Sunday, December 19, 2010

A Christmas Letter from Lily

Dearest Family and Friends,

Though I have trouble believing anyone does not know me at this point, I suppose I should begin by introducing myself. My name is Lily Clare Croft, adorable and mischievous daughter of Brian and Erica. Everywhere I go, people comment on my beautiful eyes and hair and, while my Mommy is just waiting for me to say, “I know! I’m so beautiful!” I currently just smile and wave hi to them.

I turned 22 months old on December 4, 2010. Can you believe how big I am getting? I heard Mommy saying something about me being two months away from being 2 years old—I thought I heard her whisper something about the world “terrible,” but surely she meant to say “terrific,” because I am getting terrifically independent by the day. I spend my days running around the house, taking all the pots and pans out of the cupboards, begging snacks (my Mommy seems to think I can only eat in my high-chair), reading books, and telling Mommy and Daddy interesting stories. What can I say? I guess I just like to stay busy...in fact, Mommy says that because I am so busy, I have “earned” my nap each day. Lucky for her, I like to sleep, otherwise I’d stay up all day playing.

Speaking of Daddy and Mommy, I guess I should tell you all a little bit about them. Daddy spends his days teaching other kids (though they aren’t nearly as cute as me) at Western Nebraska Community College and doing lots of grading—which makes him a little grumbly. I try to help him grade, but he says that my writing isn’t clear enough—which is funny, because his looks like chicken scratch. Daddy still takes time to read to me though, but only if I curl up next to him and Fufu, my best friend. Daddy sure loves lots of old stuff, but he always says that I’m the neatest new thing around. Mommy spends her days playing with me and working on that weird computer thing, though she says she’s doing homework. I heard her telling Daddy that she is tired of school, so I think she is going to take a break. I think that is a wonderful idea because now she can spend every minute of the day playing with me! She has been working on a second degree in English, so she can go and teach kids like Daddy does.

I also spend lots of time with my Grandma Barb, which I love! I go to her house a few afternoons a week to play with her. I also see my Yaya and Papa (Mommy’s parents) frequently and love to chase their puppy, Max, but sometimes I get in trouble for pulling his hair. I especially love when Aunt Mary and Uncle Ken bring my cousins over and I get to play with them—I can blame my naughtiness on someone else for a change! Uncle Colin and Yelena also come over to see me and I have fun showing them my latest toys and dance moves.

I did get to see this Santa guy everyone is talking about and, though he did make me cry (have you seen that beard?), Mommy and Daddy promised he’ll bring me lots of presents. I hope you get lots of presents too!




Merry Christmas,

Lily














Oh—and Mommy and Daddy, too.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Thanksgiving Wrap-Up

Well, they are a bit late, but I thought I'd post some pictures from our Thanksgiving festivites. Once again, we hosted Thanksgiving at our house this year, and had about 20 family members show up and leave nice and full. :) I consider it a success as long as no one leaves hungry!

Lily, helping Mama make the cornbread stuffing! She loves to help me cook :)

The "girl" cousins: Kinzee (2), Kaitlynn (5), Lily (1)

A group action shot :)
The next morning, we packed up in the car and headed down to the Denver area to watch the Nebraska vs. Colorado game with Brian's extended family. We must not have been giving Lily enough credit because we expected a little more fussing in the car, but she was an angel. She read books, snacked, and played with toys--and didn't cry once on the 3 1/2 hour drive! Plus, Nebraska beat Colorado, so we couldn't have asked for a better trip--oh, and did I mention that there was excellent food and conversation? :)

Reading in the car

Family picture

Lily with cousin Eric

Lily and her new best friend, Sarah

Lily and her other new best friend--Holden :)

Now we are busily getting read for Christmas. The tree is up, the presents are bought and {mostly} wrapped, and Lily is talking about Santa Claus non-stop. We can't wait 'til she gets the chance to tear open those presents!!