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