Tags
Christmas, Elmo, family, Granchildren, Grandparenthood, Holidays, New Year's Eve, Spongebob Squarepants, Times Square
If you have not had the pleasure of meeting Zoë, (Hubs’ and my granddaughter), today’s post consists mostly of some photos I took of her while visiting her and her parents at Nags Head, NC on the OBX, where they are fortunate to live. If you are wondering if we had a good time, you can stop wondering. We had a fabulous and blessed time with Zoë, Suddie, Matt, and Hubs and yours truly. It’s great that they were willing to put us up and put up with us, a couple of fogies, over the holidays.
The morning after we arrived, Zoë came and grabbed my hand, and said, “Come to my room, NeeNee!”
She was showing off for me, and did a somersault:
She got some pretty boots for Christmas from her Aunt Jacqui. She wore them constantly, and was so proud of them.
Then she decided that she wanted to dance, and I had to join in – which of course I did (not quite as capably as she) – and she enjoyed watching herself in her closet door/mirror. Do you know how hard it is to dance and hold a camera? At least it kept everything but my legs and feet from showing up in the reflection! Here are a couple of shots of our “girl in the mirror:”
If you look closely, you can see her fingerprints on the mirror – I decided not to “photoshop” them out! I enjoyed having a go at taking photographs of mirror images!
The next day, she wanted me to see her new “Elmo” hat and mittens – another gift from an adoring admirer! We had an interesting time learning how to get her thumbs in the “thumb pockets.”
She spent several hours being Elmo. Then on to other things. She was and is a very busy little one, and happy almost all the time – except maybe when she doesn’t get her way! But, in her defense, she does get over her fits of temper very quickly, accepting her parents’ (and grandparents’) decisions.
One of the things that she enjoys these days is “Spongebob Squarepants.” On hearing this we went out on the hunt for some Spongebob paraphernalia. We didn’t have to search hard or ,long – Spongebob is everywhere! We got her some pajamas, which she slept in the night before we left to return home. Still a bit sleepy, she got up to say good-bye to NeeNee and DeeDee:
It was hard to leave, but it was time to go home and rescue our companion, Princess, from the jail where we had her boarded. Princess always hates to go, but has a wonderful time once she settles in, and enjoys the doting and loving attention of her Vet and the staff – who spoil her rotten whenever she stays, or (as she seems to think of it), is sentenced. Needless to say, she was thrilled to see Ashley when he went to bail her out, and spent a good deal of her morning exploring every inch of her home, just to make sure we hadn’t changed anything while she was away.
We got home on New Year’s Eve – and we have gotten so old, that we did not even consider watching the ball drop at Times Square in NYC. As a matter of fact, I was busy most of the night just catching up a bit with the daily business that had been undone for the week we were gone.
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with family and friends around you! The year 2012 was a doozy – for many of us in the blogosphere. Lots of “ups and downs,” and plenty of “lateral moves” as well. The best way to look at such years is to see them as good “seasoning.” Perhaps we were being prepared for the good stuff of 2013. In any event, as always, I wish for you all, my Gentle Readers, love, joy, peace, hope and the abundance of enough. . .
P.S. The last thing Zoë said to both Ashley and me was “I love you!” Life doesn’t get any better than that. BTW, I’ll have some photos of Princess to show you soon!
She looks utterly adorable. At the same time she looks spirited enough to throw a very effective tantrum when one seems like a good idea to her!
Those spontaneous declarations of love always make one go all mushy!
Ahh, the joys of grand-parenting. She is lovely and appears a bit theatrical to me, but then not hearing that operatic squeal, I have only the dramatic smile and gestures by which to judge. 🙂
I would say that she is not just a “bit” theatrical, but overflowing with HAM! Her Daddy is almost exactly the same. . .makes for a lot of frustration as they grow, but there is nothing more fun than raising a little drama “piglet!”
Dear Paula,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful visit and family holiday. These precious moments are a blessing for all who can enjoy them through your and “Hubs” eyes.
Your photography is enviable. I wish you and yours have a healthy, happy and prosperous 2013… With more visits to come…for all of us.
Dianne
Dianne – I am so glad you dropped by – come back! We look forward to visiting again with you both soon. Glad you like the photos – they were an “experimental” exercise for me!.
I love your photography, Paula. Your lighting opportunities caught are showing the importance of lighting in your work. I too consider it my first consideration for the best presentation. Expressions caught are in line with importance. Zoe’s copper colored hair and eyebrows with her hazel? eyes, creamy complexion and naturally red lips are so beautiful and you catching the exuberance of childhood all adds up to a highly successful project. Enjoyed seeing every bit with your text.
Thank you so much, Ann! Coming from such an accomplished artist as yourself, I am very honored.
Zoë is an amazing little girl! We cherish every moment we spend with her. Plus, she is a joy to photograph!
Excellent commentary on our time with our family and wonderful photos that capture the spirit of our little angel.
Hubs
An angel, indeed – and also very impish!
Dear Paula, I can see why you love little Zoë so much. What is not to love about this adorable little girl! The photos are a joy to see. And I love that Elmo hat oooh 😀
I wish you, the Hubs, Princess and your loved ones a very Happy 2013 in good health.
Looking forward to share our daily adventures in this new year.
~ Marion
Ashley and I have decided she is going to be a coloratura soprano some day. . .she has the highest-pitched squeal either of us has ever heard. 😆 She is such a pleasure and so much fun to be around, but, as all two-year-olds, she is exhausting! That musts be why my mother used to say that “God knew what he was doing when he gave the parenting chores to the younger generations!”