sunday morning blessings

Kate was especially sweet this morning as we got ready for church. She has just learned to say "I love you," although her version sounds a little bit more like "Ah of ooh," and she was full of love this morning. Kisses, hugs, Ah of ooh's...pure sugar. I mentioned to Pops how adorable she looked in her new dress, and he demanded pictures. So, Pops, these are for you...and all other grandparents...we love you!

He loves me, he loves me not....

He loves me!

The picture above brings some swooping Judy Garland-ish song to mind...not quite "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," but something like it. It's as if Kate is dreaming big dreams, or maybe she's just caught sight of a lizard?

fair: (n.) something that comes to town once a year and has rides

Dad, isn't it nice to know that you're words of wisdom didn't fall on deaf ears? I know exactly what "fair" means, and now, so does Kate! She had so much fun this weekend at the South Florida fair. Stephen and I spent $30 on food (yummm....) so we had a great time, too.
As we were about to leave, Kate began pointing at the ponies. Stephen asked if she wanted to ride, and she promptly nodded yes. I plopped her down in that saddle and away she went. Yeehaw!!!

holiday montage

So it's a little late coming, but Happy New Year! Teamburton had a wonderful Christmas, and we thought we'd share just a few pictures from the holidays. Enjoy!

I...love....PAPAWL!

Papawl and Kate shared a delicious red velvet cake before dinner over the holidays. Kate really loves her Papawl; they are kindred spirits. She walks up to him, makes a silly face, and then struts away as if to say "What d'ya think about that!" He's the most fun-loving guy I know, and I bet she'll be just like him.
Papawl isn't feeling too well these days, but he said time after time that Kate made his Christmas, and that means the world to me. He loves you, baby girl.

spoiled rotten

Above: Christmas with Nana Dana and Pops! Check out Kate's cute new PJs...too stinkin' cute! We Russells have a tradition of receiving an NBC gift (Night Before Christmas) every Christmas Eve. It's always pajamas. In fact, I cannot remember a single Christmas Eve when I received anything other than PJs...it's the rule. The idea, of course, is that you get new PJs on Christmas Eve so that you look good the next morning for Christmas pictures. Clever, isn't it? (Feel free to take it and start your own NBC tradition.) This Christmas was the first that my siblings and I didn't receive an NBC (sad), but, no worries, the tradition lives on with Kate. So cute!

Below: Christmas with Grandma and Granddaddy Burton! Kate had a great time playing with her cousins, Lincoln and Spencer, this Christmas. She got a huge bag full of goodies including a beauty set, kitchen toys, and a doll baby. Thanks G-ma and G-daddy!

teamburton's not-quite-christmas morning

Although we always have a big Christmas get-together at both Grandma Burton and Nana Dana's houses, we wanted to have our own, very low-key, celebration at home. So here again are my two most favorite people on my most favorite day of the year.

Kate takes a minute to take inventory of her new fab toys. It may not look like much, but someone, can't remember who at the moment, gave us some great advice for gift-buying for our children...buy one thing your child needs, one thing she wants, and then a surprise. Sounded good to us, and Kate had no complaints!

Kate has really enjoyed playing with the little school house just in front of her...a sign that she might follow in her mom's footsteps?

Sorry for the scary red-eye...sheesh! This is Kate's new favorite toy. She loves it! Unfortunately, she's not allowed to play in it / with it anymore because it's a bit too dangerous for a 15 month old. It broke her heart when I put it out of reach. Who knew that a cheap little plastic Dora the Explorer chair could cause such heartache?