"It's so noisy!"

That's what my mom said.
"Well why did you give them spoons and pans then?" I said.
"I didn't know they were going to be so good at it," she said.

Every night

of our trip, Marlo ended up in bed with us.

cover your ears

20 months old

yes I'm still doing the months thing...I may not ever let that go. I can't believe my girl is almost two!

Marlo is really changing. First of all, she's had a bit of a growth spurt and is on to 2T clothing and size six shoes. SIX! And I think she's getting more molars and they take forever.
A few months ago she loved to having the attention of adults, but now she'd much rather play with other kids, no matter their age. She loved being with her cousins at Christmas.
She almost has the alphabet down pat, not the song, but actually recognizing each letter. The same with numbers too. We are just a little proud!

Santa came early

and Marlo got a playhouse!

Playgroup party

it was just a few kids but luckily it was beautiful outside and they had so much fun together.

I'm smitten

with this wreath I saw in one of those "Christmas Craft Ideas" magazines. I buy those magazines and read and reread them, adoring all the details and brilliant ideas, and never, EVER attempt them.
I think it is because I'm afraid of making something that would turn out less than perfect. Luckily my in-laws are fearless and they craft perfection all the time, such as the wreath my sister-in-law Amy did here . It is so adorable!

decked...

My sister-in-law Ann made those stockings for us last year. Aren't they the cutest? They can't go on the mantle because Marlo can't leave them alone. I don't blame her.

Getting our tree...

My sweeties may have been less than thrilled to be there...

The first of Lane's many Christmas shindigs

Lane had a little party on Saturday. I took lots of photos of her decorations, which are all blurry because I don't know how to take photos, but I posted some anyway. Her house is decorated like you wouldn't believe, and she claims she's not done yet. I LOVE her flocked tree...I was expecting to see little woodland creatures pop out of it any second.

Lane made the baby Jesus doll in 1981. So cute.

On the naughty list...

Marlo did not like Santa, even thought he gave her a lollipop. Being the second one she's ever had in her whole life I thought that would win her over, but she wasn't fooled. Mark sat there with her, just in case the man in the red suit got out of line.
He is the nicest Santa though. I think he may be the genuine article. He invited her back for another try, although I don't know if we're up for it.