Fabulous Fall!

I took Laina to the forts and old mansion at Fort Williams after Max's party and got some great shots of her. Joe and I used to come here so often when we lived in Portland but its just a bit too out of the way now. There are other beautiful spots we like closer to home so we never seem to make it up this way. But since I was here anyway...I decided to snap a few fun pictures of Laina.

Apple Picking

I'm so happy that we were able to squeeze in apple picking this year. It's been a busy fall and I wasn't sure we would make it but we were able to do it and we had such a lovely time. The orchard we've been to the past couple of years still ranks as our favorite. Good apples, fun straw maze, live music, yummie pumpkin whoopie pies. We just love Fall.

Laina's Gymnastics Party

Laina celebrated her 5th birthday with her friends having a gymnastics party at the place she takes gymnastics. Laina has been going here for a couple of years and she really enjoys herself. Having her party there was wonderful. She had the whole gym to herself for just her and her little group of friends. The instructors were incredible and did such a wonderful job with the kids. Everyone had a wonderful time and I truly felt like this was the most fun birthday party Laina has had yet. It did my heart a world of good to see the constant smile on Laina's face at her party.

We Love You Grammy Liza

Today was a sad day. We said goodbye to Grammy Liza today. Grammy just loved Laina to pieces. She used to watch Laina's every move and just ate up every second with her. Grammy loved her grandchildren more than anything. We will miss your smiling face and rosy cheeks. We know that you are watching over us now and we feel protected and safe. We are relieved to know that you are at peace now but we will miss you terribly. We love you Grammy. We love you very, very much.

Scooter!

One of Laina's favorite birthday gifts was her new scooter from Grampy. She's been having a great time mastering the two wheel scooter and she flies down the driveway and down the street!

Happy 5th Birthday Laina!

What a BIG day! Happy 5th Birthday Laina. We took our traditional trip to the beach for your birthday. This year Daddy made a cool "5" sign to bring with us. You loved digging in the sand and playing at the beach and didn't want to leave. But we had a fun day ahead of us. We all headed down to Grammy and Grampy's house and had a fun celebration with everyone who loves you to pieces. You had a Princess Tiana party and we had a wonderful fun day celebrating YOU!

Good Night Sweet Four Year Old

Laina,

Tonight I put you to bed for the last time as a four year old. I gave you 5 kisses because we always give one kiss for each year plus one for good luck. Tomorrow you will wake up a five year old which just feels so grown up to me. You're a school kid now. You're not my baby, you're not my toddler, you're not my pre-schooler, you're my school kid. But you know what - even when you're my 18 year old school kid - - - you'll still be my baby. I love you sweet four year old. Tomorrow's a big day!

Mommy