Christmas Kitchen!

This was Isla's big surprise this morning....a kitchen built by Momma! Isla's kichen sits is in our kitchen, and blends in a bit with our cabinets. It is fully stocked with appliances that make noise, a little microwave, and plenty of play food and pots and pans! So far, Isla hasn't walked away from it...I'm not sure who is more thrilled, Isla or myself.

Merry Christmas from our little kitchen!

Christmas Eve 2010

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve. Snow was falling all day long so we had great views out of ever window of the house. Around noon, we decided to take a walk and get beingets and hot chocolate. We all had fun crunching through the snow into downtown. Isla especially liked the window display at Dr.Jazz!

Afer Isla's bath we opened our stockings. Isla was so excited which was even more exciting for Greg and I. She loved every little thing that she got, and was more than happy to help Greg and Ashby and I open our gifts too.

Thank you Grandpa Bill and Gramma Jan for the goodies to go in the stockings!!

Merry Christmas from the Ortyl's.

New Favorite Activity.

What We Have Been Up To...

....just being cute while drinking milk.

....staying warm, slippers and all.

....staying busy on our new slide!

...wearing our new slip on, furry Crocks!

More Cake.

Our cake was a hit!

Cake.

Isla stayed up past her bedtime to help me make two delicious cakes. We made "Ribbon Cake", a family favorite (layered vanilla cake and chocolate cake with vanilla custard and strawberry slices between the two cakes, then the whole thing is covered in whipped cream.) Yum.

Isla was more than thrilled to lick the spatula, a first for her.

Lunch!

Our Girls.

We spent Sunday putting up our Christmas tree (we just couldn't wait!) and Isla spent most of the day her pj's snuggled up with Ashby watching Greg and I transform the living room. Fa-la-la-la-la!

Christmas Jammies.

Favorite New Blog.

A friend of mine started a blog not too long ago and I absolutely love it.

It is stylish & clever. I love Lucy's humor and she finds the most inspiring images and links.

Click here to check it out & if you love it too, become a follower!

Lucy with her equally fabulous Mother, Barb (owner and master bucket filler at Bloomin' Buckets, a St.Louis based florist who is beyond talented. Besides having a glowing reputation and amazingly loyal customer base, Barbs work has been published in many national magazines. Click here to check out her site & order some flowers for your honey!)

Happy Half Birthday Isla P!!!

Isla P is 18 months today!! A wonderful day shared with her Great Aunt Naa....Happy Birthday GANny! Isla went to school today and was bundled up in her new hat from T-Franny. Do I even need to mention that she was the sweetest and cutest 18 month old on the playground?? We love you Isla P!!

Kissing Pappa before we left for school.

Getting kisses from Ashby!

And a few sniffs!

Happy Halloween!!

A quick ride before we hit the steet!

Walking up to see her friend Mary....so happy!

Trick or Treat!

Isla & Mary. Two cuties!

Walking with Pappa.

Isla and Emily, a duck and a flamingo!

Our Little Duckling!

Isla's school had a parade today for all of the kids. Isla's class was not included, but we got dressed and went to watch. Despite the cold weather, Isla loved it! She waved and blew kisses to all of the kids and teachers. Later that day we hit the bookstore, costume and all!

The Perfect Combo....

....A cute girl and a cute hat!! Thank you T-Franny for the adorable hat, we all LOVE it, especially little Isla P!