I uploaded my pictures for my next update, but I was so busy this weekend that I didn't have enough time to write anything up. I should have the next update up within a day or two. I did finally finish my photopass editing, so I happily I'll be able to submit my order by the end of the week. I also put together a photobook for the first time too, so I'm anxious to see how that comes out. Normally I scrapbook my trips, but I'm so far behind on my scrapbooking that I thought I'd try this out for this trip. I had pre-ordered the book when I ordered the CD so I got a discount at any rate. I filled up the included 20 pages pretty fast though, so I am going to have to pay a bit of an overage charge. I'll post some pictures up as soon as I get the book.
Since I'm not ready to post my normal Monday post, I thought I'll leave you with a couple of photos from my busy weekend instead. Friday I took the day off from work so I could go to my younger niece's 7th birthday party. Her actual birthday was actually last month, but she wanted a Halloween themed birthday party so they postponed it for a month. The entire family got into the swing of things and dressed up to the delight and entertainment of all the kids at the party.
I went as Raggedy Ann, and my mom went as an angel. She was going to wear the same thing as last year, but once my niece told her to "step it up" she went out and got some wings and accessories to dress up an old costume of mine.
I get such a kick out of the fact that my nieces are definitely in charge of my parents sometimes.
I couldn't wait to take the wig off by the end of the party, so when it came time to open presents I ditched it. My niece loved the Pandora bracelet that I got her. She just kept telling me "You listened to me!" so happily. I don't even think that she had mentioned that she wanted it to her mom or dad because my sister in law had no idea she had wanted one. I got her the starter bracelet and two beads and now I'll just add on a bead for different events and holidays. I like that at the end she'll have a bracelet of memories important to us.
I adore both my nieces and love them both equally, but my younger niece and I do have a special relationship that's different from my relationship with my other niece. I never understood what my mother used to mean about loving my brother and I equally, but differently until my nieces came along. She is definitely not shy when the cameras come out. All you need to do is point one at her and the smile is turned on full force.
On Saturday I saw the entire family again when we all went out to dinner for another belated birthday celebration - for my recent 40th. We went out to a local italian restaurant that we all love, and then went back to my place for cake. My brother and SIL surprised me with an awesome Coach bag. I've never owned one so I was thrilled.
Also, in honor of my 40th I chopped about 8-10 inches of hair off my head. I've been thinking of doing it for awhile now, and finally I couldn't take the long hair anylonger. I can't tell you enough how much I'm loving it now! It's amazing how liberating a good haircut can be! I love that I'll actually be able to dry it before I leave in the mornings now, and not have a repeat of last year when I'd have ice cubes in my hair by the time I got to the train station.
A real update will be coming soon, I promise!