Lillian's 11 months old!

It is hard to believe that Lillian is now 11 months old- next month she will be 1!
She continues to explore and try new things.
Among her favorites includes...

Playing on the BIG bed

Chewing on her crib (or anything that she can get a hold of)

And of course crawling around the house.

Lillian definitely has a personality all of her own and really dislikes being told NO.

When she gets really unhappy, she will crawl part way toward you and then reach toward you as if to say..."I'm too upset to go any further-come get me"


It is rather cute to watch.

Lillian continues to be a joy and blessing in our family and we are excited to see what the next months adventures will be.

Lillian's 10 months old!

It is amazing how quickly the months have passed. I cannot imagine our family without Lillian.

Milestones include....

Learning to CRAWL




Discovering BATH TOYS




Pulling herself up (Daddy style- using her teeth and mouth for leverage)





And snorting like a PIG



Of course, no matter what she loves her Cuddles and gets crabby and sad close to bed time.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day from the Princess Sparkles!



Our family Valentine's gift was a new stacking, front loader washer and dryer.

It has proven to not only be energy efficient, cost effective, and cuts down on the number of loads of laundry each week but is also a great source of entertainment.

Snow Mountain

After another 6 inches of snow (18 inches total this winter) Madison enjoyed another afternoon in her backyard winter wonderland. Rob shoveled the snow in the backyard (he was conveniently on a business trip- or so it seems whenever it snows- when the initial snow fell thus leaving me to shovel the drive-way and sidewalk) into a large "mountain" for Madison to play on.

It was nearly as tall as she is...


Lillian even came out to join her for a bit....


Until it got too cold!


Then like mother like daughter, Lillian returned inside to the warm house and cozy pjs to watch the snow adventures of her Daddy and big sister.




With Lillian back in the house, it was time for the real fun to begin.
First Madison climbed up her mountain...


There she enjoyed resting on her throne...


Jumping to the valley...


Making snow balls...



(Can you spot Princess Lillian)

And Falling Down!


Of course between the stunts there was always time for sister greetings.


Even Daddy took a break from the fun to visit with Lillian.


It was another great day in the snow.

Happy Gator Day!

Madison felt that since there is a holiday to celebrate Groundhogs that it would only be fitting for there to be a holiday for other animals as well.

Thus Gator Day began.

So February 1st deck yourself out in your blue and orange and celebrate Gator Day with the Sparkman's.



And don't worry if you forget, Lillian will be calling with reminders!

Date Night Skiing

Friday night, with the girls settled at Nanapa's, Rob and I headed to one of our favorite winter date nights...

Perfect North Ski Resort near Cincinnati, OH
While it is not the Alps or even the amazing slopes of Colorado, it is a great place for a quickie!

The snow was not nearly as fresh and fluffy as we had hoped but we still enjoyed 3 hours of skiing and snowboarding together.


This year, I was even a bit adventurous and willingly did several runs on the blue slope (down the back of the hill) and even tried a new slope (not at all my fancy- luckily I neither hurt myself or others in my speedy descent!)

It was the perfect date night and a great evening together.

Snow What Fun

Monday afternoon the flakes began to fall and Madison was eager to play in her first snow of the year. She quickly dressed in her pink snow gear and headed into the back yard for a bit of play.
Her favorite thing to do is to pile as much snow as possible at the bottom of her slide and slide down into it. It is great fun to watch.






Tuesday morning dawned with the overwhelming surprise of 12 inches of snow.





With just over 12 inches of snow, it was no surprise that schools were closed for 2 days.

Rob was able to work from home that day and after finishing his report for work, he and Madison headed out to shovel the driveway. (I stayed inside and took pictures from the upstairs bedroom window- where it was warm!)




Madison alternated helping Rob and playing in the snow. She made some great snow angels!


A little over 40 minutes later, the driveway was clear and Madison had her first snow Mountain.


It was a great snow day!

Lillian's 9 Months Old

It is hard to believe that the youngest Sparkman is 9 months old.

Here are the highlights of her last 3 months...

She began to stand on her own (without crying and actually holding on).
She loved standing on the bed in England near the windows.



Boy was she proud of her accomplishment.

Next, came the joy of learning to stand beside our American furniture.
She was quick to figure out that it is not that different then standing by furniture in England.


I am not really sure when the Saturday Night Fever pose began but it is one of Lillian's favorites.
(Also reminds me of the horse racing bill board "Pick me, Pick me")


At this point she also received her Push n' Ride Lion.
Of course, Lillian thinks it is motorized (powered by none other then Big Sister Madison) and has yet to push or ride on her own!

Another highlight is that Lillian has finally grown into her 6-9 month clothes.


As always, our Gator baby continues to bring smiles and joy to our family

Happy New Year

Happy New Year from the "Sparkle" Sisters!

The Sparkman family rang in a quiet New Year.

Rob and I attended a friend's annual Game Night New Years Eve Party. We enjoyed an evening of board games with 20 other friends and an assortment of great food. With wine from the host's own cellar (home made wine, several of which are award winning) it was a perfect and enjoyable evening.

The girls enjoyed their own New Years celebration with Nana and Pa where they had their first sleepover since our return to the States.

It was a fun evening for all. We hope the New Year finds you well.