Moving and Changing

When I did that Christmas post in early January, I had no idea that would be my last post on this blog.  I knew I couldn't keep it up forever... but I also knew I wanted to be able to share pictures with friends and family, and I wanted to be able to create books with those photos.

I finally finished Anabelle's baby book, and I used a company called Shutterfly.  The book came out great!  (Note to grandparents:  You will be receiving the book in the mail by the end of the month.)  Shutterfly has a "share site" where I can post pictures for anyone to see, and then when I want to order prints or create a book, the photos are already uploaded so I save a lot of time.  It seemed like a good fit.

This is the end of this blog.  I have really loved working on this blog for the past 4 years, and sharing photos and stories through more than 200 posts, and I will now take a moment of silence to mourn its passing.



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Well then, now that I have paid my respects, I introduce you to my new site:  http://vitaandanabellesphotostream.shutterfly.com/

It's so easy for me to instantly post pictures and videos, even from my phone!  I think that will result in more frequent photo sharing on my part.  You won't have the narrative commentary, but you will have the pictures.  I have already uploaded over 20 pictures and one video from the last month.  Also, please note you don't have to create a Shutterfly account to view the pictures.

Thanks for sharing this blog with me.  It's been fun!
XXOO,
Jenny

Christmas 2011

Christmas Eve was a day filled with anticipation. We baked chocolate chip cookies to leave out for Santa, and we set out some reindeer food, too. Vita wanted to put a sign out to make sure everyone knew the food was for Santa's reindeer. After all, we didn't want the regular neighborhood reindeer to eat it.


When the girls woke up, there were presents under the tree and the stockings were filled! Santa ate his cookies and the reindeer ate their food too! Santa even left a note to say thanks for the yummy cookies.




The next hour or so is just as blurry as these photos. Vita walked timidly to the tree and looked to see which presents had her name on them. Anabelle ran to the tree, grabbed a box and ran off with it. Then she used the boxes to climb onto the couch. We managed to get a few blurry pictures before the gifts were opened. Don't you love the morning hair?


We had both cameras going, so the girls are looking in different places, but we couldn't get them to hold still for long so we gave up on pictures and let the girls open presents.


We came up for air for some candy canes, then went back in for more. This pony was Vita's favorite gift from Santa, and she named her "Pink Diamond".


Vita also got this great castle!


Anabelle loved her presents too, including this bear.


The next day we dressed the girls up in Christmas outfits in anticipation of a visit with Mema Joan and Grandpa Bob. While the girls waited for the visit, Vita rang Christmas bells and drew pictures (with a Santa apron on to make sure she didn't get any marks on her white shirt) and Anabelle played "dragon attacks the castle". I love how different their personalities are already!

Vita ringing bells...


Meanwhile, Anabelle attacks the castle.


Vita drawing pictures...


Meanwhile, Anabelle plays with the dragon and makes "roaring" noises.


Finally, Joan and Bob arrived and we posed for some pictures.

After playing for a while, both girls were exhausted and fell asleep.  Anabelle woke up before Vita and went to the beanbag chair to wake her up with a hug.


Mema Joan and Grandpa Bob brought Christmas gifts, and it was like Christmas morning all over again.


We played with toys, and Anabelle played with a box.

The rest of the week following Christmas we have spent in recovery from all of our varying illnesses.  Despite the beautiful sunshine, we've been cooped up indoors resting... but having fun playing with new toys, and even rediscovering some of the old toys.


The musical toys in particular have been a big hit.


I've been walking in on many scenes like this one.  Whenever I think it's too quiet, and I worry the girls are up to something sneaky (as is sometimes the case), I see they are both focused on intense play.

On our last day before taking the Christmas tree down, we let the girls go nuts... playing with the tree and the (non-fragile) ornaments.

On top of all of the gifts from us, and from Santa, and from so many friends and family members near and far... you would not believe what we got for FREE on Craigslist.  I mentioned in my last post that we needed a constructive outlet for Anabelle's love of climbing.  Well, the mothership has landed and is all set up in the backyard.  This Little Tykes play structure configuration retails for over $600 and I cannot believe someone gave it to us for FREE.  The look on Anabelle's face here sums it up... "whoa".


In this picture the two pieces of the play structure are separated (as Ernie might build a bridge from one to the the other) but they also can be put together so they are a single structure.

As you see, our cup runneth over and we have are so fortunate and we are filled with happiness and gratitude.  There is just one more thing our happy little family could wish for, and I am hoping that 2012 will be a healthier year for us, with fewer colds, coughs, flus, fevers, sick days, and trips to the emergency room.  

Happy New Year Everyone!!!