Need a Smile?

With permission, I am posting one of my all-time favorite family pictures.  This captures the dynamics of this family perfectly!  How I laugh every time I see this picture!

Have a wonderful, happy day!!

How to Eat a Cupcake, by Lilly and Jade

Words cannot express these images.  They tell their own story.  Look at the reactions, the gestures, the pure joy of eating....it's all about the cupcake!

(Thank you Jacque for capturing such happy moments!)

Make-Up Tradtion a Must!

One of the best traditions a girl could ask for was started over 30 years ago when Grammy took her girls to the store for their own pick of make-up.  With a set budget, we would set off for the best deals, so excited that we got to pick our own stuff!
The tradition continues into the next generation.  My mom still takes her girls to Ulta, gives us a budget, and we scour the store for the best deals on our favorite brands.  Sometimes, we end up with one very expensive brush, and other times we splurge on different styles.  I am not one for much make-up, but this is one of my favorite traditions and I couldn't wait to start this with my own girls.  We now have a few more that join in, but it is always a fun hour at the make-up store!  We met up at Ulta, a budget was given, and the fun began.  Even Jade and Lilly wanted their own bags with lip gloss!  Girls just know what they need!

 

 

Fluffing the Tree

Fluffing the tree is a very tedious task which takes talent and patience.  Years and years of practice to perfect the art of "fluffing".  That is until you have grand-children and then, it's more fun watching them work on each section of the tree trying to get it to "fluff" just right.  Jade and Lilly were serious about this task and took it very seriously.  Maybe it was climbing up the ladder that they loved.  Either way, fluffing this year was memorable and just fun!!

Happy Birthday Lilly

Oh, how this one makes us smile!  Just look at that "angelic" face.  She is growing up way to fast and each day brings new joy and laughter.  Lilly loves to run into your arms and throw them around your neck.  Nothing beats that.  She loves to pull out her books and "read" and she is a perfect little mom to her "baby", which always has a binky in her mouth.

L - loves to eat.  We all know this.  But Lilly does it with gusto and so much animation!
I - Independent.  Does NOT want help.  Does not want to eat in the high-chair.  She is a BIG girl!
L - laugh is contagious.  If you hear Lilly's laugh, you laugh with her.  A deep-belly laugh!!
L - likely the best hugger ever. There is something so special about a hug from our Lilly-bug.
Y - You can bribe Lilly with anything edible....except grapes!

Our sweet Lilly is two!  Two fantastic years of love, antics that make everyone laugh, and growth from a baby into the wonderful twos!  Oh...and a spittin' image of her father!  Can't wait to see what Lilly will do next!!

Happy Birthday Lilly!  We LOVE you!!

End of 2012 and Random Pictures

During the holidays, Jacque took some pictures of Tyler, Jenny, and our two adorable Grand-daughters.  Since this is our "family history", I wanted to make sure some of these are recorded.  Expressions on Jade and Lilly's face are hilarious, show their individual personalities, and bring me so much joy. 

 

 

So, this is Tyler having fun with Lilly.  She thought is was so funny for Daddy to be jumping over her!

 

To ring out the old year and bring in the new, Brad and I invited Jacque, Aly, and Eric to join us for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, The Golden Gate.  We have been going there for over 25 years and the owner, Sue, knows all her clients like they are family.  It was a fun evening and the food was delicious as always.

 

Good-by 2012!!!

Just Because

 

Not in any order, but just a random funny moment that makes me laugh.  Lilly loves to eat...all...the..time!

 

or this

Sweet Lilly Turns One!

This little angel had a birthday party with family, friends, and yummy food. Jenny and Tyler invited family and friends over for pizza and a celebration of this sweet angel.

Lilly has mastered the art of conquering hearts with her smile. She reaches her arms up, gives a few grunts to say, "Pick me up!" and then becomes the best cuddle buddy ever. Lilly is content with being held...as long as she is the center of attention.

How can you resist that face!?!

 

Jenny had decorated their home and had a cute party for all of Lilly's family and friends.

 

 

 

 

We had a wonderful evening and enjoyed watching Lilly enjoy her first cupcake.

 

Afterwards, Lilly said good-by to all her guests....by the end, we think she was a little tired. 

 

 

 

We love our sweet Lilly-bug.  There is nothing better than to see a smile on her face as she reaches for you to hold and squeeze.  Life as grand-parents couldn't be better!!