Big D's Oranges

Emma loves Clementines. She will eat 2-3 at one sitting. She calls them "Big D's Oranges." Here are some shots of her enjoying some the day after Christmas.

Christmas Eve

We had a great Christmas, but really missed Emily. She is coming home the first week in January again, so it won't be too long before we get to see her.

We had our usual holiday buffet with ham, shrimp, veggies, cheese, crackers, dips, and cookies. Emma was really into Christmas this year. She got to help open each and every present - hers and everyone else's.

Emma reminds me of Molly...

When I saw this picture of Emma that Molly took, it reminded of me of Molly at the same age.

Sunday Afternoon at Nana's

Emma spent some time with Nana and Matty today. She came over before her nap and didn't fuss at all because she was able to take her nap in Bobby's crib. She played with the cars and toys that Bobby left when he was here. We also played "cook" -- as you can see by Emma's picture, she can match Rachel Ray on her food carrying abilities.

Christmas Dress Pictures

Molly brought Emma by this afternoon so I could take some pictures of her in her Christmas dress. Molly wants to use one on her Christmas cards this year. Here are a few of my favorites. Emma managed to unwrap a couple of presents and inspect most of the low hanging ornaments on our tree during the photo shoot.

Welcome Emily and Bobby!

Emily and Bobby arrived from Vancouver yesterday evening for a week long visit. Bobby is getting to be a big boy at 20 lbs. now. He is also a very good baby. Here are some pictures I took today as Matt, Emily and Bobby were leaving to take a walk in the neighborhood. What a cutie!

Thanksgiving 2009

We had a busy and enjoyable Thanksgiving celebration. We have so many things to be thankful for, but number one is our family. Emily and Bobby were not able to join us, but are coming on Sunday for a week long visit.

Bjarne's sister Missy and her daughter Jayla joined us for Thanksgiving dinner. Our menu included the following -

• Turkey and Gravy
• Baked Ham with homemade horseradish sauce
• Oyster and Plain Dressing
• Green Beans
• Mashed Potatoes
• Fresh Apple Cake
• Cookies
• Red and White Wine

Emma's #1 plaything is Play-Doh. Matt and I had a bet going that she would only be in the door for 5 minutes before she asked for it. It turned out to be true, within the first 5 minutes - out came the Play-Doh!

Curls

Emma spent some time with her Nana and Big D today. She got another haircut this weekend to trim up her bangs. As you can see in these pictures, her hair is starting to grow and it is curly.

Emma in Juicy Couture

Emma's Aunt Marybeth gave her a Juicy Couture velour track suit for her birthday. She looks so cute in it!

Trick or Treat

Dan, Matt, and I went over to Molly's for dinner this evening. The Hansen's joined us and we ate and got to see Emma, Brendon, and Jayla in their costumes. I was able to get some photographs before and as they headed out to Trick or Treat. The fun didn't last long as it began to pour down rain.

She looks like her Daddy

The Perfect Cheer

Swing

Pumpkin Cookies

I made about 5 dozen pumpkin sugar cookies this weekend. I did a controlled test. Half were made with a Martha dough recipe that had to be chilled and the other half were made from a box mix that didn't require chilling. I iced and decorated them the same.

In a blind taste test by Matty, the box mix won. I'll take the easy way out next time... although there is nothing easy about the decorating step.

Friday Rambling

I have been working and traveling so much lately, that I decided to take a long weekend. Dan and I took a long drive today to Waxhaw and the surrounding area. I took my camera with me and practiced my photography. Here are my favorite shots from today's adventures.