Photos from Christmas day

Aria, Mommy and Daddy had a wonderful Christmas day. After getting up and having a quick bite to eat we started opening presents. Aria had many wonderful presents from Karen's and Ted's families and from Amber's and Charlie's families. Aria would pick out each present from under the Christmas tree and then take it to one of us to open. She likes to focus on each present and enjoy it until moving on to the next one. Since that process took many hours we took a break for a scrumptious breakfast that Karen prepared for us. In the afternoon we took a walk in the park. It was a sunny day but cool. Aria liked sliding down the icy slides at the playground. In the late afternoon we enjoyed sharing the contents of our stockings. The kitties even got their own stockings with toys that Aria could throw to them. It was a wonderful Christmas day.

Aria enjoyed opening each present.




























































Aria received a pretty new dress and a potty training doll that she really likes.

















... and some animal magnets. She's already covered the dishwasher with a whole herd of animals and learned some new words, like flamingo and peacock.










In the middle of opening presents we enjoyed Mommy's scrumptious baked apple pancakes.












Super cute new overalls and a present from last year that Aria still enjoys.

















At the end of a busy day Aria took a nap under the Christmas tree.

Aria's Indoor Swing

Since Aria doesn't get as many opportunities to swing outside during the winter months, we decided to set up a swing inside of our house. As you can see, it works quite well and Aria really enjoys it. She often asks to swing before dinner. We sometimes give her the choice of swinging or painting after dinner. Sometimes she swings a little and then gets to paint before bed. At one time in the video you can hear her say "paint" when she's done swinging and ready to go paint. At another point you see her swinging as viewed from the kitchen as mommy washes dishes. At the end of the video you get to see her share her swing with a friend. Video taken Dec. 13, 14 and 20, 2009.

Oct-Nov photo highlights

As usual, I'm behind in posting my favorite Aria photos. Here are some from October through early December.

A very grown up Aria sitting in a chair reading a magazine, just like Mommy and Daddy. Photo taken October 2, 2009.

















Trying to walk in Mommy's shoes. Photo taken October 7, 2009.

















Showing off her first pony tail while out on a walk on Orcas Island. Don't worry, Mommy's coffee cup is empty! Photo taken October 24, 2009.
















No, she's not potty trained yet, but she does like to try sitting. Photo taken November 3, 2009.



















Playing with her new elephant puppet. Photo taken November 16, 2009.


















Pouring water at her "kitchen sink." Photo taken December 1, 2009.













Showing off her pretty pink feet in the bath. Photo taken December 2, 2009.