lil in AZ

lil in AZ, a photo by Everyday Lil on Flickr.

Lil takes some time to soak up the sun on her grande tante's back patio. She adjusted quite nicely to the warmer weather, but the dry air did not treat her as well. Still she had tons of fun (more pics of our adventures to come) and bonded quickly with her extended family. Those aunts just delighted her to no end!

(partial) mobile recap.

California drive-thru

I had a few images uploaded from my phone to my Flickr account, and so I'll just take a quick sec to post them here while I edit through several hundred photos from last week. I did try to get a mobile pic of Lil in her finery, but it was cold and rainy, and all I could manage was a pic of her fuzzy sweater. So here are a few that are ready to go, and many more to come!

This is actually from before we left. Lil spent a long day in her very hip bear pajamas, which fit both our west coast destination, and her current sleep schedule (of course, now that we're back, the jet lag hit her hard, and she's slept most of the day and night).

Here is Lil all dressed –and bundled– up on the way to Cousin Katie's wedding. The short drive gave her just enough time for a cat nap, and she behaved remarkably well throughout all the festivities. Lil loves her some princess dresses, and was definitely enamored with the stunning bride.

In our final moments in Santa Cruz, Lil got one last cuddle from the beautiful, talented Aunt Sarah. Lil definitely enjoyed the mountain climate, and dressing for the Doon. All that fresh mountain air does her good, adds a little color to her cheeks, and allows for more cozy-comfy styles. Lil was missing her lumberjack flannel, but lover of accessories that she is, she sported her lumberjack babylegs around the house. Next time Lil will be all about the warm flannel, a pair of Wellies, and a warm cardigan. Mama will make a country girl of her yet.

awesome aunts, nice nieces

so this is not Christmas

Today was supposed to be about carving pumpkins, drinking cider, and eating caramel apples with our friends at Tuffet, but Mother Nature had something to say about that.  After hours of slushy snowfall, the only friends to brave the elements and meet us at our spot was Lil's very own Auntie Em', and The Boy.  Who else would trek through ankle deep slush, unseasonable cold, messy sidewalks, and the weekend L train for some face time with Lil? But that's what aunts do- they dote upon their nieces, taking every opportunity to spend they day with them, and occasionally spoil them with beautiful and frivolous gifts. Speaking as an aunt, nieces are a special treasure, adding a little sweetness and a little sparkle to our lives. You go through your daily routine, and suddenly realize there is a special little person out there who adds a title to your name every time they speak it, who thinks your pretty and cool regardless of how old and dotty you are, and who loves every thing you do for them no matter how small.  The mere existence of that special little girl in turn makes you special. Undoubtedly, having a daughter is the nicest thing your sibling will ever do for you.

Today is also the birthday of one of Mama's aunts and her cousin– another niece– who spent their special day together in warm sunny Phoenix. Aunt Maggie has never been one to disappoint a niece, and along with her sisters, provided Mama with the perfect blueprint to Aunthood. Most importantly, Aunt Maggie's loyalty to her title transcends generations, and although they haven't met in person, she is Lil's biggest admirer. There may be some who dispute this claim, but I'm willing to bet they all share the distinction of Aunt.

After peeling off several warm fuzzy layers, Lil's special pre-Halloween outfit was revealed! Batty BabyLegs and a shimmery embellished tunic (to celebrate Aunt Maggie's birthday) were paired with a great pair of sweater knit leggings, and the poison-and-purple socks kicked a little color into the mix. What was especially lovely was how Lil coordinated with Aunt Em's simple, cozy outfit. Funny, Mama was close to putting Lil in a gray thermal with black leggings. Now that would've been cute!

The Awesome Aunts: Aunt Joni, Aunt Maggie, Grandma Jeanne, GrandMary, Mama (back), and Aunt Annie, 1987