A few fun photos from Gramma & Grampa’s visit.

We celebrated Thanksgiving 2014 at Grammy & Popa’s house in Salem. The day was even more special because Larisa & Orion joined us–Orion was just over a week old!

Mom & Don’s feast was incredible! I wish we had the customary feast photo (in fact, I can’t believe we didn’t take more pictures).

But, we did capture Larisa opening the “Around the World” quilt made by my mom for Orion. She fell in love with the fabric, but because it was out of production, she had to order pieces from around the country. I think it’s one of my favorite mom quilts so far.

Thank you for making Thanksgiving 2013 a special and very relaxing day Grammy & Popa!

P.S. Of course, whenever there’s a baby in the room, below is where you’ll find Don!

 

We are definitely playing some catch up with blogging.

November was an exciting month for the Vails! We proudly became uncle, aunt and cousin to Orion Caswyn Helms. Larisa is an amazing momma and Orion is the sweetest little guy in the world. Alaire LOVES her cousin and “baby,” one of her first words, now has a whole new meaning!

Alaire must have sensed my plan to get up early and start Christmas Eve cooking because the little rooster woke up at 5am with an obvious plan to resist being lured back to sleep.

So, we poured the milk and the coffee and got to work. You can see my little helper was a busy girl.

Nothing like searching the kitchen floor for the right measuring cup!

We cannot tell a lie. We knew it would happen. Let’s consider it pre-payment for the inevitable teenage torture we’re sure to receive!

The line moved us closer to Santa, Alaire’s turn was next. I stepped forward towards Santa and Alaire clutched me, shaking her little head, “no!” with all of her might.

Santa’s elf and I exchanged looks of concern. We all knew what would happen next.

Like ripping off a band-aid, I plopped my terrified little girl on Santa’s lap. If you’ve spent any time with Alaire, you know her cry ramps like a sportscar. Zero to 60 in seconds. And, she cries LOUD!

If there were any children behind with reservations about sitting on Santa’s lap,  I’m sure hearing Alaire’s screams magnified their stranger danger alert.

Sorry Santa! Maybe next year…

 

One of the things I love most about being a parent is watching Alaire’s personality and passions emerge. One obvious passion is music. From the time she could stand, she’d use any object available and make it a stage. When music plays, her little body can’t help but move with the tunes. And, when singing a song for her, she will demand, “more, more!” when the song ends. One day at day care, we received a report that she threw a tantrum with tears when the teacher ended a session of Ring Around The Rosey. I’m sure my mom will get a chuckle at this post, (pay-backs)! Let’s just hope she has Graham’s taste in music, my brother’s ability to harmonize, and my sister’s rhythm! But if not, who cares!? Sing your heart out Alaire!!   

Monday morning started out as any other Monday morning; except that maybe we moved a little more slowly from the long weekend.

Upon arriving at daycare, we took off Alaire’s coat and jacket and then I turned to fill out her sleep and eat report. As I turned around, I saw Little Mr. Johnathan and  Alaire embracing. “Wow!” I exclaimed. But they didn’t separate. I fumbled to unzip my pocket, pull out my phone, unlock it, and they were still hugging by the time my camera was ready to snap the moment.They remained unfazed by my picture taking.

Suddenly, the other boys realized what was happening. They ran over and stood watching, apparently waiting in line for their turn!?

Finally, Alaire & Johnathan separated. Alaire realizing others were waiting, took the opportunity to initiate a group hug with all of the boys.

Why is the song, “Where the boys are” playing in my head right now? Honestly, Graham & I don’t know whether this is adorable or frightening!

Alaire actually picked her costume this year! We shopped together on Amazon and she kept pointing to a little baby in a lion costume. How could I argue??

By Halloween, she mastered the sign for Lion as well as a pretty good roarrrrr noise (which also serves as her airplane noise). Wish we had gotten it on video, but it was a busy day!

Here’s our little lion…