The Updike's

It has been so much fun to have a little toddler in our home . . . especially during the holidays. I don't know who was more excited - Lily or her parents. (Okay, let's be honest, we were more excited!) To kick off the Halloween festivities, we planned a family home evening of pumpkin carving. Lily wasn't really into touching the pumpkin goop but she was sure curious about what was going on with her pumpkin. Lighting the pumpkins with dad The "Dadda," "Momma," and "Lily" Pumpkins Having fun at Gardner Village with friends Lily was so excited about her monkey costume. She examined her whole costume in the bathroom mirror. It was kind of cute, I took her "paws" off thinking it would drive her nuts not to have her hands free . . . the minute I did that she cried in frustration because she wanted them on. Our ward put on a Halloween carnival. Needless to say, Lily had the time of her life! Especially with the cupcake walk and the ...

Showing off her new winter coat and boots Lily loves her daddy Cutest Cowgirl Ever! Loves helping mom with cleaning chores Watching her favorite show . . . Mickey Mouse Clubhouse . . . all bundled up Trying out her new "big kid" bed

Last week, we were so lucky to have Grandma and Grandpa Updike come and visit!!! We sure enjoyed the time with them and were especially excited to let Lily spend some time with them. Getting tickled by grandma. Giving grandpa "rocks." And one of the highlights for Lily was that grandma brought her some "food" for her kitchen. Lily kept walking around the house "pretending" to eat all of the new food she got. (And she hasn't stopped playing with it since they left!) And Lily absolutely loved playing "catch" with grandma at the table. All in all, it was a great visit! We sure wished we lived closer so that we could spend more time together. We are lucky because we will get to visit them in Oklahoma in just over a month. Thanks so much for coming and we can't wait to see you again!!

Obsessed with flowers Loves playing in the dirt. Fascinated with rocks. Yes, that is a pig. My mom opened her front door and found this pig on our front porch. Lily LOVED this piggy. A few days later we stopped by my parents house and yelled out, "PIGGY, PIGGY!" Mismatched clothes, a window stick, and a delicious peach. What could be better? What girl doesn't love money? Lily insisted on the flower in her hair - although it only lasted for about 5 minutes before she took it off.

Pick a color!

Grandma Updike! Good luck in your big race on Saturday! I am thinking about you and know you will do so awesome. I sure love you! Go! Go! Go! Love, Lily

Where has the time gone? Our little baby or should I say toddler, is turning 18-months tomorrow. For memory/journal sake I wanted to highlight the fun things Lily has learned in these 18 months. Oh, I just love this little girl! (Notice: Her first black and blue goose egg on her head. She ran full force and fell and hit her head on the leg of an end table yesterday. Poor little thing!) Favorite Foods: Chicken Nuggets with BBQ Sauce. (and yes, she insists on dipping herself) Hot Dog/Corn Dog with Ketchup. Fruit Popsicles Cookies/Treats Yogurt Obsessed With: Bikes Crayons (which she calls "Colors") Balloons Flags - Why she likes flags, we have no idea! Money (coins) Books Strollers Loves to mimic animal noices Disney Channel: Mickey Mouse Club and Special Agent OSO (she asks to watch these everyday) Loves children! (does this mean the transition into nursery will be easy?) Favorite Words and Phrases: "Hi." Lily will say "hi" to everyone. It is oft...