Gingerbread Time!

Well, we FINALLY made our gingerbread house!! Even though our Elves were nice enough to put the house together for us, something was always coming up preventing us from getting to the decorating. Daniel was excited to finally get to work on the house! He did a great job...don't you think???

Jolly....or not!

Our neighborhood association hosted Santa Claus at our clubhouse yesterday and today. I think the only time we have done pictures with Santa was at Disney World when Daniel was 7 months old. Here is a picture of that...



The line was a little long tonight- I think we waited about an hour. They had a cookie contest (the ones we ate were not so good) and hot cocoa while we waited. Daniel said he didn't want to take a picture, so there was a little bribery going on. That kid can give me a dazzling smile even when he doesn't want to- he's a pro(well who wouldn't be with a picture crazy Mom)! Once we got close, Tony showed him Santa and he did get excited, so we were good to go! So, we got this good picture of Daniel and Santa...



And then the "classic baby with Santa" picture with Arianna. As I was putting her on his lap, she wouldn't take her eyes off of him. Then as soon as I let go, she turned around and gave us this....



So, I quickly got her out of there and let Daniel tell Santa a few things he wants for Christmas. I'm sure it was something Batman and something Disney!

Santa Video

If you aren't following our Elf blog, you'll probably miss this cute video. So, thought I would post it here as well... click here for the Santa video. Cute, huh? Daniel got a real kick out of it this morning!! He's anxious to check back again and see how he is doing!

Check this out...

Check out this adorable shirt that my best friend Sharon sent to Arianna for her first birthday! It is perfect...my favorite color and of course Minnie Mouse! LOVE IT! She always sends cute and thoughtful things! When Arianna was born, she sent Daniel a "Big Brother" shirt and book that he loved (I'm too lazy right now to dig up a picture!). She's a sneaky one too... she asked enough questions to figure out the nursery colors and sent a letter "A" wall hanging that was perfect!!


Thank you so much, Sharon!! The only thing I have to say is that next time I expect it to say "Handmade by Miss Sharon" :-).... forget about those beautiful baskets and sleigh- we need some cute clothes!!

Our Little Minnie Mouse!

Just wanted to share a few pictures from our little birthday party for Arianna. Daniel was quite the big brother! He helped with baking the cake, wrapping the presents, blowing up the balloons and decorating. He was VERY excited! He even called Daddy to tell him to come home now so we could start the party!!



We had a fun time with her birthday party! Daniel helped blow out the candles (with a little hot air from Daddy) and helped her open presents too! The cake was yummy...although she gave hers to Bandit (I think he has found a new best friend).

Happy Birthday to our Princess!

Today is the FIRST birthday of the most beautiful, sweet and funny (and most curious) Princess in the world! As most Mom's say, I can't believe she's already a year old!! It is amazing to think back at all of her accomplishments in just a year! Watching her personality develop has been wonderful! She is a very curious girl for sure! But she is also funny and soooo incredibly sweet! I can't wait to see what each day brings!

Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday sweet Princess Arianna
Happy Birthday to You!!

We love you baby girl!!

More pictures to come later, but take a look at "a Year of Arianna" for now...

Two thumbs up for Bolt!

We took Daniel to see Disney's movie Bolt today and it was really cute! The first movie we ever took him to was Ratatouille last year. He did not like it because it was "too loud" (understandably so). We ended up standing in the walk way near the door holding him while we watched it (movies are anything but cheap these days- we wanted our money out of it!). That was less than fun for Tony who held him or me who was 7 months pregnant at the time. So we weren't quite sure how he would do this time, but I did bring earplugs for him if necessary (luckily they weren't needed).

We went to the Movie Tavern in Bedford to see it in 3D. This is one of those theaters where they serve a full menu during the movie. However, we only had the usual popcorn and drink! Interesting concept though and I would definitely go back. Considering we went at 10:55am on a Monday, I didn't think it would be crowded....but I didn't expect that we would be the ONLY ones there! Talk about having the place to yourselves! Now, I'm sure you're wondering if we took Arianna with us...we did. So, now you are wondering how she did during the movie....see the picture below for the answer to that question!

We got there a few minutes late and missed the previews (no real loss there) and the movie had already started. When we first got there, it was a little loud/ intense and I wasn't so sure how Daniel was going to do. He ended up sitting with me, but quickly was ok and really enjoyed the movie! I always think it's funny to watch him jump during the 3D effects! It was a really cute movie and I'm glad we were able to go and that he enjoyed it! As soon as we left, he asked if we could see Madagascar 2 next.... we will see (at $23.50 not including food- it's not an everyday event!). I'm sure we will add this movie to our long list of Disney movies that we own!!

His request

So far, he does remember....When he woke up this morning, he asked me if the Zoo was open today. When I said "Yes", he said "Good- we need to go there and ride the train, the horses and eat some ice cream". I'm sure we will be making another trip to the Zoo very soon.

Tony is off today and tomorrow and our plans for today are to go see Disney's movie BOLT....can't wait!! Have a great day!