Christmas

I had grand ideas about how wonderful Elinor's first Christmas was going to be and in its own way, it was wonderful. Unfortunately both Joe and Elinor were very sick and Elinor spent most of Christmas Eve and some of Christmas Day throwing up :( However I did find the common sense (between giving Elinor clear liquids and changing her clothes) to get pictures and enjoy the moments she was happy. Apart from it being Elinor's first Christmas, I was also excited start a new tradition of opening "crackers." I first heard about this when I was in England a few years back. So below are some pictures of the festivities as well as some of Elinor in her Holiday dress. (of which i bought 3 months ago and was sooo excited about, but she only wore it for about an hour......sigh)





This last picture was right about when we had both had enough of Christmas :)

Winter

It's been unbelievably busy so I have not been good about updating my blog. Here are some recent pictures we took one day when it was freezing cold (by SoCal standards) and we spent most of the day by the fire inside. Christmas pictures will be with you shortly :)

Thanksgiving Extravaganza

This Thanksgiving my sister and I decided we did not want to do the same old food that we have done every year for Thanksgiving. By this I mean we did not want to use the same recipes that were passed down to us from my dear Grandma Dee. Though the food does evoke a feeling of nostalgia and therefore is tasty in its own way, it really does not tantalize the palate like I would like. However, we have 3 men in our family who would not appreciate a drastic change (these things must be done slowly you see) So we searched every gourmet website and cookbook we had to find recipes that were traditional but not boxed, canned, and full of lard. 

The outcome... success! The men loved it and we felt better about the food we put on the table. The menu consisted of citrus and herb brined Turkey, roasted sweet potatoes with a light streusel topping, apple and chicken sausage cornbread stuffing, caramelized leek mashed potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts, broccolini and an amazing cranberry and tart cherry sauce courtesy of my sister. Tradition still being important to us, we finished off with my mom's amazing pecan and pumpkin pies.  Why do I tell you all of this you ask? I dunno...I guess because I am proud of all of the hard work as I am sure many other cooks are feeling pride in a hard days work right now as well.  Anyways, Thanks for listening (or reading) and enjoy what you really checked this site for..... pictures of Elinor :)

Whenever Daddy Watches Elinor.....

Something like this happens....

Visiting Family

We went to visit our family out in Palmdale and Elinor had a chance to play with her cousin Ruby who is the same age as she is. It was so fun to watch her interact. I can't believe how grown up she is.

Elinor is still learning how to give kisses

Two of the happiest girls around....

Holloween 2008

Last Sunday I went to a Fairy Holloween Party with a few of my girlfriends. It was fun to frolic about.

Cute Elinor

Toys Toys Toys

Who needs a playpen when you have an ottoman full of toys?? Hey, she loves it so don't judge!:)

                                           

So Beautiful

Pearl and Elinor

When Pearl came to visit a couple weeks ago, she and Elinor were able to interact more than they ever have before. Unfortunately, Elinor is in the stage where she is enjoying how loud she can be. I don't think Pearl appreciated it.

Our Yearbook

This is  a funny program that seems to be circulating right now. Here are some pics of Joe and I had we been born in different decades. Always a cute couple no matter what decade :).....

updated 2 days later...... I realize that I got a little obsessed with this program when I decided to do it to Elinor too. But come on, this is hysterical!