Snippets of Sunshine : February 2013

First Solid Food

Eleanor went bananas over her first taste of bananas! Just look below for evidence!

"What is this spoon thing you're sticking in my mouth? And the slimy goo on top of it?"

"Wait. I decided I really like it. Give me more, please. Now. Please."

"Stop posing for pictures, and give me more banana, Mama!"

"Deeee-lish!"

"I could get used to this! What time is dinner tomorrow?"

While I was down in Orlando for the half marathon, I did my best to visit with all of our favorite people in the area. I missed out on seeing folks during my last trip due to wedding preparations and festivities. This time I really tried to track them down for dates! Unfortunately, I didn't get a quarter of the photos that I would have liked, but here's what I did manage.

My devoted "business ladies," Des and Kelly, met me and Eleanor at the baby-friendly Crisper's. They both came straight from work, and I'm sure they were exhausted after a long day at the office! Anyway, I really appreciated just casually laughing and catching up with them over salads. Sure do miss them!

Eleanor and Kelly

I got a chance to see Kelly again in between her trips to Jacksonville. She and I took Eleanor for a stroller ride all the way around Lake Baldwin. E didn't fuss a bit as Kelly and I chatted up a storm. Afterwards, we concluded our lovely walk with a tour of Kelly's beautiful (roommate free) home. She's loving the extra space!

Katy and Bartley, friends from college who now live in South Carolina, just happened to be in town for work and Disney. It was absolutely perfect timing since Kyle, Eleanor, and I just happened to be in Orlando the same weekend. We got to visit with Katy and Bartley for just a short bit, but it was very special since they got to meet Eleanor for the first time. Also, I got to give a love rub to their baby girl baking away (and due in July). So excited for our little girls to grow up together! May God bless this sweet family of three we love so dearly!

In Eleanor's mind, Katy made the perfect jungle gym!

Bartley looks ready for daddy duty!

Eleanor and Gorgeous Mommy-to-Be

I estimate that I hadn't sat down with this old high school friend, Cori, in over seven years. Geesh! Needless to say, a lot had changed in both our lives during that time. I'm glad that the birth of Eleanor was able to spur our reunion. Another mutual friend, Kim, joined us and brought her adorable munchkins Lucy and Jack.

Cori, Eleanor, and Lucy Peeking Behind

It wouldn't be a visit home without a big family get-together with the O and R families. In honor of the half marathon runners, Auntie, Unc Unc, Saralyn, and Mom helped prepare a victory meal, which consisted of all the trappings of a Thanksgiving feast. It tasted especially AMAZING since it followed the race.

(Not sure how Auntie and Unc Unc didn't make it in a single picture. :( )

Lucas Hugging Eleanor

Trixey Rides

Saralyn loves holding Eleanor when we visit!

Porch time is the best!

Awwwww!

Here's E just spending some down time at home with Auntie Val! They're quite a pair! A lady at the mall thought Eleanor was her daughter since "they look just alike." Val wasn't so sure about that!

E's wearing her steps to soccer shirt from Val.

Kyle, Eleanor, and I also got to spend time with the S family. We loved being able to see Grammy Cheryl, PaPaw Joe, Uncle Cory, Aunt Debby, Cousin Justin, Uncle Brian, Cousin Brandon, Grandmother, and Granddad.

Back to Virginia We Go

After our visit to Orlando for the Disney Princess Half Marathon, we headed back home to Alexandria, but not without a stop at the Cabin.

In late February, it was too cold for walks around the lake, but we didn't mind since we got to use the fireplace and drink hot chocolate (with extra marshmallows).

Kyle, Eleanor, and I ventured out to Asheville the first day, and it was quite a splurge because we ate lunch out at McAlister's (a southern restaurant chain we often frequented after church in NM). Plus, I had my first post pregnancy shopping spree (with Kyle as the sitter while I tried on clothes).

The rest of the time in Junaluska we were blessed with a handful of visitors, Elizabeth, Tia Tia and Aunt Linds!

The stop in NC was a lovely time to relax for a day or two and visit with sweet friends in the area who we rarely see. Time seems to simply stand still for a peaceful moment when we're there, and that's one thing we love most about Family Circle.

Bliss

Elizabeth with Eleanor and Her New Pink Elephant

ECS Reading to ECS

Daddy Time

Lindsey Works Baby Wonders with Stuffed Monkeys

Just Precious Watching Best Friends Play with Eleanor

Miss These Ladies

All Smiles

A Magical Half-Marathon

Kyle, Eleanor, and I traveled down to Orlando for the Disney Princess Half Marathon. I was hoping that running 13.1 miles at "The Happiest Place on Earth" would make the experience less grueling and more... magical. Wearing a tutu and tiara was supposed to definitely seal the deal. Guaranteed. No exceptions... or cramps... or dehydration... or exhaustion.

Well, I don't think any half marathon can be as spectacular as a night at Cinderella's ball, but this one certainly beat scrubbing the floors of your wicked step-mother's mansion. In fact, it was lots and lots of fun and one of my very favorite races.

Fortunately, it started very early, and the extreme Florida sun stayed behind the clouds the whole morning, making for a relatively cool run. Most of the course was flat and even ventured through the very scenic Magic Kingdom about halfway through. Now, this may not seem like a big deal to most, but I really appreciated that the restrooms weren't crowded or messy. Disney obviously knows there's nothing a princess hates more than long lines and a dirty throne!

Almost all of the contestants were dressed in Disney costumes, some very extravagant with fancy hairdos and full length gowns. Of course, all of the princesses were represented, even Princess Leia. Other less known characters included Cruella De Vil and dalmatians, Sleeping Beauty's fairies, Peter Pan and Hook, The Little Mermaid's Flounder, and the list goes on. As for our attire, Cinderella's birds were busy, so Val and I crafted together and designed beautiful tulle princess skirts. As far as footwear was concerned, we opted for running shoes over glass slippers.

Even though we weren't at risk of turning into pumpkins or field mice, we were anxious to complete the race as soon as possible. However, it takes a long time to cover that many miles. Luckily, there was lots of entertainment to keep our minds occupied while our feet kept chugging along. Origami like kites were flying, gospel choir voices were joyfully singing, Alicia Key's "This Girl is on Fire" was blaring, drummers were banging out bellowing beats, and who could forget all of the Disney characters posing for photos along the path?

My very generous fairy godmother granted my wish- to have my family with me for the race. Yes, Kyle, Val, Reba, and Cole must have been under a spell because they all willingly agreed to run the half marathon. There's no one else I'd rather pile into a car with at 3:30 a.m. and trek to Disney World with on a Sunday morning. In fact, I even got to run alongside my prince charming for the entire 13.1 miles.

I guess, in a way, you could say the race turned out to be pretty magical after all, for this princess anyway.