fairy and wizard festival

 Last Sunday we went with Mum (Dave's mom) to Tyler Arboretum for their Fairy and Wizard Festival. It was just as magical as it sounds. Little kids in fairy wings, costumes, wizard hats, and wands. There were crafts, music and of course everything to see at the arboretum. We haven't been since Elinor was tiny. I don't think she was even walking yet. She loved running around and finding new tree houses or other activities to do. She made so many little fairy friends. It was so cute to see her go up to them and with barely saying anything, they would be holding hands and running away.

Looking for fairies in their houses.

 She found a fairy hanging from a tree!

 This must be where the princess fairies live

We thought she would like to act out the troll from Dora but she was too nervous and thought a real troll was going to pop out.

 This tree has bells attached to branches way up high. There is rope the kids can pull to ring the bells.

 Surprise! The pink frog was her favorite. There were a group of kids at this one and of course no one at the others.

 We convinced her to try out the green one too.

 There weren't too many butterflies in the butterfly house. Elinor was interested in this super pink bench anyway.

 She made a mushroom out of a paperbag and danced with the other fairies

I love this one

We haven't ventured too much on the trails but I love that Tyler Arboretum has so much for the kids. I'm sure we haven't even seen everything there. It's such a pretty setting and I love going there.

longwood with the moms

First, can you head over to this link and vote on our picture? We are trying to win a trip to Disney. Which would be really awesome!

Anyway! We have been having a fun week. Dave will be back soon and my parents will be heading home. It's has been so fun to see Elinor with them. You would think she sees them everyday. I don't know it's because we facetime with them or she just remembers them from last visit. 

I took my mom and Elinor to Longwood Gardens. We met Dave's mom there. Last time we were all together, Elinor was 2 days old! 

Those two were BFFS. They were so funny together. We had a great day and Elinor was so happy having her Mum and Mamoo there. Mum took a few pics of us too which I'm so glad she did. 

Elinor was mad she was in the stroller but I was trying to get her to eat lunch while we walked. 

I love this picture of her! Mum bought her an Elsa headband at a craft fair. She is obsessed! 

We don't go to Longwood enough. It's so beautiful and Elinor can just run. I knew my mom would love it too. She will have to plan another visit since we didn't even get to see everything this time. 

Tennessee

Dave had to go to Russia to play some shows so Elinor and I went to Tennessee to visit my parents. They had bought a house there awhile ago but finally retired and made the move.

My dad picked us up from the airport. He held Elinor and she snuggled up on his shoulder right away. We facetime with them just about everyday but I didn't think she would make the connection. Their house is amazing. It's something that I wish we can find, big and open. They are in the mountains with nothing but woods all around them. When we got out of the car and I looked up, the sky was full of stars. I forgot that the night sky can even look like that! I didn't bring our real camera since I already had so many things with me. I wish I did but hopefully Dave can get some free time and we can go back.

Our first day there my parents showed us around. There are trails that go everywhere. They have access to the lake, pools, community center for the indoor pool and basketball court, playgrounds, golf courses and more. Everything is so close unless you need to go to a grocery store.

Elinor and their new puppy Toby became buddies right away. He was so good with her but as the days went on my sneaky daughter would push her toys or food into his mouth and then look at her papa to yell at him. Then she would laugh and laugh. Oh that little girl!

She loves her "papa" and "mum". I wish we could be close enough for weekend trips.