Marco Island 2011

This year in Marco was especially special because Bill and I finally owned our own place...it's ours! Another reason is because it was the first year Anna really understood where she was, who she was with and how much fun she had. Although the weather was not great (a little on the cool side), we had a wonderful time. However, no one had more fun than Anna. She absolutely loved being with all of her cousins. I could tell how close she felt to them. She even started talking more and doing things so she could be just like them. Anna also really discovered her love for water and disdain for sand. She is a natural in the water - jumping off the side of the pool, diving under water and swimming with her floaties. On the otherhand, she was not a fan of sand or the beach. The only way we could even get her on to the beach was to put shoes and socks on her so her feet wouldn't touch the sand. As she put it, "sand yucky." I've posted some great pictures and a video of Anna and Billy swimming together. BTW...that large sand structure was built by the cousins as "their" sand castle. The adults later turned it into the perfect sitting area/bar for happy hour! :)

Christmas Dance...Priceless

Anna's First Snow Angel

Had to post this video and photos of a beautiful, wintery day in Chicago. Anna made her first snow angel with the help of Billy.

The Holidays (Santa Comes for the First Time)

The Holidays and our annual trip to Marco Island have come and gone. As with most families (with or without children) it's a whirlwind couple of weeks/months. The same goes for our family. However, it's an exciting chaos. For the first time, Anna really understood what was happening around her. She got it all. From Santa and his reindeers to Frosty, she really participated unlike years prior. What she really discovered a love for this holiday season were two distinct, but very important parts of her life - Baby Jesus and Disney Princesses. Wow, is she obsessed with both. Santa made a stop at our house this year and he gave Anna books, a new laptop (toddler) and a fake puppy dog (the closest she'll ever get to having one of her own). We opened some of the gifts from the family Christmas Eve with Gaga, Bapa, Gigi and JJ, and then opened Santa's gifts Christmas morning before we left for the airport. It was a blast and I must say, Anna is really getting the hang of wripping open presents. :) I've included some photos and video of the 2010 holiday season. My next post will be dedicated to our trip to Marco. Enjoy...

I'm A Bee.

Anna's first Halloween Trick-or-Treating was a blast! One more reason why I love our neighborhood...EVERYONE comes out, dresses up, has great candy and has an "beverage" in hand while doing it. We had so much fun with GiGi and JJ, as well as the Noyes'. Anna Trick-or-treated in her Bumble Bee costume all afternoon. At first, it was a struggle to get that costume on, but once it was on, Anna was unstoppable. I think Maggie's beautiful pictures tell the story of one fabulous Halloween.

The Whelan Family Photos...Anna Turns 2

Anna and Her Boys...

A few pictures of Anna and best buddies...

Our Fall in Chicago...

Our summer and fall was filled with fun outings and day trips to the zoo, park, playdates, parks, etc. I've compiled a few pictures of some of our favorite spots in our favorite city.

There's a Two-Year-Old in the House

Yes, it's true...Anna is officially 2!! Although, I feel as if Anna's been in her "terrible twos" for a while now. :)

To celebrate the big day, all of our family came to our house (no giant party like last year). We opened presents, had ELMO cake and played instruments and puzzles all afternoon. It was a wonderful get-together and a great way to welcome Anna into her second year.

Oh and BTW...the red stuff on Anna's nose is not chocolate. We had a little accident at the Zoo two days before her birthday. She fell down the stairs and scraped her nose. All better now, though.

What a night.

I have so many posts that need to be made and pictures that need to be downloaded, but tonight all I'm mentioning is our bathtime. I've realized that the magic of parenting exists in the small everyday moments together...without audiences, video cameras or even clothes. :)

Tonight, my Anna hugged me, kissed me and then pointed every part of my face and called it by name. I've never felt so loved and admired. It's like she'd been staring at me for two years, studying every feature and all off the sudden she could say every single word. Billy was there too and we both just melted with how precious it all was.

Anna, my sweet baby girl...you are everything that I ever dreamed a child could be and more. Daddio and Mommio love you with such unconditional passion that you'll never know. You make us so happy everyday. You're talking, dancing learning and singing brings so much light into our lives. Today you said "burp" and we died laughing. I love our dance parties in the playroom to ieeeiii "September". I love our books , puzzles and, of course, snuggle bunnies. I love our trips to museums, the zoo, parks and shopping at our stores. I'm so proud of all that you're accomplishing everyday. Whether it's a new word, brushing your teeth, going potty or going down the slide, the look of satisfaction on your face makes me giddy.

I love you my Anna...Mommy and Daddy love you so very much and we always will.

Whhavat a night.