Carli's Two Year Old Photo Shoot

December 30th, Carli had her own photo shoot on location at the Fourth of July Park in Kernersville, to take her two year old pictures. Joe and I didn't want to do the in-studio pictures that are so posed. So we decided to have them done at the park. Joe commented, "You know she won't be still for any of them, right?" That was perfect. We wanted shots of Carli doing what she does best...playing and having fun.

After contacting Jordan McGee, a colleague of mine at a different school, we headed to the park. It was a beautiful day, a little chilly, but nothing like normal for late December. Carli had a blast playing in the park and letting Jordan get great shots of her. Below are just a sample.

Merry Christmas 2011!!

Another Christmas has come and gone, but this has been the best by far! Carli really has gotten into the holiday.





The Christmas season began when we were asked to light the Advent wreath at church. Carli did such a good job helping Mommy to light the candle as Daddy read the verses from the Bible. She was fascinated with the flame, but didn't like it when I blew it out.

To help Carli begin to understand why we celebrate Christmas, I bought her her very own Nativity by Fisher Price. She loves playing with it! She can identify most of the characters. She has trouble with the kings. But she likes the angel, mommy, and the baby. She even carried it over to my Nativity and found the donkey and sheep.



The following week, Carli went to Piney Grove to watch the PTA program put on my Mommy's fifth grade students. I'm not sure which she enjoyed more...playing with my kids before and after the program, or the music during the performance.


After school was out for the holidays, Carli entertained with her first ornament making playdate. Cora Panico, and the Burnette kids (Gabe, Eden, & even baby Silas) came over to make hand print ornaments for the tree. We had a good time making the ornaments, eating sugar cookies, and playing.




Then there were the family get togethers! First was at Aunt Cheryl's. Carli was very shy at first, but then wound up and played. She didn't eat much, but did like the chocolate kisses she found when I dropped it on the floor.




Christmas Eve was with the Laws family. Everyone descended upon our house. All day long, Carli enjoyed "helping" Mommy cook...or rather get into everything that she could get into! She did enjoy helping to add the sprinkles to the cookies.

Carli enjoyed the cousins being at her house and really played it up! We discovered real quick that Carli enjoyed opening presents (and knew the word) even if they were not hers.

Carli hamming it up before the gifts were opened.

When everyone left, Austin helped Carli put out cookies and milk for Santa. Then Carli passed out cold, she was so tired!


Christmas morning, Carli was so excited when she walked into the living room and saw more presents. We finally had gotten her to say Santa Claus (or mostly Claus when someone else said Santa), but she didn't understand who he was.

ELMO!

Next up...Carli turns 2! Can you believe it???

Photo Card

Pictures Galore Christmas

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Carli Makes Her Stage Debut

Today Carli was in her first of many Children's Christmas Programs at church. Each year the two year olds ring the bells to begin the program.

on our way to church

I was a little worried about how she would do, especially if she saw me in the audience. As the program got started, Emily led her out and onto the stage. Carli was great. She loves to go up and down the steps and onto the stage in the gym. When Susan brought the basket around, Carli took her bells out. Then the music started. Carli just looked at the bells and around the room. She didn't ring the bells, but she didn't cry either. She just looked around the room and at the bells.

Cody, Carli and Grant ring the bells

Towards the end of the program, she did see me in the audience. I cringed, waiting for her to want to be with me. But just like a big girl, she just went "Mommy," and kept right on going. We were so proud of our little girl!

Carli's big debut

On our way home from church, Carli got into her treat bag from church. She kept going "apple, apple, apple" and then we heard "crunch". Carli had gotten into that bag and was munching on her apple. Guess she was a little hungry!

mmm good!