Heads Can Be So Heavy!

Eleanor's First Trick-or-Treating Adventure

It was pretty cool, and this bunting costume kept Eleanor perfectly cozy all night!

This may have been my favorite Halloween of all time.  That's somewhat surprising, to me at least, since I didn't dress up in a fun costume and I wasn't in possession of a heavy sack of sweets at the end of the night.

What I did have was the sweetest, most adorable, and incredibly lovable ladybug named Eleanor Claire!  Not to mention, I was surrounded by Batman Sam, Mermaid Sadie, Robin Lucas... and the rest of my Orlando family.

Eleanor and I went trick-or-treating door to door with our cousins, the R family.  Eleanor was a lucky ladybug to have Sam and Sadie there to show her the ropes!  Assuming she's walking by next October, I'd say she'll be ready to make her way up to a doorbell or two with Mommy's help.  Can't wait!

Snug as a Bug... in Her Halloween Costume

Robin Lucas, Enjoying a Bottle

Mermaid Sadie

Batman Sam

Sam and Sadie wanted to show Eleanor their light-up sticks!

Auntie, Unc Unc, and Mrs. Reynolds Managing the Candy

Awwww!  Lucas and Mommy!

And I got to squeeze Robin too!

Brandon with His Favorite Mermaid

Uncle Cory and Grammy Cheryl stopped by to hold this little ladybug!

I think I spy a sweet smile on Eleanor's face.

Brandon borrowed Sam's Batman mask.

E is loving her time with Auntie and UnCOLE.

Look at that PRECIOUS little face!

Eleanor slept for about 6 hours straight that night during trick-or-treating and all of the festivities!

One of My Very Favorite Pictures

Eleanor the Highlander

During her trip to Orlando, Eleanor made her debut visit to The Home of the Highlanders!  She really showed her school spirit decked out in her red, white, and black tutu outfit.  Not to mention, her giant red polkadot headband was the perfect accessory.  Not only did E get to see where Mommy and Daddy graduated, but she also visited her grandparents at work.  Unsurprisingly, Granddaddy-O and Gaga Sally showed her off to all of their colleagues and friends.  To top of the visit, Grammy got a chance to love on E after her singing group practice concluded.  I think this is already one of Eleanor's favorite places.  

Beaming Grandparents

And Another

E's the apple of Gaga and Granddaddy-O's eyes!

Up in the Air

Hurricane Sandy was predicted to reek havoc on D.C. and leave most of the East coast without power and dumped with snow.  After losing electricity over the summer for 6 days due to a minor storm, I was determined not to repeat that with a newborn.  

So, we planned an impromptu trip for me and E to Orlando, which would provide refuge and time with family.  

Kyle, Eleanor and I made the long drive out to Baltimore, where our flight departed.  Once we overcame Eleanor's hysterical screaming fit when we left Kyle at the gate, another hurdle popped up.  Our Philadelphia layover almost became a final destination due to dangerous weather.  After our second time boarding, our plane for the final leg to Florida was finally granted permission to fly. 

Thankfully, Eleanor and I made it safely to Orlando, and Eleanor did wonderfully on her first flight.  In fact, she slept right through most of it.

This was quite a memorable trip since Eleanor met all of the rest of her O and S family for the first time.  

Eleanor loves her Auntie Reba.

"I fit right here, Auntie."

Autumn Has Arrived

The leaves have turned to breathtaking hues of red, orange, and gold, and they're beginning to garnish the ground.  I'm teaching Eleanor all about the changing of seasons and feel so blessed to be sharing my favorite time of the year with my sweet baby girl.  Thank you, Lord.

E is very cozy for our brisk autumn walk.

So Sleepy

It's Fall Ya'll

On Kyle's day off we made it out to a pumpkin patch about a half hour from the house. There, we picked out our family of gourds and purchased some delicious cider. I decided that I wasn't up for the time commitment and mess of actual carving.  Instead, we went Mr. Potato Head on the pumpkins and gave them silly faces.  This made for a fun and festive alternative to slimy seeds and sharp tools!  It was perfect.