Monday, November 7, 2011

Halloween Festivities

We took several trips to the pumpkin patch this year simply because Annabelle couldn't get enough of playing in the corn!



Annabelle was not too fond of the "icky" insides of the pumpkin that Kris carved. But, she LOVED decorating hers with markers.



While trick-or-treating in downtown Washington (at the businesses), Annabelle saw another pumpkin.



This year we took Annabelle trick-or-treating at two neighbor's houses. She had a good time, but I think she enjoyed giving things out more than receiving them :)



Annabelle really enjoyed pouring her candy out of the bucket and then putting it back piece by piece.

Misc October Pictures

Annabelle is quite a busy girl these days. Some of the new things she has been doing:

Finally starting to talk a little: Mama, Dada, Cheese, Socks, Shoes, What's This and What's That are down pat; she's also tried out Ball, Up, Down, and Tissue (darn allergies)

She has starting to try to "feed" her stuffed animals (well, really anything with a mouth...including her rocking giraffe)

She loves her cozy coupe, but hasn't quite figured out how to make it "go"

She loves to "jump" in piles of leaves. Every time Kris or I would get a small pile going she would come over and jump in it, lay down in it, or kick them.

She can kick a ball.

She still loves to read and will get piles of books out, sit next to the couch and go through them one by one. She even knows when the book is upside down and will turn it around. Although the "camel on the ceiling" page of her Dr Seuss ABC book confuses her.

She's a pretty good eater. Her favorites are still cheese and fruit.

Although we've had some beautiful weather in October, there have also been a fair share of rainy/cold days. I've tried to come up with fun, new things to do to keep Annabelle occupied. She LOVES playing with giant pom poms, putting them in and out of all sorts of containers. I also tried goop (cornstarch and water) and shaving cream on her high chair tray. It seems that although she doesn't hesitate to pick up handfuls of mud, she doesn't like her hands to be sticky.





Kris' company picnic was held in October as well. Annabelle's favorite part was a bouncy house especially for toddlers.



We have discovered Annabelle is particular ticklish under her arms :)

Monday, October 10, 2011

Fall Leaves

The tree in our front yard has already lost most of its leaves. This made for an excellent leaf pile opportunity.

At first Annabelle wasn't sure what to do. Although she loves to pick up individual leaves, inspect them, and carry them around; this was a whole new ball game. Kris helped her "test the waters" by tossing some leaves into the air for her.


Eventually she got into the action too.


Then, she just went crazy "jumping" in, tossing, dropping, swishing, and enjoying the big pile of leaves.


Thanks, Daddy, for such a fun time playing in the leaves!

Funny combinations

Annabelle likes to carry things around the house and move them from one spot to another.

Here she has a computer mouse (oops!) and flashlight and a bib she put on inside out.


This time it's a pasta spoon, her lovey and my headband (she had a little help after a few unsuccessful attempts at getting it on her head).

Grant's Farm

We've been having beautiful weather and had a chance to get out and enjoy it at Grant's Farm a few weekends ago. Annabelle loved seeing all the animals, but especially enjoyed the chickens and being able to walk all around.

Annabelle was a bit wary of the goats and rightly so. Shortly after this picture a goat nipped her finger! (You can buy bottles of milk to feed them and I guess they get a bit upset if you don't have anything for them to eat).



Annabelle and Kris get an up close look at a camel (you can see him in the reflection in Kris' sunglasses).


Looking through the fence posts at the llamas.

Playing in September

Annabelle loves to stack things. Here, she was trying to put the stacking toys on the Lorax's head.


Our little pianist.

Visit to Danville

Annabelle and I were lucky enough to get to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Danville for 9 days in September! We also went to the baby shower of a good college friend and visited family in Cincinnati. It was a jam-packed, fun-filled trip and I think we wore Grandma and Grandpa out!

Some highlights (sans pictures):
Lots of time at the playgrounds in Danville. Annabelle even found a wonderful puzzle to splash in...and sit in...and eventually lay down in!
Story time and two visits to the Danville library children's department. Has anyone else ever seen a giant gazebo with little nooks and crannies to hang out and read a book in the middle of the library?
Lots of good food. Annabelle loved Cincinnati Chili!
Taking walks around Grandma and Grandpa's neighborhood. Annabelle loved to look at the trees, plants and manhole covers (of which she had to stop and stomp on each).
Spending lots of time playing with all Grandma's garage sale find toys, empty boxes, and junk mail.
Watching the birds while eating breakfast.

Grandma and Annabelle pet an alpaca at Shaker Village


Grandpa and Annabelle read a library book (from the AWESOME Danville Library)


Annabelle enjoys a ride in the deck chair courtesy of Uncle Stan