Ellie and Meggie

London!

2011-04-10T14:12:00.001-04:00

Ellie and I spent her first Spring Break in London with my sister and her family. We had an awesome time and enjoyed what Sarah swears is the best London weather she has experienced since she has lived there. Thanks to the Whits for hosting us! Can’t wait to go back!!

We got there on Saturday and Sarah made us stay up so we would adjust to the time change. We hauled all of the kiddos down to the London Eye.

Ellie waiting for the Eye.

Eating ice cream after the ride :-)

We were there for both Brett and Baby Drew’s birthdays. We went to Brett’s party on Sunday, it was tons of fun!

Sarah and Baby Drew, he is SO big!

Ellie and I spent Tuesday being TOTAL tourists in London. We rode the double decker tour bus around all day. It was a super cold and rainy so no one fought us for the top floor of the bus.

Wednesday we went to Windsor, watched the changing of the guards and tried on hats.

The weather was so nice that we spent an hour laying outside of Windsor Castle.

Ellie mad friends with two girls who had bubbles. They were nice enough to leave Ellie the bubbles when they had to leave.

Thursday Ellie and I went to the Natural History Museum. She decided that their butter croissants are her new favorite food.

We were so, very, very sad to leave on Friday, Brett’s birthday. Here he is showing off his new set of golf club.

Meggie and Mama

2011-01-05T20:55:00.001-05:00

As most people know, Meggie is my kiddo. She wants her mama about 98% of the time. We get each other, we make each other all better. Almost every night she has a little dance around bed time. She goes to bed, then I go to bed and she comes in my room telling me her belly hurts. She says the only way her belly will get better is if she sleeps in my bed. Annnnd….I always let her. I love snuggling with her and she’s such a little lovey. Then, Chris comes to bed and puts her in her room. I know, it’s not perfect, but I don’t care because I love it and it does something good for my soul. Last night was no different, but we took some pictures.

Hello Again!

2011-01-05T20:41:00.001-05:00

Obviously, I have been horrible at updating the girls blog. After comments from a few family members (don’t worry, I didn’t mind and didn’t take it the wrong way) I realized that people, actually, still read the blog. Yay! So, here we go. I am back to posting and giving updates on out little family. Ellie picked the new blog color, not surprisingly it’s pink.

We had a great Christmas in Missouri. No pictures, sorry. But, when we got back Ellie lost TWO teeth 16 hours apart. She was very excited about the tooth fairy visiting and even more excited when she found the moula under her pillow.

She wanted to keep her tooth, so she wrote a letter to the tooth fairy asking as much.

With the finished letter:

Showing her one missing tooth. You can see the other one barely hanging on. That one fell out Tuesday morning (and the tooth fairy almost forgot to leave money Tuesday night….oops).

A semi-family shot in the girls room. Ellie LOVES her top bunk!

Our Day out on the Town

2010-07-29T18:33:00.001-04:00

Ellie starts kindergarten on August 9th, so we are spending these last two weeks doing a few fun things for her.

On Wednesday I took her to the Georgia Aquarium then we met up with Chris for lunch at Yeah! Burger (it's supper yummy, if you haven't tried it already I highly recommend it.).

The Jellyfish are my favorite. I could watch them for hours. Their water was kinda dirty, but they were still beautiful!

Ellie refused to look at me to let me take her picture, so this is the best I have at the aquarium.

She was super happy to see Daddy (well, we both were).

Playing with Daddy's goatee.

And, the obligatory Sunglass shot. This is one of my favorites!

And, I have no idea what she is doing here...but she is still cute!

Ellie the Magician!

2010-07-18T13:26:00.001-04:00

Chris has been teaching Ellie a few magic tricks. They are so hilarious!

Here are a few other pictures of the Sears Family Happenings:

Katie The Dog got roped into some Princess Play

I had a pile of laundry to fold that was taller than I am. This happens a lot, but I wanted to capture the excitement of one Sunday night.

Meggie didn't eat what I made for dinner one night. Chris came to rescue when get got home, giving her a bagel while he read her a story.

We had to pick up a prescription at the Pharmacy and Chris told Ellie they were "listening" pills. She was very disturbed by the idea, this is her having a mini-meltdown about it in the car.

Meggie in the Target parking lot.

My beautiful Meggie!

After lunch at Shorty's, so yummy!

A disclaimer: These are the clothes Chris put the girls to bed in. They didn't want to change the next morning and I didn't make them. But, they don't normally dress like this in public. Still, they are SUPER cute!

July 10th, 2010

2010-07-10T15:00:00.001-04:00

The girls made a drum set this morning. It was REALLY loud, but they sure enjoyed it!

Ellie in my sunglasses, being super cute!

Cheese!

July 9th, 2010

2010-07-09T21:01:00.001-04:00

Meggie climbing on Daddy and Ellie pouting...a normal day for the Sears girls!

The Fourth!

2010-07-09T20:53:00.001-04:00

On the July 4th I was trying to re-cooperate from a wedding I shot the night before. Chris started the day by taking the girls to the zoo. Then Uncle Drew came over and we shot off fireworks and I made homemade ice cream. After that we headed down to Decatur to watch the fireworks. A SUPER fun day! Oh, and, I finally got a point-and-shoot camera so I am no longer hauling around my biggie. This should lead to WAAAAAY more pics on the girls blog!

All of the Safe and Sane fireworks two pyro's could want!

Ellie Turns 5!

2010-07-09T20:41:00.001-04:00

Ellie hit the big 5 a few weeks ago. I took cupcakes to her camp class then we went to the pool and to Doc Chey's for dinner. Chris even got her a piñata and the girls had a good time breaking it apart. The Saturday after her birthday we had a super fun pool party with some friends. Thanks to everyone who sent presents and helps us celebrate her fun day!

Another Day at the Park

2010-05-02T20:30:00.001-04:00

I had another shoot at Piedmont Park this morning. Chris and the girls came along to hang out on the playground while I was working. While we were walking out Meggie demanded I take some pictures of her. So cute!

Meggie is trying to strike a pose, thus the hands on the hips.

I am not quite sure what Ellie was going for with this leaf, but she is ridiculously beautiful anyway!

A few more pieces of school work...

2010-04-27T16:21:00.001-04:00

Mimi, this first one is for you. Look at that penmanship!! I don't think my handwriting was that good until 6th grade!

Grandma Cindy, this one is for you. Ellie copied the cover of the book you sent, "Sleepy Head." Then, she copied it in Spanish as well. And, that is suppose to be a giraffe going through the word, "head."

Ellie's Latest Masterpiece

2010-04-27T13:39:00.001-04:00

Ellie drew this picture with an elaborate story about how Uncle Drew was saving her from a volcano. I love it! It's so Ellie to come up with huge elaborate stories these days. She asked me to put in on the blog so Uncle Drew could see it. Here ya go Uncle Drew!

Our Week in Missouri

2010-04-24T14:03:00.001-04:00

We spent Spring Break in Missouri spending time with family and visiting friends.

On Easter we had breakfast with Grandma Cindy and Grandpa Mike then went back to their house to meet their new puppy, Maggie. We also read books and put puzzles together.

After breakfast we went back to Mimi and Papa's house for an Easter Egg hung with Brett and Will. Papa let the kids have five minutes of unlimited chocolate consumption after the hunt. No one got sick (surprisingly) and they had a great time!

After Easter I went to visit my sister in St. Louis. She and Brayden welcomed little Baby Drew a couple of days before Easter. Little Drew was quite the sweetie!

There was a bit of a situation back in Columbia (Meggie managed to gouge out Mimi's eye and tear her cornea...poor Mimi) so I went back to Columbia and helped manage the munchkins. One night we went to have Mexican then I took the kids for ice cream.

After getting Mimi all healed up I went to West Plains to visit my friend Leann and her sweet new baby, Lena. We hadn't seen each other in almost 7 years, it was so great to catch up, it was like not a day had passed. I love her so much!

After the whirlwind week we drove back to the ATL and resumed normal like. Ellie made it clear she much prefers vacation time at Mimi and Papa's house. She is looking forward to this summer when she is going to be at home with Miss Shayann and Miss Elizabeth. :-)

A Day at the Park!

2010-03-23T19:40:00.001-04:00

I had a shoot at Piedmont Park on Saturday. It was a fantastic day so Chris took the girls to the playground while I worked. When I was done we did a very mini shoot with the girls. They are so awesome!

Meggie and Some Yogurt!

2010-03-21T12:30:00.001-04:00

Megs had a little GI blip on Thursday night so she had to stay home with me Friday. As seems to be typical, after a night of throwing up, she was perfectly fine Friday. So, we decided to head down down to the Yogurt Tap in Decatur and grab a little snack.

I know she's my baby and all, but she is such a beautiful kiddo! My heart melts when I look at those blue eyes!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T09:13:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago my mom sent the girls a cute mix of spring clothes (thanks, Mimi!!). Included were two green Tutu's. Ellie has a thing for tutu's. Today was the perfect day to whip out and put on the tutu's...and for a purpose! The girls loved wearing them to school and everyone at their school loved seeing them sporting some green fabulousness! (Meggie was distracted by her little friend Micah who was at the door, he kinda likes her).

More Ellie artwork...

2010-02-20T22:38:00.001-05:00

Ellie drew this today. It is our family at the beach. Chris is on the left then me, Ellie and Meggie. Katie the Dog and Benson the cat are in the picture as well. There are waves and she said the rainbow is light.

On Wednesday when I was picking Ellie up from school she was diligently working on this. It is Chris and me on the day we got married. I promise we looked happier than this in reality!

And, the most exciting news...

2010-02-20T17:35:00.001-05:00

Ellie got into The Museum School of Avondale Estates! We are stoked, it's a great charter school in our neighborhood. They open their doors August 9th and Ellie is going to be in the inaugural kindergarten class!

January!

2010-02-20T17:30:00.001-05:00

Here are a few snapshots from January. Chris was traveling most of the month and we missed him TERRIBLY. We are happy to report he won't be traveling quite as much for awhile. All of his girls are happy he will be home a little bit more!

Our new mantle, I love it!!

A little bit of a catch up!

2010-02-20T17:21:00.001-05:00

Whew! I am a tad (haha) behind in the blog posting. I have been inspired...so here comes my update...

A few shots from Christmas Eve...

These cookies are the DEVIL. Delicious...but oh-so-bad!

Meggie snuggling with the teddy bears at Mimi and Papa's house.

While we were in Columbia for Christmas Chris had to go to Philadelphia. While he was in Philly the girls and I headed down to see Grandma Maxine. It was great to see her! She watched Kung Fu Panda with us.

Meggie feeding Chris. It's one of her favorite things to do!

Ellie being pretty (that's not hard for her).

Ellie and Papa cuddling at Cracker Barrel before we went back to Atlanta.

Hello to Daddy!

2010-01-25T21:06:00.001-05:00

We miss you like crazy.

xoxoxo

E/M/M

Playgroup Holiday Party

2009-12-18T22:06:00.001-05:00

Our playgroup met up at a local Ice Cream Parlor, Relics and Rarities, to enjoy a couple of hours crawling on cars and eating ice cream! I think all of the kids had a great time. And the mommies enjoyed hanging out and talking, as always!

Our Christmas Tree!!

2009-12-07T22:24:00.001-05:00

What a Weekend!

2009-11-15T23:13:00.001-05:00

Grandpa Steve came to visit and spend the weekend with us and our sweet girls. We had a wonderful time, eating out and going to Stone Mountain. Meggie got to spend the day with Grandpa Steve on Friday and was happy to miss school! Ellie was doubly excited because, not only was Grandpa Steve here, but Uncle Drew was around a lot as well. What more does a four-year-old need?

Red balloons perhaps? I had a photo shoot Sunday morning that incorporated balloons and brought the leftover balloons home to the girls when the shoot was over.

Both Ellie and Megs had a fun time playing with them. As I write this they are both asleep with their balloons next to their beds!

The girls and their guys!

As always, Ellie was very sad to say goodbye to Grandpa Steve.

Meggie was just tired and fussy....

Ellie posing for a balloon pic before we went inside.

Thanks for visit Grandpa Steve, we miss you already!

Ellie's Artwork

2009-11-11T13:49:00.001-05:00

I have decided to have Ellie's artwork made into a book so I don't have to keep boxes and boxes of artwork as she grows up. Here are some of the pieces she has brought home this year that will be included in her Pre-K Artwork Book.

Look mom, she already has better handwriting than I did in 2nd grade!!

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-31T20:30:00.001-04:00

The Sears family had a fun fun fun Halloween! First we went to our neighbors house for a kiddo filled party. Then we headed out for some trick-or-treating. It got cold and windy really fast so Meggie and I headed home leaving Chris and Ellie for some more Halloween fun.

Chris was a vampire gorilla, Ellie was Thumbelina and Meggie was a princes. Meggie was suppose to be a monkey but she refused to put on the costume so we had to improvise.

Sami the pirate, Ella the bumble bee, Angela the cat and Roman the train conductor!

Baby Dejah with her parents, Jessica and Davin.

Meggie enjoying her Halloween cupcake.

More Halloween cupcake!

We hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween! We sure did and now we are all tired and ready for bed (well... Mom and Dad are anyway!).

Silly Girls!

2009-10-30T20:22:00.001-04:00

I have to admit, I don't remember what we were doing when the girls and I took these pictures, but they are still silly!

Papa, This One's For You!!

2009-10-30T19:55:00.001-04:00

2009-10-23T23:25:00.001-04:00

We just finished carving our three pumpkins. Ellie narrates the back story from the perspective of her pumpkin, named "Ellie". She explains how the "Daddy" pumpkin ruined the earth and has some killer tendencies. Meggie mostly stays behind the scenes, but does add some scary sound effects and later does a little camera work before her sister takes over. Happy Halloween everyone!

Meggie and Ellie's Sunday Recap for 10/18/2009

2009-10-18T20:25:00.002-04:00

Meggie and Ellie make a quick web cam video about our Sunday trip up to the apple orchard in North Georgia. Marti was doing a photo shoot for a friend there so we decided to make it a family outing. Aside from some Google Maps problems, it was a fun little trip. Daddy took the girls to the petting farm/zoo, we saw them shooting apples from an air-powered apple cannon (pumpkin chunkin-style), and the girls helped pick 39 apples.

Meggie Playing in the Kitchen with Daddy

2009-10-13T20:38:00.000-04:00

Meggie and Daddy are playing in the kitchen. Meggie is very interested in the camera, wanting to watch the screen instead of being recorded. We talk about animal sounds, we say hello to all our grandparents, we mess with the cat, and we play with a rubiks cube and a hula hop. If you listen carefully, you'll hear Meggie say "nilk", "see you later", "button" and "collar" (which i think she just learned on the spot). The best part of the video is Meggie's camera work.

Ellie Video Interview for 10/11/09

2009-10-11T21:15:00.000-04:00

Ellie tries to explain that we went to Stone Mountain Park today. We "hiked" to the top of the mountain and then back down, all without Ellie needing to be carried. We saw the red and blue skylift cars going up and down the mountain. After our hike, we went to the playground. Later, we went to QuikTrip for sodas. Mommy and Meggie are in Columbia this weekend, so Ellie and Daddy holding down the fort.

Rainy Weekend

2009-09-20T13:06:00.001-04:00

Another rainy weekend in Atlanta. Ellie helped me pick tomatoes off the vine after the abundance of rain helped ripen them. We have spent a lot of time inside, enjoying each other and a chance to relax. That said, I would like to see the sun again!

Day at the Zoo!

2009-09-12T15:27:00.001-04:00

Chris took us girls for a fun morning at the zoo. The weather was beautiful and the girls enjoyed seeing the animals.

There is a new Parakeet house. You can feed the parakeets with little sticks of seeds. It was really neat to be able to see the birds up close.

The Museum School of Avondale Estates

2009-06-27T20:59:00.001-04:00

Chris has been working hard with a group of local parents to get a charter school approved in Avondale. Today was a fund raiser for the school. It was at the local Waffle House Museum (Waffle House originated in Avondale Estates, who knew?) and included a children's musician, Elvis impersonator, hot dogs and lots of drinks. We had a great time. We got a tour of an old fashioned Waffle House lead by local kids.

Ellie in her Waffle House hat on the tour.

Meggie in her hat, she was SUPER cute!

Meggie found a friend to wave at through the glass.

Ellie enjoyed the hot dog and chips, what else does a girl need to be happy?

Ellie Turns 4!!

2009-06-27T20:40:00.001-04:00

It is hard to believe that my little baby is 4! It really seems like we just brought her home from the hospital. We celebrated with a family birthday party (and noodles) on Tuesday. Today we had a party with two of her friends from school. We had pizza, painted faces and make necklaces. It was a fun time, Ellie enjoyed her first birthday celebration with friends!

Ellie had a Barbie cake (or cupcakes).

Ellie and her cute friends from school!

I Heart Faces: My Favorite Face Photo

2009-05-18T21:18:00.007-04:00

The category this week is "My Favorite Face Photo." I love the photograph below because it is me and my baby girl. I took it in the mirror on Saturday when we were playing together. Her happy, chubby little face is one of my favorites.

I am submitting this photo into the www.iheartfaces.com Blurb Book photo contest. I am granting I ♥ Faces permission to use my photo in a printed version of a book for commercial use and possibly advertising of a photo book on both the Blurb and I ♥ Faces web sites.

A Mama, A Baby and The Camera

2009-05-16T23:28:00.001-04:00

I often lament that we do not have many pictures of me and the girls. I am usually behind the camera, not in front of it. Today Meggie and I had some time at home all alone so I went to see if we could get some mirror-assisted images. I thought some of these came out pretty darn cute.

Me showing Meggie how to push the shutter button.

My sweet baby checking things out.

Another sweet baby girl moment.

This may be one of my most favorite pictures ever! I LOVE it so so much!

Meggie and Her Cupcake

2009-04-25T09:52:00.001-04:00

We had dinner with some friends, Avi, Allison and Baby Devan on Thursday night. Allison totally spoils the girls and always has cupcakes for them. Here is Meggie, post cupcake! She had it everywhere (ears, eyes, hair, etc.). But, boy did she like it!

Soccer Saturday!

2009-04-18T12:06:00.001-04:00

We started off our weekend with a soccer game for Ellie.

In classic Ellie fashion she was interested for the first 15 minutes then decided a warm blanket was more fun.

Go Stingrays!

Ellie and her cute friend Luke decided that playing on a muddy hill was much more fun than playing in the game!

Ellie is so silly!

And super cute!

Maybe next weekend she will play....maybe not!

Easter 2009!!

2009-04-12T22:24:00.001-04:00

We had a great Easter at the Sears House!! We had our friends Avi, Allison and Devan over. We ate lots of yummy food and had a fun Easter Egg hunt!

Meggie Says, "Happy Easter!!"

Meggie thought a day filled with MnM's was probably the best day ever!

This is Baby Devan and his Daddy, Avi!

Meggie found an Easter egg!

Baby Devan loved his Easter eggs!

Baby Devan and a couple of his Easter eggs!

Ellie loved all of the candy she found!

Ellie checking out her loot!

Happy Easter everyone!!

A Baby and Her BlackBerry

2009-04-05T23:31:00.001-04:00

Last Tuesday Meggie an I headed to Sams' Club to grab a few household essentials.

As usual, I had to call Mimi to answer a few food storage questions (yes, you can freeze pepperoni...who knew??).

Meggie, of course, had to have her chance to talk to Mimi. And, she did, for about 15 minutes while we were shopping! It was hilarious! She babbled into the phone forever!

She was also playing with my watch, wearing it as a necklace. What a cute kiddo!!!

Sweet Melissa's

2009-04-05T22:56:00.001-04:00

One of our favorite Sunday morning routines is to go to Sweet Melissa's for breakfast. It is a very family friendly place that has yummy biscuits and homefries. Last week Grandpa Steve came to visit and took us. We had a great time! He and Chris built me an above ground planter and I hope to throw some tomatoes in it soon. Thanks Grandpa Steve!!

I Heart Faces Weekly Entry: Adult

2009-03-24T17:00:00.001-04:00

I Heart Faces Weekly Entry: Child

2009-03-24T16:48:00.001-04:00

Videos!!

2009-02-26T20:47:00.004-05:00

Here two well overdue videos. I apologize for the poor lighting, we were just being silly this evening...

I Heart Faces Weekly Entry: Adult

2009-02-23T20:25:00.003-05:00

Best Friend Ever!

Be sure to head on over to www.iheartfaces.com to check out all of the beautiful face entries this week!

I Heart Faces Weekly Entry: Child

2009-02-22T13:57:00.005-05:00

Sweet Sleeping Girl

Be sure to head on over to www.iheartfaces.com to check out all of the beautiful face entries this week!

Mommy Fail

2009-02-21T15:20:00.001-05:00

Note to self: Don't give the baby an entire box of cereal, it does not turn out well (well, Katie The Dog thinks it turned out just fine).

Yay for Weekends!

2009-02-15T12:59:00.001-05:00

I love the weekends (OK, I think EVERYONE loves the weekends). Yesterday for Valentine's Day we had a nice family dinner at one of our local favorite eateries, James Joyce. We got there early so we had the entire patio to ourselves, which is always nice with two wild kiddos!

Ellie is big into dancing now. Here she was bustin' her moves out on the patio.

And, Meggie playing with the buckle on her highchair.

Meggie showing us her beautiful blue eyes!

On Sunday morning Chris took his girls out to Sweet Melissa's, my favorite breakfast spot.

Ellie loves their biscuits, this one was almost as big as her head!

But, it got her lip lickin' stamp of approval!

A Few More Class Pics...

2009-02-14T09:39:00.001-05:00

My last photography class was Wednesday and I got to see pictures that other students took of Ellie and Kelly. Here are a few of my favorites....

My Sick Girl

2009-02-12T15:09:00.001-05:00

Ellie woke up today with a fever. She is such a champ and is handling it really well. She has slept four hours so far today. And, anyone who knows her knows that this kiddo is not a big fan of sleeping!

We had to go to Target to re-stock our supply of kiddo medications. She also got a "Special Treat," a Scooby Doo DVD. The DVD has been looping all day. But she slept through most of the shows (meaning I have seen every episode at least four times).

Poor Elle, I hope she feels better soon!

Fun Weekend!

2009-02-08T21:49:00.001-05:00

Ellie had her friend Bianca over on Saturday to play. The weather was beautiful! The girls played outside and had a great time!

Ellie playing outside in our backyard.

Meggie likes to climb up on all the chairs on our deck. She also likes my Blackberry!

Meggie playing on the chair with my phone. Look at all that hair she is growing!

Saturday night we met out neighbor at the Taq for dinner. It was yummy! (We got there a little early, so the girls got to run around outside for a while).

On Sunday Chris took Ellie to Stone Mountain and Meggie and I hung out together. For lunch she had chicken nuggets and whip cream....lunch of champions!

Saturday at the Park

2009-02-02T20:26:00.002-05:00

My photography class went to Piedmont Park on Saturday for an outdoor photo session. We were suppose to bring "models" so Ellie (by default) went with me. Kelly, one of my oldest friends (in terms of longevity) also met up with us.

About two-ish months ago Kelly and Ifound each other in the Facebook world and realized we only lived about five miles apart....in Atlanta! It was a huge surprise to both of us since we grew up together in Missouri but had not seen each other since her family moved to Chattanooga. She was such a great sport, holding light reflectors and making sure Ellie did not fall in the lake. It was awesome to have her and Ellie together, a very special day (excuse me while I tear up). Since Saturday Ellie has been asking when she get to see my friend again!

Meggie's Mini Photo Shoot

2009-01-13T21:41:00.001-05:00

I am taking a photography class that focuses on taking pictures of people. So, my poor friends and family are having the camera pointed at them so I can fulfill my class assignments. Today Meggie and I headed out to one of the local parks so she should could be my model.

Thanks Meggie! One day I will re-pay you!

Saturday in Decatur

2009-01-12T20:08:00.001-05:00

Saturday morning we headed out for breakfast at my favorite breakfast spot, Sweet Melissa's. After breakfast the girls ran around the square and let me take a few pictures of them.
Ellie getting ready for her breakfast. She started out with three small containers of jelly before her biscuit arrived.

Meggie started of the meal by snacking on some Cheerios. Yummy!

Then she decided to move onto a straw.

Chris likes to scare me to death by throwing her up in the air. Obviously, she has no issue with it! At least it makes for a fun picture!

Ellie just being Ellie. Falling down and hamming it up for the camera! Notice the blackberry jam on her clothes!
After our fun morning on the square Ellie's friend had a birthday party. Here is Ellie and another friend Allie being silly with Allie's mom.

A Few Steps Back

2009-01-04T20:17:00.001-05:00

Before we left for Missouri Uncle Drew came over and we celebrated Christmas with him. We opened gifts from Grandma Judy and Grandpa Steve, we all had a great time!

I think I almost blinded Ellie with my flash. Sorry honey!

Ellie opening a present from Uncle Drew.

Chris helping Meggie with the block Uncle Drew got her.

Ellie was so excited to get a Barbie from Grandma and Grandpa. It has been her constant companion since!

Meggie playing with Ellie's Winnie The Pooh computer.

The girls helping Daddy open the big package from Grandma and Grandpa.

Daddy and the girls getting ready to assemble Meggie's new door!
I had one present under the tree that I was not expecting. Chris got me an external hard drive for all of my RAW file images. Thanks babe!

Meggie playing with the NERF darts while Chris put her door together.

The door is almost done!

Ellie making good use of the box the play door came in.

Thanks for all of the great gifts Grandma Judy and Grandpa Steve! They were all great!

Christmas!

2008-12-28T23:27:00.001-05:00

We woke up on Christmas morning to find that Santa had visited! He left all of us big stockings filled with great goodies! Cousin Brett was a little under the weather but seemed to have a good Christmas despite feeling crumby.

Ellie playing with a Slinky. Santa did not leave her a Slinky, but she adopted the Slinky Santa brought Brett.

Chris playing with his new HD video camera. It is very cool! Hopefully he will have some video to post to the blog!

Chris trying to get Ellie on video. She is very squirmy!

I had a nice little spot right by the fireplace. It was cozy and comfy!

Meggie stealing some chocolate covered pecans from Daddy!

Cousin Will being super cute!

Ellie and Meggie playing with their new toys.

Ellie playing with her new Strawberry Shortcake Pony and Slinky.

Our sweet girl on Christmas Morning.

Cousin Brett and Aunt Sarah taking it easy. Brett got an ATM that he loves!

As a gift from Mimi and Papa we got a family get-a-way to The Great Wolf Lodge. We packed up and headed out Friday morning. Then spent the weekend playing in the indoor waterpark and hanging out with all of my family. Unfortunately, I left the batter for my camera in the charger in Columbia (while the camera made it all the way to Kansas City). It was an amazing weekend, we had a ton of fun!!

Visiting Grandpa Bill

2008-12-28T17:21:00.001-05:00

On Christmas Eve Day we went to visit Great-Grandpa Bill and his Doggies, Ruby and Oliver. Oliver was a little crazy when we first got there but calmed down and was a very sweet.

Ellie getting to know Oliver. He is a sweet doggie!

Meggie showing Grandpa Bill her toys.

Grandpa Bill loving on Oliver.

Chris and Grandpa Bill talking about the Financial Bailout.

Meggie liked the audio tapes Grandpa Bill listens to.

Meggie taking an audio tape to Grandpa Bill.

Meggie putting the tapes back in their crate.

Chris saying good-bye to Grandpa Bill.

Pap and His Trains

2008-12-23T23:59:00.001-05:00

After a weekend (and one very long Monday) of various GI ailments The Sears Family made it to CoMo. It was a bit of a shock going from warm(er) Atlanta to Missouri, but nice to be with Mimi and Papa.

Tuesday night Ellie helped Papa get out his antique Lionel train that has a track around the Christmas tree.

Here is Ellie watching Papa set up the transformer (I think that is what that part in his hand is called).

Chris showing Meggie how to use the train whistle. Notice the 15 stockings hung on the chimney with care.

Papa and Ellie putting the train cars on the track.

Here comes the train!!

Papa with the girls looking on.

Meggie got much more interested in the train when she realized it had a whistle and went around the track. Blowing the whistle was her favorite part!

Meggie and Papa watching the train.

Me and Meggie playing with a box...fun times!

Smile!

Me and Ellie hamming it up. She is so excited for Christmas!

Meggie loves to pretend that any remote control is a phone. She puts it up to her ear and start babbling. So cute!

Close Up (care of Daddy).

And, the evening ended with the obligatory throwing of the children. Mimi and Papa have a huge down pillow that Papa throws the kids on. They love it!

Meggie Turns 1!

2008-12-13T10:44:00.001-05:00

Our Megalicious turned one the day before Thanksgiving. She spent the day with Mimi and Papa, then we celebrated at home.

Ellie was excited about Meggie's birthday.

She was stealing a little icing from the cake.

Meggie didn't realize the candle was for blowing out.

And, she grabbed it with her hand!

She liked the icing after she tried it!

She also liked the rocking horse we got her!

Meggie

2008-11-22T09:14:00.001-05:00

Meggie and I had a nice day at home together on Tuesday. She is really into playing in Ellie's room.

Halloween!

2008-10-31T20:32:00.001-04:00

The girls started off Halloween week with a playgroup Halloween party!

Here are the older kids at the Halloween playgroup.

More of the older kids, being very cute!

Little man Aaron as Tigger.

And, cute little Hannah as Annie.

On Halloween night Meggie stayed up to go Trick or Treating with us.

Mommie and Meggie.

Meggie showing us how she can walk!

The Halloween night sky.

Daddy and his girls.

Mommie and her girls (notice the dyed red hair on Ellie)

Mommie and Meggie again.

Ellie getting some candy from a nice neighbor.

We had a fun Halloween! Ellie got a little cold so we headed home really early. It was lots of fun!

Me and My Girls

2008-10-26T20:55:00.001-04:00

Today we went to the Autumn Fest at Avondale Lake. Ellie and I got our faces painted.

When we got home Daddy took a picture of Meggie and I. My girls are so cute!

Even More Soccer!

2008-10-25T20:25:00.001-04:00

We had another soccer game today. It was at 12:30 and by then most of the kiddos were kind of tired and hungry. So, it ended up being a short game. It was also the official picture day. I got behind the photographer and took my own pictures (the bad, cheap Mommy I am).

Team picture #1.

Team picture #2!

Kira, Joseph, Jonah and Ava practicing before the game.

More practicing!

Ellie getting a little direction from Coach Anthony.

1...2...3... GO TEAM!

Meanwhile, Meggie was kind of sharing her snacks with Daddy.

She is suck a joker!

Mini Photo Shoot

2008-10-22T19:02:00.001-04:00

My sweet girls letting me take pictures of them...

Two Random Pictures

2008-10-21T18:16:00.001-04:00

Ellie waiting by the car yesterday.

Meggie eating yogurt, yummy!

Another Soccer Day

2008-10-11T16:24:00.001-04:00

We had an early soccer game this morning. The kids had a great time!

Noah, Ben's little brother, playing with a coat.

Kira being a little shy with her Mommy.

After the game we went to Mellow Mushroom for pizza. It is our favorite pizza place, yummy!

Ellie waiting for her pizza.

Daddy and his girls.

We had a really great morning at the soccer field, what a fun little family!!

Ellie with the 'tude

2008-10-07T19:29:00.001-04:00

Ellie is very three and very full of attitude. It can be really cute and fun or really cute and frustrating. Either way, it is great to see her personality develop.

Ellie's school is right by my office so I take her and pick her up from school. Sometimes on the way home from work I need a little decompression time but it was kind of hard to decompress with Ellie talking non-stop (and, I mean non-stop) all the way home. Chris, being the genius he is, put a bunch of movies on her iPod so while she watches the movies she listens with headphones. It is wonderful, one of the many reasons I love him....such great problem solving!

Here is Ellie with her headphones, all ready for the ride home.

And, showing me a little of that attitude!

Ellie's cute little pony tail! We need to get her hair cut, it is getting super long!

And, stealing a drink of my soda. She seems to love soda, just like her parents!

The Soccer Star

2008-10-04T19:42:00.002-04:00

Ellie and her playgroup friends started soccer today. It was really cute and fun. They were all a little overwhelmed by the crowds and noise but ended up having a good time.

Daddy and Ellie getting ready for the game.

Ellie posing in her soccer shirt.

Yep, this is pretty much what the game was like....

Ellie walking off the field.

She had a fun time and is looking forward to it next week. Yay, soccer!

ER Trip #4

2008-09-29T16:10:00.001-04:00

I think we are ER trip #4. Chris and I counted them up and we think we got them all.

Meggie swallowed a paperclip. We called our pediatrician and were sent to the ER because she needed an x-ray to confirm the clippy went into her stomach and not her lungs.

Here is Meggie in the triage room.

And, giving me the sad, "Sorry Mama" face.

Hanging out with Daddy while we were waiting for the x-ray.

Enjoying all of the attention!

Being sweet with Daddy.

The clippy came out this morning. So, we are in the clear. Note to self: no more playing with paperclips!

We are very fortunate to be within five miles of the 3rd ranked Children's hospital in the country. At least we know our kiddos will always be very well cared for!

Hilton Head- Day 3

2008-09-22T21:04:00.001-04:00

Here are some cute pictures of Meggie from Day 3.

Look at those teeth!!

Meggie, stealing my cell phone and lens cap at the same time.

Smiles! How cute is my baby??

Hilton Head- Day 2

2008-09-22T20:54:00.001-04:00

Chris at Wild Wings Cafe, yummy dinner!

The gate leading from our complex to the beach.

Sunset on the beach

Ellie walking on to the beach

Enjoying the wind on the beach, it was really windy but nice and warm.

Ellie giving Meggie toes kisses!

The very pretty beach!

Hilton Head- Day 1

2008-09-17T21:43:00.001-04:00

The little family headed down to Hilton Head Island for our first beach vacation!

Here the girls are in the car. Snuggled in and ready for the drive!

The umbrellas on the beach. We rented one of those umbrella/chair combos where Meggie and I spent quite a bit of time.

On the first day Chris spent 10 hours (no joke!) digging a big hole and building a sand castle. Ellie liked to "help" but I think she destroyed more than she built.

Ellie hard at work, carrying a bucket full of something (maybe water?).

Or, Maybe sand?

This was right after she destroyed some of the retaining walls...I thought it was pretty funny...

Our brown little beach bum

Chris putting the finishing touches on the castle before high tide

The "Portcullis," I had no idea what a portcullis was, at least I learned something on vacation!

Chris and Meggie checking out the view from the moat

Ellie helping out with one more bucket of water for the moat.

Aquarium!

2008-08-30T00:21:00.001-04:00

We met up with Aunt Sarah, Uncle Brayden and Cousins Brett and Will at the aquarium today. It was great to see the Whitney Family!

Ellie being shy with Deepo, the aquarium mascot.

Brett enjoying the fish!

Ellie.....

The Jellyfish, they were so pretty!

More pretty Jellyfish.

Ellie and Brett watching the Jellyfish.

We have to give props to Cousin Will who was sick, but so happy and sweet during our trip. What a cutie!

Ellie and Brett at The Varsity! They split a lunch. Brett ate two hot dogs and Ellie ate two hot dog buns. They are quite the team!

A Girl and Her Dog

2008-08-26T19:25:00.001-04:00

Katie is so good to the girls. She lets them pull and tug on her and all she wants in return is to be able to eat their leftovers off of the floor.

Here is Ellie walking Katie. They are a very cute pair.

And, Ellie just being cute. That is not hard for her to do!

Ellie...

2008-08-25T18:10:00.002-04:00

With a little sass.

I usually don't stylize the pictures this much. But, I thought these were kind of cute.

Ellie "helping" me with my margarita!

Ellie and her pretty pink umbrella.

Meggie and her Vacuum

2008-08-23T19:50:00.001-04:00

Meggie loves the vacuum cleaner. Whenever I get it out she crawls around to find it then hangs on to it.

Ellie hates the vacuum because it is, "too loud." Maybe Meggie realized she is safe from her sister as long as she is close to the vacuum...smart girl!

Thanks to everyone who left comments. We read them and love to get them!

Pictures From Ellie's Camera

2008-08-08T21:16:00.001-04:00

How funny are these??

Ellie and Her Camera

2008-08-08T20:58:00.001-04:00

Ellie really likes here camera. Here are some shots from today when she was looking at some pictures Grandma Cindy gave her, and taking pictures of those pictures.

Ellie put the pictures in a line then took pictures of each one.

The last one in her line, that was a lot of work!

Looking at you, looking at me!

I LOVE this picture. I think it is really cute and captures the true essence of Ellie.

Who's Busy??

2008-08-06T20:57:00.001-04:00

Meggie is so busy now. She plays really well by herself and is into climbing EVERYTHING!

She likes the slide.

And, she can almost make it all of the way up before sliding back down.

A Baby and Her Daddy

2008-08-06T20:32:00.001-04:00

Ellie and I have been going to swimming lessons after work/school. When we got home today Meggie and Daddy were snuggling. She had fallen asleep on Chris while he was working on the computer (yes, he can type and hold a sleeping baby at the same time).

They are a very cute pair.

Hey Daddy!

PS: If you read this blog please leave a comment sometime soon. I would love to know who checks in on us!

PPS: Meggie just climbed up the stairs all by herself!

Our Visit With Grandma Maxine

2008-07-31T22:57:00.001-04:00

Our little family headed down to Lebanon, Missouri to visit with Chris' Grandma, Maxine. She took us out to a nice lunch and we spent some time enjoying her piano and comfy house.

Ellie, Chris, Meggie and Grandma Maxine.

Meggie with her Great-Grandma Maxine.

Grandma Maxine, Meggie and Ellie.

Swimmin' with Judi

2008-07-30T23:24:00.001-04:00

On Tuesday night Miss Judi invited the Henderson/Sears/Whitney clan to go swimming in her fabulous pool.

Miss Judi and Mr. Dan were our neighbors when we were all Henderson's and lived on Truman Drive.

Blake, Brett and Papa liked the basketball goal.

The boys got really good at making baskets by jumping in from the side of the pool.

Eli is a water baby, through and through. He LOVED the water!

Ellie and Brett wore life belts since they are still learning how to swim.

Ellie really liked the Nemo pool toy.

Eli floating around in the pool.

Meggie is not as crazy about the water as Ellie was or is. After she has been swimming for about 20 minutes she is ready to get out and take a nap (or nurse, whichever).

So, here she is enjoying dry land!

Missouri Bound

2008-07-28T22:16:00.001-04:00

Sunday night Chris, Meggie and I headed to Missouri to rendezvous with Ellie and hang out with our family for the week.

Despite being super sweet and mostly amenable Meggie was not so happy to be in the car for 12 hours.

Meggie and Daddy taking a break on the road. Here we go!

"Hey Mama, I will drive the rest of the way."

"And you can take a nap!"

Ellie was happy to see us when we she woke up Monday morning.

Yay, our family has been reunited!

Weekend in Missouri

2008-07-25T20:43:00.001-04:00

Last weekend the girls and I headed back to Missouri for the baby shower of my friend Genese. We got to see my sister-in-law and Alyssa, Blake and Eli. Meggie and I got to spend a day with my sister and her boys, too. I had a great time. On Sunday we are driving to Missouri for vacation, yay vacation!

Meggie enjoying Mimi's colorful rug.

Oh no!

Mimi and Papa got an electric car for the kids to play with. Ellie loves to drive it around. Sometimes she runs into the trees.

Watch out, here she comes!

The hot tub is also the, "pool."

Watch Blake starting his flip...

And in the middle of his flip...

Blake, Alyssa and Ellie in the car together. Blake is, by far, the best driver.

Meggie got to spend some time with Grandpa Mike and Grandma Cindy. She loved it!

Will the Haus. He is so cute!

Blakey playing with Meggie.

And showing her the kaleidoscope.

A small Eli montage...

How cute is he!?!?!?

Papa and Will, they have the same eye!

Will likes to eat....a lot. He just finished a brownie.

Meggie on the plane on the flight home.

I tried to get a straight on shot but I had to keep her from crawling out of the seat and I have a manual lens. So, it was kind of tricky.

Good thing she is cute any way you get a picture!

Megalicious

2008-07-15T15:21:00.001-04:00

She makes me want to have 15 more kids...

Well, maybe just one or two more...

4th of July Weekend

2008-07-06T18:13:00.001-04:00

It was great to have Grandpa Steve and Grandma Judy visit for the weekend. Ellie and Meggie loved the extra attention! After they left today Ellie kept asking, "Where is my Grandma Judy," it was very cute!

Meggie and Grandpa Steve at Taco Mac. Meggie sure loved the lemon!

Mmmm, lemmon!

Big yawn from the tired baby!

Chris and Meggie today before going to breakfast.

The many faces of Megan...

Our super cute little family!

The Sears Boys with the Sears girls.

Daddy and Grandpa Steve with the girls

Meggie being sweet with Grandpa Steve.

And, saying goodbye to Grandma Judy.

Thanks for a great time, we already miss you guys!

My Meggie

2008-06-30T21:17:00.001-04:00

This kiddo embodies my soul, she is so amazing.

Eating Out

2008-06-30T20:55:00.001-04:00

On Sunday Chris took his girls out to lunch. We went to one of my favorite places, James Joyce Irish Pub. Ellie likes the chicken fingers and fries.

Meggie will eat whatever we give her. That day it was oatmeal and pureed bananas.

Ellie likes the great patio. Since we sit outside Ellie can be kind of loud and it is OK.

June

2008-06-29T16:12:00.003-04:00

June makes mommie tired, it is a HUGE month for our family.

Here are the following events we celebrate in June...

Uncle Drew- 9th
Aunt Sarah- 9th
Mimi- 12th
Cousin Will-12th
Daddy- 15th
Father's Day- 15th (or there abouts)
Ellie- 23rd

With Daddy out of town for two weeks it has been hard for me to keep up with this month. I promise to do better henceforth. But, I can promise that Ellie had a wonderful birthday and she is ready for her next one!

Ellie Birthday Video #2

2008-06-29T16:03:00.002-04:00

Thanks Mimi and Papa!

Ellie Birthday Video #1

2008-06-29T15:54:00.002-04:00

Thanks Grandma Cindy!!

Megs and Mimi's Quilt

2008-06-08T13:16:00.001-04:00

Mimi made Megan a quilt for her bed (and matching pillows and pillowcases). It is super sweet and fun!

Baby Megs in Bed

2008-06-08T13:10:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite things to do with Baby Megs when she was littler was to snuggle in bed all day with her. She is not as into snuggling now and she tries to crawl off the bed. But, I got a few fun minutes in with her on Saturday.

She is so sweet I just want to eat her up!

She was up kind of early so we had some nice morning light.

Then, I passed her off to Daddy so I could go back to sleep!

Ellie is So So Tired!

2008-06-08T12:34:00.001-04:00

Ellie's bedtime rule is that she has to be in her room between 8:00 and 8:30. She doesn't have to go to sleep right away but she has to stay in her room.

A few nights ago she took all of the blankets and pillows off her bed and fell asleep on the floor with all of the lights on.

She was super cute, and so tired!

Ellie starts Preschool!

2008-06-08T11:54:00.001-04:00

This week was a big one for Ellie. She started Preschool! She is loving it so far and we are excited to see her doing so well in a new environment. The school she is at has an integrated preschool with 3 - 5 year olds. I think she is the youngest child in the class but she doesn't let that stop her! The teacher, "Miss (Ni)Cole" said that she is very polite and always wants to help. That's our girl!

Megs and the Basket

2008-05-31T20:54:00.001-04:00

One of Ellie's favorite toys is an old laundry basket. I am not sure where the laundry basket came from, it must have been part of Chris' dowry. Or, maybe it was Uncle Drew's and we somehow ended up with it. Either way, Ellie loves it and is passing that love on to Megs.

Hey there Baby Megs!

Having fun in there??

What if I do want to get out?

I think I am stuck forever...ahhhh

Oh, I got out...whew!

And, now I can focus on being cute!

Ellie cameo, "Hi Elle Belle!"

Danielle Graduates!

2008-05-28T20:36:00.001-04:00

Danielle graduated from high school last weekend. It seems impossible!

Mimi, Papa, Ellie, Megs and I went down to Kingsland to spend a few days with Nanny and Danielle (and Uncle Tony who had to leave for Emily's graduation)

Me and Nanny, being cute!

She liked to make me laugh.

And, I liked to laugh at her!

Smile!

Here is Danielle before her graduation.

And, Nanny and Danielle before the ceremony. Nanny had a blue cast to match the school colors, how cute!

Baby Megs Starts to Eat!

2008-05-28T20:28:00.001-04:00

Baby Megs just started real food. These are some shots of her first biter biscuits. She is getting into it. She is now having rice cereal and bananas.

Yummy!