The final days...

The project didn't really wrap up the way I had envisioned from the beginning, but I guess that is just the way most projects end up. In the final weeks of the 365 we were going through some very emotional and heart breaking days. We lost our Guita to her 10+ year battle with cancer. I just didn't really feel like taking photos. Sometimes there is just a period of time that we don't really want to be reminded of, and I have to keep reminding myself that that is ok. I will forever be grateful for our family and these beautiful memories. Sam and Eloise, you may never know how much we love you (that is until you have families of your own.) I wanted to give you this gift, so you can look back on this year that was one my of favorite. Your were magic ages, so innocent and curious, so full of love and hope. My wish for you is that you never lose that.  No matter what I hope you know that you are the two most important and precious gifts we were ever given, and this life is BEAUTIFUL even in  it's drakest moments. You can find beauty anywhere, just look for the light. I love you forever and always.
xoxo Mom

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Neighborhood watch.

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I swear, when you came home you were so proud of your Native American get up.

When I asked to take your picture in it, that was a different story.

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r&r

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Today you turned three. That has always been a hard birthday for me as mama.

It's the age that seems to steel away the remainder of baby that lingers in your cheeks and the 

funny vocabulary that is unique to your lips. It's the first of many ages that will break my heart, but what a joy it is to see you growing and becoming more Eloise everyday. I'm so happy you were 

born.

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A fitting photo of your metamorphosis. 

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And now we have the real celebration!

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Thanksgiving Day

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The results of the "pizza challenge" inspired by none other than

YouTube.

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This may just be your favorite day of the year. The most anticipated, for certain. 

December 1, the start of the Lego Advent.

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Refrigerator masterpieces.

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Candy negotiations.

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Riding high on the NAF El Centro float that just happened to take first place.

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Its so good being the baby.

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Huh?

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I love sneaking up on moments like this. Playing, as if you actually may be best friends.

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Grandma gives a pretty nice manicure. 

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Christmas Eve. You can finally play with your advent calendar pieces.

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I had so many great pictures to choose from on Christmas Day, but 

I just found this one so amusing. I remember making that same face when I was your age 

and opened... underwear.

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Just some more snuggles.

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Taking in every word.

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I really do love watching you draw.

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S'mores with friends, really no better way to bring in a new year.

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The Bakery.

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Your brother takes such good care of you, he would put on your costume

before his own.

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She waited for this moment, and watching it helped this world make a little more sense. 

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The last photo that I had taken during this project was of Guita, and she was so ill.

I decided to end the blog and project with a much more light hearted image (and one 

of my ALL time favorites) that was captured in the same spirit as the rest of this project. A moment that she loved as well. This was completely un-possed. You just wanted to read with your Guita, 

and so you did.