Transformer Tradition

When Chase and Kaily were here visiting, they started a tradition. When the kids watched the animated series Transformers, they all danced to the theme song. Kaily would end the dance with a grand finale Jazz split. Well, Lane and Evelyn now dance everytime they watch Transformers. Notice at the end of the video Evie ends the dance with a grand finale, her interpretation of Kaily's Jazz splits. This never gets old and sometimes I even join in and dance.

Gone Live!

Well, it's official. I've gone live with the Liz Ann Photography website. It's still a work in progress as I'm building my portfolio and working on creating a self hosted blog in Wordpress (which has turned into a whole new can of worms). I would love for everyone to check it out and let me know what you think. Any comments and suggestions are welcome and will be very helpful. I'm very excited about the website and I'm so glad its out there.

Lane's First Day of Pre-School

Lane had his first day of pre-school on Tuesday. Justin, Evelyn and I walked him into the classroom. Once in the room, Lane was curious and started to check the place out. He remembered from the open house that there were cars and dinosaurs to play with. After he checked things out, he sat in his assigned seat. He was not into getting his picture taken, but thankfully I managed to get one. We said goodbye and left. Lane had no objection to us leaving and handled the new environment very well.

Evelyn and I spent some one on one time together, which was great! After a few hours we picked Lane up. As he came out he had a huge smile on his face and was very excited about his "treasure of the day", a sucker. He said he had fun and he seemed to enjoy his first day.

It was a little strange for me. I've never left lane with anyone except family and friends. I was a little worried how he would react to the situation of a new people and environment. But he reassured me with his independent and outgoing behavior that I had nothing to worry about. Lane is a natural at being a pre-schooler.

The Vines Garden with Grammy

While my mother was visiting we spent part of a morning at the Vines Garden. We are so blessed to have this beautiful place in our town. The garden is full of botanicals, wildlife, gazebos, statues and they even have their own miniature railroad. We had fun feeding the geese and watching the turtles and fish. And I even managed to get in a photo with my two babies!

Thank You Mawmaw!

Lane loves receiving packages in the mail and last week he was thrilled when one arrived from Mawmaw. He started opening the package as I was signing for it. What he found inside was a treasure indeed! The first gift was a transporter equipped with several cars, and boy was this a huge hit! He carried it around for the next three days and even took it to bed at night. Another gift inside this treasure filled package were clothes, a watch and what has turned into being his favorite gift, an elephant book with a dvd. We read "Ella" everyday and he insists on watching the documentary style dvd over and over again. As he watches the dvd of African Elephants he pretends that he is an elephant, trumpting, using his tusks (or tuskes, as Lane calls them) and trying to pick things up with his pretend trunk. Wonderful birthday gifts! Thank you Mawmaw!

Puppet Theater

Lane received a puppet theater and puppets from Grammy Herman for his birthday. Lane was very excited to assemble the theater and loved the idea of a stage. He was much more into performing himself than using the puppets. At one point he was up on the table dancing and singing. The puppets are so cute and include a pirate, firefighter and dinosaur, all of which Lane loves to pretend. Such a great idea for a gift! Hope to have more posts with some puppet show action! Thank you Grammy Herman.

Lane's Gone Fishin'

Lane fished for the first time in Grandma and Papaw's canal and caught a large catfish! He reeled it in with the help of Uncle Adrian as a crowd of cousins, a mom paparazzi, proud father and gradmother watched. Lane was thrilled to see a such a large fish and a little unsure. He wasn't too interested in touching the fish he mostly looked and held it by the fishing line. Once everybody had a chance to check the fish out it was time to let him go. All the kids watched as the fish swam off. So exciting for a young boy to catch such a large fish! Way to go Lane, you may be a natural.

Happy Birthday Lane

Happy birthday to my dearest Lane Axl. It's hard to believe you are three. I remember this day three years ago and I'll never forget the moment when I first laid eyes on you. You looked like Daddy and you were full of spunk. We could tell we were in for it by the way you were crying. I had never felt instant unconditional love for someone until you.

No longer a baby, but a little boy. When I look into your eyes they are so bright and full of life. You are your own person. Independent and curious. You ask questions and always speak what is on your mind. You are strong in spirit and will. You are a treasure Lane.

You are so sweet. You tell me you love me several times a day. You are always thinking and you never miss a beat. You love cars, fire trucks and art. When I push you on the swing it is never fast enough, you are so fearless.
Dearest sweet Lane, words cannot express how much you are loved. You are a hero and an everyday inspiration.

Happy 3rd birthday sweet baby Lane!

Family Vacation

For the past two weeks we have had our family visiting. My sister and her family took a road trip from Michigan and arrived first. Then about four days later my mother flew into town. We have been having so much fun and enjoying each other's company.
The weeks went by so quickly. We had a ton of rain, but that did not dampen our spirits. It was a great visit that involved much fun and a little rest and relaxation as well. The past two weeks included a couple trips to Atlanta, a week long birthday celebration, catching a fish, swimming, bbq-ing, golf and so much more! Here are some highlights/action shots from our pool day.










More vacation adventure posts to come...