Making Her Wish List

Due to time change and Elyse being set in routine (I know, like her Mama) we were up earlier than normal this morning. Therefore, Elyse thought she would take sometime and read her section of the newspaper ads, the toy ads, and lucky for us, there were much more than normal this weekend.


Speaking of toys, I have come up with a list of somethings I think Elyse may really enjoy. Problem is I feel like toys for two year olds are limited. Therefore, if you have any great suggestions, I would love to hear them!

SOS Need More Good Books

Every week Elyse and I go to the library to check out new books. I LOVE that she enjoys being read to so much. I never object spending time sitting together and reading. I often even catch her reading to herself. The book in the video is Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson. I don't know what it is about this book that brings her so much joy, maybe the simple pictures, the creative story line or the book is thick and small, but for this week, it ranks #1.


My friend Jenny posted this once and I thought it was a great idea. To list some of Elyse and my favorite children's books and then have you comment listing some of yours. There are many wonderful books out there that I often have not heard of. So would you please take a moment and let me know some of yours or your child's favorites?!?!

Here are just a few of our favorites:
-Bear's New Friend (and other Bear books) by Karma Wilson
-Maisy Goes to the Library (and other Maisy books)by Lucy Cousins
-Tiny Baby Jesus by Dandi Daley Mackall
-Fancy Nancy books by Jane O'Connor
-Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
-If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffee Numeroff
-I'll Always Love You by Robert Munsch
-In Case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado
-Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? by Bill Martin, Jr.
-The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
-Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
-Hugs and Kisses by Christophe Loupi
-Corduroy by Don Freeman
-There's An Alligator Under My Bed by Mercer Mayer
-Olivia series by Ian Falconer
-Curious George series by Hans Augusto Rey

Mini Picasso

Elyse received a paint set from her Nana and Papa for Halloween. She has spent many hours painting pictures. She really doesn't ever get tired of drawing, coloring or painting. I don't foreseeing her having any trouble not getting an "A" in art class while in school.

A Halloween As "Sweet" As Can Be

As you can see from the picture below, Elyse and her friends all went as M&M's this year for Halloween. My friend, Jenny and I made the costumes. I don't think they turned out all that bad and the kiddos looked so adorable in them.

The Sweetest M&M's ever: Dieter, Aiden, Elyse, Mason and Willow
The M&M's and Mari the ladybug right before trick-o-treating. They were troopers, going almost an hour in 40 degree weather. They LOVED it and their pumpkins sure were heavy at the end.
Overall, it was a very successful and super fun Halloween. We had all our friends over for some great fall foods and then spent the night celebrating with the kids. Nate and I feel so blessed to be surrounded with such amazing friends and neighbors. I could keep going on about this evening, but after taking the decorations down, doing this post and getting ready for tomorrow, I'm exhausted. Good night and hope you all had a Happy Halloween!

Storytime Halloween Edition

Storytime at the library today was extra fun and that's because it was the Halloween edition. The kids, the librarian, Ms. Kay and her puppet, Arnold all dressed up in their Halloween costumes. The books were all about Halloween, the room was decked out in Halloween stuff, and the kids even got to take home a cute trick-or-treat bag. It was not only enjoyable for Elyse, but I.
After storytime, best picture I got. Too many cameras at one time.


Elyse didn't wear her actual Halloween costume because I didn't want her to ruin it or spoil what she is really going to be. Super excited about it though. Therefore, she went as a ballerina (thanks Aunt Amelia for the tutu). She spent her entire morning dancing and twirling. I did not show her what to do, but as you can see in the video, she knows just how a ballerina dances. Guess Nate and I better start saving up for all those dancing leotards and costumes ;)

Monkey Towel

To cousin Liam: Thank you for introducing and sharing your monkey towel with me when I came to visit you in September. I loved it so much that I wanted one of my own.

To Grandpa and Grandma: Thank you for buying me my own monkey towel, I love it!

This past weekend, Nate's parents came to visit. It was a very quick trip and we were so busy that we didn't take one picture. It was great having them here and like normal, Elyse got spoiled. Therefore, thank you Mike and Kathy for everything! We miss you both already.

Two or Five?

So many people have told me that Elyse doesn't look or act like a typical two year old. I most often shrug my shoulders and say, "Yeah" not really thinking about it. Except I saw it this week. While she had her backpack on and just about to walk out the door to go to school I looked at her and instantly visioned her being in kindergarten.
For those of you who know Elyse, what do you think, two or five?