The Brussels Sprout

The other day, I was cleaning brussels sprouts for dinner, and Leila was looking on with keen interest. She kept reaching for the cleaned sprouts so I decided to give her one. She was enthralled with it and played with it for quite a long time. As you can see in the first couple of shots, she's pretty overjoyed!

As it was just the right size to fit in her mouth, Leila sucked on the sprout, using it as a teething toy. It made a hilarious sound! I was laughing so hard I had trouble steadying the camera to take photos...

Then it was time for me to feed Leila. So while I was prepping her food, she decided to bang on the sprout with her spoon and bat it around on the table. I didn't quite catch that action in the shot, but you get the idea.

Once I did start feeding her, she didn't even want to put the sprout down while she ate! She insisted on holding it throughout.

I don't think she's actually unhappy in this photo. I'm guessing she just got tired of smiling and playing so much!

Veronika's 12th birthday

Our niece, Veronika, turned 12 over the weekend so her mom, Helena, hosted a family get-together on Saturday. We got some good photos from the party so I wanted to share.

Here's the birthday girl blowing out the candles...

...and cutting the cake.

Like her mother, Leila enjoys a good party! She had a good time socializing and getting carried around by everyone. Here she is hanging out with her dad.

Leila gives a hug to Aunt Helena.

That flash is a little shocking!

Leila decided to "help" Veronika open her gifts. She started by examining (and tasting!) this brightly colored gift box.

Isn't gift opening fun??

Veronika opens the gift from us (lots of scrapbooking supplies) while Aunt Paula looks on. (Those are my legs holding Leila on the right-hand side...)

Giddyup, Daddy!

Leila holds on to Matt good and tight- by his hair! Can you tell she's having fun?