First Girlfriends' Lunch

Look who got all kinds of dressed up to see a friend for lunch...

Lila couldn't wait to meet Anna, one of her Mom's favorite people. So, she rocked her best tutu. Afterall, she's pretty sure that's what they mean when they say "dress to impress."

Just another adorable day Being Billingsley...

School Pictures 2009

I just love official school year pictures.

There is just something about posing a gorgeous child on the corner of a stool...sitting at an angle, of course. Then, the "photographer" asks the adorable child to flash the fakest of all smiles possible. Sometimes the kid will have a stunning plastic sunflower prop to hold, but you can always bet on fake ivy in the background. The photo always, always, always boasts a cloud scene or sunset style backdrop.

Somehow that "photographer" manages to make all the kids look like they just woke up from a 47 hour nap.

Since I first took Abs to preschool, I have lived for those hilarious pictures. They have never disappointed.

Taken in 2007, it does the best job of explaining the "47 hour nap" reference, and wow how did they get that photo in front of such a beautiful sunset...

Taken in 2008, notice the angled approach and the ivy in the background...

As for 2009, the school hired a new photographer. Click here to see her work. Abs is in that #6 group.

I'm so disappointed. Those rocks...they're real. Those flowers and plants...they're real. The smiles...they're real, too. Those kids are REALLY outside, and there isn't a single nap interrupted.

Seriously, Cutie Pie Photography is phenomenal!! They specialize in child photography and the women are dedicated to spending time with each of their little customers to make sure they get to know them before snapping away. They really try to capture YOUR child and not get a bizarre expression in the photo that you don't even recognize as your kid. Check them out for any photography you may have planned in your future. You won't be disappointed....unless you are a fan of the fake sunflower.

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Oh, How I Love Halloween

Anyone who knows me knows how deep my love is for Halloween. Costumes are GREAT, but my true love is candy. Honestly, the thought of going out to retrieve a seemingly endless supply of free candy is enough to bring me to tears of joy!

My husband is the WORLD'S GREATEST person to have at your Halloween party. His costumes are the things legends are made of. He spends weeks thinking about and working on his costumes. I could do a month of posts with his photos, but I think I'll stay focused on the babies today. (Although, I may have to post the Blades of Glory costumes....or maybe the authentic Hulk Hogan costume. That one was fantastic!)

Our first year with a baby, we had a bunny that wasn't convinced that Halloween was such a great time...

Our second year, we had a very rare purse toting peacock...

Our third year, Tinkerbell visited us on that magical All Hallows Eve...

And last year, it was a very sassy Cinderella...

This year I'm going to employ a Sleeping Beauty and a very sweet flower to retrieve my candy.

Just another great great day preparing for Halloween while very much Being Billingsley...

Memory Lane

After nearly 5 years I have finally gotten all of my digital pictures organized into one place. They are all neatly organized in the same software instead of being on various places on my computer, CDs, and hard drives.

The fun thing about organizing all these photos is that I have run on to several pics and movies I had forgotten about. Here are just a few...

I call this one "Fwahsting"

Abbie's 2nd birthday. My brother got her this adorable hot pink dress up gear.

And, of course, because her Dad was presents, this happened...

I also ran across this picture. Here, Abbie praying in the hospital chapel when I had Lila. I think it is beautiful.

Just another incredible day Being Billingsley...

Camp Gigi Pops

Every year my parents take Abbie out for what we call "Camp Gigi Pops."

In past years, their adventures have taken them to Sea World, to see Thomas the Tank Engine, and to the Rocky Mountains. This year they took Abbie camping because she is OBSESSED with camping.

They came over in the morning to pick her up, donned their "Camp Gigi Pops" uniforms, and then planned to run to the grocery store for the necessary camping foods... marshmallows, hot dogs, etc.

I buckled my little camper into her car seat and just as I was shutting the door she said to me, "Oh Mom! Where are my movies and internet box." Nice. What's wrong with kids today!

They had a great time. Don't worry... my Dad brought his "internet box" and Abbie was able to get online and watch a movie. (Maybe she needs an iPhone? Think of the convenience... she could keep up with her correspondence anywhere she goes.)

My favorite moment was when my Mom tried to teach my very-much-all-girl how to catch. Check out that stance.

Other favorite moments? Has to be the footage of my Mom turning over the canoe and then Abbie walking out of the lake, soaked head-to-toe, holding her shoes to her chest, and crying about not wanting to get back in "that thing." Trust me, it's great!

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Happy Two Month Birthday!!

Lila, you are two months today, and you are more beautiful than ever!

What you are up to:

• You fight sleep. You do your best to stay awake day and night in order to party. However, you usually give up at about 10:00 at night and sleep until about 6:30 in the morning.
  
• You love to chat and smile with your Mom...especially in the morning.
  
• You look just like your Father. One of Mom's friends calls you "James Jr."
  
• You gave us that precious first laugh. It has to be the most amazing sound we've ever heard.
  
• You weighed 9lbs 15oz. at your 6 week check-up and were 22 inches long.
  
• You are wearing 3-6 months clothes.
  
• You went out for your first lunch at Smokey Mo's this month. You lasted about 5 minutes before you lost your mind screaming....clearly not a BBQ fan.

Just another wonderful day Being Billingsley...

Back To School

Abbie started back to preschool this month, and look how excited my little ray of sunshine was to have her picture taken on the first day.

Just another super cooperative day Being Billingsley...