My New Painting

Carly’s mom, Susan Linville,  is a talented artist. Check out the painting she did of Leona in Spello, Italy when she was 19 months old. 

I love seeing it every day and the reminder of that amazing vacation. We’re going again this June!! Anyone want to join us?

Christmas Card Photos

Why didn’t anyone tell me how difficult it is to get two kids to look decent in a single photo? I had big plans for a photographer to take one great photo of the girls together. Well, Julia sucked her thumb the whole time and Leona refused to cooperate. So, we got a couple of good shots of each of them separately but not the pic I was looking for.

Check out those photos here: http://helmuthphoto.typepad.com/helmuth_photography/2008/11/cuteness.html

So, we tried on our own at an old shack on the side of the road. See what I mean? Impossible! Check your mailbox for the”money shot.”  Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving with Mom, Dad, Ryan, Carly and Minnie visiting us.  Leona and Minnie got to share their own “wine.” It was a little scary how much they enjoyed their sparkling grape juice.

 

 

 

 

You’ve been hoping for another dance video haven’t you?

I think the reason that Leona’s dance moves are so peculiar is that she is really an 80’s rocker at heart. That’s because she’s half Indian Lake Laker!

Asheville with the Putt Family

We visited beautiful Asheville, NC, home of the Biltmore this weekend. As an added treat, we met our former neighbors, the Putt family. We miss them so much and it was great to reconnect for a couple of days. The kids played so well together which was bittersweet because we are no longer sharing a driveway together.

Caperton, their oldest – age 12,  has grown into such a handsome and mature young man. He was incredibly patient with the younger kids. Harry is as handsome as ever and as sweet. He was so good to Julia the entire trip. Wallace is full of spunk and personality and she made a great match for Leona. The also have a new daughter – their lovely aupair Christine who is visiting from Germany.

We saw the Biltmore by candlelight and came back again the next day for a carriage ride. There are great restaurants in Asheville so we also ate ourselves into oblivion.