Elena's "Real" Birthday

On the 9th we celebrated Elena's birthday as a family. Jason was working late, so we didn't have much time before it was bedtime so we went to the McDonald's near us that had a indoor playground. Elena loved it, looking at these pictures, you would have thought we brought her to Disney! By the way, don't mind the static.... we have major issues with it this winter...

Almost Two Years old!

We can't believe our little munchkin is almost 2 years old. We had her party this past weekend. It was chaotic during present opening time, but a lot of fun! Thanks to all of Elena's friends, cousins, and grandparents for their thoughtful gifts! We have made a big play area in the basement. She is loving being down there!

The Poor Man's Zoo...

Told Leni that we went to the zoo today. It was actually just PetCo, but who wants to be outside in the cold? She bought it...

Over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house we go....

On our way to Hudson right now! Luckily Leni is fast asleep in the car. Jason is listening to the game. We have a lot to be thankful for! Gobble gobble! Happy thanksgiving everyone!

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Some Xmas shopping

Elena loves going to the mall. She loves the glass elevator, the fountains, the sky walk, escalators, and just running around like a mad woman. Here she is on the sky walk. Having way more fun then daddy as you can see!

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Florida

POMPANO BEACH, FL

We headed down south this past week to get our eat'n, drink'n, tan'n, relax'n, sleep'n, sandcastle build'n, ocean swim'n, shell find'n, bbq'n, golf play'n, hot tub'n, boat watch'n, ice cream eat'n, picnic'n, poolside sit'n, beach run'n, pier walk'n, lizard watch'n, good time ON....

Well, needless to say - Mission Accomplished.

We went down with our friends, Sarah, Christian and their new baby girl Gannyn. We were blessed with beautiful sunny 80 degree weather every single day. It was truly an awesome, fun and perfectly relaxing get'away. Leni absolutely loved the huge sandbox and playing along the ocean shore. We can't wait to get back! Here are a few pics of our stay... hopefully more to come...

Hey Bela Karolyi- LOOK AT ME!

As you all are well aware, I was a world class gymnast. I can remember working hand in hand with Bela Karoly on my round offs and somersaults. It was a grueling and arduous regiment, but i was dedicated to achieving my goal of Olympic stardom. Unfortunately, do to an unfortunate glitter incident in kindergarten, i was forever banned by the international Olympic committee. But they couldn't ban me from coaching. Here we are grooming Elena to be the next Nadia Comaneci.

Here Elena on the uneven bars performs the highly technical right foot down left foot heel kick.

Here elena is getting set to perform the dreaded "1...2...3... JUMP!!"

These are her just playing in a pile of blue foam squares. Not sure what those have to do with gymnastics???? HEY... DON'T QUESTION MY METHODS!!!!!

Getting so big!

Elena is getting so big. she loves doing things on her own- like walking Koney... in the house. Koney gets so annoyed, but Leni loves it.

Below is a picture of the Library class that we attend in Royal Oak. I remember when we first started going to these things a few months ago. She would just walk around aimless as if there was no class going on or pull on kids shoe laces as they were sitting nicely listening to the teacher. I snapped this picture with my camera phone. I know it is not clear, but she is actually sitting and being a good girl!!! She sat there the whole time paying attention and being quiet. she has come a long way. By the way she is in the purple to the right of that girl that is standing.

Now this picture just makes me laugh. Nice Bubble Goatee, Elena! LOL!!!!

Apple picking part 2

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Apple Picking

We went apple picking a few days ago with the neighborhood gang and had a great time! Elena went on the hayride and wasn't scared at all. There was even a petting zoo, which she loved. She is so interested in animals. I wouldn't be surprised if she becomes a vet or zoo keeper :o)






No Leni! That one is from the ground!










Yum - Apples...










Hayride time!










Oh yeah... there were pumpkins there too.









Very interested in Mr Duck










Enjoying more apples at home! YUM!

All aboard.... Next stop Toronto, Canada!

This past weekend we were in Toronto for Matthew T.'s baptism. It was really good to see everyone. Elena had the worst tantrum in history right before we got into the car for the 5 hour drive, so we thought we would be toast, but she was a great traveller. She was even better when we were there! We stayed at Mary's cousins house where there was loads of kids and toys to keep her entertained... Worked out perfect...

Thank you for a wonderful welcome guys!

Here is a pic of Elena with Christopher as she was falling out of the car! LOL! Thanks for the pic Z.!

Lookin' Cute and Taking a Stroll...

I am not sure where were we going in this picture. Probably at Elena's BFFs house - Findlay and Elizabeth. Anyways, she is looking darling while sporting her new Hello Kitty vest! We heart Hello Kitty!!!

Bored with Food

The title of this post says it all! She is bored with food. I have cooked so many meals that this girl will not eat that I am sometimes burnt out by it. It was this day that I made that Facebook post about needing some healthy recipes for picky eaters. I didn't get too much help. Although one friend messaged me with a nice recipe that I tried but it was a no-go with Miss Elena.

In this picture she was dining on Broccoli with LOADS of cheese (didnt eat it), Chicken nuggets (had half of one), and ketchup (of course she spooned all that in her mouth and wanted more after!- she is her daddy's daughter that is for sure!)

Still need those recipes, people!

Library Time!

We have been going to the library a lot lately. It'd been great to have Elena go play and socialize with other kids plus make some crafts with out making a mess at home! They read a few books to them do some singing and dancing in between books and then it is playtime after! We have been going to a class with 3 year old mostly (as you can see she looks like such a peanut in these pictures), but it has been working out great. Here are some pics of her having some fun. This is the day they learned about construction and read construction books. She loved it! She had a blast hammering and even made that hat by herself and proudly wore it the whole time.

New kicks!

Bought Elena some trendy new tennis shoes... Her first ever! they are loud sparkly and have a hot pink inside! very cool!!

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Arts Beats and Eats

This weekend Elena and I went to Kelleys island while Jason was at a bachelor party golf weekend. we all had a goodtime but missed each other so we decided to do some family fun at Arts Beats and Eats in our very own downtown... here is a shot of Jason and Leni on our walk back.

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Library time!

Elena loves the library. New toys lots of books... loads of kids. well today is a quiet one in the library. only one other little girl but they are getting along famously. while she is playing it gives me a chance to catch up with my emails on my Droid (which I am loving by the way). here is a pic from today. don't ask me why she has one shoe on... she can be such a character sometimes!

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Lookin for some tater tots..

we went to Hudson randomly during the week and got to see baba in action with her ladies. Leni had a blast eating pancakes, icecream, and whatever else all the ladies gave her. once the kids started rolling in Leni was in heaven and didn't want to leave! she thought a party was starting! thanks for a good time Hudson middle school!

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potty training

we are attempting to potty train Leni. she loves chocolate so that has been her reward. there are good days and bad days, but overall she is doing a good job!

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Having some fun at the library!

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enjoying some melon

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having fun with my new phone!

just having some fun with the photo effects on my new phone.

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