My Girl Likes to Party All the Time

Since we have a wedding to attend next weekend, we decided to have Eliza's birthday party this weekend. Eliza was in charge of picking the theme and a few friends to invite. Even though our house was full of very energetic and loud toddlers . . . I would say this party was a smashing success!

This banner was in the entry way as the party guests entered.

After attending a few other toddler birthdays, I learned that cupcakes are the way to go. Eliza was very excited about her chocolate cupcake, so the minute we finished singing I took her party dress off because I had a feeling she might do this. . . .

Eventually, we did persuade her to use her spoon.

Eliza was really excited to see all of her friends. Sitting at the table with Eliza is her BFF from school, Addison. Addison's birthday is just 3 days before Eliza's.

I was worried that Alex might feel left out because he was the only boy, but I don't think it bothered him a bit!

I think the cupcakes might have been everyone's favorite part . . . .while they were eating the house was strangely quiet!

I was so glad that my sweet friend Emily and her precious girls Greer and Harper (and baby Sloane, who never managed to get in a picture and did not get to have a cupcake) were able to come. Emily and I have been friends for many years and I am sad that we don't live closer, but we always have fun when we do get together.



After we loaded all the kids up on sugar it was time for presents and Eliza had a great time ripping off all the wrapping paper. Eliza loved all of her presents.



Eliza had a great party and we were so blessed to be able to celebrate it with so many of our friends and family.

Yee-Haw

Today was Go-Texan Day at Eliza's school. Since we didn't have the proper attire, yesterday we headed off to our favorite resale store to load up on cowgirl gear. The little shirt didn't really fit that well, but since it was on clearance for just $1, I figured it would get the job done. Overall, I think she is one cute little cowgirl.

I think Eliza really enjoyed dressing up and her favorite part of this outfit was with out a doubt the boots. I have visions of her asking to wear these boots in the middle of July!

Tea for Two

Eliza loves to play tea party. I can't even begin to tell you how many cups of imaginary tea I have had recently enjoyed with this precious little girl of mine. However, today she decided to invite Elmo for tea. Cheers!

We Heart Books

Stephen and I are both lovers of books and reading, so we began reading to Eliza when she was just an itty-bitty. In the beginning, I am not really sure how much she enjoyed books but she would indulge us and let us read to her.  However recently that has all changed. 

Eliza is IN LOVE with all of her books.  Reading time has become her FAVORITE (and ours too) part of her bedtime routine.  

 

You can see hear how excited she gets during book time.  She will let me read to her, but I know she prefers to have her Dad read to her because he does all of the cool voices!

Even though she has baskets and baskets full of books - she does have her favorites.  Right now her go to books are dinosaur and motumus (hippopotamus).

She knows these books by heart and  loves to "read" along with us.  I hope that she will always be excited about books.

Albert the Monkey

If you have ever spent any time around Eliza, then you have probably met Albert.  There is no doubt that Albert is by far her FAVORITE toy ever.  Albert goes everywhere Eliza goes.  I wouldn't be surprised if one day, Albert goes to college with Eliza. 

 The other night I went check on her before heading off to bed.  This what I found. . .   

                                                       

Eliza had given Albert her Lovey to use as a balnket!  I guess she was worried he would get cold!

Go Figure

Our house is full of toys and play things, but instead of playing with them, Eliza decided that sitting in a box was much more fun.  If I had known that, I could have saved a lot of money at Christmas time!

She played with this box for days and days until I finally had to put it in the recycling pile because it was starting to fall apart. 

One of the things I love most about this precious little girl of ours is that she already knows that with the right attitude - anything you do can be the most fun thing ever. 

Hook 'Em

Although the BCS Championship game did not turn out the way we had hoped it would, our "Texas Princess" did her best to cheer for the Longhorns.  I can't even begin to tell you how many times she said "ook em" that night.  Well there is always next year . . . right ?

New Year's Day

I had not intended on waiting until the middle of January to post our pictures from New Year's Day, but time just got away from me.  We spent the afternoon at Stephen's Aunt Betty's house and we truly enjoyed our opportunity to spend time with family.

Eliza was a HUGE fan of the homemade chicken noodle soup that Aunt Betty made and she was equally fond of the very fun hats Aunt Betty provided as well.

Grandpa couldn't be convinced to wear a hat, but he is always ready to give big hugs to his favorite grand daughter!

Aunt Betty and Grandma joined Eliza in showing off their lovely New Year's hats.

A Trip to Grammy's House

After Eliza finished opening her gifts from Santa, we packed up the car and headed to Grammy's house in the hill country.

Eliza is always happy to see her Grammy and Granddaddy, but she was SUPER excited to see Aunt Maryellen and Uncle John.

We had so much fun last year at the Walk of Lights, we decided that it should become a yearly tradition and this year we got to take Aunt Mare with us.

It was a really cold night, but the lights were beautiful and Eliza was in awe. We had a great time and Aunt Mare made a few comments that had me laughing so hard I was crying. (I can't tell you the story because it is NOT a family friendly story, but next time you see Mare be sure to ask her about Santa and his favorite reindeer!)

We spent most of the time just hanging out and enjoying our time together. We were so glad that Mare and John were able to spend some of their holiday with us.

Christmas Morning

Santa was very good to Eliza this year. He knows how much she loves Elmo - so he brought her an Elmo airplane that she can ride and an Elmo kitchen.

She was very excited and a wee bit overwhelmed. Once she saw the kitchen and airplane, she was really disinterested in opening any of her other gifts.

She loves playing in her kitchen and she really loves the fact that it talks and sings! Eliza thinks that is just great but I think Santa might have had second thoughts about leaving it for her if he had known how loud it would be.

Thanks Santa for bringing such great toys!