Like everyone else practically around the world, we have been totally confined to the walls of our home as of late due to flipping freezing temps. We went from one of the hottest summers on record to a deep, mid-winter-style freeze that is making us all go a little batty. I try to find stuff for Genevieve to do which will drain her energy, and a new favorite activity is watching ballet on YouTube. She loves it. Loves watching it, loves copying it, loves going on her tiptoes, everything. She has recently demanded various wardrobe changes for her dancing time. Who knew her flower girl dress from Erin and Steve's wedding would see so much action? Our little Sugar Plum Fairy also will occasionally require her silver shoes, her purple sunglasses, or any combination thereof. So the other night we indoctrinated Daddy to a world with which he will soon be very familiar.
We've also been spending our ample inside time going to the library and reading tons and tons of books. Since she's had the alphabet down for almost a year I thought I might start working on spelling and sounding out words. All this concentrated letter time seems to be having an effect:
Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd the holiday rush has begun. It started with a multi-family Thanksgiving weekend, when we spent Thanksgiving day with Karl & Kathy, and then my parents came for a visit from Saturday through Monday. While the boys were watching football on Thanksgiving day, Grandma took GG for a spin in Great Grandma's ride. She totally loved it.
Round and round and round: it's like the Elderly 500
The big meal was fantastic, and we enjoyed the annual holiday debate over exactly what temperature the bird should be when it comes out.
Careful consideration is taken before the first slice
We hid out upstairs during the carving craziness
On Sunday we went with my parents to visit the big man himself: Santa. Before we went I showed Genevieve pictures of herself sitting on Santa's lap last year and we talked about how fun it was to tell Santa what you want for Christmas. We were the second people in line and she was all pumped up to see him. We saw him coming down the corridor - it was the big moment! She took one look at him and turned to me with big eyes and outstretched arms and demanded, "UP PLEASE". Granted this Santa was a big dude, but she was seriously having none of it. So we watched the first family of three kids go, and they did great. Then it was G's turn and the waterworks started. I set her on my knee and scooted in close. She was gripping on to me like a fat kid with a candy bar but this wise Santa knew just what to do. He turned to her and asked, "Do you like dollies?" The tears slowed down and she turned back to him and said, ::sniff sniff:: "Yeahhh". He said, "Do you like Elmo?" She replied, "Yeahhhhhh". He said, "Do you like Dora?" She almost smiled and said, "Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh". It was hilarious. And we were able to end with a hug for Santa so we'll leave it at that for the 2-year-old visit.
I've got my list!
No way, Mama
This is when he asked if she liked dollies
Take the hug and run
Feeling super brave post-visit
The next weekend we got the tail end of what every other Midwesterner has already enjoyed this winter: the first snow. A couple of sloppy, wet inches fell overnight and gave us the chance to bust out the snowsuit the next day to help Daddy shovel.
Yo mom. Have fun drying these hats and mittens off
Perfect snowball snow
Helping dad shovel. We bought her a tiny shovel the next day which she now insists on carrying around in the house. It's especially adorable when she swings it around like a weapon.
Snow baby!
The whole snow family, including a noseless mom, an eyeball-less baby, a blobby dad, and a no legged poodle.
And in keeping up with all things holiday, we finally got our little tree up on Monday of this week. G was all about helping decorate. Unfortunately she couldn't keep herself contained while we strung the lights so it was possibly the longest amount of time ever spent on putting lights on such a small tree. Oh well, we finished just slightly past bedtime so all was right with the world.
Analyzing the angles
Can't forget the baseball ornaments (or as G says, the ordaments)
Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeze
Telling daddy to "put it wayyyyyyyy up there!"
Well, we did say it was a stocking...
Choosing just the right spot
Family '10. Like how I had to wrestle Ralphie into the picture? Pretty much sums it up.
Last weekend was the much anticipated joining of two fabulous people: Erin Manning and Steve Maio. Woo hoo! When Steve told me in the summer of '09 that he had bought a ring, I remember thinking that she must be some kind of chick since that was by far the most grown up thing Steve had ever done on his own. And as we've gotten to know Erin better since then, she truly is awesome. Funny and easy going, she and Steve are a perfect balance. Plus she's got a great sense of style so of course I heart her.
All three of us were part of the wedding party with Matt as best man, me as bridesmaid, and Genevieve as cutest flower girl ever. She joined up with Erin's niece Samantha for their flower girl duties and practiced their task at the rehearsal:
Wait, what do you mean the bride is the star of the show? We think not.
Parents of the groom
I told Matt on the drive to the rehearsal that I would be going after as many family pictures as I could get, so please just deal with it. Here is the first.
The bride and her proud pappa
The rehearsal went well and the dinner was fabulous. Matt stayed with Steve at their parents' house so I was on my own with GG on Saturday morning. We got out the door and I deposited her with her daddy, then Kathy and I were off to the salon to get beautiful. I scurried a few members of the bridal party here and there, and finally drove Erin and her mom, April, to the church. The boys showed up just after we did but the couple held to tradition and didn't see each other before the ceremony. We ladies got ready in the big bridal room, including the flower girls of course.
"I brush my hair"
Me and Geeg
Why yes grandma, you may put my shoes on
Ready to hit the aisle!
Samantha and her mom, Julie (Erin's sister and matron of honor)
I don't have any photos of the ceremony because I was otherwise committed for that hour. But it was a lovely ceremony and there was barely a dry eye as Erin walked down the aisle. Genevieve and Samantha did fabulously and didn't seem to even flinch as they headed down. I was a very proud mama. Plus I got to walk with not one but two groomsmen. Jealous? Should be.
We did photos after the ceremony and then hopped into a trolley to head to a covered bridge in Cedarburg for more outdoor shots. I grabbed a couple shots of the newlyweds as we got the party started:
Outside the church - so happy!
Who's got the bride's drink?
Fellow wedding party members (Erin's brother and sister-in-law) Leah and Eric
Erin and I bonded over footwear immediately
Steve hasn't yet realized this is what he'll be seeing the rest of his life
Made in the shade
Mixologist Eric takes over for Matt
Me and the groom
Sisters-in-law!
Julie's hubby Brian. He may or may not have consumed his fair share of adult beverages.
We finally got to the covered bridge (how did we ever get anywhere before smart phones?) and while the light was perfect for pictures, it was really, really cold. One gust of wind up the skirt is all it takes to chill a bridesmaid to the bone!
Check out the bouquet - hand made by bridesmaid Ashley. I see a new industry on the horizon...
The lovelies. Side note to photographer Matt: next time you see a port a potty in the background, just ask the subjects to scootch over.
F is for fish. F is for fricking freezing.
Smooches
Erin switched shoes with a groomsman. Klassy.
Four Maios
Here is what happens when you let drunk boys play in a covered bridge
GorGEOUS!
Steve had to ask, "Dip her? What's a dip?" No wonder Erin is holding on for dear life.
After the fab photos, we trolley'd back to the reception where the bride and groom welcomed their guests and we chowed down.
Grant and Kristen
Who let this guy in?
Best man
They've arrived!
After dinner it was time to get down on the dance floor. Genevieve actually couldn't wait for dinner to end...she was on the floor running in circles while the rest of the guests ate. With such a big day and no nap to speak of, the girl was running on pure adrenaline, but was having a fabulous time.
Taking a floor break. I am so showing this picture at her wedding.
The lovely bride and groom
I'm getting a litttttttttttttttttle cranky...
...and she's back! Gee, if only there was someone paying attention to her, like a doting grandparent.
Or great auntie
Or another great auntie
Ha ha suckers, can't get me off the dance floor!
Jammin' with Kristen
Showing Shawn how it's done
Mel and Steve take a breather
Mother/son dance
More adoring fans
Reason #184 why we adore Erin
2005 vs 2010
At 11 p.m. I had to physically carry my child off the dance floor and take her home. She absolutely freaked out about leaving, and up until the second she fell asleep in the car she was saying, "Mama, more dancing. MORE DANCING!".
All in all it was a fabulous day, and we were so glad to be part of it. Congratulations, you crazy kids!!
