Snow White and the Seven Thousand Pictures...

Kate chose her Halloween costume this year on a shopping trip to Target. She selected Snow White (My mom would be proud. Snow White was always her favorite because she was a brunette!). The red glitter shoes would have been perfect for Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, and just so I could say I made a little part of her costume, I made the red bow for her hair. On Thursday, we attempted to do the walk in Kirkwood with Shelly, Jason, Sara, Jenny, and Emmy, but it was pouring down rain and lightening, so we just ordered pizza and hung out after taking pictures. On Saturday, we met up with Kate's neighborhood friend, Ella, and did the neighborhood trick-or-treating circuit. Kate was pulled in a wagon, and Ella was pushed on a nifty trike with handle. After an early scary surprise where one of our neighbors was wearing a scary mask, before every house Kate would say, "Is there going to be a mask?" I replied with, "No, not this time." Then after every single house, she would say, "Is it still trick-or-treat time?" When I responded with, "Yes it is!" she would say, "I love Halloweeny!" Our little Snow White had a magnificent time:)

Playing Catch Up...

I have been neglectful about updating recently, so here is a mixture of several different events/happenings as of late. The first series is from the wedding of, get this, my former student (had her in class as a 9th and 11th grader), then student teacher, now colleague...Jessica. I am with my wonderful husband and fantastic colleagues in the pics. Next, Kate decided to turn a simple picture request on my part into a photo shoot. Note the hands on hips, head tilts, etc. Since we no longer need the diaper changing pad, she has turned it into a lounging pad. She is chilling on the coffee table, crossing her legs, reading a book, watching tv...multitasking at its best. Finally, we have the pumpkin carving pictures, and, unlike last year, I was wise enough to take pictures of the actual finished pumpkins! I'm starting to figure this whole thing out! Note the Dora one for Kate and the Hawkeyes one for Greg and me (though Kate seriously requested it). I suppose even a young lad such as herself knows a good (8-0!) team when she sees one!

I love to play dress up!

At Grandma and Grandpa's this weekend, Kate improvised with a skirt on her head and some fake flowers to become a blushing bride.

Sunday School- Day 2!

After a full work week, Kate was not quite as excited to go to Sunday School this morning as she was last week, but we were proud of her maintaining her composure, because the two little boys were sobbing when their parents dropped them at the door while Kate and the other little girl in the class were calm and collected. Last week when we picked her up, she showed us how she learned to bow and put her hands together to pray properly. This week she showed us how she learned to play Duck, Duck, Goose:)

1st day of school...Sunday School that is!

Today was Kate's very first day of Sunday School. She was really excited and even took her Cinderella purse along, noting the special occasion. She was donned in an adorable dress courtesy of Aunt Marcia and Uncle Joe. When we picked her up after our church service was over, she was so proud to show us the "artwork" she created. I think she'll be eager to return next week!

Wedding Weekend in Bloomington

Greg's cousin, Denver, was married in Bloomington last weekend, so we spent the weekend at Grandma and Grandpa Adam's house. In the second picture, Kate is hanging out with Alayna (she followed her around during much of the reception). In the third picture, I am thoroughly impressed with Kate's passe (where she puts her leg up in preparation for a pirouette- so proud!). At the end of the reception, Kate received a cute candy bag and got to try gummy butterflies for the first time (needless to say putting her to bed at the end of the evening was fun!). Finally, in the pictures at the park, Kate is sporting her very first official big-girl ponytail. With the sunglasses to top it off, she looks ready for Kindergarten.

Citygarden with Em and Jen

It was our turn to head to the city for the Emmy/Kate playdate series:) We decided to take advantage of the warm weather and go to Citygarden so the girls could play in the fountains. They had a great time, got soaking wet, and gave us some great photo-opps. The best part is that, though Jenny and I are, in essence, forcing our girls to be friends because we are lifelong friends, Kate genuinely loves Emmy. She looks forward to every visit with Em and always lists her as a favorite. She must just sense how much I love Jenny and know that if Jen is so special, Emmy must be, too!

Don't Blink!

As I get emotionally ready to head back to school (August 11th already!), I'm taking a walk down memory lane by posting pictures from Kate at 6 months, 1 year, 1 1/2 years, 2 years, and 2 1/2 years (just taken this week). Our little girl who was once a chubby little cherub is now a tall, spunky toddler. Every time we blink, I swear she changes immensely!
6 months

1 year

1 1/2 years

2 years

2 1/2 years