Happy Halloween!

Ugh. My Halloween pictures stink. I don't have any really great pictures of the costumes. That stinks. Well, here's what I have:

Libby had not one, not two, but THREE Halloween costumes this year. The first, the chicken costume, you had a preview of in the last post. Thanks to Grandma Barron for sending it!


Libby's second costume was purely for me. I saw this dress at the thrift store and was inspired to create the costume. See if you can guess who she's supposed to be! (I'll post the answer below.) Hint: She should really be a brunette to truly make it work.


Lib's third costume was a surprise for her -- her very own Super Why costume! (For those not in the know, Super Why is PBS Kids's super-reader superhero. Libby hearts Super Why.) "Super Why to the reskyoon!"



Emma had two costumes: a nice, cozy cat costume (thanks to Aunt Kimmy, who sent this after Libby was born) for our cold-weather celebrations, and a cute little ballerina for our warmer get-togethers. (Thanks to Julie Kay for the little ballerina skirt she sent to Libby. Too cute, yes?)

Libby's second costume answer: Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's"

Which Came First ...

The chicken or the cat?



Or is it "Which came first the chicken or the geese"? I can never remember how that riddle goes.



Pity the geese ... errr ... "ducks." Pity the ducks, my friends.

A Quick Hit

My-zhul, You Beautiful Young Thing You

Photographer Libby is going through quite the self-portrait phase. When we upload pictures now, at least one series will begin with a picture just like this: outreached hand and indignant pouty frown.


What follows will be a series of self-portraits (and occasional Emma, cat, or Daddy portraits--no Mommy, as she is persona non grata these days). As you can see, her artwork is quite fetching. (My favorite recent Libby story: So she grabs the camera, takes a picture of herself, and then sees it on the camera display. She cries out with utter delight, "That's a picture of a Libby!" And honest to God, she said it in the exact same tone as that line in "Private Benjamin" when the Japanese guy with the camera watch (I know--bad stereotype) says, "I just took your picture, mama!" I laugh about it still. "That's a picture of Libby!")

Portrait of our beloved dinosaur socks.

So is our little arteest proud of herself? Well, we'll let you be the judge:

Cruisin'

Emma is a cruisin' little fool now. She is also, in case you were wondering, still just about the sweetest, most good-natured thing around. She is a giggly, kissy, happy little kiddo and loves her big sister to pieces. She thinks Libby is just soooo funny. Today they both sat on my lap for awhile and traded kisses and hugs and squeals. Very sweet.

I bought them big sister and little sister tees way back last winter and then didn't find them until they'd almost outgrown. Near oops!

Libby Vida, Age 2

Libby turned 2 while we were in Maine. I can't believe that this sweet, feisty, funny little creature has been in my life for two years. We've watched her go from a screaming little bundle of colic to a smiley and cooing baby to a rough-and-tumble little walker to a loving big sister to today's giggly little chatterbox. What a ride.

Libby full of sweetness way back ...


back ...

and now:



Libby full of silliness way back ...

back ...


and now:




Libby full of spunk way back ...


back ...

and now:

We love you, Stinkerbutt.

Mainely Maine

Our jaunt to Maine last week was fun but exhausting. More later, but here are a few pictures from the wedding and the visit to tide you over. (This means you, Kimmy.)

My friend Lori had visions of kids walking down the aisle, triumphantly waving ribbon wands and blowing bubbles. Some of the other kids did that; mine did not. Libby sauntered down the aisle playing with her barrette and generally looking a little clueless. Lori's brave friend Humberto was the shepherd of the little flock. Libby gave him a lot of work to do!

Portrait of an angel in pink ... with sippy cup.

Thanks to Susan and Eliza for sharing this dress that was so cute, I got a little sick of hearing about it from all of the other guests.

Emma has developed the Kennedy tongue as well. That sucker is always out of her mouth and moving to and fro. Reminds me of my dad and grandpa every time I see it.