Here are some pictures - some old, some new

One day as Lillie was playing, I needed to go upstairs for something. When I turned the corner, this is what I saw...

Welcome to Lillie's...store!

Since moving to Southern Maryland, Lillie and I found this FANTASTIC park. Actually, we found it before we even moved here.

Introducing Dunkirk District Park!! Where the merry-go-round has made a comeback!

When we first moved here, Lillie would not even WALK by this slide. Those days are gone, and this is the slide of choice, as of late. Not sure if the picture does is justice, but this slide is pretty steep and Lillie goes flying.

Not a great picture, but Lillie also loves Mr. Crocodile. He has large steps in back of him and a little tunnel underneath him.

This "ladder" is also a new found joy of Lillie's. There are lots of different modes of climbling onto the equipment. None of which Lillie is usually interested in (that's our cautious little one). However, she saw some kids climbing this ladder and it is probably one of the least "scary", so Lillie tried her hand at it, and now likes it (sort of).

Lillie loves this driving contraption. She is often found driving her way to somewhere! Here's a semi-full view of the park. This playground equipment is FANTASTIC!!! Lillie loves running up and down all the ramps, going down all the slides, and climbing most of the "ladders".

Can't go without some CHEESE!

Loving the merry-go-round

So, I know this is an old picture, but what you don't know is that it is REALLY an old picture. This is the OLD Lillie, and...

this is the NEW LILLIE!!Sort of on a whim, we decided to cut Lillie's hair. This past weekend, we decided to take a trip to a mall a little ways away. We knew of a cute kids salon there, and thought, let's take the leap and get a "drastic" cut. Once there, we actually didn't go to the kids salon, saved a few bucks, and went to a regular salon. Cute cut all around!!

Right after the cut, we went to a play area inside the mall. Lillie had a GREAT time running around and swishing her new short do.

Taking a little break to pull up those socksSuch a cute little girl!

Yes, the fireplace has made it's debut! The season and weather has definitely changed. All week the forecast is showing temperatures in the 40's and rain!! Cold and wet, never a good combination. You know what that means...Lillie and I are homebound!!

Keola and I were just talking about how we have not gone to a carnival in ages. Then in the last 5 months or so, since moving to Calvert County, we have now gone to 2, AND there's another one coming up at the end of September!!

Today we took Lillie to the Prince George's County Fair. We had a lot of fun. The carnival/fair itself was, at times a bit scary "looking", but Lillie had so much fun, and that's what matters.

Lillie's first choice was the carousel.

Next ride, the balloons
This was NOT the favorite of the day!! The hot air balloon ride started going around, then up and down a bit. THEN, the balloon "basket" started spinning around a little. Lillie was NOT very thrilled about that. By the middle of the ride, I saw her holding hands with Keola. It's a good thing he hopped on with her!!

Can you see a little trepidation on her face?!?

Once Lillie got off the balloons, she wanted something calm and steady. So, it was on to the train ride.

Daddy was such a good sport riding everything with his baby!

After surveying the rest of the rides, Lillie wanted to take a little rest. We got some cotton candy and played a game. Lillie threw darts at balloons and actually won herself a penguin. That's my girl!!

After we walked around a bit, Daddy decided to ask Lillie about THIS ride! I thought I took more pictures, but I guess I just took video, which we can't upload yet. This was a little bigger rollercoaster than the normal kiddie ride. There was actually a drop/dip, and a section where the cars were tilted a little on it's side. I wish I had a wide view picture. Anyway, Lillie survived and the only thing she didn't like was the cars tilting. Brave girl!

It was time to visit the farm animals. First stop, the neighborhood Llama.

Oooh, so soft sheep!

Sooo cute bunnies!

Moooo goes the calf

On the way back to the rides, we came across this odd looking man! Lillie was too scared to shake his hand, so Daddy had to go with her. Too bad Daddy became the resting shelf for the Tall Man!

We also walked passed this man who was making statues out of wood with his electric saw. Can you tell what it is??

We asked Lillie to pick one final ride and it was back to the carousel. Notice Daddy decided to actually HOP ON the horse, rather then just standing next to it!! Ride 'em Cowboy!!

What clowns!! Daddy is whooping it up and Lillie is putting on her princess pose.

I was talking with my visiting teacher last month and she mentioned she sews a lot of her daughter's clothes. I told her that I was impressed since I took a sewing class a few years back and wasn't the least bit interested after.

After we talked and she left, I began thinking, maybe I should try my hand at sewing again. The hardest thing with Lillie is the fact that she is so tall and trying to find dresses/skirts that are long enough and still fit her waist, is sometimes a challenge. Although, who am I kidding since Lillie's Nana has bought the majority of her wardrobe since we got Lillie!! Ok, I guess I don't really need an excuse for wanting to try a new project.

So I wanted to start small and simple. Here's the result.

The first skirt took only a day, so I thought, why not try one more that is slightly different. Lillie's nana sent her a skirt a little while ago that Lillie LOVES! It looked simple enough, so I gave it a try.

It's far from being store quality, but Lillie loves it and that's all that matters.

Keola and I have noticed a considerable change in the weather. I think summer is over and Fall is finally upon us.

Yeah for cooler weather!!

Along with nice weather, we have seen a difference in our landscape...deer sitings!

Here's a family of 3 that we've seen a couple of times.
Same family, different day

More deer

And yet more deer

And, yes, more deer!

Wait...more deer

You guessed it

The most remarkable thing about these pictures are that, other than the next 4, all the above pictures were taken on different days and different times!!!

These last 4 happened to be the very first time we saw deer outside, and of course the novelty of it all produced 4 pictures of the same deer having his lunch.

It's a good thing we have the zoom feature on our camera. These deer wouldn't have it any other way. At the slightest noise, they look up and take the running stance.

Recently, Lillie has been into playing playing in the front yard/driveway. She has a whole collection of rocks, seeds from the trees, and sticks. Most recently, she has been loving her umbrella. Lillie has seen people walking around outside when it's not raining and asks why. When she found out people not only use their umbrellas to keep them dry from rain, but also "cool" from the sun, that was it. She now loves playing out front with her umbrella to keep her cool. She is so funny because I often see her just roaming around outside, like a princess surveying her kingdom.

So, many moons ago, you might remember we took a trip to Kirtland, OH for youth conference. While we were there we took a detour to visit Boyd's Bears. Here's Miss Tinkerbell (Lillie's name for her), that Lillie made while there.

The night before, Lillie slept with her braids still in her hair, which she NEVER does because she doesn't like the feel of it. She must have been REALLY tired. Anyway, she got up the next morning, we took the braids out, and voila! a new do!
Here's the cute girl with her cow