We had a few events recently! On November 1, we went to see the Thomas Jefferson show with John Williams from WGN 720 and Clay Jenkinson. It was the second time that we had gone to see the show (last year was the first time), but each show is different. If you are interested to know more about it, here is the link ... http://www.jeffersonhour.org/
While away in our show, Arianna's grandparents babysat for us. Thank you, we were able to stop and had dinner at Baker Square (yummy for pies). When we got home, our bundle of joy was asleep and they told us that she behaved, so that is always a relief for us. She is getting better with people :)
On November 2, my mom came by and we went to the cemetery to visit my grandma ( I cannot believe it will be 3 yrs since she passed away). In this date, a lot of people celebrate the "day of death". Basically is a special day to remember those that are gone and you can do a few things such as: Make an altar where you decorate with different things that people that passed away used to like (food and drink), put pictures, sugar skeletons, etc... and two, go to the cemetery for a bit.
We had gone to the cemetery before, but unless is mother's or father's day or other important holiday, we don't see that many people so I was surprised to see a lot of them visiting. I guess I did not think others celebrated this day or it may be just coincidental..
After the cemetery, we went to IKEA and Arianna found a new friend to take home!
On November 4, we went to vote early because Mike had a bunch of meetings. Arianna was in the sling so she went to the booth with me (we used the paper style, it was faster and I guess I am a bit old fashion). It was quite challenging keeping her for taking the pen. She wanted to vote to, but we managed! (See how tired and happy she looks after doing her civic duty) :)
But no, she was not ready to take a nap yet. So, I put one of the shows that she is starting to like...Barney! I never thought I will be listening to that dinosaur, but she likes the songs... and at the same time a bomb went off (all toys just exploded in my living floor)! [She was dancing in this picture]
See, even my poor Misty jumped to the top of the recliner to protect herself!
Then, Arianna decided it was time to read a book. Lately, this book has become one of her favorites. I think I read this book about 15 times a day.
And after too much excitement, she decided to take a break in her favorite chair!
(In this picture she looks a lot like Mike and Ann, don't you think?)
And finally, I went out to get a few things that we needed, she felt asleep and I was able to take a picture of this tree (If you go back in the posts, you will see how it used to look a few weeks ago).
(On a final note for this post) No matter who would have been the President, I cannot think of a harder job right now. Everyone is hoping and expecting so much. I heard this phrase over and over : " With change, there is hope!", so I hope that the new President Barack Obama can start that process... Here is to a positive beginning.
Mike and I did this pound cake yesterday. It needs quite a bit of mixing, and the problem with my hand, I need someone to help me. So, it was nice to work together. I did the frosting today, it is a Brown Sugar Frosting. Very yummy. (The picture does not show how good it is, food photography is an art in itself, that is for sure).
We'd been having a new visitor to our house. It is a brown tabby cat (male). We are not sure if it is a stray or someone's cat, but it is outside quite often and seems hungry all the time. Can you see Betsy in the other side of the door?
Over the weekend, we went to IKEA and had a nice time. Arianna likes to see in a chair (no high chairs anymore). They want to grow so quickly. And the sad part is that they do.
We bought her a new rug at IKEA. She loves it, and I love that when she has a rug, all her mess (or mostly) gets confined in one area. Betsy approves of the rug too.
This was a lazy Sunday picture. We were doing breakfast and she was dancing and singing in the kitchen with us. I took a video of that. I'll try to see if I can post it later.
When we went to Petco last time, Arianna would not let go of "Blue". She thinks it is blue from the child series "Blue's Clues". So, what is a parent to do. Ok, so I could say no, and leave, but she seldom likes something this much (at least for now). So, in the basket went and into the car.
Do you know this bird? I'd been trying to find out. It hangs out with another greckel, but they look so different. 
I had not seen the Cardinal for a while, but here it is. Love his singing and color.
When I bought this hydrangea, it had no flowers so when I saw this beautiful blue/purplish color I was very happy. They have this huge cluster of flowers and the plant has about 8 of them. Very beautiful.
This is my hidden rose. Whomever planted it, had to be at least 5-7 years ago. They did not account for the two bushes around the rose, now they are so big that the only way you can see it is by ducking really low. But, I am afraid of moving it, roses can be very temperamental. 
And here is the square garden in the back part of the yard. Now, the only thing for this summer is to find a nice bench to go with it. To be able to sit and read a book, or just relax. So, the quest for the perfect bench is on.
Ari is helping mom by getting wet while I pour some water in my seeds and bulbs (hopefully I'll get some color on my garden). She loves to get wet. Maybe I should buy her a small pool. In this picture, she is telling me a story about cheese...
Her new favorite place... playing with some gravel. 
