Christmas

Last night we went to the city of Hurst Christmas celebration. It was really nice, a little crowded, but overall nice. Noelle got to see a real, live reindeer.

They also had a nice petting zoo. Noelle loved the goats, sheep, and bunnies.

She enjoyed brushing their hair. Usually she's scared of real animals, but I think since these were small babies she really liked them.

And she wanted to look at the bunny "by myself mommy!"

We didn't realize there would be fireworks. Noelle has developed quite the fear of loud noises or toys that talk, so we were a little unsure of how she would do. At first she was curious...

But quickly decided she didn't like them and told me to "turn them off!"

She is so funny about anything Christmas related she sees. If she sees lights or a tree she yells out "Look! Look! It's Christmas!!" She's going to be so much fun this year!

We're getting back into the swing of things after Travis being out of town and traveling for Thanksgiving. Little missy went back to school today and had fun with her buddies. How is it that she will nap for them every day at 1:00 while it takes me FOREVER to get her down, or she won't sleep at all???

She is becoming all two lately, I turn my back for a second and find her doing things like this:

She is still totally into her stuffed animals and one is with her at all times except school.

We are growing her bangs out because they bother her so much and she loves wearing headbands to hold them out of the way. She pretty much just loves headbands and bows! She has become very opinionated about her bows, clothes, pajamas, painting her fingernails, and shoes. Very girlie!

Basically she has an opinion about everything these days and she talks ALL THE TIME! When she's not talking she's singing. She loves her kid's music in the car (she calls it "little girl music") and can sing almost every song!

Her favorite activity besides stuffed animals is building with her blocks. She makes towers and trains and houses for her animals. It keeps her occupied for a long time!

My silly little Minnie Mouse sitting in the lights. She is actually a really good helper these days when you can get her to sit still long enough to listen to instructions!

Here's a little video of Noelle. Her favorite thing is to put on heels, get a purse, and tell me "mom I got to go!"

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a fun Thanksgiving and got stuffed full of turkey! We started out Thanksgiving Day at Travis' parent's house. Noelle had a blast watching the parade and dancing to the bands.

She was also excited to see her favorite friend at Grammie and Sport's- Ringo. She loves that dog!

She and Trav played us some tunes on the piano.

We tried to take a few family pictures while we were there and we had a couple turn out well.

Noelle did some serious eating! She loved the turkey and ate almost as much as me!

The next day we celebrated Thanksgiving with my family. Great Grandpa brought one of the sock puppets he used to use in his toddler Sunday School class- Noelle thought that was pretty fun!

And she always loves swinging at GiGi and Gramps!

This is one of GiGi and Gramps new puppies. His name is Rowdy. Sadly his brother Rascal got attacked by a bobcat that Wednesday, so he spent Thanksgiving in the vet hospital, but he came home today!

Aunt Bonnie and Rowdy.

And one more attempt at the family photo!

Today this little princess is glad to be home! She "helped" daddy with the Christmas lights.

Hope everyone had a happy turkey day!

Flashback Friday

As I attempt to write this there is a 2 year old human and a 2 year old cat climbing in and out of my lap and all over the desk, so we'll see if we get through this with no typos!

Here's Noellie last year at this time introducing stone dog to her favorite animal of the moment.

My little baby passed out and exhausted from school! We don't even have the changing table set up anymore.

My little bald baby. Now her hair grows super fast!

Sweet baby all tucked in with daddy duck, lizzy. and paci. I wish you could all hear the narrative Noelle is giving me about all these pictures! Of course this is before she started taking off her jammies!

And 2 years ago this was my sweet baby girl all dressed and ready for her baby dedication!

Sweet girl!

And here's a few pictures from the last few days. Noelle was "cooking" in her high heels of course. She is crazy about high heels and a purse. She'll prance around and say "I gotta go mommy, I gotta go!"

And super baby wearing daddy's shirt as a cape. She's a lot busier these days. And she's currently shoving a thermometer up her nose so I should probably go intervene.

Ranger

Today we got a new cat! Hooray! I've been wanting one forever and Noelle has been saying " I like kitties best!" for a long time. We sometimes go visit the Petco kitties and yesterday there was a sweet little guy who was great with her. So today we adopted him and named him Ranger.

At first he was a little nervous and hid.

I'm not sure why a toddler chasing you with a feather stick and screaming your name would make you nervous or anything :)

The first hour consisted of Noelle trying to get him to ride her horse, wear her pajamas, ride in her stroller, and wrap up in a blanket. Let's just say Ranger should sleep well tonight!

Isn't he a cutie? This was right before she tucked him in with a night-night, blanket, and an animal. Luckily he's extremely laid back and tolderating her very well. The shelter said he needed attention and he is certainly getting no shortage of that!

Before she went to bed she said "oh Ranger, I love you so much!" I am not even making that up- I nearly fell over it was so sweet.

He should provide lots of good entertainment in the weeks to come. She was so funny this morning when we were choosing a name. I said "Noelle I think the cat's name is Ranger." To which she said "actually mom, his name is kitty cat." She has been very into this "actually mom" business and it is hilarious when she does it. 2 years old going on 15 years old!