She put the things she was helping carry (a box of tissue) on the table and took off for the bathroom. By the time I put my bags down and went after her, she was finished and about to pull up her britches.

She looked up at me and said, "That was close!"

I've been there before myself!

The Bean has been following along with the music shows she watches whenever they say to dance along for the past few months.  She LOVES music and seems to have a good feel for her body mechanics and awareness.  I asked her earlier this week if she'd like to take dancing classes at school this year, and she practically shouted "Yes!"

These were the smallest tights and leotard I could find at either Target or Walmart.  I still have to find a black leotard since they require it for certain things.  Any color leotard is fine for the weekly classes, so this will suffice for now.  But I'm thinking I may have to order a black one online to find a small enough size.

Any advice on where to find tiny-heinie sized dance wear?

My O My!  It is a huge hit! 

See for yourself.

Okay, I had to include this one.  I can't help but hear "a boot to the head" over and over in my brain.  Anyone know where that's from?

Into the rabbit hole.

And she's off!

Would you believe that after all that, she STILL didn't take a nap this afternoon.  I've about decided that naps at home are pretty much a thing of the past.  She did have a blast though! 

Here's her "I'm trying to avoid the Momparazzi" pose.

If you're interested in a gorgeous dress like this for your little one. You can go to my aunt's website, Grandma's Little Angels, to get in touch with her. 

I have no idea where she learned this, but whenever she puts on her cowgirl hat, M starts asking for a pony.  The funny thing is, while she's wearing the hat is the ONLY time she asks for a pony.

While we're mostly comfortable where we live, I have definitely been itching to move.  Today, however, M made me realize that it's all in how you look at it. 

As we pulled into the complex and waited for the parking lot gate to open, M said, "Our house!" 

"Yes, this is our home," I answered.

"It's a castle," she breathed. 

All I could do was smile.

Last night's storms blew through and left us with some amazing sunshine today, so T took M to the park for some playtime.  Since I wasn't able to enjoy the time with them, T was sweet enough to take some photos of the fun they had. 

Here are a few of my favorites.

What's That?

Windblown Bean

Noteworthy Exploration

Under It All

Down the Rabbit Hole

The Queen Bean

Joyful Wind

The Bean in motion.

Enjoy!

I often greet her with a "Hi, Gorgeous!" when I see her first thing in the mornings.  This afternoon, it was her greeting to me! 

Look at that gorgeous hair.

Don't worry: she wasn't poking her eye out.

This one was a happy accident, and I LOVE it!

I think that this one is my favorite.

M is absolutely wonderful, and it is amazing to be her mother.  It's hard to believe that she's nearly 3.  She is definitely a little girl now instead of a baby or even a toddler. 

What a blessing!

My apprehension about visiting Santa was the thought of waiting in a never-ending line with an active tw0-year-old who no longer likes to be held, will not hold your hand for extended periods, and would certainly be wanting to dash off to see everything within sight that happened to catch her eye.  Luckily for us due to some planning and fortuidous weather, we arrived at just as Santa was starting his day on a rainy morning.  We were the third person in line!  Whoo Hoo!

I also wondered how M would react since we've all seen those screaming child with Santa photos that every family seems to have.  Now, M is definitely not a shy child by any means.  However, you never know how your child will react in new situations.  So I was bracing myself for a possible fit when we made our visit to Santa. 

But true to her nature, M walked right up to Santa and was happy to sit in his lap.  She enjoyed looking at the gold buttons on his suit and his belt buckle.  She looked at him with a smile while he talked to her, then she turned toward the photographer and me and leaned back to rest on his shoulder.  She was definitely relaxed.  We had to get her to sit up to get a photo that didn't look funny.  Everyone seemed to be amazed at how good she did. 

I could understand why after watching the little girl in line behind us.  She looked to be about M's age and spent her entire time waiting waving and craning her neck to see the big man better while shouting "Hi! Santa!"  As soon as she got up on his lap, it was a total meltdown.  The pressure was just too much for her. 

Anyway, here's M's photo with Santa! 

I'm sure we'll visit again next year!

She did eventually sit down here and there, but didn't stay perched anywhere for long.

She kept wanting to pick up the biggest pumpkins she could find.

I think they weighed more than she does.

Eventually, she settled on a pumpkin that was more Bean-sized.

As the photos show, M had a blast!  She loves the water and wasn't afraid of anything.  T took her up the slide the first few times, but after that, she was climbing up there on her own.  At first, she kept trying to climb back up the slide instead of going around, but finally got the routine down. 

She enjoyed her supper of pizza and cupcakes.  After she was done with the cupcake, we had to wipe down her chair.  It was a little chocolaty.

Luckily for everyone, the rain that had be coming down that morning didn't reappear until it was time to go home.  All in all, it was a great birthday party!

She tried her hardest to walk in them, but just couldn't do it since they are so big and so heavy.  Eventually, she just walked out of the boots when she was tired of standing in them.

  M really enjoyed watching the meerkats who also enjoyed watching her!

The giraffes were enjoying a little snack when we stopped by.  

    We got to see the baby elephant, Mac, who was born this past October, playing in some water.

Even though it wasn't hot, the zebras spent all their time standing in the shade. 

Because M SO enjoyed the sea lions the last time she saw them , we made a point of catching their show while we were there.  They're still a hit as you can see!

       M was a little stand-offish at the petting zoo.  After tapping a goat with her toe, she finally got comfortable enough to do some "drive-by petting."  She'd cruise by a goat and take a quick swipe with her hand without even pausing.  It was too funny.

All in all, we had a great time!

I just had to post this picture of M in the bluebonnets.  I think that it's one of my favorites of her right now.  She has been something else lately.  All giggly and into everything.  She's singing and chattering all the time and coming out with new words everyday.  She loves running into our room so she can flop onto our big bed.  I can't leave shoes on the floor without her trying to wear them.  She loves for us to chase her and then slows down so we catch her.  I still can't believe how big she is getting.  I look at photos taken a year ago and am amazed at the difference a single year has made.  I'm so lucky to be her mother.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that shortly after this photo was taken, M had taken her ponytail out and was chewing on the ponytail holder. 

This makes the fourth Cirque show we've seen over the past 9 years or so.  I have to say, each one just reinforces why I love the performances so much.  It's beauty, theatre, feats of strength and daring, and opera all woven into one. 

Since M didn't go with us, we brought her home a souvenier.  Here she is modeling it.

She really likes the bells on the ends, especially when T is wearing it and shakes his head.

  Isn't she just adorable!

I'd recommend Christa if anyone in the Houston area is looking for a good photographer.  She has very reasonable prices and gives you a disc with all of your pictures on it.  She does not put anykind of watermark on her photos.  The photos are yours to do with whatever you want.  You aren't even obligated to order any through her, although we plan to get the ones we want to frame professionally printed through her.  

Christa says she does business the way she would want someone to do business with her.  A great philosophy if you ask me.  She is very relaxed and was great with M.  She's a mom herself, so that helps.  M gave her a big hug at the end of our hour long photo shoot.  Despite the fact that I've not seen all the photos yet, I highly recommend her.