Laurel Elisabeth Stevens

Enjoying a Valentine from Grandma Marva. Waiting in line to do a jete. John took Elisabeth to the zoo last weekend--perfect zoo weather--rainy. Therefore, few people and an easier time to see the animals. Afterwards they enjoyed dinner and dessert at The Dessert Gallery, an old favorite of ours. Elisabeth was happy to have a date with her daddy.

Laurel and Henry , originally uploaded by j_lstevens .

Texas Piney Woods , originally uploaded by j_lstevens .

I love my walking stick , originally uploaded by j_lstevens .

Nice view from here , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . We explored a nearby state forest today, and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Henry was happy with his mode of transportation most of the time.

Henry loves the dollhouse , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . It's a never ending battle trying to keep him away. Elisabeth enjoys shutting her door and saying, "Henry can't come in." I see "No boys allowed" signs looming in our future.

"They're all lined up for a picture." , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Elisabeth called me into her room to take a picture of her friends, all lined up for a picture. She is always arranging things during her rest time. Usually they are getting ready for a performance of The Nutcracker or Swan Lake. Note the hair clips in some of the dolls' hair.

Elisabeth, Daddy and Henry , originally uploaded by j_lstevens .

on the way home , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . After a lovely romp in the snowy park, Daddy, Henry and Elisabeth sneak back through the trees to home. (When John was a boy, you could see the park from the house, but my how time flies and the trees are so big).

Help! Can someone help me? , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . While watching Uncle Andy's ski race, Elisabeth enjoyed the deep snow. But sometimes it became too much for her.

at Grand Traverse Winery , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . We enjoyed a taste of the local vines. This is one of John's favorite views of the area. 12/30/07

I want to play, says Henry , originally uploaded by j_lstevens .

crash into the shed! , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Elisabeth enjoyed aiming for the shed.

Elisabeth sledding , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . More from Christmas time. A good action shot of Elisabeth sledding. She couldn't get enough of it and always outlasted us in the snow.

This is a first--not only Henry's first wagon ride, but the first time I've gotten such recent pictures up. These are from today! Feb. 1st. Elisabeth enjoyed her role of pulling Henry. When I first started taking pictures she was walking on her toes, as if she were in ballet. Henry loved it and laughed when she gave him a little extra tug. Kristen, I took about 60 pictures in about 10 minutes. You're right--it is pretty hard to delete any! In other news, (confession time) Henry fell down the stairs today, for the 2nd time. Time for me to realize the danger here. Yesterday I knew he was headed for the stairs (he was downstairs) but something tantalizing was a few steps up, and he went for it. I wasn't watching because I didn't think he could go up, but he did! 2 or 3 steps. John came around the landing as he fell. Today I was in my room for "just a second" and he headed for the downstairs. Amazingly I found him only 5 or 6 steps down, head facing up, legs ...

watching Santa come , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Never mind that Elisabeth could tell us that Santa wasn't real. Never mind that she knew Christmas was about Jesus' birthday. When she saw Santa (AKA Cousin Dan) come into Grandma Gray's house on Christmas Eve, she was entranced and amazed. I caught a glimpse of childhood wonder on her face.

singing on Christmas Eve , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Eisabeth had said she would sing for Santa, but when the moment came, she was too shy. However, eventually she did decide to choose a song and have everyone sing with her. For the first song she stood near Santa, but grabbed onto my scarf the whole time she sang, twisting her hands up in it. For the 2nd song she braved a little more distance. She was so sincere in her singing. I think the songs were O Come all ye faithful, and Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.

Gma Marva and Henry , originally uploaded by j_lstevens .

waiting for the cake , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . After a frolic in the snow, the children wait for the Birthday Cake for Jesus. They listened intently as Grandma and Grandpa explained the meaning of the colors and symbols of the cake, then enjoyed their pieces heartily. Pictured are Kaiya and Ezra, John's cousin's children.

Elisabeth and Tonks , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Elisabeth loved seeing Tonks and Fernie (Uncle Andy's dogs). Of course, she loved seeing Uncle Andy too, but he didn't give her as many kisses. He sent her home with a fine stuffed animal from the American Kennel Club which looks very much like Fernie. Sometimes we think a small dog has gotten into our home. Elisabeth enjoys her.

Henry with G and G , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Henry enjoyed the Christmas Eve festivities (to a point).

Elisabeth stretching in snow , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . When I showed Elisabeth this picture, I asked her what she was doing. She said she didn't know. She didn't even know it was her.

snow angel , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Elisabeth loved the snow and couldn't get enough of it. She enjoyed rolling in it and making snow angels; even sometimes a heavenly host.

Henry and Mommy , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Enjoying the snow at Christmas time in Traverse City, 2007. Henry didn't mind the cold too much. But we had to hold him the whole time--that was the hard part.