going inside. The string of kids is so constant, that we wouldn't really have time to close the door.
Daniel's parents came out to sit with us, since they don't get any trick-or-treaters at their house. I think they really enjoy seeing all the kids come and all the excitement in the air. I think if we ever moved, it would be really sad to not have this amazing turn out.

Field Trip

Lyla's preschool class went on a field trip this week. One of the grandparents of a child in her class invited us over to pick pumpkins in their yard and they had a train in their backyard too. It was a huge yard, and it was fun. 

Lyla was a little weary when I put her in the train and walked away, but once it started moving, she was thrilled. Choo choo went the train, and choo choo is what Lyla said for the rest of the day.  

Then we went over to the little pumpkin patch where the kids got to pick their own pumpkins. Lyla was pretty excited about her pumpkin, and really wanted to carry it to the car when we left. But it was pretty heavy. She's still proud of her pumpkin, and talks about it whenever she sees it on our front porch. 

Missing Daddy

Daniel left on Thursday for some Continuing Education in Portland. He'll hopefully be back Sunday night. We have really missed him. Lyla especially. It's the first thing she asks about in the morning, and several times throughout the day. 

It's weird, but it's made me think about families with young children, where a parent is no longer around either because of separation or death or other... But how confusing it is for a young child, and it made me so sad for them. 

Of course, Daniel's coming back, but right now, Lyla is very confused and has no idea why daddy's not here, no matter how many times I explain it. Anyways!!!

Lyla and I have had fun just the two of us, but we are excited for daddy to come home tomorrow. 

Potty Training

I know that no body wants to hear about this, but I don't really care. I am so proud of Lyla and how awesome she is.

We decided to potty train over general conference weekend, since we were basically gonna be 'stuck' at home. I had done a bunch of research, and picked a plan that I felt was right for Lyla. 

She is just so awesome, I can't get over it. I love my little 'big girl underwear' wearing little girl. 

Preschool

Lyla loves preschool. And so do I. I love seeing her explore and discover new things. I also love when she learns new songs, and brings them home with her. She is officially obsessed with the 'Slippery Fish' song!!

Zoo Fun

We took Lyla to the zoo, and had a blast. It was fun for her since she knows all her animals and their sounds. It was a beautiful day.

Kissing the gorilla. 

Petting the Sting Ray's 

Brushing the goats.