Happy Birthday, Penny!

I can't believe it's been 2 years since I got a phone call from my big brother saying that Liz was in labor. He waited until 6am to call me, although they had headed to the hospital in the middle of the night. I immediately threw some clothes in a suitcase, packed up 5 month old Addie, and drove from Tampa to Atlanta. I woudn't have missed her birthday for the world. Now, that sweet, tiny little baby is 2! She is hilariously funny. She is SO VERY smart. She is strong willed. She is adorable. Obviously, she takes after her favorite Aunt. :) I am so very, very thankful that she and Addie will grow up best friends and as close as can be. She is the closest thing Addie will ever have to a sister, and Addie loves her with all her heart. She talks about "Peeeeenie" every single day, and is forever needing to go to "Peeeenie's house". They play together so well, and truly just enjoy each other.

We headed to Atlanta to celebrate her big day with her, and had such a great time!

 Liz's cute Birthday Banner she made!

The cake

Cupcakes

Liz, Penny, and Chris

A little flashback from her Birthday last year, then this year.

The Birthday girl clapping when everyone was done singing to her.

Opening some presents

Trying out the camera Addie got for her.

Playing in the leaves after the party

Oh how I love these sweet girls!

And just to show how much Addie has grown in a year, this is playing in the leaves last year at Penny's party, then this year.

Happy, Happy Birthday Penny! We love you so very much, and can not wait to see what the next year brings!

Ballet

When Addie very first started her ballet classes back in June, needless to say it was chaotic. And by chaotic I mean 10 little brand new 2 year olds screaming for dear life and clinging to their mamas legs for all they were worth as sweet Ms. Lori pulled them off one by one and placed them all, still screaming, in the studio with her. It was, perhaps, one of the most hilarious and heartbreaking things to watch. They would generally calm down after a few minutes and then get into the class, and it only lasted a few weeks before they were fine to go on in.
Now, I literally have to hide Addie's "Dancin' Clothes" as she calls them, from her until it's time to walk out the door. The girl LOVES it. And I love that she loves it! I can NOT say enough good things about Children's Dance Foundation! Ms. Lori is absolutely so sweet and patient with these crazy 2 year olds, and they just adore her. They also have a fabulous piano player (Mr. Steve) who is so nice and patient as well! This last week they got fitted for their Spring Recital Outfits. I can not wait to see the cuteness... (on another note, the 2 year olds don't perform at the BIG Spring Recital. They found they got too freaked out, so they have a special performance in one of the studios for Parents/Friends/Family, etc...smart idea, really...) (disclaimer...these pictures are being shot through a 2 way mirror, so the quality is not great...)

Love my little ballerina! 

Happy Halloween!

Addie was "Holly Golightly" ala Audrey Hepburnfor Halloween this year. This is absolutely my favorite costume she's had to date. It was posted on Pinterest, and luckily my friend Kera was crafty enough to figure out how to make it, then walk me through it. LOVE how it all turned out. (I had to add  long sleeve shirt and tights because it was cold out!)