elaina {birthday shots}

My youngest sister, Elaina, is turning eight in a few weeks!

our American Girl

One of my favorite toys growing up was my American Girl doll, Samantha. Elaina has inherited my doll and both of my sisters, but currently, she has been constantly asking for "her own doll straight from the store". Of course! Imagine her surprise when the American Girl Doll of the Year was a pretty, blonde doll named...Lanie, which is Elaina's nickname (we refer to her with both names, but Lanie is more frequently used). My parents purchased her the matching outfit to the doll, which has only increased the demands for the doll. Because, of course, the matching outfit is only half of the package, Mom and Dad. Unfortunately for the poor girl, she'll just have to keep whining until her seventh birthday in September. I think she'll be pleasantly surprised and very happy!

elaina, winter 2009

Someone's turning six!

Happy birthday Elaina!

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Elaina loves trying new things from different foods to different clothing styles. Today, she found some scrap fabric, tied it to her head and put on a snow hat. She's five, so of course, it's cute ;)

elaina+rain

For more, click here for a slideshow!

Elaina's missing something!

She has officially declared herself a "big girl" now that her very FIRST tooth is missing. She'll be six in September and even though I can't believe it, Elaina really is growing up.


yes, the tooth fairy paid her a visit ;)

Guess who's gonna be FIVE soon...?

She's growing up waaay too fast!

Elaina

I think I could shoot photos all day.

Elaina - June 2008

She's growing up way. to. fast.

elaina

Birthday!

My sister Elaina is celebrating her 4th birthday today. The theme is Candyland (like the kiddie game), so yours truly set to work this morning and created a cake that looked like the Candyland game board.

To see some other delectable creations, click here. (I've made other cakes before, I've just never photographed them before.) And no, I'm not currently soliciting cake orders...at least not yet!

Elaina

Bike Riding

It has been quite warm these last few days and the snow is finally melting. My littlest sister, Elaina (3 1/2) has been waiting all winter to get her bike out...and today she finally did! I'm so proud of my not-so-little girl - she can finally pedal!

Roses