FLASHBACK FRIDAY: Mommy Daughter Date

A few weeks back I took Joanna out on a mommy/daughter date to see Disney on Ice.  Although she has never seen a Disney movie or show, we have some books and toys that have introduced her to the characters.  Like a typical girly girl, she especially loves the princesses!  We started the night off with a little photo op at home, of course!  Samson was not so into it (as usual haha), he much more prefers to be running around and playing - who has time to stop and say cheese?! ;)

I had planned for us to go eat dinner at Panera Bread, but on the way Joanna requested that we go to Zaxby's instead, so of course I obliged.  We had a bit of extra time after dinner and decided to make a quick run into Anthropologie since it is just around the corner from the arena where our show was at.  After scoring an awesome deal on a hat, it was show time!  Joanna was so excited to see the show; she had no idea what to expect since she has never been to a large arena before.  It was so fun to just watch her big eyes look around and just take it all in.  Every time a new character would come on the ice, her face would light up and she would wave and exclaim, " Mommy look its so and so!!!!!"  My heart melted and burst at the same time to see her have such a special experience.  This girl is such an incredible blessing, I can't wait for our next date!  

Family Photos!

This summer while we were at the Creative Discovery Museum, we bumped into one of Jason's college friends, Oliver.  After chatting, turns out he has moved back to Chattanooga and we have kids about the same age.  How fun!  To make it even sweeter, he is a super talented photographer and was kind enough to take photos of our family a couple weeks ago as he is starting to build up his business in the area.

I am over the moon about how they turned out!  I can't believe how big my little babies are getting.  It is so special to have these photos that we will most definitely treasure for a lifetime.  Thanks Oliver!

Halloween 2015

This year's Halloween we had a Raggedy Ann and a Lion. When I saw this Raggedy Ann costume at Homegoods several weeks back, I about died.  No way I was leaving the store without it.  Luckily Joanna was just as excited as I was! Samson on the other hand was not so thrilled with his costume, but that had more to do with the fact that he doesn't want anything on his head. Ever. oh well!  He was still the cutest lion while it lasted!

Our neighborhood hosted a Trunk or Treat the weekend before Halloween.  It was such a fun time, we go to meet a bunch of neighbors and Joanna and Samson loved being able to wander around.  At first Joanna wasn't so sure about the whole trick or treat process (this is technically her first time), but by the end of the trunk loop, she had it down. She lit up at every little treat placed in her bag. For the past week; before, after and in between every meal she asks for a candy treat. It is just the sweetest thing. Since we really don't keep candy in our house much, this is really an exciting thing for her. It's probably a good thing she doesn't realize how many treats mommy and daddy sneak throughout the day ;)

And here are a few of our attempts at a family shot. haha

Throughout the year, people in the neighborhood dump their brush in a pile on the community lot and every Halloween they make a HUGE bonfire.  It was pretty spectacular!

This Raggedy Ann doll was mine when I was little.  It melts my heart to see it passed down and loved by my daughter. {insert heart eyes emoji}