Eliza Visits Santa

This is a late post, but I wanted to share this adorable photo of Eliza with Santa. It was taken at Yankee Candle here in Williamsburg, and she was so excited! This was the first year that she really got into Christmas and, although she doesn't entirely understand who Santa is, she understood that he was someone special and worth getting excited over. She kept saying throughout the Christmas season "Santa Santa Ho Ho Ho!", and ran up to him every chance she got. We cannot wait to see how she reacts next year.

Norfolk Botanical Gardens

The Norfolk Botanical Gardens had a fairytale village set up for kids, so we decided to make a day of it. There were about 15 little houses scattered about, from many storybook favorites. Alice in Wonderland, the crooked man, the old woman who lived in a shoe, and old McDonald just to name a few. Eliza's favorite was old McDonald's house, were we found tire swings made to look like horses and several slides.

Summer California Trip

We had a wonderful visit to California this summer. It was Eliza's second time flying, and she did great! We were able to catch up with many relatives, and took several mini vacations along the way. We made our way up the California coast to Fort Bragg and Mendocino, where Eliza got to see the ocean for the first time! (We found it humorous that she saw the Pacific ocean before the Atlantic.) We were accompanied by my (Heather) mom, brother Adam, and Kristin. It was a quick trip there, but we got a lot of site seeing in, and some good eats. We then made our way to Chico for a couple of days and stayed with Adam and Kristin. We had a lovely picnic, and found an amazing park for Eliza to play. We then made our way back to Live Oak for a couple of days, to visit with my mom, cousins, and our Great Aunt Dorothy. Flying back home through San Francisco gave us the opportunity to visit with David's Aunt Greta, and her husband Richard. It was their first time meeting Eliza, and we had a wonderful evening and night with them, full of conversation and many laughs. It was a great trip with many photos and memories.

Eliza's Baptism

Eliza Adalaide Gardner was Baptized May 5th, on family property in Williamsburg, Virginia, by Rev. Dr. John Turner. It was a beautiful, private ceremony in the woods, on a cool morning near Colonial Williamsburg. I (Heather), was also baptized immediately following Eliza's. It was such a wonderful experience to share with my daughter, and one we won't forget.

Easter

We had such a wonderful family Easter this year. This was Eliza's first year to go Easter egg hunting, and she took right to it. Friday, we took her to a public egg hunt near David's school, and she had a blast running about collecting plastic eggs. On Sunday, we started the morning with an Easter basket for Eliza, and later a walk in the historic area. In the evening we had a lovely dinner at David's mothers house, with a delicious goose and all the trimmings, and Eliza enjoyed a second Easter egg hunt. This time with eggs full of goodies! It was such a beautiful day, and brought back many memories of our childhoods.

On the Cover of Mom & Me

Eliza made the cover of the Hampton roads Mom & Me magazine this month. It was such a surprise! I just happened to see a copy thinking it looked interesting, and upon second glance realized it was Eliza. The photo leads to an article about the Music Together class she has been enrolled in since fall. She has such an amazing time there where she gets to play instruments, learn songs, and interact with other children. We look forward to many more classes!

http://www.musictogetherwithjocelyn.com/

A Trip to the Zoo

We took a trip to the Virginia Zoo this past weekend, and Eliza got so much more out of it this time. She really noticed ALL the animals, and enjoyed waving at each of them. Her favorite animal still seems to be the spider monkeys, who kept dancing right in front of her, with a close second being the BIG kitty kitties (the lions). They will soon be adding some great new exhibits, including an orangutan habitat. One of the employees explained that it will include a big button on the orangutan's side, that when pushed will spray all those watching with water! We had such a great day and look forward to making a trip to the National Zoo very soon.

Celtic Knotwork Tattoo

Two weeks ago, my friend Sarah and I had matching tattoos done our ankles that represent motherhood. We decided to get them for several reasons: We were pregnant at the same time, our children have spent their first year growing and learning together, and Sarah's family, her husband Mica and son Scott, were just days away from being deployed to Turkey for two years. It was such a fun experience, and will be a great reminder of our friendship while apart. We also had an amazing farewell dinner at the Fat Canary with Sarah and Mica that we won't soon forget, and are also honored to have been named Scott's Godparents last month. We love that little boy and miss them all greatly, but are thankful that we can easily stay in touch with ichat.

Jumping Joey's

We found a wonderful indoor place for Eliza to play with other children. It's called Jumping Joey's and is full of inflatable fun. Her favorite activity was going down the slide over and over again, it was hilarious! She is a fearless little one year old.

Eliza Made Santa's Nice List

I can't stop watching this, it is just too cute!
(Click on title above)

Eliza's First Birthday

On October 30th, we had the pleasure of celebrating Eliza's first birthday. We started the day off with a photo shoot at JcPenney where she wore her Halloween costume, and then changed into a pretty embroidered dress with a pink sash. We then came home and got ready for the party. We had a variety of sparkling juices, many finger foods, a pot of cheese fonu going, and of course...the cake. Once the guests arrived, both of her grandma's and our closest friends, we opened the presents. Of course she was more interested in playing with the packaging than anything else at first. Then on to the kitchen to sing happy birthday. She had a beautiful Disney fairy cake, which really didn't excite her much until a chunk of it was placed in front of her. With hands full of frosting, she surprisingly didn't make too much of a mess. Once she had her fill, we headed upstairs for the birthday bath. After getting clean and dressed in her footy pj's we headed back downstairs to play with her birthday loot. There, she and her friend Scott played until eyes lids began to droop and it was time to go to bed. We had a lot of fun, and now look forward to the holiday season.

Chesterfield Pumpkin Patch

Saturday, October 10th, the whole family, along with our extended Ashmore family, took the kids to their first trip to a pumpkin patch. They had a great time seeing many different kinds of animals, I think Eliza's favorite was the rabbits, got to eat yummy food, and take a hay ride! The hay ride was a covered wagon pulled by a tractor that took us out to an impressive pumpkin patch where we picked out a small pumpkin for each of the babies. We ended our visit with pumpkin milkshakes and a fun wine tasting. We are excited about many future returns. I'm sure each year will be more fun than the last.

The Waterford Fair

On October 4th, Eliza and I attended the Waterford Fair, in Waterford Virginia,

with our good friends the Ashmore's. Waterford is a beautiful 18th century town with

beautiful original buildings. The people living there open up the town, and some

their homes, once a year during the fall. There were hundreds of local artists selling

and demonstrating their craft, live music, great food, and home made goodies.

I think our favorite part was the home made apple butter. A great time was had by all,

we can't wait to return next year. What great family tradition.

Disney On Ice

Last Wednesday we saw the Disney On Ice Celebration at the Hampton Coliseum. It celebrated several holidays, including Halloween, Christmas, and Valentines day, and included all the major Disney characters. Eliza was really mesmerized by it all. Pointing at the ice, jumping up and down, and even enjoyed people watching. All three of us had a blast. This will definitely be a repeat family event!

Children's Day at Jamestown

Saturday, the 12th, we attended Children's Day at the Jamestown Settlement. David was hired to play at the event. He worked part of the time as a strolling minstrel, and then a concert on the main stage. We all had a great time, and the children loved hearing David talk about and play 17th century music.

A Day at the Zoo

Saturday we took a trip to the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. It was a small zoo, but still very enjoyable. It was Eliza's first visit and although she didn't get much out of seeing the larger animals, who were out in a larger open area, she really loved the monkey house and getting to feed the goats.

She was hysterical when the goats ate from her hand, and even tried taking a taste of the pellets herself. However I think her favorite animal was a tiny monkey in the monkey house. He sat right up against the glass looking at Eliza as she tried to pet him over and over!

We also discovered that she LOVES water! We let her splash around in the fountain in the front and her reaction made the holiday traffic we suffered worth it.

To The German Restaurant

Yesterday we attended a pre Oktoberfest celebration at our local German resturant. There was live oompah music, lots of great food, and quite a few people came dressed up in their lederhosen and dirndls, including David and Eliza. They were so cute together. Eliza was the center of attention in her dirndl, which we bought in Oberammergau on our trip to Germany this past Easter. She enjoyed the music while we enjoyed good beer and home made German food.

Silly Girl

Eliza was laughing her head off last night which reminded me of this video I took when she was 6 months old. I never get tired of watching it.

David at the Jink and Diddle Fiddle School

This summer David went on his yearly trek to Valle Crucis, North Carolina to teach at Dr. John Turners Jink and Diddle Fiddle School. This was David's sixth year teaching, and as always he had a great time. About 45 students attended this year, some students having only been playing for a matter of weeks, others were veteran Jinker's having played for many years. Classes were taught, faux competitions were had, and much laughter was made. We look forward to seeing many Jinker's this October at the Richmond Highland Games.

Eliza and Scott have a swim.

We had a lot of fun Thursday taking Eliza swimming with her friend Scott. It was his first time swimming and he took right to it! We have taken Eliza swimming several times this summer. She loves to splash around, and is even able to propel herself around the pool by kicking in her starfish floaty.