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!