Thursday, July 30, 2009

lots and lots of photos

I've been taking a lot of pictures over the past few days. I have also gotten a haircut. Gee, it's only been a year and a half - WAY OVERDUE.

So, anyway - been taking a lot of pictures. Some for fun. Some for official record keeping. Paige turned two - in case you didn't already know that. And I needed to take her official picture with Porter the Puppy. So the camera has been out. Capturing life. And some very cute little girls.









The following toes are Paige's at 6 days:

And now those same toes at two years:


Paige again at 6 days:

Paige at one year:

Paige this morning at two years old:




So in case you are wondering what differences exist between my girls - physical - you can see them here:
The eyes. Emily's are way lighter. That's it. Same everything else. At least it seems that way to me.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Paige's Second Birthday party

Okay, so here's the thing - I ALWAYS have the best intentions right before any party - to take pictures of people actually at said party. Then, the party happens, and all I end up with is a mish mosh of pictures that don't really tell the whole story. I guess, when it's at my house, I am pretty busy making sure the food gets out at a reasonable time, people have something to drink, and all the other good stuff that goes with having a party.

So, I present to you - A LOT of pictures of the birthday girl. Which I guess is fair, since it was a party for her. But still. I wish I was very wealthy so I could hire a kick ass photographer to come and take pictures at my parties.

This is not the birthday girl - just her cake. I cannot take all the credit. My Mom had the idea to put the cupcakes below and atop the cake. It turned out perfect. Well, at least I think Paige was impressed.....
The birthday girl on the playset. She was knocked flat on her back TWICE by her big sister on the swing. It was kind of crazy since this almost NEVER happens. And of course, it happens at her party, in front of all my relatives. MOM of the YEAR I tell you. Oh, and in case you are wondering - she was FINE.

I almost never get a shot like this. Smiling, looking at the camera, sparkly eyes....such a pretty girl. Is she really two?

I have been not feeling so hot due to a pinched nerve in my lower back, so a lot of stuff that I meant to do before the party did not get done. Getting Paige a new hat was one. This is last year's hat - but a couple letter and number stickers later - whalah! A BRAND NEW HAT. Such a crafty Mom.

Just like last year - LOVED her birthday song. All smiles.

She even blew out her candles - with a little bit of help.
She ate ALL the frosting, and then crumbled the rest of the cupcake on her tray. It was a fun cleanup.
Is she thinking about another cupcake???

So that's it. I swear there were other people there - you saw me in the candle picture right? My Mom, Grandpa John, Aunt Teresa and Uncle Denny were also there. My Dad and Natalie came too. Cousins Kelly, Julie and sweet, little Emerson - who suffered a bloody lip due to a misplaced Dora scooter - were also there. And of course, Emily, Eric and Max. I swear. You believe me right?
There's always next year right???

(actually - two posts ago, there are a couple pictures from the party with some people other than Paige that I took with my p+s camera....so I am not at a complete loss)

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Steam and Steel


Guest Blogger Eric here....

Allison had a "girls' night out" and went to go see the Tigers game tonight in Detroit. The game was originally a day game but it was selected for an ESPN national broadcast and they moved to back to 8:00 PM. This freed up the early part of the day for me to take Emily to a rare event, the Train Festival 2009 at the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan. They brought in famous trains from all around the country, plus there were model train layouts, small trains that you could ride, people selling stuff and real train rides and excursions. Below is a sampling of our activities.
The star of the show, Southern Pacific GS-4 "Daylight" #4449

Emily compared to the wheels on the 4449
Something more Emily's size, and a fancy fire hydrant
This stunning 4-4-0 American type locomotive just went for a ride on the turntable. This was the first public appearance for this replica of the original 1868 locomotive.
In the cab of an FP-7 diesel locomotive.
This was the mini train we rode on.
This train carried passengers on hourly trips.




the week in pictures

Just a recap of the happenings this week - you can click on it to make it larger.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Happy Birthday Paige

Since her BIG party is tomorrow, we decided to have birthday donuts this morning. A big hit. We are off to Build-A-Bear this afternoon for more birthday fun.

In case you are wondering - YES - she did blow out those candles. I was afraid she was going to try and touch them - but she didn't. Wonder what she wished for...??


It got MUCH messier than this....

TWO years ago this morning.....10:30am on the nose. Feels like yesterday.
Happy 2nd Birthday my sweet girl! Our lives would not be complete without you!