My Babes in Black & White

I'm studying and trying new black and white editing techniques.  Here are a few of my favorites...of two of my favorite people! 

All I Want for Christmas...

...is my two front teeth!  That is what Ellie is getting!  The past couple weeks, Ellie has been getting her two front teeth.  Nolan was never fussy getting teeth, so it was a new concept when Ellie had a couple rough days.  All has been well since they popped through...thank goodness!  While I will miss her sweet, gummy smile...her new 'toothy' smile is just as cute and a sign that she is quickly leaving her infant stage and approaching toddlerhood.

Christmas Train

A few weeks ago, we took the kids to the Jackson Roundhouse to take a train-ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

To prepare for his visit, Nolan received a personal message from Santa: http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/gH8SqNUaaANuCU68O01YHpg 
Nolan wasn't too sure what to think of his message.  His eyes were glued to the screen and I could see the concern on his face as he waited to hear if he was on the 'nice' list!

At the train station, we toured different historic train-cars, enjoyed hot chocolate and apple cider, and played with miniature train models.  Soon, it was announced that Santa and Mrs. Claus would be arriving.  We all went out to the landing to watch them arrive via train.  It was so cute!  Once the train arrived, we loaded on and took the quick trip down the line.  On the train we sang Christmas carols and got to walk around the train...Nolan thought seeing the engine-car was really cool!

Once the train ride was over, we went inside to wait our turn to visit with Santa.  Nolan was definitely not sure about him so it ended up being a family picture visit.  Jason had to sit next to Santa and Nolan stood on the opposite side.  Ellie is such a 'mama's girl' that she was completely content to just sit on my lap.

After the train and visiting with Santa, we took a tour of Summit Hill in St. Paul while riding a 1950's bus.  Again, a highlight for Nolan because he LOVES buses! 

The entire morning was so much fun and it is another event we hope to make an annual tradition.

A picture of a picture!...we used their photographer and didn't get any with our own camera

Ellie's 8 Month Pics

Well, I'm late again to post this...here are her 8 month pictures, ironically being post on her 9 month birthday.  Sorry if that was confusing.

Ellie is continuing to hit new milestones all the time.  As you saw from my last post, she is pulling to stand.  It is her favorite thing to do.  She chases her brother around, following him everywhere...even tries pushing him in her walker wagon.  Nolan doesn't quite understand why she doesn't actually 'push' him.  He sits in the wagon saying 'go Ellie, go!'  Pretty cute.

She started getting teeth!...and poor girl, she started with the top front two.  We've had a couple pretty fussy nights.  I'll have a separate post to show these cute front teeth :)

Doesn't she look tall in the picture?  Such long legs...she can wear 6 - 9 month tops, but 12 or 18 month pants (legging style)