Elf on the Shelf 2014

We had so much fun this year with Lily's Elf on the Shelf, Pepper!

This was my FAVORITE! Pepper got naughty as Lillers slept.

Her response to seeing Pepper's handiwork was ADORABLE!

Pepper and pals climbed the rope. Reminds me of gym class in high school!!

Peppers friends tried to blackmail Pepper into meeting Santa. Pepper did NOT give in. Way to go Pepper!




Take that you Alien Scum!!!!


























Poker time! I wonder if Pepper will win!

Daddy helped me with their "hands" Poor Pepper is about to crap out.

Lily had an ear infection. To cheer her up, Pepper colored some pictures.




On this day, Pepper brought Lily a special Elf movie. She wanted NOTHING to do with it.
She liked watching other stuff on her little DVD player but what was having NONE of the Elf.




Caravan!







Scrub a dub dub! Marshmallows in the tub!

Queen of the Gorillas!

Lily-Queen of the Gorillas

Yesterday was "Monday Funday."  On Mondays I take off work to have adventures with Lily. Usually, we are joined by my best pal, Debra and her daughter, Cari. Yesterday they were sick so we went it alone.

We went to the Columbus Zoo and had the BEST day.

The Zoo was practically deserted and many exhibits were closed (Heart of Africa, the playgrounds, etc) but it turned out to be a huge blessing. There were no lines, no taking turns on the statues, and lots of the bigger animals were awake and alert! NOT sleeping away the heat of the day. We saw Tigers, and bears swimming, gorillas playing and Flamingoes in all their pinkness!

I got the best pictures I have ever taken at the Zoo because of the sunshine, the cool breeze and no crowds!  I highly recommend going on an "off" day.

So! This picture.

I had just bought Lily a little necklace at the Manatee gift shop. I helped her onto the gorilla and she sat proud as can be and declared herself "Queen of the Gorillas!" 

You can bet I snapped that shot!!!

Enjoy my Little Queen.

Easy "Artisan" Pizzas with the Tot

The Tot proudly holding her lunch creation

Today Lily suggested pizza for lunch. Ok! I knew we had some mozzerella and even some FRESH mozzarella. So, pizzas it is!!  

Here is the pizza I made. Marinara sauce, fresh spinach, sliced grape tomatoes, Cilantro (Of course!), Kalamata Olives, two kinds of Mozzerella cheese and some leftover bacon crumbles from this morning's creation-Stir fried Rice and Eggs 

For the "crust" we used Naan bread. This package contains two large pieces. (I wish it had more) Pefect for an Artisan pizza!

Spreading the sauce. Gotta get that hair out of the way. (She doesn't believe me when I say we should put it up out of her eyes…..)

Cheese Please!

Lily's finished Pizza: Marinara Sauce, Shredded Mozzerella, fresh sliced Mozzerella and a few of the bacon crumbles.

Lunch!!

My pizza! The saltiness of the bacon and olives is balanced nicely with the sweet grape tomatoes. I love the cheeses and the crust is nice and soft. (Though I put mine back in straight on the rack for a few extra minutes to crisp it up a little.)   GREAT lunch! I'm trying to save 1/2 of it for my dinner later…..I don't know if I'll be able to resist it!!

Summertime Lily Belle

This is Lily Belle. (One of her MANY nicknames: Lily Dilly, Baby Love, Lillers, etc.)
Today I asked if she wanted to go for a walk. That simple question prompted a whole new outfit.
I waited while she put together a special "walking outfit" complete with her Easter dress, sparkly shoes, a hair bow given to her by Grandma Sandy and of course, flower sunglasses.

As we meandered up the street (ah, the joys of walking with the Tot) she decided to lay in the grass.

It was very cute. The following pictures resulted...

Too cool for summer

My photographer friend, Adam said,  "This is the culmination of four years for Lily pics."

It's a pretty rad compliment coming from him!  www.adamalonzo.com/photos

However, this is all Lily! She is the one picked out the outfit, the accessories, and the shoes. It was also all her idea to lay in the grass. I was just smart enough to have my iPhone with me! 

Sassy Tot

What a kid. She makes my every day so fun. I am so so blessed.

UPDATE:  We created a new outfit out of my nightgown….Had to add…