A Hodge Podge

Well, needless to say...I have been bereft in updating the blog. Sorry. Instead of trying to explain everything that we've been up to...I'm doing a quick peek of how busy we've been (which is quite busy). First, we went to Atlanta for Bryan's mom's birthday and Thanksgiving with both families. While there we got pictures made with Santa...and rode The Pink Pig. Mary Paul loved Priscilla the Pig. We played at Aunt Beth's house for a few days before heading to Grandmommy and Grandaddy's house.

Ellie Jane did her impression of Jerry Lee Lewis.
Then we went to Palmetto for Thanksgiving and hung out with family. We played on the playground... And got love from Ellie Jane.

Once we got home we made a gingerbread house...during which...

Mary Paul ate way more icing then she was supposed to. When I got on to her she said, "I know, but it tastes so good."

We have played in front of the Christmas tree... Slept in very odd positions...

and had a party for Mary Paul who turned three years old!!!

Then Mommy attempted to take pictures for our Christmas card....
over and over again...
but finally was able to get these last three which will appear on the Thornton Family Christmas card. We hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!!!

Halloween Cupcakes

We made cupcakes. Mary Paul helped mix the batter and... of course...lick the the beaters.Ellie Jane got in on the beater action...just without the batter.

The next step was to put the muffin cups in the muffin tin.

Then we carefully filled each cup with delicious cupcake batter.

See..they are all filled.

Then we just had to wait. We looked cool........

playing in our fort.

After some serious decorating...we had....voila!!!! Cupcakes!!!!

Pumpkin Patch with the Thornton

We had a fun trip to the pumpkin patch with the Thornton side of the family. We had a blast and so much fun watching all the cousins playing together!!! Ellie Jane is not certain if she likes being squished in the wagon.

Mary Paul has shocked Claire...who knows what she has done this time.

Bryan with Ellie Jane. She loves when he plays with her feet.

They look so alike in this picture...in my opinion.

My sweet Ellie Jane...lost among the pumpkins.

Mary Paul...it is so difficult trying to get a good picture of this girl because she never slows down.

How to Eat a Doughnut

This is a public service announcement from Mary Paul. She felt it was time to show the world the correct way to eat a doughnut and enjoy it to its fullest.

Step 1. Use two hands to hold the doughnut, open wide and slowly take the first bite.
Step 2. Make sure to lick all the powder off of your lips so you can enjoy the delicious sweetness.

Step 3. Chew slowly and thoroughly so you do not choke.

Step 4. Rotate the doughnut so that you are taking bites in a counterclockwise direction.

Step 5. It's most important to eat the outside of the doughnut then the inside of the doughnut.

Step 6. Lick your fingers. Who cares if polite society says licking your fingers is rude.

First Days at the Beach

We are enjoying our time in Seaside. We've gone to the playground where Ellie Jane had snuggle time with Daddy. Mary Paul ran around...a lot and expressed her feelings of unworthiness at this wonderful trip.

Mary Paul is super excited to be learning how to "surf just like Daddy". Have you ever seen such joy?

Ellie Jane, despite the smirk she is giving me, loves the ocean and cannot get enough of being in the water. Yes, we have another waterbaby.

Being at the beach makes Ellie Jane quite hungry and keys are pretty tasty.

As you can see, being at the beach makes Ellie Jane a very happy seven month old girl.

Bryan loves the ocean so much and I cannot tell you how happy I am that all his girls can share his joys.

There is nothing better than ending your day with the sun, knowing everyone is happy, healthy and ready for bed!!!

The Thornton Hair Salon

Well, as many of you know it's been raining here in the south...a lot. Here is what we've been doing to entertain ourselves. I pulled out the rollers we borrowed from Samantha and curled my hair. Mary Paul wanted in on the action. So we rolled her hair.

Then she went into the bathroom to admire her reflection...and play with her toothbrush.After that she felt ready for some pictures with her mama who also had curly hair, but only on the ends so you can't tell in this picture.

Oh, how I love my sweet Mary Paul.

Later, I decided to take some pictures of my girls together, especially since Ellie Jane is sitting up!!!

Not only is Ellie Jane sitting up, she is laying on her side, rolling all around and....

pushing up on her arms so she can always show off her killer hairdo...which is too short to roll.

My girls have lots of fun together...

They are smiley and Ellie Jane loves to be held by her big sister...

most of the time.