Our little mischievous Elf

Mommy knows that I am definitely myself since my curiosity and exploring is occurring non-stop. After we got home from breakfast, Mommy and I were together at the house doing chores. While Mommy was doing laundry, I decided to explore. I first scooted myself between a plant and Tigger to see how he works. I found the power cord and experimented what happens when I pull it out and put it back in. Mommy caught me in the act and told me that I needed to find somewhere else to explore. I then helped Mommy do the laundry by emptying out my hamper and making little piles of my clothes. The piles were random, but at least I tried helping Mommy. I then came back to playing with Tigger, this time trying to get him to wear my sunglasses. Mommy thought it was too cute not to snap pictures. Next, I like climbing on the couch and playing all Mommy's musical Christmas decorations. I like to have them playing all at once for a mumbled Christmas medley effect. Mommy tells me not to stay standing on the couch and I usually don't, that is when she is watching me. At one point she came around the corner with the camera and I slid down really fast so she would think I wasn't standing. I think my guilty face gave it away. Mommy loves my curiosity and is actually surprised how good I have been with all the Christmas decorations. She keeps telling me that Santa is watching, but I always put up my hands to motion where is he. Enjoy the photos of Mommy catching me being a mischievous elf today.

If I put this back in, Tigger will talk again

I am just sitting here Mommy. I'm not doing anything with the cord in my hand.

Giving Mommy a cheesy smile for the picture

Some people need snow gear this time of year and I just need my sunglasses

I am going to put these glasses on Tigger. Okay Mommy?

Are you watching me still?

I wasn't standing Mommy, I was sitting here looking at our new pictures on the wall

Breakfast with Santa

When I woke up this morning, Mommy and Daddy were excited to get me ready to have breakfast with Santa. Santa was going to be having breakfast at Nana and Poppy's church, St. Cyril's. Mommy, Daddy, Nana and I went together to see Santa. As soon as we walked in I pointed at Santa and motioned to go see him. As we got closer I held on tighter to Mommy. Santa was friendly and I waved at him. When Mommy sat down to have our picture taken, I didn't think Santa was so friendly. I wanted no part in taking a picture. I now just wanted to eat Poppy's pancakes. We sat down and ate our breakfast. The whole time I was eating I kept my eye on Santa. I pointed to him and watched where he was. When he left, I wanted to go outside and find him. Daddy and I looked, but we could find him. Mommy and Daddy told me Santa had to leave so he could go check on his elves. I guess I don't really care for Santa this year. I like him from far away, but not close up. Oh well. My Poppy's pancakes hit the spot for breakfast.

Walking toward Santa I was fine.

Not even a candy cane would make me stay for a picture with Santa

Mommy took her picture with Santa

Walking around Winterhaven as a 21 month old toddler

I am 21 months old today! I don't act much different than when I was just 20 months old. I am very inquisitive. I want to know how everything works, especially if it involves electricity! I loved looking at how things are plugged in, where the plug goes, etc. Maybe I take after my Poppy in that area. I am talking more and more and starting to make up my own words too. Today I have been saying, booyah. Daddy helped me perfect it and I love saying it! Tonight was a perfect night to walk through Winterhaven. Poppy made us a yummy dinner first and then we drove to Winterhaven. Nana and Mommy made hot chocolate and put it in a large coffee thermos so everyone enjoyed a nice warm drink as we walked and saw the lights. I immediately started pointing out what I liked at each house. My oohs got louder and more frequent when I really liked something. The house with the water and light show set to music is always a favorite. I wanted to walk right up to some of the decorations, but Mommy and Daddy told me that I couldn't. I also like seeing the horses pull the wagons. Mommy said that next year we will take a hayride. What a fun evening spent with Nana, Poppy, my Ninos, Nina Nina Dia, Uncle Kenny, Aunt Stacie, Allison(her first time), Uncle Paul, Grandpa, and Mommy and Daddy. Enjoy the photos from Winterhaven!

The very first house we passed I was interested in touching the lights

Sitting on Daddy's shoulders let me have a better view of the light and water show

Allison slept in the wagon for the first part of the night

Pointing out the cool decorations to Uncle Paul

Nana pulling the wagon and Aunt Stacie yawning as we walked

Once again, I was found taking a closer look at the decorations

Allison was all bundled up to see the lights. I didn't care to ride in the wagon and wanted to walk or be carried.

Trying to pull Mommy closer to the side so I could get closer to the decorations

This house won the Pup's Pick award. I had to get a close up look inside the doghouse.

Luckily there was glass that kept me from trying to climb in the doghouse and play with the decorations.

Getting a kiss from Daddy under the mistletoe!

"Tis the Season....

to be busy with fun, family, friends, and food! Tonight we had dinner at Old Chicago with Daddy's coaches and families to celebrate the holidays. Daddy played golf with his coaches in the afternoon and then we all met for dinner. On our way to dinner, Mommy and I stopped by Nino Karen and Nino Joe's house to say hi and let me see their Christmas decorations. My Ninos will be leaving Sunday for two weeks so they wanted to be sure that they got to see me before leaving. I love going to their house. I play with their dog and run around like it's my house. My Ninos have stairs and I love climbing them! Today I climbed them without crawling up them. Dinner was fun because Maggie and Tim were there and played with me. Maggie even took me to the little arcade to play some games. I opened my first Christmas present tonight, a Barbie puppy that barks and snores. Thanks again to the Derksens for the fun present. Enjoy the photos from today.

Posing for a picture at my Nino's house in the cute holiday outfit they bought me

I'm climbing the stairs. Are you coming?

Another photo opportunity in front of my Nino's Christmas tree

My Ninos and Me

Um Mommy, I'm busy double dipping my carrot right now

I'm still working on my carrot while Daddy and I are listening to the conversation at dinner

Eating pizza like a big girl

I love going shopping at Costco because that often means I get to eat pizza! Tonight we went to pick up our Christmas cards and we ate some pizza too! I sat at the table like a big girl to eat my pizza. Usually Mommy feeds me whiles I sit in the cart, but tonight she decided to see how I would do sitting at the table. I didn't try to move off the seat at all until I was done eating. The bench is a little far from the table for me and Daddy thought I would have trouble seeing my food, but I was able to grab each piece of pizza one by one with no problem. After dinner I clapped for myself because I knew I had been a good girl and done something a big girl does. I love growing up, but Mommy and Daddy thinks it's happening way too fast!

Sitting like a big girl at Costco

I liked straddling the bench and facing Mommy while eating

Christmas Photo Shoot - Take 2

This afternoon was our second try at Christmas photos. Mommy hoped that I would take a nice long nap today and wake up cheery ready for pictures. This is my 7th day of taking the medicine and I am finally back to myself again. I am exploring at every given opportunity which is the biggest sign that I am feeling better. Mommy dressed me and I sat nice and still for her to do my hair. I seemed in a good mood and Mommy and Daddy hoped that I would keep my great attitude for the photo shoot. While waiting for our turn, I happened to see Santa at the picture place. I pointed him out to Daddy right away. I wasn't afraid of him from far away. Mommy and Daddy hoped we would be able to get our picture with Santa. Our photo shoot went really well! We had a fabulous photographer, one we've had before who made over Caitlin and got her to smile for every shot! While waiting to see our proofs, Mommy, Daddy, and I ate a yummy dinner at the food court, I waved at the mall Santa, we did a little shopping, and I played in the kid area for the first time. Mommy and Daddy were very happy with how our pictures turned out! Cheers for a successful photo shoot! Enjoy the photos below!

Look Daddy, there's Santa

Where did he go?

Taking a close look at the Christmas props for the pictures

A worker told Mommy she couldn't take any pictures and I turned around to see if the worked was talking to me :)

Climbing up the slide in the play area all by myself. Bigger kids were climbing to, but they didn't seem to bother me.

Wow, there are a lot of kids up here waiting to go down the slide

Yeah, it's my turn to go down the slide

Weeeeeeee, this is so much fun!

The Photo Shoot Pictures!

Cousins and Chuck E. Cheese = FUN!

After my unsuccessful photo shoot, we met up with Daddy's cousins at Chuck E. Cheese for some yummy pizza and fun! I had fun playing the games and collecting tickets. When Chick E. Cheese came out and dance music started playing, I was the first child to start dancing away! Dancing always makes me feel happy! It was fun playing with my cousins. Braedon is only 3 weeks older than me and we get along great. We had fun together. I was definitely tired after this and went home for a nice long nap!

Playing air hockey with Daddy

Just like a pro, I knew right where to put the token

I liked this spider game where I had to step on them when they light up

Waiting to catch the ball so I could play skee ball

Cousin Braedon and Me

Happy Cousins

Christmas Photo Shoot - Take One

I woke up feeling a little better than yesterday, but I just wasn't in the mood for picture taking. We had an appointment so Mommy said we should try and if it didn't work out, we would make another appointment. When Mommy and Daddy saw the photographer, they knew our photo shoot was wasn't going to be very successful. I still am not feeling well and the photographer seemed very new. The photographer needed practice working with small children who don't care to sit perfectly until the camera lens has been adjusted multiple times. After attempting a group photo with Uncle Kenny, Aunt Stacie, Allison, Mommy, Daddy, and Me, we decided to stop taking pictures. I was too unhappy to smile at anyone or anything. Mommy made another appointment for Tuesday. This of course means that our Christmas cards might be late, but Mommy didn't care. While waiting to see how the group photo came out, we took another chance at visiting Santa. I was fine waiting in line, but I really didn't care too much when we were sitting on Santa. Mommy and Daddy tried to distract me with bells, but that didn't work. Oh well. Mommy says a lot of kids my age don't really care for Santa. Much to Mommy's surprise, one of our group shots came out nice so our photo shoot today wasn't all that bad. Stay tuned to see how Tuesday's shoot turns out!

I might look like I am singing in this photo, but I'm not!

Mommy, Daddy, Me, Allison, Uncle Kenny, and Aunt Stacie

Little Miss Santa

I had a better night last night and I woke up feeling a little better. Nana wondered if she would be able to take me to Nina Nina Dia's for a luncheon. Mommy said she would dress me for the luncheon and see how my spirits were. Mommy decided to put me in my Christmas dress from last year. It still fits, just a little shorter. Mommy also put on my matching pants so I would stay warm. I was all smiles showing off my Santa like outfit. Mommy told Nana to take me to the luncheon. I loved going to Nina Nina Dia's because that meant I got to play with her new puppy. Nana said I behaved great at the luncheon. Afterwards I took a great nap. Aunt Stacie then brought Allison over before going to get her Christmas pictures taken. I didn't feel well enough to go for pictures today. Mommy hopes I am ready tomorrow morning for our photo appt. I am not 100% yet, but I am on my way to feeling better.

Little Miss Santa showing Mommy her new tree skirt from her Ninos.

Little Miss Santa is ready to go!

Little Miss Santa playing in her sleigh

Hugging my Santa monkey makes me feel better

Aunt Stacie, Allison, and Me checking out Nina Nina Dia's nativity scenes. Nina Nina Dia has almost 100 nativities.

Cousing Allison is ready for her Christmas photo shoot!

When I'm feeling yucky......

I just want to stay at home and lay low! For the past few days I have been fighting a low grade fever. Tylenol and lots of liquid doesn't seem to be helping, so Mommy decided to call the doctor. I went yesterday to the doctor and she told me I had an ear infection in my left ear. The doctor told Mommy on a scale of 1-10, she would give it a 5. Mommy thinks by the time she got the medicine from the pharmacy that my infection had changed to a 10! Last night was not one of my best nights. I had trouble sleeping and Mommy just weeped with me. We slept together on the recliner most of the night and I woke up in the morning sleeping in Mommy and Daddy's bed. You can tell that I am sick because I don't want to play much and would rather lay around in my jammies holding on to my blankets! Mommy hopes I am feeling better soon. So today, I laid low during the day with Nana and Allison. At night, Mommy, Nana, and I stayed home instead of going to Daddy's game. We got to watch Daddy's game on the Internet. I loved seeing Daddy on the computer screen and I would point and smile anytime I could see him. This made Mommy smile. Hopefully I will sleep better tonight with two days of medicine in me! Ear infection and fever, go away!

I didn't want to sit in my high chair this morning. I wanted to sit with my try in my Elmo chair. Anything that made me feel better, Mommy and Nana said was fine!

Daddy's basketball team(in white) playing live on the Internet!

Pointing out my Daddy on the computer to Nana

Happy Birthday Elisa!

Nana and Poppy's best friend, Elisa, celebrated her 65th Birthday on Dec. 2nd. We celebrated with her tonight at Aunt Jo's house. Aunt Jo's house is definitely not child proofed so Mommy was a little nervous for me. Aunt Jo made us a delicious dinner. I loved all the Christmas decorations that were out. Mommy watched me closely to make sure I didn't touch and break anything. I didn't! Aunt Jo also has a lot of white furniture that I managed to keep clean. I love celebrating at birthday parties!

Drinking my juice on the white furniture and while looking to make sure Mommy and Daddy saw me doing this on her white furniture!

Oh what a pretty village. I love the train that goes round and round.

Singing Happy Birthday to Elisa

Let me make sure the frosting tastes good :)

I love trying to hold Allison

Cousin Allison and Elisa

I loved running circles around the glass coffee table that made Mommy quite nervous

After too many times around the table, I had to lay down and take a break!

A short visit with Santa

Aunt Stacie and Uncle Kenny decided to pierce Allison's ears tonight. Nana, Daddy, Mommy, and I went for support. Allison was a champ when getting her ears pierced and she barely cried. Afterwards, we stopped to see Santa. Mommy and Daddy weren't too sure how I would react especially since I didn't feel too well. I didn't care for whispering my wish in the big mailbox because all of the snow that covered my face when we opened the mailbox. I liked pressing the naught or nice button and below you'll get to see my results. When it came time to meet Santa, Mommy and Daddy sat with me. I didn't cry at first, but I wasn't in the mood to smile for the camera either. I just frowned. Mommy and Daddy decided to come back another time to see if I would take a better picture. Mommy and Daddy then decided to look at cell phones and ended up coming home with early Christmas presents for each other. This has definitely been a busy day. Mommy is glad to be home, but was ready for bed as soon as we got home from the mall.

Getting ready with Daddy to whisper our Christmas wishes

I didn't like this part when all the snow blew into my face

Looking to see my results of the naughty or nice meter

WooHoo my results were.....NICE!

Mommy, Daddy, and Me sitting with Santa

Yeah for Mommy coming home!

Mommy was gone for a few days to Phoenix for a science conference. Mommy and her friend presented to other teachers while there. I stayed here with Daddy, but I started coming down with a little bug. I still played and smiled, but I wasn't feeling 100%. This morning, Daddy and I had a lazy morning. Then everyone came over to watch the UofA football game. I was happy to see Mommy when she walked through the door during the game. She brought me a fun frog bubble maker from her conference. I immediately wanted to go outside and try it out. I took Allison outside with me. We had fun chasing bubbles. Even Nina Nina Dia's dog, Pinto, had fun chasing bubbles. After playing with bubbles, I wanted to take Allison for a ride in the wagon. I like pulling the wagon ever since Poppy taught me how. The weather was great today to be outside. I don't feel that great, but I don't let it stop me from having fun!

Lazy morning laying around with my blankets, of course!

Pinto and I couldn't wait for Mommy to make more bubbles for us to chase. Allison watched very closely.

Bubbles are soooooo much fun!

Pinto tried to bite the bubbles, I tried to catch them, and Allison just smiled as they floated by her.

Sometimes I take Allison off-roading in the wagon

Taking a break to make sure Allison is enjoying the ride

After the wagon ride, Mommy and Aunt Stacie tried to get us to take pictures in the sleigh.

Cousins having fun in the sleigh!

Do you recognize any of these people?

Mommy attended and presented at the Regional NSTA science conference Thursday-Saturday. This morning she got in a line to be able to meet and hear Bill Nye the Science Guy. Mommy tells me that sometime in my school career I will probably watch one or more of his funny videos. Those of you reading this blog that are older might remember him. Mommy also had the chance to meet someone I like to watch and that's Sid the Science Kid. Mommy wished I could have been there to meet him. When I see the photo, I point at him and smile! Mommy also met Ruff Ruffman who is on PBS. What a fun morning for Mommy. Enjoy her photos!

From l-r, Amy, Andrea, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and Mommy (Mommy works with Amy and Andrea)

From l-r, Andrea, Ruff, Mommy, and Amy

Sid the Science Kid and Mommy!

Advent Calendar countdown

Today begins our official countdown to Christmas. Mommy showed me my advent calendar today and when Daddy and I got home from the game, I showed Daddy the calendar. Each day, I place a star in the date and Santa has a message for me. I can't wait to hear what Santa has to say to me each day until Christmas! I am loving this time of year!

Showing Daddy the star on the string that needs to be put in the correct date

I put the star in the number 1 square and we listened to Santa's message.

Halftime entertainment

Tonight was Daddy's team's first regular season game. The game was at Desert View High School. I loved watching Daddy's team, but all I really wanted to do was get down on the court and run around! I did sit in the stands and stomp my feet to make noise like I see the adults doing. When it was halftime, I led my Mommy down to the court. When the music started playing, Mommy thought the cheerleaders would be doing a dance, but they didn't. So I decided to dance and be the halftime entertainment. The sister of one of Daddy's players also came onto the court and I tried to get her to dance with me. Everyone in the crowd was smiling and Mommy was just shaking her head. Maybe I will be a cheerleader in the future, who knows? Enjoy the photos!

Sitting in the stands and ready to stomp my feet

Trying to get my little friend to come out to the middle of the court

Walking up the dividing line of center court just like a cheerleader!

This video clip shows you a glimpse of my halftime performance. Enjoy!

Puppy Surprise

Nina Nina Dia wants a doggie for Christmas. Mommy and Nina Karen have been looking for jack russell terriers, rat terriers, or a mix of them. They haven't had much luck of finding a dog in Tucson and have been considering getting one from out of town and having it shipped here. Nana and Uncle Kenny were at the mall today and decided to look in the small Humane Society shop at the mall. When Nana walked in, a brown and white jack russell terrier mix puppy was looking right at Nana. Nana fell in love. Mommy, Daddy, and I hurried over to the mall to meet the puppy. I loved throwing the ball to the puppy, petting him, and even tried to hold him. Nana and Mommy decided to buy the puppy for Nina Nina Dia. We went to look at another terrier at the main Humane Society center, but it wasn't what we wanted so we only ended up with one puppy today for Nina Nina Dia. We went to her house to surprise her, but she wasn't home. We have keys to her house so we went inside, showed the puppy his new home, and waited for Nina Nina Dia to come home. When she walked in, she took the puppy in her arms and never looked back. The puppy and Nina Nina Dia bonded instantly! I love this doggie and can't wait to grow up with him. Nina Nina Dia has named the puppy Pinto. Enjoy the photos of Nina Nina Dia's puppy surprise!

We walked the puppy around on a leash before we adopted him.

So excited to meet and pet the puppy

Showing the toy that Pinto likes to play with

Trying to hold the new, energetic puppy

Mommy and Uncle Kenny say the puppy will make it if it allows Allison to pull it's tail and me to pull it's ears at the same time!

Daddy and I had fun playing with Pinto in his new backyard

Nina Nina Dia and Pinto meeting each other and both were happy

Pinto fell asleep in Nina Nina Dia's arms after she had held him for only 5 minutes!

Doggie see, doggie do! I climbed on the ottoman and Pinto tried to copy me!

This is a fun video clip of me playing with Pinto in the backyard. He is a fast little puppy and I could barely keep up with him!

Annual Christmas Tree Party

Tonight was our family's annual Christmas tree party. Usually we start at Nina Nina Dia's house and then end at our house. We changed things around a little bit since Daddy's team had a game today. Nina Nina Dia had everyone over to watch the UofA vs. ASU football game. I took my nap for most of the game so Mommy and I missed the party at Nina Nina Dia's house. Her tree was decorated while the game was on. After Daddy's team won their game, everyone met at our house for dinner, dessert, decorating, and the gag gift exchange. Mommy, Daddy, and I each have our own tree so there was a lot of ornaments to be hung. I helped hang ornaments and didn't touch the trees after they were decorated. Mommy and Daddy hope that I will not touch the trees for the rest of the month. Stay tuned to see how I do. After tonight, our house is ready for Santa and Christmas! Enjoy the photos!

After Daddy's game, Mommy and I stopped by Nina Nina Dia's so we could hang ornaments on her tree. Nino Joe helped me hang ornaments.

After being showed how, I could hang the ornament all by myself.

Opening an early Christmas present from my Ninos. I love when they give me fun clothes for the holidays.

Hanging a UofA candy cane ornament with Mommy and Daddy on Daddy's sports themed tree.

I walked around with the snowman bucket for everyone to pick their number for the gag gift exchange.

Helping G.G. open her gag gift, flavored lip gloss. She gave me the Dr. Pepper flavored lip gloss.

Daddy's tip-off classic basketball tournament

Thanksgiving time is always the start of basketball season. This year, Daddy's team was in a tournament at Salpointe, where Mommy went to school. Daddy's team played 5 games in 6 days. His team finished 5th out of 16 teams and has a record of 4-1 for this season so far. I love going to Daddy's game. I want to be on the court running around more than in the stands. I move my hand as if I am dribbling the ball and I throw it up to pretend that I am shooting the ball. I love cheering for my Daddy and his team. Mommy pointed out where she used to cheer on the court. Basketball season is a busy season for us, but I love all of the action, excitement, and attention that I get from the fans! Mommy and I have some new kelly green shirts to wear to Daddy's games! Mommy and I are proud of Daddy's team and look forward to the rest of the season. I will keep you posted on how is team does. Enjoy the photos from this week of Daddy's games!

Ready to eat dinner before going to Daddy's game

Uncle Paul and I waiting for Daddy's game to start

Loving my panther cheer bear before the game

Squatting down on the court imitating Daddy when he coaches

Pointing to the basket

Uncle Paul gave me a boost so I could hang on the net

Playing with Uncle Paul after the game while waiting for Daddy to come out of the locker room. I liked following Uncle Paul on the three point line

Daddy's principal, Patsy, loves to play with me during the games and I love her too because she lets me go through her purse

Auntie Melanie has fun playing with me too! She also lets me go through her purse, wear her sunglasses, and even lets me borrow her lip gloss!

Cousin Allison went to one of the games

I tried to open the basketball bag to get a ball out, but Mommy caught me

Maggie and Me



This video clip is of me dancing with Uncle Paul during a timeout! I love to dance to any type of music.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today was a day for sleeping in, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, relaxing, playing at the school ground, napping, eating turkey, watching football, and looking at the ads for tomorrow's sales! Mommy, Daddy, and Me slept in today. We watched the parade while eating breakfast. Afterwards, I rode in the wagon while Mommy and Daddy walked to the nearby school. I had fun climbing the stairs and sliding down the slide all by myself. Last year, Mommy and Daddy were excited because I had just learned to crawl and now I can walk, run around, and climb stairs! Boy what a difference a year makes. After playing outside, we walked home for some juice, snacks, relaxing, and naps! We had our yummy turkey dinner at Nana and Poppy's house! Poppy's cooking is the best. I tasted everything, but the mashed potatoes were my favorite. I even had my own little small slice of pumpkin pie. I ate tonight using the utensils Mommy used as a little girl. After dinner, I played, watched football, and helped Mommy and Nana look through the ads. Mommy and Nana plan on shopping tomorrow early in the morning while Daddy and I will be sleeping in! The weather was great today and I loved having both Mommy and Daddy home all day with me. Enjoy our photos from turkey day!

Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in my pajamas (I loved the big balloons)

Tracing my hand with Daddy's help to draw a turkey

Showing off the turkey Daddy helped draw with my hand print

Daddy, Me, and my turkey:)

Climbing the stairs at the playground by myself with Daddy behind me just in case

Sliding down the little slide

Getting ready to go down the curvy slide

Giggling as I slid all the way down

Nana and Me in front of her Thanksgiving themed tree

My turkey dinner plate

Taking a big bite of my favorite, mashed potatoes

Saying cheers with Daddy as we tap our glasses

Getting ready to take a bite of pumpkin pie

Mmmm....pumpkin pie

Nana had me taste her favorite pie, lemon meringue

Nothing tastes better than milk when eating dessert

Checking out the ads with Daddy and watching Uncle Paul put the paper on his head

I of course put the paper on my head like Uncle Paul

Mommy and G.G. checking out the ads

Pointing out to Mommy what I want

This is a short video clip capturing how much fun I had sliding down the slide today~