Thursday, December 16, 2010

They're Home!

Last Saturday was a very happy day! Uncle Brett & Aunt Kate returned from their three month adventure in Argentina, and their biggest fan was so happy! We had been counting down the days, and Marilyn was so excited to travel to the airport to pick them up.

Marilyn went as far as she was allowed to go and waited "patiently" at the red line for Aunt Kate & Uncle Brett to appear. She exclaimed to several passengers, "you are not Aunt Kate or Uncle Brett". Then she echoed down the terminal, "Uncle Brett, Aunt Kate, Where are YOU???" It was very cute and come to find out Kate and Brett actually heard her calling for them before they could see her. We are thrilled they made it home safely and are excited to share the holiday excitement with them.

Holiday Excitement!

November and December have been zooming by, and I realized have not updated the blog recently. We are doing wonderfully and are excited about the holiday festivities. Here are a few from around the house.

Marilyn is quite the little tree decorator or rather re-decorator. Every time I look at the tree the ornaments on the bottom half have been rearranged. And for the most part, they all collect on one branch. When asked about this, Marilyn explained that the ornaments need to be near their friends, so that is why she puts them all on one branch. I think it is too cute so I spread them back out and the next time I look, they have been moved again.

Marilyn loves the Christmas decorations as much as I do and has two Hallmark Ornament books that she carries around. She has also taken to creating storylines and a back story for the ornaments in the book. She is so funny that I cannot help but play along. I love the excitement she shows for all things Christmas... who knows where that came from!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Halloween



So on Halloween, Marilyn decided it was ok to be a purple witch... as you can see, there is no purple. She is so funny about what she will and will not wear... and once again, this is a small battle, so I smile and move on. She was adorable as a witch!

She wore her outfit for the afternoon and went on an adventure with Grandpa. She arrived home hyped on sugar and equipped with a flashlight for trick or treating. We are so thankful for these wonderful times, they mean so much!

As the time for trick-or-treating approached, she claimed to be too tired to go out. We bribed her with candy and she complied in putting her costume back on. It was a chilly, breezy evening, so we hit a few houses and headed home to help Daddy hand out candy. This thrilled her. She changed into her princess nightgown and announced trick-or-treaters the rest of the evening.

My favorite part was when she would say trick-or-treat to the kids at the door, and they would get confused about what they were supposed to say to her. She was so excited to give them candy... she was much more generous with the candy distribution than I am, especially with the good candy, so that had to be corralled, but she did a great job!

The dogs begrudgingly dressed as ladybugs again. I think it's so cute and it cracks me up as they try to help each other take off the outfits... hehe.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Zoo Boo 2010

We shared a beautiful Saturday evening at Zoo Boo with Grandma & Grandpa. It was so much fun seeing all the kids dressed up. For this evening, Marilyn chose to be a pink dancer of some sort. She has been fickle with her costume choice and has been saying she wanted to be a purple witch. So when it came time to get dressed, she wanted nothing to do with the witch costume and chose her pink dress-up outfit. I think the cute pink shoes and glasses were a nice touch. The flower bracelet, necklace and baby doll complete the look. I figure we pick our battles and she was happy so it all worked.





We are delighted that she is now wearing a contact in her left eye and can actually wear fun glasses like the other kids. It was also great letting her bounce her heart out in the bounce house and not worrying about her glasses. Yeah for the little things!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Senior Night

My wonderful cousin Joshua is a high school senior. He has grown and matured into a wonderful young man, and I am certain there are big things in his future. Two weeks ago, Center Grove had their Senior Night festivities during the football game. Poor Marilyn was not feeling well, but we bundled up and made our way there to support Joshua and his wonderful parents as they walked the track with the other Senior band members. My darling Godmother, Aunt Ronna has been tearing up for a year in preparation of these milestones for her first born and now as a hormonal pregnant mother, I feel I better understand her emotions. We were so happy to share in this special night and look forward to other special nights this year.

Brown County

On a beautiful Saturday in early October we took the beautiful drive to Brown County State Park and Nashville, IN. The leaves were beautiful and the weather was perfect. It was a bit warmer, but it made for a wonderful day exploring the park and shops of Nashville.

Marilyn was thrilled to ride the pony. She brought her little Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) along for the trip and told her all about the fun they would have on the pony ride. As you can see, she was sure to give her a good lookout point atop the pony.

Being back at the Brown County stables reminded me of the yearly camping trips Kate and I made there with our Brenton Grandparents. We always had such a wonderful time camping and were treated to a trail ride with Grandpa & Grandma. Those will always remain one of my treasured memories, and I was happy to bring Marilyn to someplace I remember so fondly.

Marilyn and her wonderful Daddy

Friday, October 29, 2010

The Pumpkin Patch

We visited the Anderson Orchard Pumpkin Patch weeks ago but have been so slow about posting pictures. Yikes! Let's hope that the first trimester weariness is behind us now and we can stay up to date on sharing these great times.
We had the perfect conditions for a delightful day: mild weather, bright blue skies and an excited three year old. We had some delicious apple cider, carmel apples and treats.

In search of the perfect pumpkin

The pumpkin patch has little pumpkin tickets that you redeem when you pick out your pumpkin. Well, Marilyn thought it was a picture of the EXACT pumpkin we were supposed to find. The pictured pumpkin has eyes, a nose, mouth and a little curly tuft on top. She searched diligently through the field, scrunching down and examining all the pumpkins to find the one with a face. We ultimately convinced her that the we just needed to pick one, and we would make our own face on it.

We had a great day at the pumpkin patch, as it is always one of my favorite Fall outings.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Marilyn the Big Sister!

Marilyn is excited to announce that she will be a BIG SISTER!!!

The Easter Bunny will be bringing more than just eggs to the Smith residence in 2011. At just over 9 weeks along, we were surprised by this exciting news. We met with the doctor on Friday, and our due date is April 29 2011. We feel so blessed and pray for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Aunt Kate & Uncle Brett surprised us with an adorable LL Bean bag for the newest Smith and two cute outfits and bibs. Aunt Ronna has also started another library with "Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What do You See".

When we told Marilyn she was going to be a big sister, she replied, "I am a sister- I have Zelda!" (our new cat) We decided 9 months is a long time to wait for a big surprise so we can let her realization grow over time. Once the crib takes the place of her toys in the spare room, Marilyn may start to understand that magic word of siblings... SHARE! We are so excited for this wonderful gift and look forward to April.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Marilyn's 3rd Birthday!

On Sunday September 12th, we celebrated Marilyn's 3rd Birthday! And she was beyond thrilled! She selected the Dora theme months ago and has been eagerly anticipating this special day. She squealed with delight at the Dora decorations and her cake. She checked it in the refrigerator at least a dozen times before the party and could hardly wait for her guests to arrive.

Marilyn announced when everyone arrived and was so excited to see her growing pile of presents. She did great opening her gifts and was quick to say Thank You! She definitely still prefers gift bags to wrapping paper... and heaven forbid a ribbon slow down the opening process.

So many wonderful treats that our playroom is now exploding. And the new big girl princess bike from Pappaw Don & Grandma Jane brought big smiles.
Enjoying her yummy cake


We were blessed with a house full of family.


Showing off her new Cinderella dress while playing her band instruments

Big smiles and a sleepy girl mean a successful 3rd birthday for our wonderful Marilyn Jane

Armed with dueling cameras, Kate and Brett came ready to help in any way. They arrange their globe-trotting travel itinerary around this special day, and we are so grateful they choose to spend these special moments with us. Thank you for the wonderful pictures and for all your help!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Turning Three!

Our big girl is turning three on Sunday. I cannot believe how quickly these years have gone. It seems like just yesterday we were eagerly awaiting her arrival. What a wonderful three years!
Happy Birthday Marilyn!
Thanks Brett for the wonderful picture of our sweet Marilyn!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Labor Day

We spent the Sunday of Labor Day weekend relaxing around the pond at Great-Grandpa & Grandma Brenton's house. Almost the whole Brenton family was there to enjoy the day. It was another beautiful day, and the fish were biting.

Marilyn loves to fish! She even served as Grandpa's worm helper and brought him worms to use... much more into fishing than her mother. I love these pictures Brett took and can't believe what a big girl she is becoming.

Weekend Fun

We enjoyed great weather over Labor Day weekend and took advantage by spending time outside. Here are some shots of Marilyn watering the plants and our evening of smores around the fire.

Great Times with Brett & Kate

Marilyn has had a wonderful time with Aunt Kate and Uncle Brett since they returned from their adventure. And I love having them back too... more than for just the free childcare and wonderful pictures!



As you can see, Marilyn has become quite the big kid at the playground. She thinks she can do anything and with her super long legs and tall body- she blends in with the older kids. She loves playing, climbing, sliding and just spending time with her favorite people!

Welcome Zelda!

A few weeks ago we welcomed a new addition to our furry family. Zelda comes to us from Chicago by way of Fort Wayne. She was my dear friend Jeff's cat and could no longer stay in Chicago so now we are lucky to have her. Yes, our animal count is now two dogs and two cats.

She may be the most cuddly cat I have ever seen. She is wonderfully fluffy and full of purrs. Marilyn is thrilled to have a new cat- especially one that will let her pet her and play, as our other cat is a bit more skittish.

Here are some cute pictures Brett took of Marilyn and Zelda (and Spud)


Aunt Kate is Home!

Kate came home! After what seemed like the never-ending globe trotting adventure, Aunt Kate returned to Indianapolis. Our sitter was on maternity leave and Kate graciously agreed to fly in and watch Miss. Marilyn. Brett stayed on the East Coast to reconnect with family and friends after their oversees adventure.
Marilyn was beyond thrilled to see Kate. Here we are at the airport. She was so excited she couldn't speak, and for our little chatter bug that is huge!

Kate spoiled Marilyn with lots of adventures and fun during their two weeks together. Here they are at the bouncy house, enjoying a snack and showing off Marilyn's prized Jeter shirt. Every time she puts it on, she says "Uncle Brett will really like my shirt today!" She certainly knows how to keep her Uncle Brett smiling.

Thank you so much Kate and Brett for willingly spending two weeks apart and giving us some wonderful time with Aunt Kate!

Visit with Grandaddy & Grandma

We were happy to have a visit from Grandaddy Robert & Grandma Kirk in early August. They spent time playing with Marilyn and even made it to the Children's Museum. Here are a few from their visit.


Big Smiles

We have enjoyed good times over the past few months... even just at the mall. Marilyn is at such a great age and is so much fun!

Here she is riding the school bus at the mall... her reward for being a good girl. (She does not always get the reward... hard to believe!) She was also so cute holding the hands of the mannequins in a store... thank goodness for the handiness of a camera phone.



Making silly faces in her club house.


And our beautiful daisies! They were huge this year and I just could not get over how nice they looked. Hunter even surprised me with several bouquets for the house.


Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Indiana State Fair

We enjoyed three fair visits this year. But the State Fair was by far the hottest. It was a sticky, HOT night when we went, as they all seemed to be in early August. Hopefully next year it will be a bit cooler, and we can enjoy it a bit more. We all rode the ferris wheel together and then watched a bit of the roller derby game. Fun!

Fun Days with Dad

Marilyn and Hunter enjoyed several days of fun trips to the Zoo and Children's Museum while our sitter was on maternity leave. Here are some shots of their fun adventures.
Which always ended the same way...
with a very sleepy bear.

Marion County Fair

We also made a trip to the Marion County Fair this year. It was a great time and Marilyn was THRILLED to ride the rides. She had an unlimited ride bracelet and had a blast. I think the Dumbo ride was her favorite.



More Fun with Grandma Jane

Here are a few more pictures of our wonderful visit with Grandma Jane!