Hughes News

Paige's Birthday Party

2012-02-04T16:07:00.004-05:00

We can't believe Paige is already ONE! Time flies!

After a big soup and bread buffet, Paige tried out cake for the first time!

Maris helped her blow out the candle.

This was as messy as she got. I had high hopes for the smash cake!

After cake, we opened presents. Our family and friends were so generous. Paige now has a full wardrobe of adorable 100% cotton clothes for summer, and some fun toys to play with too!

Showing off a cute shirt.

Say "Ahhhhh!"

Making a break for it.

We are so grateful to everyone who cooked for us, helped us set up, made sure the cake arrived in one piece, and then helped us clean up!

Super Family

8 Mile

Our gift for Paige is on back order and we have no idea when or if it will arrive. Good thing she doesn't know any better! I obviously can't share pictures of that yet, so here's one of her enjoying a ride-on toy from G'ma and G'pa C.

(If we put a hood up on her, she insists on wearing it that way until the shirt comes off.)

If you are interested, you can read more about the details of Paige's party on my other blog.

The Birthday Girl

2012-02-02T14:37:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Paige!!

Paige is such a goofy, sweet, happy little girl. At one year old, she loves dogs, playing with her big sister, trying new toys and new foods! We also found recently, that she loves swimming. Her favorite foods are peas, cheese, black beans, and cantaloupe. She takes two naps a day and sleeps like a champ all night too. Paige is not quite walking yet, but that doesn't stop her from chasing her sister all over the place and getting into things she shouldn't! She knows two signs (more and all done) and about five words. We love you, Paige, and are excited to see how you will learn and grow this year!

1 month

2 months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

1 year old!

Princesses on Ice

2012-02-02T14:19:00.009-05:00

Every week we try to make sure that Maris and I get to have some Mommy and Me time for just the two of us. Sometimes it is just running errands, but sometimes, it's something really exciting like Princesses on Ice!

We didn't tell her where we were going, only that she needed to dress like a princess. We got her a new Tangled dress-up dress. (I wish we'd video taped her finding that in her closet! Priceless.) Then Maris and I headed to Quicken Loans arena to see the princesses.

I still didn't tell her what was happening until the first skaters came out on the ice. She was more amazed than squealing with excitement, but it was a fun reaction nonetheless.

I'm always impressed that anyone can skate in these costumes! The show had three sections, plus Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald who came out to introduce each part.


The Princess and the Frog


Cinderella

Tangled

We didn't realize it at the time, but Maris was pretty sick. The very next day she was at the doctor for a double ear infection and pink eye. I think she still managed to have a good time!

Hippopotamus for Christmas

2012-01-21T10:28:00.000-05:00

I have had a few requests to see this video again. Enjoy!

I've watched this a thousand times and she still makes me laugh!

Christmas, Part 4

2012-01-15T20:59:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, I think I'm still a kid. What, you didn't know? My favorite activities and traditions are the ones that involve me being a (grown up) child to my parents. This year was the first year that we didn't do Christmas morning at their house. It was very strange, and I am not sure I liked it. I loved every second of Christmas morning with Johnny and our girls, but I didn't like what I was missing! Luckily it worked out that we could postpone Christmas morning at their house just one day. It won't always work like that, but I figure at some point, my kids will get up early enough that we can still head over to my parents house for what I like to call:

Grandma's in Pajamas!

It is totally not catching on. I don't know why.

We were excited to Skype with my brother and Vicki. They gave us a great Christmas present in telling us they will be coming home for Paige's first birthday this month!


I wasn't kidding about the pajamas.

Paige does not look happy about being confined while there is ~~presents~~ wrapping paper around.

When mailing gifts cross-country through the Westlake post office, drastic measures must be taken.

After gift opening, we had Christmas French Toast (greatest food EVER!) and Sausage Egg Casserole. Then we went home and played with new toys. Everyone went to bed early. The end.

PS - Do you have a gorillapod for your camera? You should!

Christmas, Part 3

2012-01-15T20:28:00.000-05:00

Day 3 - Christmas Morning and Christmas dinner with the Jordans

I'm so glad my kids haven't hit the phase where they get up early for Santa! Ugh. I remember my brother and I used to get up at 3:30, 4:00, 4:30. The only reason my dad put up with that, was because he was just as excited! :)

Santa's been!

It actually worked out really nicely. Maris got up at a decent hour and we were able to watch her open all her presents before Paige got up. Then when Paige woke up we got to have 1 on 1 opening time with her... or with Maris again since Paige had zero interest in opening gifts!

I read somewhere this year that you should stand next to your tree to get the best shot of your kids. Obviously! But for some reason I never thought of this before.

Wooo!!!

Santa always leaves Erie a gift to open. She's 6 so she's a pro at opening.

A Barbie was the only thing Maris asked for from Santa. And a Barbie, she received.

But she got a fun chair too!

Sometimes the best gifts are accidents or afterthoughts. "Santa" got this for 75% after Halloween at Target and she LOVES it.

Supergirl!

Hey, look who decided to get up!

"Toothbrushes..."

"and potatoes? I shoulda stayed in bed!"

Santa could have saved his money and just gotten wrapping paper for this one.

We should nickname Maris, The Vault. This girl keeps a secret like it's her job! She picked this book out for Johnny in early November. She was very intent on keeping it a secret too!

The Vault presents her secret.

All done! They kind of look like the need to go back to bed!

After gifts we had cinnamon rolls for breakfast and relaxed in the afternoon. For dinner we headed down to the farm to see the Jordans. Unfortunately, Christmas was starting to catch up with the girls and we weren't able to stay as long as we wanted. We did have time to pop in and visit the horses though. (Pics coming after I download from G'pa's camera.)

Merry Christmas!

Christmas, Part 2

2012-01-15T16:19:00.002-05:00

Day 2 - Campana Christmas Eve

My family members are big fans of traditional themed holiday meals. We eat corn beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day, pork and sauerkraut on New Years Day, and so on. Our Italian tradition on Christmas Eve is to eat Spaghetti (with your choice of regular marinara or tuna marinara!), Shrimp, Smelt, and Salad. I know you are wondering what smelt is. Go ahead, click on it. Christmas Eve dinner is probably my favorite meal of the year; definitely during the holidays.

After dinner, we open gifts. The cousins exchange names, so everyone just buys for one other person. Another of my favorite traditions!


Refreshment break. Cute baby alert.


My cousins tried to teach Maris the pouty lip. It came out more like Zoolander.

Maris fits right in with the blondies. 15 of 19 cousins have blonde hair! That's got to be some weird statistical anomaly, right?

After the cousins did some gift exchanging, it was Grandma Great's turn. She had a busy year. She visited grandkids in Colorado, California, and Oklahoma. G'ma Great doesn't fly. She made all those visits as part of road trips! Road trips in your 80s. That's fantastic. While she was in Denver, she climbed a few mountains.


"Getting this high is illegal in most states."

Luckily we got home much closer to bedtime. My kids don't quite understand getting up early for Santa yet, so we got a nice long night of sleep! Merry Christmas Eve!

Christmas, Part 1

2012-01-13T20:56:00.000-05:00

4 days. 4 days of messed up naps. 4 days of meals at the wrong time. 4 days of getting to bed hours late. That could only mean one thing. 4 days of Christmas!

Day 1 - Hughes Family Christmas
Meal - Ham, sandwiches, sides, and LOTS of dessert!

Relaxing with Grandpa.

Opening presents.

Paige went to bed at 6:30, so we had to open her gifts for her.

More Paige gifts.

Paige only slept a few hours before she was accidentally woken up. We got home at midnight which is probably the latest either of my girls has ever stayed up. They were champs though - I think it was the presents that kept them going.

LEGOmania

2012-01-11T08:38:00.000-05:00

Johnny and Maris went to LEGO KidsFest when it visited Cleveland.

Playgroup

2012-01-10T08:04:00.003-05:00

I love our playgroup friends. We recently had some playing time in Kristin's newly remodeled basement where Maris loved the Hulk Hands.

We got the kids together for a group shot. I love how everyone is always looking in a different direction. Of the original 8 kids, Maris is the only girl. Second round babies - there are 6 of those - are all girls. And we just found out one of the moms is expecting the first baby of round three!

Maris and I attended a holiday party for the music class that two of the other families participate in. The children were hopped up on sugar and Christmas so they were not cooperative with the photo ops. Us moms had to step in.

I am grateful everyday that I (and Maris) have made such wonderful friends just from attending "boob class!"

Family Photos

2012-01-09T07:14:00.002-05:00

At the end of October, we had family photos taken. Paige was 9 months old and we didn't have a single professional photo of her. We chose Tamarie Photography. I knew Tami when I was planning my wedding. 6 years later through an acquaintance, I found out she was photographing my brother's wedding. Small world.

We love all our photos. Not only were the pictures themselves wonderful, but we had a great time working with Tami. Choosing photos was hard! Here are some of our favorites.

(All images are property of Tamarie Photography. Please do not copy or print images.)

Head over Tami's blog to see some more of the photos she took of our family!

Princesses and Polar Bears

2012-01-08T10:56:00.001-05:00

Happy Halloween!

M is for Maris and Model

2012-01-07T08:45:00.003-05:00

I have no idea where she gets this. She loves posing for the camera. I was taking Maris's picture to see about a color scheme for our family photos and she just took off with all these poses. She's too much.

Apple Picking

2012-01-06T08:07:00.002-05:00

In the first week of October, we took the girls apple picking. For the past several years we have gone to Pick N Save Orchard. This year we decided to try a different place, Geig's Orchard. We prefer a bare bones apple picking experience. We don't need hayrides, and corn mazes or any of the other things offered by some of the farms. Pick N Save and Geig's both fit those criteria, but next year we'll go back to PnS. They label each row of trees (Geig's only had a map at the front of the orchard) and it was much less crowded.

Notice how we had nicer weather for October apple picking than for June strawberry picking. So goes it, in Ohio.

Maris always does more tasting than picking.

Although, she comes by it honestly.

And so, I have to train Paige too.

We made pumpkin applesauce, dutch apple pie, and butterscotch apple cake.

These little things were made with the small pieces of leftover pie crust. My aunt and grandma are practically famous for these. I kind of just made it up because I have never asked how they are done. I just folded them over, brushed with melted butter, topped with cinnamon/sugar, and baked until with the pie until they looked like they were about done. YUM.

School Days

2012-01-05T10:21:00.003-05:00

Maris started school at the end of August. She LOVES it. She is always disappointed on days off and the weekend. I wonder how long that will last!

Staycation

2012-01-04T08:36:00.003-05:00

That is not my favorite word, but it really did describe our vacation this year. Paige was only six months old and we didn't really feel like we had it in us to drive or fly anywhere too far from home. Instead we thought of all the places within a two hour drive that we hadn't ever been to.

First up, the moon.

Kidding! We visited the Cleveland Children's Museum for the first time. It was nice enough, but to be perfectly honest, it's got nothing (really, nothing) on the Denver Children's Museum.

The next day we headed to the Akron Zoo. None of us had ever been there either. It was fantastic! What a great zoo for young children. Don't misunderstand, anyone would enjoy the Akron Zoo, but there were so many special touches and attractions specific to the preschool set.

Mama likes the penguins!

Frontier Town

Petting zoo area with train, barn, and cow-milking.

Amish Country was next. That was a long day, but we had a ton of fun and got our fill of cheese and baked goods! We also visited the West Side Market and the Great Lakes Science Center. I'm actually really glad we opted to do our vacation this way. We were able to show our girls some of the fun adventures they can have right here at home and discover some of the Cleveland area treasures we had been missing as well!

Tribe Time

2012-01-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

We took the girls to another Tribe game in July. I was invited to attend in the Indians Social Suite. The Social Suite was a new feature at the stadium last season. It was a very busy at the Jake that day!

Lots of fun things for Maris and Daddy.

The day we went was chock full of great stuff for the kids. These robots were out on the Gateway Plaza along with the Jungle Terry Animal Show, the Game Stop video gaming tent, “outfield wall jump” photos, batting cages, and speed pitch. There was a Dunk Tank, 300 plus tons of sand and “Fins to the Left”-Buffet/Beach Boys Cover Band for "Beach Weekend." It was Slider's birthday so he was giving out vouchers for birthday cupcakes. And Crave Chocolate Milk had a tent up, handing out samples. What a great day to head to the baseball game!

Something for Mama, too!

PS - Omar was there.

Bad Blogging

2012-01-02T20:24:00.000-05:00

I've been a bad bad blogger. I wonder what the most popular month for blogging is (if there is one). I'll be it is January when everyone is feeling like they need to make or keep New Years Resolutions. I don't make them, but if I did, keeping up with my blogs would be one!

Contrary to how it looks, we didn't just drop off the face of the earth since July. And I even have photographic proof! Over the next few days I'll try to post some fun things from our second half of 2011.

Happy 2012, all!

An Elephant Never Forgets

2011-07-31T10:32:00.000-04:00

They're back! The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo built a beautiful new habitat for its biggest residents. The finished product is gorgeous. The animals seem to love it as well. I hope it really shines a spotlight on our wonderful zoo.

There are two huge outdoor spaces.

The elephants have indoor space as well - to escape the cold Cleveland winters, I presume.

We loved the new elephant exhibit and can't wait to go back to visit!

While we were there, we figured we would say hello to some of the other animals too. During our last visit of 2010, we were hoping to see the baby rhino that had been born. It was too young to be out yet though. This time he (she?) was wandering around the rhino yard with his mama.

And finally the polar bears are always a favorite with the Hughes Family.

Hey, wait a minute...

Strawberry Fields Forever

2011-07-30T09:34:00.001-04:00

We took the girls strawberry picking at the end of June. We picked a ton of strawberries and ate a fair share in the field too! Paige was even a good sport in the baby carrier.

Ready to go!

It was cold that day.

Johnny did the bulk of the picking.

And Maris did the bulk of the tasting!

Now let's go home and make something yummy!

We used our strawberries for strawberry ice cream, strawberry upside down cake, and strawberry pie. Not to mention, plenty of eating them right out of the bowl!

The Morning After

2011-07-29T10:43:00.001-04:00

The wedding, as I have said, was fabulous. However, since D and V live out of town, they had to do things in a whirlwind. Bachelor and bachelorette parties, rehearsals, fittings, the wedding, after parties, and Cedar Point, all took place within one week. I think this picture sums up how most of us felt at the end.

Dad. Take me home. Put me to bed. I.am.done.

THE Wedding

2011-07-28T10:14:00.000-04:00

My brother was married on June 17th. I still can't believe it. We love his wife (ah!) and are thrilled to welcome her, officially, to our family. Their wedding was phenomenal. Not since my own, have I enjoyed a wedding this much! So many touches to make the day special for them.

For example, notice a lack of females? Vicki had a Man of Honor (her cousin, Jerry) and my brother had two best men.

The wedding party

They selected Vicki's cousin as ring bearer. Vicki's goddaughter was a junior bridesmaid. Then there was Maris: Flower Girl Extraordinaire.

My brother and Vicki asked Johnny to do the honors of performing the ceremony. Getting ordained online is a real thing!

They were married on the beach. The weather was perfect. They made interesting, original music choices. Vicki's brother, Nick, walked her down the aisle. Johnny performed a flawless ceremony. It seems like every piece of the wedding was put together with a thought of how to make it personal and special.

O-H-I-O

This one was a crowd favorite.

My favorite family photo to date!

The newly expanded Campana(Hughes) family.

Thank you, Daniel and Vicki, for allowing us to be such an integral part of your special day. We love you!

Toes in the Sand

2011-07-27T09:58:00.000-04:00

Uncle Dan and Aunt Vicki got Maris a sandbox for her birthday.

Important sifting happening here.


She's doing really well considering she's not a big fan of getting dirty.

Intentionally pouring sand on her leg. (Gasp!)

Thank you, Uncle Dan and Aunt Vicki!

Memorial Day

2011-07-26T10:03:00.001-04:00

Paige was 4 months old. This is our first family photo. Oops.

Go Tribe!

2011-07-25T21:43:00.001-04:00

We took Paige to her first Indians game in May.

Let's just say pulling Sister's hair was way more fun then watching the game!

Grandpa and Grandma C came too. Definitely a Grandpa thing to instigate a blue tongue!

Maris loves Slider. Meeting him was probably the highlight of her day.

Since it was a Kids Fun Day Sunday game, we were able to run the bases after the game. We got to high five a few Tribe players and even Manny Acta, who actually pulled Maris aside and showed her how to touch home plate!

Memphis Kiddie Park

2011-07-24T21:46:00.001-04:00

Cleveland has a wonderful miniature amusement park called Memphis Kiddie Park. It opened in 1952. Children of all ages are welcome but it really caters to the pre-school and school-age groups. The Memphis Kiddie Park really is a wonderful asset to the Cleveland community.

Recently, Maris's playgroup held the annual group birthday party at the park. Most of the boys have been before, but Maris was a newbie.

She took her first roller coaster ride.

This was not how she looked when she disembarked! At least there were no tears.

Did some spinning - which was much more her speed.

Dizzy Jeeps

After the rides, the kids had cake.

Another Johnny masterpiece.

We tried to end the day with a group shot. You would think as the kids got older the group shots would get easier! (We have three other little friends not pictured here.)

I'm including, for reference, a picture from when they were all about 1 and the 2nd birthday party.

About 18 months old.

Two year olds!

Meet the Trucks

2011-07-06T13:39:00.002-04:00

Maris is pretty neutral about her interests. While she's had the usual princess, pink, and dress up obsessions, she's spent an equal amount of time obsessing about dinosaurs, trains, and construction equipment. She loved our city's Meet the Trucks event.

Testing out her firefighting capabilities.

The city parks the "diggers" at a location right by our house. I think she'd try to go play on them everyday if we let her.

Posing with the police dog. Aren't police dogs usually German Shepard types?

That better be the only time we ever see you in the back of cop car, Young Lady.

Pinkalicious

2011-07-05T21:28:00.026-04:00

Happy 3rd Birthday, Maris!

Maris was very clear that for her birthday she wanted a pink party. PINK. Further, she expressly stated that everything should be pink. Food, drink, cake, decorations, and even the clothes we wore. We did our best to accommodate her. And it was a LOT of pink!

On her actual birthday she got to use the birthday placemat and she chose a Pink Lemonade (of course) cupcake from Main Street Cupcakes.

Make a wish!

Opening presents from Mommy and Daddy. It was a collection of Disney Princess stories.

Next up was party day. This was where we really kicked it into high gear with the pink. Read more here.

We had a hot dog bar, because, hot dogs are pink!

We also served Ambrosia Salad, potato and macaroni salad (both dyed pink), watermelon, jello jigglers, and cake (batter and frosting also dyed pink).

Everyone wore pink including some of our guests!

We love you, Maris and hope you enjoyed your Pinkalicious Third Birthday!

Royal Wedding

2011-07-04T13:21:00.001-04:00

Maris was really into the whole Royal Wedding. Okay, okay, it was me. I was really into the Royal Wedding. We DVRed the wedding, dressed up in fancy dresses, bought Raspberry Royale tea and found crumpets at our local grocery store. It was a fun little "event" with my girl while the baby slept.

By far the best part of this whole royal wedding event was Maris running around Heinen's saying, "Mom, we need to buy tea and crumpets!!" I wish I carried a video camera with me.

Opening Day

2011-07-03T13:21:00.000-04:00

We have a holiday we celebrate every year in the first week of April.

Happy Opening Day!

Go Tribe!

Outdated

2011-06-25T21:27:00.000-04:00

Well I sure was doing better at consistently blogging when I was trying to take a picture everyday. We've been doing lots of fun things with our girls this Spring and Summer. I have a mini goal to get all caught up by the 4th of July. We shall see. :)

Sisters

2011-04-15T16:12:00.001-04:00

I don't have a sister. When we found out we were having another girl, I was so nervous that I wouldn't know how to properly raise the girls to cherish each other they way I've seen other sisters do. Turns out, I'm not much a part of that equation at all. They have to grow into their own relationship. And Maris making sure to start things off well!

Meeting her sister for the first time.

Maris was very eager to hold her sister when she visited at the hospital.

At Paige's one week photo shoot.

Maris is really protective of her sister. She always wants to help out and loves to sing to her when Paige is crying.

On St. Patrick's day, the fury sister wanted in on the picture action too.

Maris is over the moon about being a big sister. While Paige doesn't return the favor just yet, she does love to laugh at Maris and give her giant grins when Maris sings to her. I can't wait to see how their relationship develops as they grow up together!

January 25, 2011

2011-03-17T15:47:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the world little one!

Baby Paige joined us on January 25, 2011.

She weighed 8 lbs. 15 oz. and was 21 inches long.

January 19, 2011

2011-01-20T14:16:00.000-05:00

January 19, 2011

Today is our due date. 40 weeks!

My stomach just keeps getting bigger. Baby is completely happy hanging out in there!

January 16, 2011

2011-01-20T14:14:00.000-05:00

January 16, 2011

Maris asks almost everyday to go out and build a snowman. The snow hasn't been the best for packing, but her daddy made it work with a spray bottle and some help from the garbage can. She was so proud of this!

It was a sad day two days later when it warmed way up and the snowman drooped to the side and lost his eyes and nose!

January 15, 2011

2011-01-20T14:12:00.001-05:00

January 15, 2011

Okay, I know I said I was going to do meaningful updates, but I was really proud of this. For some reason, it took me months to make this bow holder happen!

I needed the right ribbons. I needed the right backing. I needed the right frame. Then I realized that she'll probably allow me to put these bows on her for another year and after that it wouldn't matter what it looked like. So I pulled out the glue gun and finished it in about five minutes.

January 11, 2011

2011-01-20T14:10:00.000-05:00

January 11, 2011

We have a budding artist on our hands. We aren't sure but we feel like this is a little advanced for our 2.5 year old. This is a drawing on her Magnadoodle of herself. She has her curly hair down and everything.

Then she took to the chalkboard to include her whole family. She's in the middle with her curly hair. Mom and Dad are on top (I'm on the left with long straight hair) and at the bottom is her "Baby Auggie" who hasn't decided to join us yet.

I was really hoping the baby would come today. I love numbers and 1.11.11 would have been a fabulous birthday!

January 5, 2011

2011-01-20T14:06:00.000-05:00

January 5, 2011

Maris received an easel for Christmas from Uncle Dan and Aunt Vicki.

However, I'm pretty sure this is not how you are supposed to use it!!

January 1, 2011

2011-01-20T14:03:00.000-05:00

January 1, 2011

Our blog will be changing a bit for the year 2011. I started out last year trying to take (at least) one picture a day. I did great for awhile, but summer rolled around and it kind of fell by the way side. I ended up taking 223 daily pictures. That's' only 61%. Yikes!!

This year, we'd like to do things differently. Instead of posting random pictures we take, just to take them, we hope to take meaningful photos to help family and friends we don't see often stay connected to our day to day lives. 2011 will be a big year for us. We will welcome a couple new members to our family. One through birth and one through marriage.

I hope you'll continue to read and share with us as we embark on 2011!

December 29, 2010

2011-01-20T13:58:00.000-05:00

December 29, 2010

37 weeks pregnant.

December 26, 2010

2011-01-20T13:56:00.000-05:00

December 26, 2010

Wow! Three days of Christmas.

Maris with all her cousins on her dad's side. They tried to get my to lay down there on the bottom with my 9 month pregnant belly. Um, no.

December 25, 2010

2011-01-20T13:53:00.000-05:00

December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas!

A silly family tradition for us is Santa leaving a potato in the toe of your stocking. Maris really got into Christmas for the first time this year and thought the potato was pretty funny!

Santa's big gift for Maris was a trampoline. We got her a few Sing A Majigs which she liked too!

And what is a better stocking stuffer for a two year old then a fake mustache?

December 24, 2010

2011-01-20T13:45:00.000-05:00

December 24, 2010

We celebrate Christmas Eve with my dad's side of the family. We have a traditional Italian meal with various fishes, and pasta. Yum!

December 23, 2010

2011-01-17T09:03:00.001-05:00

December 23, 2010

Time to show off all our Christmas projects!

Clockwise from left: Chai Gingerbread Bars, Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies, Cherry Cheesecake Cookies, and Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies They were all fabulous. I really can't pick a favorite. Whichever I was eating at the time was my favorite!

Wreathes

Directions can be found at Moda Bake Shop. I really enjoyed making these. They were extremely easy to do and look great hanging up on the wall or door!

Ornaments

Directions can be found at this site. Maris loved this the best, of course. And now her grandparents will have a nice Christmas reminder of how big (or tiny) she was for the Christmas of 2010.

Christopher - Our Elf on the Shelf

This was not a craft, but we still had a lot of fun with him. If you don't know the story behind Christopher Popinkins or the Elf on the Shelf, please read up on it. It is a fun tradition that I look forward to with our family for many years! We had a great time each morning looking for Christopher.

December 11, 2010

2011-01-16T21:03:00.000-05:00

December 11, 2010

We like to visit the Santa at Petitti's Garden Center because not only is he wonderful, but they let you take your own pictures. The photographer even encourages you to get right up behind his/her shoulder to get the best shot!

Before we got in line, Maris visited with the dinosaurs. I think she wanted us to bring one home.

P365: December 6, 2010

2010-12-16T05:01:00.000-05:00

December 6, 2010

The tree has been up for weeks. We were trying to get more shots for a Christmas card. Unsuccessful again! Seriously, if you are reading this blog AND expecting a Christmas card from us this year, don't hold your breath. :)

P365: December 5, 2010

2010-12-15T04:59:00.000-05:00

December 5, 2010

This was the only good shot we got from the annual Hughes family Christmas card photo shoot. Too bad Johnny isn't in it, or we might be able to use it.

P365: December 2, 2010

2010-12-14T04:57:00.000-05:00

December 2, 2010

Oh, LeBron. While we loved the boo-fest and first quarter of the game... turns out we do need you to beat you. Thanks for nothing.

Go Cavs!

P365: November 30, 2010

2010-12-13T04:55:00.000-05:00

November 30, 2010

Do you hear what I hear?

P365: November 24, 2010

2010-12-12T04:47:00.000-05:00

November 24, 2010

Mmmm. My first homemade pie. It was delicious too!

Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie

P365: November 16, 2010

2010-12-11T04:45:00.000-05:00

November 16, 2010

We went wedding dress shopping with Aunt Vicki today. Obviously, I can't post those pictures. However, Maris was loving trying on dresses herself! I think this is the one we decided on but in Watermelon.

P365: November 11, 2010

2010-12-10T16:42:00.002-05:00

November 11, 2010

I love this picture. She fits right in!

P365: November 5, 2010

2010-11-10T09:15:00.000-05:00

November 5, 2010

I bought a new flat iron a month ago. It came with a tiny one that is supposed to be used for travel or touch-ups. Maris has been under the impression that it was just for her. You know, since it is "Maris sized." Probably doesn't hurt that it is pink either. She kept asking for me to straighten her hair. I finally did it today. She looks like a completely different kid!

As expected, about 75% of the way through she started crying, "I want my curlies back!"

P365: November 3, 2010

2010-11-09T02:26:00.000-05:00

November 3, 2010

29 weeks pregnant, today!

P365: November 1, 2010

2010-11-08T02:23:00.000-05:00

November 1, 2010

Maris's haul. She trick or treated all over our neighborhood. We intended to take her only to a few houses, but she didn't want to stop! That's an insane amount of candy for two year old. She even got 7 full size candy bars (which she wisely hid at the bottom of that bowl there)!

P365: October 31, 2010

2010-11-07T02:16:00.000-05:00

October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween!

c
Trick or Treat!

P365: October 28, 2010

2010-11-06T02:14:00.000-04:00

October 28, 2010

This was about as close as Maris would get to the pumpkin insides. She was not a fan of the icky stuff.

P365: October 27, 2010

2010-11-05T02:13:00.001-04:00

October 27, 2010

Maris, what do you think of Daddy's costume?

(Click on the picture. Her face is hysterical.)

P365: October 24, 2010

2010-11-04T14:10:00.002-04:00

October 24, 2010

During a walk with Daddy.

Maris is very into posing after having some professional pictures taken last week.

P365: October 22, 2010

2010-10-25T10:17:00.001-04:00

October 22, 2010

Being a parent is full of stages and steps. Allowing new phases to arrive and accepting that the old ones have to go. Today was one of the hardest for me - the move to a big girl bed. Maris loves her crib. She never once tried to climb out and sleeps like a champ in it. However, with another baby coming, she'd have to leave the crib behind at some point. Today was that day.

Helping Daddy take apart the crib.

The big girl room.

First night in her big girl bed!

P365: October 21, 2010

2010-10-24T10:14:00.000-04:00

October 21, 2010

Johnny REALLY wanted to go for a buggy ride.

P365: October 20, 2010

2010-10-23T10:12:00.000-04:00

October 20, 2010

Look at this cute little gourd shaped like a goose! This guy was hanging out near the entrance to our Inn in Amish Country.

P365: October 19, 2010

2010-10-22T22:10:00.003-04:00

October 19, 2010

I insist on keeping the heat at 65 degrees right now.

Maris and Johnny are dealing. :)

P365: October 15, 2010

2010-10-18T08:47:00.000-04:00

October 15, 2010

One of my favorite pictures!

P365: October 10, 2010

2010-10-17T08:40:00.000-04:00

October 10, 2010

Apple picking with a two year old:

Pick the apple.

Show off the apple.

Insist on eating the apple, right then and there.

P365: October 9, 2010

2010-10-16T14:38:00.003-04:00

October 9, 2010

At a picnic today, Maris was all about the bounce house. This picture isn't great, but it makes me laugh. It looks like Maris is about to body slam that other little girl, WWF style!

P365: October 6, 2010

2010-10-16T14:37:00.003-04:00

October 6, 2010

25 weeks pregnant!

P365: October 2, 2010

2010-10-05T08:42:00.000-04:00

October 2, 2010

My good friend, Jess, was married today. Here I am with some of my teacher friends. However, this photo is mostly to celebrate my new flat iron. What took me so long to jump on that train??

Anyway, congratulations Jess and Mike!!

PS - We all survived having our first babysitters that were not my parents!

P365: September 29, 2010

2010-10-04T08:45:00.000-04:00

September 29, 2010

She sure loves this dog.

P365: September 26, 2010

2010-10-03T20:40:00.003-04:00

September 26, 2010

Today, my husband's family (plus my parents) participated in a run/walk to promote awareness and fund-raising for the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance. Johnny's sister (holding Maris) won the race in her age group!

P365: September 19, 2010

2010-09-23T08:44:00.000-04:00

September 19, 2010

Turns out I'm crafty.

P365: September 12, 2010

2010-09-22T08:39:00.000-04:00

September 12, 2010

Our friends, Eric and Kari, passed on an awesome Thomas train set. It's huge! Maris loves it.

Excited to get started.

It's hard to tell who will have more fun with this. Maris, at least, can stop to take a picture.

"This piece goes here." (But probably not really.)

The finished product. It takes up the whole kitchen floor!!

P365: September 10, 2010

2010-09-21T08:37:00.001-04:00

September 10, 2010

Maris is showing off her new Chucks. Neon pink. We won't lose her, that's for sure!

She loves them and wanted to wear them to bed.

Thank you Uncle Dan and Aunt Vicki!

P365: September 9, 2010

2010-09-20T20:35:00.001-04:00

September 9, 2010

Another trip to the zoo.

P365: September 7, 2010

2010-09-18T08:00:00.001-04:00

September 7, 2010

Grandma and Grandpa had to replace their toilet. Maris thinks it is the funniest thing in the world that the old potty is in the backyard. She insists on sitting on it every time we've been there this week.

P365: September 6, 2010

2010-09-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

September 6, 2010

Maris helped me celebrate the anniversary of my 29th birthday. I got some fun slippers from Aunt Vicki and Uncle Dan. Maris promptly claimed them for herself... of course they did match her outfit!

P365: September 5, 2010

2010-09-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

September 5, 2010

Our cousins from California were visiting. Glad we could squeeze them into the crazy wedding weekend! We miss them!

P365: September 4, 2010

2010-09-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

September 4, 2010

Happy Wedding Day, Jason and Jenalle!

Johnny performed his first ceremony (and did a great job!) and Maris was a dancing fool!

She never stopped moving for two hours.
She danced with the groom.

And Daddy...

And Mama...

Okay, so Mama did a lot of sitting and Maris danced around me. She still had fun.
(Here, I think she's saying, "Enough with the pictures! There's more dancing to be done!")

P365: September 2, 2010

2010-09-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

September 2, 2010

Hopefully this means she will be a good little helper. We've been bringing the baby stuff out slowly to acclimate her. Maris loves the carseat!

(She's wearing the dress again, not still.)

P365: September 1, 2010

2010-09-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

September 1, 2010

Someone is a pretty pretty princess.

P365: August 23, 2010

2010-09-12T08:00:00.002-04:00

August 23, 2010

Happy birthday, Grandpa Corey!

We celebrated by racing in the backyard.

P365: August 22, 2010

2010-09-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

August 22, 2010

Just more proof that my dog thinks she's really a person.

P365: August 20, 2010

2010-09-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

August 20, 2010

"Gosh, Mama. You sure are funny!"

P365: August 18, 2010

2010-09-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

August 18, 2010

This means trouble.

P365: August 17, 2010

2010-09-08T14:56:00.003-04:00

August 17, 2010

Ahhh!! Maris, run! Run for your life!

In what I hope will be an obvious statement, Maris and I went to the zoo today!

P365: August 16, 2010

2010-08-17T08:26:00.000-04:00

August 16, 2010

I had no idea what she was doing. When I asked her, she said she was, "being a wedding girl." So there you go.

Watch out, Aunt Vicki. I think Maris will be spreading her own brand of bridal attire advice.

P365: August 14, 2010

2010-08-16T20:25:00.002-04:00

August 14, 2010

I dyed Maris's hair bright red, then spiked it. Topped with an Indians visor, naturally.

P365: July 30, 2010

2010-08-14T09:00:00.001-04:00

July 30, 2010

Playtime with Jonathon and Abby.

P365: July 22, 2010

2010-08-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

July 22, 2010

Maris is all geared up!

Because you know. Riding a tiny plastic horse on a field of soft carpet is dangerous business!

P365: July 21, 2010

2010-08-13T09:00:00.002-04:00

July 21, 2010

"Put me in coach
I'm ready to play
Today."

P365: July 11, 2010

2010-08-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

July 11, 2010

12 weeks 4 days (a little over 3 months) and already a little baby bump!

P365: July 10, 2010

2010-08-12T09:00:00.001-04:00

July 10, 2010

Jenalle's bridal shower. Toilet paper bridal gown game.
L to R: Jenalle, Heather, Frances, Jan
Heather's team won. Her "dress" even had little rosettes all over the skirt. The other teams never had a chance.

P365: June 20, 2010

2010-08-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

June 20, 2010

Happy Father's Day to Grampa Corey, Grandpa John, Grandpa Charlie
and all of Maris's (many) uncles!

The First Mate helps the Captain change the boat flag.

P365: June 19, 2010

2010-08-11T09:00:00.002-04:00

June 19, 2010

While I was prepping dinner, I noticed it was a little too quiet in the other room. (Never a good sign.) I come in to find Maris is dressing Erie in her play jewelery. Poor dog. Maris was awfully proud Erie was wearing her necklace.

P365: June 18, 2010

2010-08-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

June 18, 2010

Maris loves diggers, bulldozers, tractors, etc.

P365: June 17, 2010

2010-08-10T09:00:00.001-04:00

June 17, 2010

I was working at the computer while Maris played with her legos. I hear "Look Mama! I a big girl!" I turn around to find that she's climbed the bar stool height chair to sit at the table and color.

Guess what? No more working at the computer while Maris plays on the floor!

P365: Day 164

2010-08-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

June 14, 2010

Maris has some big news.

P365: Day 164

2010-08-09T14:16:00.004-04:00

June 13, 2010

Cousin Denise lives in West Virginia. We haven't seen her since Maris was about 6 months old!

P365: Day 163

2010-08-09T13:36:00.001-04:00

June 12, 2010

P365: Day 162

2010-06-12T14:37:00.002-04:00

June 11, 2010

Nothing exciting going on, so I slip right back into my habit of forgetting to take the pictures! Thank goodness for Johnny. He noticed how clear and beautiful the stars and sky were and snapped a few shots.