Close It Down, Anabelle!

Well, it's finally happened: after almost four years and 770 posts, I'm shutting down Anabelle's blog. But don't worry — I've started a new joint blog for both Anabelle and Will called Alligators and Elephants. Update your bookmarks and visit today!!

Outdoor Fun in the Sun & Snow

We finally got some more snow this weekend so we tried to take the kids out sledding, only they were more interested in playing on the snow-covered playground equipment. I didn't get any pictures of it, but Anabelle shot out of the tube slide like a rocket.



We also enjoyed the brisk morning air at an outdoor event the kids' daycare organized. It was freezing, but it was fun to get out and walk around Centennial Lakes Park! Afterwards Anabelle wanted to go on the skating rink but I was too cheap to rent skates, so we just slid around on our boots.

Reading to Will

Will hasn't been feeling well lately so Anabelle's been reading to him:


"Tonight's story: Interrogation techniques to use on daddies!"


"Uh, Anabelle, I'm kind of having trouble seeing the pictures..."


"Well, Will, it would help if you look at the book instead of the camera!"


"And now, Will, I want you to walk around the room with this book balanced on your head!"

Anabelle in Washington D.C.

In honor of today's historic occasion, here's a video of Anabelle in Washington D.C. from back in May 2006 (if you watch all the way til the end you can see the Washington Monument in the background):

Anabelle's Artwork

Here's a recent piece of art Anabelle did at school:

Chuck E. Cheese's Would Be A Great Place If It Weren't For All The Contagious Diseases Floating Around

"I feel like such a princess riding in this coach!"


"This ride would be better if Clifford did tricks like flip or roll over."


"When I turn sixteen, I want a jeep just like this one."


"This ride feels like it's been going on for hours!"


"The light at this intersection always takes forever."

Happy Second Birthday, Sophie!

Sex and the City: The Early Years


"Hey, Sophie, want some help opening your presents?"


"Tea time!"


"Mmm, it's cake, it's ice cream, it's ICE CREAM CAKE!!!"


Happy Birthday, Sophie! Will wishes he could have been there, too!!

Winter Dance Recital

Here's a video of Anabelle's Winter Dance Recital!

Happy New Year!

I'd say I've resolved to post more often in 2009 but I don't want to make any promises I might break! Here are some pictures of Anabelle at school that her teachers took:


With Santa.


On a reindeer sleigh ride with some friends.


Participating in the school book exchange.


Singing "Toody-ta" with her classmates.


Same as above, but now with ribbons added! (Difficulty level: 7)

Christmas Memories

"OK, does everyone remember their parts? Let's try the number from the top again!"


"OK, Jack, that sounds good, but, Will, let's try to pick up the tempo a bit."


"And since I'm so charming, I'll do all the small talk with the audience!"


"BEST. CHRISTMAS PRESENT. EVER!!!"


"Say, this table will be perfect out on the patio in the spring!"


"And it doubles as an easel! Finally, somewhere for me to do all of my drafting!!"


"OK, ready, set... OPEN!!!!"


"Man, these search and find books get harder every year!"


"But there still isn't a puzzle out there that I can't do!!"

BONUS VIDEO! Anabelle, Will, and Jack perform at the piano on Christmas Eve!!

A Brother and Sister Act

"OK, Will, which one of our chart-topping hits should we perform tonight?"


"Ooo, good idea! Let's perform our cover of a classic standby!"

Happy (Belated) Thanksgiving!

Wow, how time flies. I can't believe I haven't posted anything for two weeks. Here are some old pics, starting with some from Thanksgiving.


"Am I staying? Depends -- what are we having for dinner?"


"Oh, hi, Dad! Um, this may look like ice cream but, uh, it's really mashed potatoes. Mmm, I love mashed potatoes!!"


"Oh my gosh, what a shocking story! Did that really happen?"

Great-Great Auntie Jo's 90th Birthday Party

"Here, Auntie Jo, let me help you sort through all your loot!"


"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!"


"Let's see... two candles. Happy Second Birthday, Auntie Jo!!"


"So is anyone going to blow out these candles so we can eat the cake?"


"Check out the lift on my hair!"

Goofy Glasses

More pics of Anabelle with her goofy glasses because I can't get over how funny they are:


"OK, I'm ready for school!"


"Yes, Will, when you're as old as me, your nose will look like this too!"


"Pee-yew! Who farted?"


"The nose just gets even bigger in close-ups!"


"What's the matter, Will? Don't you want a kiss from your big sister? Hmmm???"

The Princess Diaries

This is just like those movies where the disheveled geek is transformed into a beautiful princess. Behold!


NERRRRD!


"But I was really a princess all that time!"

And from the sequel:


"Oh no, that mean old witch put a curse on me and the ball is tonight!!"