Full of....

...THANKS!

Thanksgiving Project with Auntie

My dear friend, Anita, was my maid of honor at my wedding.

She has been a most precious and faithful friend over the span of over 25 years.

Anita (or Auntie, as Gianna knows her) lives in Houston and came in town for the Thanksgiving holiday.  She called ahead to say that she had a gift for Gianna and a project that the two of them had to finish making together.

Auntie's sachel of goodies mesmerized my little munchkin.

She brought Gianna her first pair of children's scissors (we're going to hold off on thanking her for that one! ha), glittery flowers and nifty set of crayons.

Gianna was SO excited to participate in this crafty endeavor.

"More projeck!" she kept saying.

Anita decided to turn Gianna into a little Indian for Thanksgiving.

Here they are working diligently on her costume. 

And here's the finished "projeck".....

....stylin' little Indian girl, wouldn't you say?

Any guesses as to what she's doing here?

Thanks for teaching her that Indian call, Auntie.

She hasn't stopped yet! :)

(You can expect a lengthy phone message with that special little yell, Auntie!)

We really can't thank you enough for spending time with our little girl, for giving her such a fun experience and for loving her like one of your own nieces.  You have to know that you're on the top of our list of blessings we are thankful for!

Ernie & Bert

A few weeks ago, Gianna started really having fun in the land of imagination....including an introduction to imaginary friends.  Her first two she already knew --- Ernie & Bert, of Sesame Street fame.   Riding in the car, pretending to hold their hands, making room for them in her chair....the whole bit. 

Just before this little fantasy play started, I happened to find these little hair clips that a girl I know makes.  What great timing.  I just thought they were clever and cute.

 

A new baby...

...COUSIN!

Iain's brother just became a daddy for the first time.

Their little bundle of joy is the most perfect addition to our family.

We are so happy and proud to welcome our very first niece.

And now Gianna gets to be a big cousin.

We hope we get to meet little Madeleine soon.

We would just hate to miss out on that 'fresh from heaven baby love!'

* * * * * * * * * * *
Now we just have to work on making Madeleine the big cousin....

....and Gianna a big sister.

Prayers welcomed!

The BIGGEST Little Fan

We are BIG Laurie Berkner fans in Lewis Land. 

I discovered her music about six years ago while babysitting, and unlike a lot of muchkin music -- it has never gotten on my nerves. For about a year now, Gianna has been watching Jack's Big Music Show which often features the music of Laurie Berkner.  And for about a year, Gianna has been asking for her on a daily basis.  When she was just learning to talk, she'd summon Ms. Berkner's music by calling, "Button!"  Now she just says, "Mommy, wanna listen to Laurie Berkner?"

 Well, my little Laurie Berkner fan got quite a thrill this past weekend.

Her mommy found Laurie's fan page on Facebook and discovered that The Laurie Berkner Band (who plays mostly in the northeast and west coast) had added another concert date to their schedule....in Austin, Texas!

We bought tickets and planned on making a little family trip out of it - until we realized a scheduled outtage at Iain's job would be prolonged and he would be unable to make the trip. :(

That wasn't going to stop me though!

I called one of my dear high school friends living in Houston and asked her and her adorable four year old daughter if they wanted to join us for a girl's weekend.

Even though they weren't familiar with Laurie Berkner, they said yes.

Thankfully my husband though ahead and bought an extra ticket.

It really worked out beautifully.

G and I drove to Houston on Saturday to spend the night with Deborah and Katelin.

It was so precious to see these little girls interact with each other. Both are only children so they each got a rented sister for the weekend.  They actually could pass for sisters, too.

Don't get me wrong, there were times when Gianna pushed the envelope like a typical two year old and Katelin tattled like a typical four year old - but overall they were pleasant and precious.

I got some matching turtle necks for the girls...

...and added a little 'groupie love' on Gianna's.

Even though G was nap-less by the time the show started, she mustered enough awe and excitement as she gazed upon the empty birthday-party-themed stage for the first time.

When the show began, I think Gianna was a little caught off guard.

The awe and wonder was priceless.

Each time there was a quiet moment and Laurie was talking, my spirited little two year old shouted requests of her favorite songs... 

And let me just say, that Laurie Berkner is not only a creative, dynamic, gifted musician and performer ~ but she has UNBELIEVABLE stamina.

When I watch her videos on Nick Jr., I'm always impressed that she sings, plays the guitar and dances for two or three minute stretches.

Watching her in concert was AMAZING! 

For 90 minutes straight she sang, played and danced (like serious jitterbugging!) with no intermission.  Kudos to Laurie.  She earns every bit of her paycheck.

I cannot say enough good about this lady and her talented band and crew.

They certainly provided this little girl and her mommy with a wonderful weekend and special memory to treasure.

* * * * * * * * *

We went back to Houston after the concert and spent another night and morning with our sweet friends.  On Monday they took us to Pump it Up where Gianna wore herself out before we got on the road to go home. 

We are so grateful to the Dennings for their warm hospitality and their precious friendship.

Even though it wasn't the family trip we planned, it turned into an unpexpectedly wonderful time with our treasured friends.