Merry Christmas!

So, Christmas just gets more fun each year that Lena gets older. I think she understood why we have Christmas. We started reading a book a couple of weeks ago- The Story of Christmas. It explains the birth of Jesus and why we give presents. For the past 2 weeks, she has been saying "Baby Jesus" and carrying that book around with her. We asked her yesterday whose birthday it will be, and she said "Baby Jesus!" We explained that Santa is a "representative" of Jesus, and brings gifts to celebrate his birth. She seems to like that, and says "Ho Ho" when you mention Santa.

Lena also liked to open her presents. She got some nice things. (Dad- the cat piano is a hit!) She also likes the cookie jar from great Nana and great Dan-Dan, her ruby slippers, her robe, doll clothes and monkey back-pack from Mammie Mills. She would like to think my Sing-a-ma-jigs are hers, but those are mine! (Which are AWESOME.)

We had dinner with Mammie, and Lena loved the turkey and biscuits. However, the day was very eventful, and not much else was eaten.

 

Happy Birthday Lena!!!!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl! I can't believe you are 2 already. Not long ago, you were a tiny little baby. Now you are a smart, funny, curious, amazing little girl. You are my light, my joy, my purpose. I am so proud of you, every day.

Heart cake with butterflies

Family picture by Falls Lake

All the girls

Emma and John

Two Divas

More birthday party

Time for cupcakes!

Lena's Birthday Party

Lena's birthday party was yesterday, at the Main Street Park. Lena had lots of friends and cousin Edy there. Lena got to see Emma again; the last time was when they were little babies. They even stayed with us last night for more fun. I think everyone had a great time and enjoyed sugary butterfly cupcakes.

Lena, Emma and Edy

Pretty Cousin Edy, getting so big

Lena in her Monkey outfit, from the Little Brenners

Sweet Emma Anne

Swings are her favorite

Last of MV Pix

Here are some more MV pix, some of my faves.

MV, Edgartown

We wrapped up our island tour with a visit to Edgartown. It's a nice town, with lots of colonial buildings and houses. We walked around some shops and visited another lighthouse.

MV, Aquinnah

We took an island tour today with Grandma Joyce. We went over to Aquinnah to see the cliffs and the light house. The scenery was beautiful. I think Lena wants to live in a light house. She kept saying "Light House" (perfectly pronounced) at least 50 times, after we left. I asked if she wanted to live in one, and she said "yeah!" Aquinnah light house

MV, Cousins

Lena is having a great time with her cousins. They run around together, trade drinks, and share toys.


Evan loves to make Lena laugh.


Lena and Celeste (post-carrots)



Little jumping beans

Celeste loves to jump and spin

Double-fisting with Evan's juice.

MV, Lighthouse 2

More pictures at the lighthouse...

MV, Lighthouse

We walked over to the East Chop Lighthouse on Telegraph Hill.

Martha's Vineyard, Day 1

We are on Martha's Vineyard! Lena's Uncle Matt is getting married and the whole clan is up here. Lena had a big day yesterday. We left the house at 6:15am for her first airplane ride. She was AWESOME! You would think she had been flying forever. We brought her car seat for the plane (FYI-good idea), so she had no problem staying put. She read her books and played with some new
toys. She even took a nap on the second leg.

Once we got to Boston, Papa (John) picked us up. We drove over an hour to Woods Hole to catch the ferry. Of course, she just loved the boat ride. She loved being out on the deck, climbing all over the benches, and running around. I can't blame her; she was trapped in her seat all day.

We finally got to our house, which we are sharing with Aunt Monica, Uncle Steve and cousins Evan and Celeste, as well as Steve's parents. It's a huge house, with lots of bedrooms and hiding places.

Last night, more of the family came over for dinner. I think Lena really loves being around people. She's a very happy girl right now.