Ailey and I had a great time at Lar Lar's house

making cookies this afternoon...

Thought we'd share a bit of the process and the finished result!

um???

.

Yes, I know, I know -- I have been neglecting this poor little blog...

it's just been so busy!!

But we'll just forgive that and move one, okay? okay. :)

We got our first real snow last night.

(and by first real snow - I mean not quite even covering the grass)

But that didn't stop Ailey from running in this morning yelling that it was finally Christmas!!! Cracks me up that snow automatically means Christmas.

Either way - we donned our coats, gloves, and boots and headed out.

Our time was filled with snowballs, swings, and snowballs...

My kiddo is just so fun.

About to throw a snowball at Mom!

<3

Ailey's favorite craft from school.

(she points it out on the door all the time and reminds me that it's 'glowing!')

.

A few pics of Ailey in her Snow White costume -

and of her Harvest Party at school this morning...

ailey's treat bag at school...

5 little Pumpkins

the parade

At Trunk or Treat at church last night...

Good friends Jamie and Nora (the little pumpkin)

came to hang out with us...

And I'll leave you today with this sweet face...

.

Without embarrassing Ailey,

Hilary went WAY above and beyond for this session...

You'd never know it looking at this pic but it POURED today -

before, during, and after our session!

It was challenging to say the least --

but the light coming through

the barn for this moment just looks perfect.

(amazing considering the dreary day)

We'll be sharing more with you soon -

but here's one to tie you over.

Thanks Hil, you're the best! <3

And an extra thanks to Su & Charlie for

letting us use their amazing barn...

.

Ailey had such a good time at her field trip this morning...

She loved the story - and mom enjoyed watching her interact with her classmates and meeting a few of the parents.

(and the weather was PERFECT!)

I've not had time to really process these or even go through them... so bare with me --

There may be a few more of these in a few days - once I've had a chance to really look them over...

ailey face...

and... a few from later in the day

(my favorite chair - ever!)

As you look at these - I will say this...

there are days when it's just hard...

hard to be mom.

And try as I did, it was just a hard to keep track of,

love despite of,

and keep calm no matter what

kind of afternoon for us.

Looking at her here you'd probably never know it...

Looking at these tonight brought me some peace -

and an overflowing sense of love

and joy for our vibrant little one.

She is vibrant - and I'm privileged to share these with you.

might just be my favorite of the day.... it's such a good representation of Ailey right now ---

always on the move... always somewhere else to be and something else to do...

on a side note...

had a great session with Emily & Jesse today.

We wanted to get a few outdoor pics to add to their wedding collection since it rained on their actual wedding day. More to come of these two - I just have to get some 'real work' :) done first! (but... don't they look beautiful!)

.