Christmas pictures

We attempted to get our family portraits done today and it was a complete waste of time! The photographer was terrible, so I wasn't really expecting much.

We got home and in our comfy clothes thinking Bella was ready for a nap. (The photo shoot was SO tiring and exhausting!). She played in her crib for awhile and didn't sound like she was going to snooze. I dressed her in a Christmas shirt and thought we'd take our own pictures by the lake behind our house.

Yummy, Raviolli for lunch

Bella has been feeding herself for awhile, but she's still trying to learn using a spoon. Lunch for today was raviolli in a meat sauce and what a mess it was! Here's the evidence....











The clean up was "fun"...she even had meat in her ear!

Let the painting begin...err, um, continue!

Since moving into our new house in April, we have been busy painting the masterbedroom, Bella's bedroom and bath, the living room, and now....the entryway! Normally this wouldn't be a big deal because Brian and I have progressed to "master painters", but the entryway has definitely become a project.

We picked the paint last week, tested an area and then decided it was too dark. I went back to Sherwin Williams and got the next shade lighter. We taped everything, got the prep work done and started painting....only to realize the color was too light. Ugh, back to the store. Sherwin Williams is GREAT! No questions or hassles, they just remixed the gallons to a little darker but not quite as dark as the first color. Ahhh, the fun.

We actually started painting (with the right color!) on Sunday. Since our entryway is open to both floors, it's been quite a challenge painting the very top. On Day 1, we painted the entire first floor area and the computer niche above the front door. Here's some before pictures and some of the progress.

BEFORE: Front door, entryway

BEFORE: Stairs

AFTER: looking up from front door (notice the paint line?)

AFTER: area above hallway and office

Hopefully I'll be posting pictures of the completed paint project soon....VERY soon!

FREE Photobook!

Snapfish.com is running an Oprah special for one FREE photobook! You still have to pay for shipping, but it's a $30 value....FREE! (Perfect for Christmas gifts too!)

http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/20081029_tows_messyhouse/7

Happy shopping!

Little Climber

Lately, Bella has been trying to climb up on everything! Our windows in the playroom are about 6" off the floor, and the other day I found her standing on the window sill holding on to the window frame for dear life. She has even started to stack the couch throw pillows to use to climb on the furniture.

Tonight Brian was working on pulling down the remaining birthday decorations and banners from Bella's parties. (We kept a few of them up for Grandma, who missed Bella's bday due to pneumonia). Anyway, Brian grabbed one of the bar stools to reach the banners and surprise, surprise...Bella was trying to climb the stool.

Determined to get up there!

A little help from Daddy...(ignore his silly pj pants)

Ta-Daaa! A happy little climber at the top.

Weekend with the Grandparents

Bella and I picked up Grandma (and Grandpa!) from the airport on Friday morning and then enjoyed a nice breakfast at Crackel Barrel. Ray wasn't suppose to be in since he was just here for Bella's 1st birthday, so it was quite a surprise to see him at Hobby. Debbie had to postpone her visit because she had pneumonia at the time of Bella's birthday, so she rescheduled it to coincide with Halloween.

Grandma loved playing with Bella on her new swing set

Sliding...weeeee!

Then, we ventured south to Santa Fe and visited Haak Winery, which is the only winery located in Galveston County. What a cool place! We enjoyed a few wine tastings, browsed the gift shop, and then sat for a bit under the pavilion.

Brian, Ray (in the back), Debbie and Me

Brian & Debbie ordering a glass of wine

Bella sharing some goldfish with Grandpa

Saturday night we went to another Halloween party with Bella's baby friends, and we really enjoyed seeing all the babies in costume. Then, Sunday we had to go back to the airport so the grandparents could catch their early afternoon flight. It was a quick weekend visit, but we managed to pack alot of fun in the short time.

Happy Halloween!

This Halloween was Bella's second one, but it was the first one we got to really celebrate with her. Last year she was 3 weeks old and I was sleep deprived.

Bella's first smile at 3 weeks old on Halloween '07

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Our Halloween Day started off with a morning trip to the airport to pick up Grandma, who was flying in from Albuquerque for the weekend. Much to our surprise, Grandpa was there too! We headed to Crackel Barrel for a hearty breakfast.

In the afternoon, we had a neighborhood block party in our cul-de-sac and enjoyed some great foods and treats. We dressed Bella up as Pebbles Flintstone, and our friends Cindie & Hannah (Piglet) also joined us for the evening. Here's some pictures of the night:

Grandpa & Bella (Pebbles)

Bella (Pebbles) & Hannah (Piglet)

Dancing the night away!

Brian also did a fabulous pumpkin carving....free hand, no template!

Hope you had a great Halloween too!