Cookie Day -

After a work trip to Atlanta, which was way too close to the holidays in my opinion, I was back in time for Violette & Julianne's Cookie Day. This year was extra special since we had gone on vacation with them and Gracie was so very excited to see them again. Also, I was able to help Jules out on Friday night and have some fun girl time. Gracie tried to decorate many cookies, though really actually ate more than she decorated...other than the one cookie she kept icing over and over again because she licked the icing off.

The sugar definitely impacted her ability to nap, leading to no nap. She loved spending time with the other ladies there too. We are lucky to enjoy some great time with some wonderful women. It does start the holiday season just right.

Part of the crew, since many people come in and out during the day.

Three generations of cookie ladies!!

Season spirit

Prior to Thanksgiving we had a little bit of fun together on the weekends. We saw the tree lighting at the Streets of Southglenn on the 19th. It helped to kick the holiday season off with the little Monkey. She loved seeing Santa coming in on a firetruck, counting down to the tree lighting, and seeing all the skaters on the rink. We even drove past the tree a couple weeks after the lighting and she started to count wanting the tree to light again.












The most amazing thing for that night was the realization of pockets in her black coat. She still can't get enough of them. Gracie even started window shopping for Christmas presents.

The weather was amazing because the next day we were able to play in the leaves that Gracie even helped to rake.

Thankful for family and friends

What a nice quiet Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends. The actual holiday we spent the day at the farm, or farmer as Gracie calls it, with the Sandersons. The weather was beautiful so we were able to enjoy some trips around the farm on the new golf cart with the kids. They all thought going backwards in the cart was awesome! This was of course after another amazing meal by my mom that Gracie liked. Too bad Gracie still doesn't like mashed potatoes...then again I didn't make that great of potatoes. After the cart rides we went inside for some bowling, on the Wii. This was good practice for Abigail's 5th birthday party.














Shawna & I finally got a picture together after a few years and a couple kids. At least it turned out great!!!



Then, like our usual holiday fun, we started to put up some Christmas decorations. Gracie really got in the holiday spirit with the help of Uncle Brad and a moose taller than she is.



















Gracie got to enjoy some quality time with Gigi and Bapa for Friday night while I got to go and have some one-on-one time with the Sanderson kids while their folks got to have a night away. The bowling theme continued, as well as board games galore, basketball, and Ian even eating a PB&J. Spending time alone with the kids was so special for all of us.


Then it was a trip back to Denver to enjoy Thanksgiving with the Peters. All the Grandkids love Nana and her infectious loving laugh. It was so sweet after a wonderful visit with the family as we were leaving Gracie said, I had fun...that was fun. She just loves playing with her cousins and family. Gracie even learned to love Egg Nog like her daddy with help from Uncle Bri & Papa.

Beach Fun, with sweaters in November

Gracie and I were lucky enough to enjoy our first official vacation. We traveled down to St. Augustine, Florida with our friends Julianne & Violette. It was amazing to actually take a vacation and be free of all responsibility...I didn't have to plan anything other then activities for the plane ride. It did take me 4 days and numerous trips to different stores to make sure I had enough things to keep her busy. Gracie did amazing on all four flights even with a slight delay. Thank goodness to Keir and his wonderful birthday gift of a Star Alliance Gold card that provides access to Red Carpet Clubs. YEAH!!!

The trip was a 9 and if the weather in Florida had actually been warmer than Denver it would have been a 10. We arrived and got settled into their great condo while Gracie tried to settle into Teddy's house, Julianne's dog, before she got her into her pack and play. Gracie did sleep well while in Florida, after we learned that she wanted her pony books in bed with her. Sadly they stayed there for some reason.

The first day was a little house keeping to get it ready for our time there. Gracie got in the action with sweeping a little. What a great helper.

I have to get the photo from Violette of our lunch at the beach restaurant. Gracie was playing nicely in the sand until after we ordered and then we saw her about 50 yards away trying to talk to the ocean. After jumping into action we took her shoes off and she ended up staying close by giving us string and leaves. We also don't have a photo of our fun shopping trips. Gracie was a great trooper and we had some great sales.

One morning we walked around St. Augustine enjoying the amazing first city of the USA. The only problem is that Gracie would see the sightseeing trains every couple minutes and yell train, even mommy was getting tired of hearing about it. Violette got Gracie's first official St. Augustine shirt...she is going to be ready this summer. Gracie does like to say see you later alligator after while crocodile, the shirt has a alligator that she loves.

Gracie got some ice cream of course on the trip. Oh it was yummy for both of us.

Here were photos at an amazing restaurant from one of our great nights.

We spent one morning at a dolphin sanctuary, which really wasn't too exciting since the weather was so cold the dolphins weren't out too much. Here is a photo though much like one we got with GiGi & Bapa as well as Mommy & Daddy during the family reunion at the Baltimore aquarium. Gracie did love playing in the area outside.

Here is Gracie running on the beach the day we decided to have a picnic at the beach. We were all bundled though were still able to enjoy the waves, water, birds, and friends.

After a cold day at the beach only a massage train will do. As you can see Julianne's nails look great for the night before during our movie night of Shag. Great movie for girl time. Most evenings were around the condo with wine. This was prior to our late night of game playing, oh what great memories of laughter and fun.

We went back to St. Augustine and got on the train that Gracie so wanted to ride...she even asked to ride the other trains even though she was on one.

Of course the day we leave we have a great morning running on the beach and playing in the warmer sun. Gracie loved to water the sand...it needed it ;)

I couldn't have asked for better people to go on a vacation with. Gracie loved being with Julianne & Violette and they loved being with her. One highlight were the full length mirrors in Violette's bedroom, Gracie had her own audience for her jumping, forward roll activities. I am also surprised that Gracie didn't take Juli's bear home with her too. I am completely blessed to have such wonderful friends in our lives.

Forgot the fun drama from the trip, as we are getting everything ready to leave we had our recycling out and Gracie decided to take a swig from the dishwasher soap container. Can I say my heart froze for a moment. Thank goodness she pucked everything right up and Violette had washed out most of the soap prior to Gracie's drink. Oh the fear isn't something I really want to feel again. Luckily she was perfectly fine and was ready to go no 5 minutes later. She is such a trooper!

Who does like pudding, hats, Papas, and the Jayhawks?

Here are some photos of everyday life with Gracie in November.

Her first experience with making and eating pudding. As you can see, the joy is seen all over her face.

Dinner with Nana & Papa for some Friday fun and kisses.

We also were getting things ready for goodwill.

Finally, Gracie looking like she is going to fit the bill as a future Jayhawk cheerleader.

Happy Halloween Little Red Riding Hood

Last year I was able to get Gracie's Halloween costume on Nov 1, good thing she was okay with being Little Red Riding Hood this year. It was a family affair as Brandy was the Big Bad Wolf and I was the Grandmother. Below is Brandy licking her lips thinking...my how tasty you look.

Prior to the actual day we were able to celebrate the holiday with our cousins. Alex & Andrew were pirates and had an amazing pirates themed party. Like usual, Michelle put together a party with all her personal touches. The games included a scavenger hunt, eating donuts from a string, and eating plenty of candy. The big hit for Andrew and Gracie was the witch punchbowl that talked and moved. Way too cute.

Gracie had a great night going to 7 houses in the neighborhood that provided her/me what seemed like 20 pieces of candy. While going house to house I had to stop her from going into the homes because that is what you usually do after ringing the doorbell. She actually enjoyed giving treats out to the people who came to our house then trick or treating herself. Here is enjoying some of the booty.

Take it or Leaf it, Oct 24 at Craig

After a great Sunday of worship at Craig hospital I luckily had my camera in the car. Gracie started to enjoy having an impromptu photo session.

Also I luckily had the pumpkin hat in the car much like she has had every year in her life. Sadly we didn't get our leaf photo this year in Lois' backyard.

It took all I had to keep her out of the water, she won in the end for the fun.