The Tale of a Princess and a Monkey

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful purple panda princess, who joined forces with a handsome young monkey named Colton. Together, they toured the streets of Belvedere, collecting treasures made of exotic chocolate and sugar, united they were in their joint mission to spread goodwill and happiness through their exceptional cuteness. Here are a few more photos -- I wish I captured more.

I Present To You The Butterfly Fairy Choo Choo Hulu Dora Princess

Mia is wearing a personal design composed of a hulu grass skirt, a purple princess dress, Thomas the Train rain boots, a sparkly tiara, Dora bandaid, a magic wand, and butterfly wings. This is replacing the Elmo costume, which was quickly moved to the backburner once her dressup clothes arrived on our doorstep.

In Broadway-star-in-the-making news, Mia apparently decided that the entertainment for today's school Halloween festival was insufficient. In front of the entire school (preschool through eighth grade), Mia climbed on stage and gave everybody a solo show to Michael Jackson's Thriller. She has now attained cult celebrity status in the hallways, known as the Little Girl Who Has No Fear of Crowds. The librarian announced her as the co-host for the morning's festivities. What can I say- where there is music, Mia is there.

Going Green

Mia received her first ribbon today at swim class! The green ribbon means she can swim at least six feet with the proper kicks, paddling arms and breath control. She was so proud of herself when the pool bell rang and her teacher announced her achievement. To make matters all the more exciting, David was off from work this week and was able to be there to cheer her on. We celebrated with a strawberry milkshake and a balloon. Watch your back, Phelps.

Third Time's a Charm

This photo marks the third year we've gathered up the playgroup for a Halloween photo. Our session was more sparsely attended this year and we hope to fill in some gaps today at our visit to the pumpkin patch, but it was plenty to juggle just getting these five (plus a new little brother) assembled on the couch. A sixth refused and watched from the sidelines. Such a shame when these kids mature enough to realize they don't have to blindly follow all of our orders.

In other news, Mia's fashion choices just keep getting better:

Jumpin' for Pumpkin

After the first class photo was the first class field trip. We headed to the pumpkin patch, where the kids bounced in the jumpy house, got lost in the corn maze, hitched a ride on a tractor and even managed to pick a pumpkin. Here are some photos from the morning.

And So It Begins

Mia's first (of many, many, many) class photo arrived today and I'm suddenly feeling like time is flying by. Also, I'm glad that I now have photographic proof of Mia's phase when she wore her train boots with EVERY outfit. It's just a phase, right?

Tunnel Time

Mia and her buddy, Riley, were hanging again today and we broke out the playhuts for some post-nap fun. Behold Mia's fashion choices.

Elmo, the Carnivore

Egads- Elmo has eaten my Mia!

The Hills Are Alive With The Crushing of Grapes

Here are the photos from this weekend's stay in St. Helena. Not many, unfortunately, since my camera ran out of juice.

Lunch Pals

Our buddy, Riley, is hanging out with us today while his Grandma is on vacation. Lucky Mia! She has somebody as passionate as her about trains to play with her toys. Riley is a very good eater, too, so he was more than happy to pick up the slack when Mia decided she didn't have the time for her lunch. At least she sat still long enough for me to capture the cuteness.

After All Those Grapes...

We spent a lovely weekend in St. Helena during the peak of the wine harvest. The air was crisp (from the cold) and fragrant (from all the grape collecting), and the fun plentiful. Mia enjoyed seeing how wine was made and even got to pick and eat grapes right off the vine. At the house we rented, the fun continued in the backyard fireplace, where the kids experienced S'mores for the first time. The adults joined in, of course. I managed a few photos before the camera ran out of its juice -- I'll post them soon. And in case you were wondering, no road trip is complete without a lunch break at In N Out.

A New Cousin

Colton Rei-Ming joined our family yesterday -- new son of Aunt Chris and Uncle Brian. Mia and I are going to see the little guy today.

Bunny Hopping

Mia's school had a Sock Hop tonight, with a Bunny Hop for the little kids before the big show. Here are some photos of Mia getting down. Costumes were strongly encouraged, but for the record, Lara was among the few adults silly enough to wear (an ill-fitting) poodle skirt. No baby bump rumors; just a skirt that makes me look like I'm just out of my first trimester.