Closing out 2011

Our Christmas festivities are over now and we are thankful for much as this year ends. As you can see in these photos, our little MJ finds joy in the small things - we hope to capture her delight in each day as we enter this new year. :)

happy new year!

play kitchen :)

Meredith's special Christmas gift this year was a play kitchen. :) Erik and I found this kitchen at a church rummage sale nearly 3 years ago...yes, before we even had Meredith, but when I saw it I knew it was the one! The price of $5 helped convince both of us that it was worth keeping in the basement until one day when we had a little person just the size for it. :)

Meredith didn't know what was coming...she was busy getting her pots and pans organized...

She immediately got to work once her kitchen was uncovered..."wonderful! A place to put all these pots and pans."

little ceramic cups, plates and bowls? yes, please!

A Melissa and Doug pizza set was a recent score at a consignment store - just the thing!

Lots going on in this kitchen! :)

Christmas 2011

We took a last minute trip down to North Carolina to be with Jane's family this Christmas. Jane's Grandma's health is declining, so we are thankful to have the opportunity to be with her over this holiday.

Manger scene that Jane remembers playing with as a child :)

Christmas morning!

One of Meredith's Christmas gifts was a cozy red robe just her size! She LOVES it!

new colored pencils from Mama

Here I am modeling my new bow tie

(made by Jane!)

:) :) :)

On our way down to NC, we stopped by to see Jonny, Bria and Lila Mae.

We need to get these cousins together more - they are so sweet to each other. :)

We love spreading Christmas out (before and after) so when gifts come early, we often can't resist opening them on the spot. Below are two gifts MJ has already received.

Bruno and Jolyn sent her an awesome giraffe hat. There is a matching neck warmer (missing in this pic) that continues the face. She loves modeling it!

This week, Philip Maneval, the executive director at PCMS, gave MJ a zebra pull toy. Here she is with her animal parade - marching around with the zebra and an old alligator in tow.

Mariah's visit

We had a wonderful visit with out dear friend, Mariah last week. Each day held new adventure, nourishing fellowship and tastes of Philadelphia life, with lots of tea/coffee drinking and dreaming. :)

gathering for breakfast

Two evenings spent downtown at PCMS concerts!

fun baking afternoon

dancing with MJ

exploring cool Mt. Airy shops together

one of the many coffee/chai tea stops :)

We love you, Mariah! Come again SOON!!

(last 3 photos by Mariah)

Strawberry Top Hat

A package arrived this week and there was a little gift especially for MJ. Of course this Mama and little girl can't wait until Christmas (why not spread out the joy?!)...so, we opened it. :)

A strawberry top hat just MJ's size! Knitted with love by Jane Hutchinson, our dear friend in Seattle.

As you can see from these photos - Meredith loves her new bold style. :)

Jane Hutchinson knit a smaller version of this hat when MJ was a little baby. :)

Castle

Saturday morning Daddy and Meredith had some special time together while Mama popped out for some errands. Their main activity was the building and maintaining of a gigantic block fortress! (and...MJ playing dress up with Daddy's scarf)

Whew! That was exhausting...a much needed rest time is in order!