New Column: "Just Because She's cute" by The New Ward Times Editor-in-Chief, Miles Ward

Good evening everyone. This will be my first column for The New Ward Times. I am going to call this column "Just because she's cute". It will have cute pictures of my human sister, Miss Violet Jean Ward. I may throw in a few of the "others" occasionally, but my main focus will be on Violet. Violet is growing and getting to be more entertaining for me. She giggles and coos and makes these gurgling noises that are hysterical. I am lucky to have such a fun loving human sister and I enjoy her now and hope to enjoy her later (praying she doesn't pull my tail or poke me in the eye).

Almost got it!

How could this not warm your heart?

Violet loves the Winkle!

Social Events: Girls' Night Christmas Party

What a wonderful group of gal friends I have!

Last Wednesday, we had the annual Girls' Night Christmas party at our house. It was so fun to have Ella and Violet join the fun this year. A couple of years ago, our group decided that instead of getting each other gifts, we would help kids by having angels. This year, Amanda was helping the Salvation Army with their new "Stuff the Stocking" program, which you get a big stocking and stuff it with fun goodies for children under four. Our group stuffed FIVE stockings this year!! It was so much fun and I know those kids will light up Christmas Day when they open their big stocking full of surprises. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful group of girls that I know I can depend on and that have such sweet spirits and giving hearts. Merry Christmas everyone!

Having our traditional "dip" party!

Auntie Kristen finally meets Vi and Vi absolutely LOVED her!


Teacher Casey organizing the goodies for the stockings.


All of the goodies to go into the 5 stockings!


Ella striking a pose.

Ella, Auntie Lesley and Violet

Holiday Hooplah! Oh Christmas Tree!

We love having a real tree as our Christmas tree. Last year, Mom, Dad, Wes and I went to the Schilling's Christmas Tree Farm in Jacksonville. It was so much fun because you get to cut down your own tree. This year, we had both girls for the big event. Arkansas has received ALOT of rain this year and it was incredibly muddy!!!! Dad and Wes pretty much trekked through the mud and found the perfect trees for both houses. We all rode on the tractor and Vi and Hallie thought that was lots of fun! Even though it was muddy and cold, a good time was had by all.

Fun Tractor Ride!

Grammie, Violet, Hallie and Popi

Oh Christmas Tree! Violet loves the lights!

Friends and Fun: Violet living it up in the NWA

Last weekend, we took a road trip to Northwest Arkansas to introduce Violet to all of our wonderful NWA friends. It was super cold, but super fun! We first went to visit Drew, Sarah and their little one Lucy. Brandon and Jen also joined us to meet our little gal. Dinner was at Table Mesa in Bentonville (excellent if you are ever in the area) and the company was top notch!

Violet and her Uncle Brandon

Aunt Jen and Lucy.


New Parents in da house! Sarah, Drew, Lucy, Tasha, Violet and Wes

Future college roomies: Lucy and Violet

On Sunday, Violet and I met up with my NWA gals for breakfast at Gaylord's. It was so wonderful to see the girls. It made me wished that we lived closer! Mischelyn gave Violet her gorgeous blanket that she had finished knitting. Ang snuck in a gift at the end of breakfast of a Fuzzy Duckling book and onesie for Vi and some pampering goodies for mommy! I hope to see them NYE and I miss them so much! After breakfast, Violet and I did some light Christmas shopping for her cousins and then we went to visit Britt and Katie. Katie is growing so fast and is so good to Violet. It was a fast and furious trip, but so much fun. Plus it was Violet's first stay at a hotel!

Violet with Britt and Katie

NWA gals and Vi: Susan, Violet, Angela, Dara and Mischelyn


The gang's all here!

Woohoo! I love NWA!

Milestones: Violet turns 3 months!

This month has flown by! Our girl turned THREE MONTHS OLD yesterday! We truly cannot believe it. She is so much fun and getting to be so active. We love every minute of being parents. We are looking forward to the holidays with our Violet. For the big day, Wes brought home a piece of strawberry yumminess from the bakery. Here's to next month! Cheers!

Holiday Funtime: Thanksgiving on Sanibel Island

For Thanksgiving this year, Dad and Mom decided to take the whole family to Sanibel Island, Florida. It was Violet and Hallie's first flight and they did very well. We were so proud!! So much fun was had and the scenery was absolutely gorgeous. It was also great to spend time with Tony, Serena and Hallie. We do not get to get together enough. Thanks Mom and Dad for a wonderful, memorable Thanksgiving and vacation! We love you!

First flight!

Little toes in the sand.

Hallie, Popi, Violet and Grammie


Uncle Tony and Aunt Serena: I love them!


First Ward family beach photo.


Hallie having fun time with Unkie Wes.


Ward family love.


Mommy, Violet and a sand-snowman!


Getting ready for our beach walk.


Hallie, Uncle Tony and Violet


Mommy and Violet enjoying the seashells on the beach.


There was a sand artist that has cool sculptures on the beach.


Take that you stupid hat!

Violet in her first bathing suit and sunglasses. Is she not the cutest?

Heading home after a wonderful holiday.

Travel Review: Edgemont at Grammie and Popi's

Dad went to have a guys weekend at Uncle Jon's so Mommy, me, Macy and Roscoe went to visit Grammie and Popi. It was so much fun. I got to do whatever I wanted. On Sunday, we went to Mass and Mommy says I was so good. Hooray! We also helped to celebrate Grammie and Popi's 31st wedding anniversary. I love them!

I don't want to leave Daddy! The suitcase was Mommy's from 29 years ago!

Fun times in Grammie and Popi's rocker crib.


Grammie and I on the deck.


Sporting my "Running on Natural Gas" onesie...just for Popi.

Woohoo! I love Popi!

Milestones: A Week of Firsts!

The week before Thanksgiving was a busy week of first for Miss Violet. We finally let go and moved her to her crib (boooo!). Wes had to work nights, so since he could check on her often, we decided it was the best week to do it. Then, Violet graduated to 4 oz. a feeding (at the time of this post, we are having 6 oz. feedings). She also took her first "big girl" bath and began to take interest in her toys above the bouncer seat. She also graduated to wearing 0-3 months clothes. What a growing gal!

Although not really considered to be "firsts" but we began to get many more smiles from our gal as she has begun to recognize our faces and expressions (and is probably thinking, "these people are nuts!"). And finally, it was her first time to sleep 7 hours in a row! Hooray!!! Although not during this week, Violet (and Hallie) did take their first airplane ride for Thanksgiving. She is growing way too fast and we are enjoying her every minute of it!

Whose that pretty girl?

Getting use to the Bumbo chair.


First big girl bath!

Having fun hitting the toys!

Family History: Five Generations

Violet has two, yes two great-great grandmothers. We have 5 generations on one side of the family. Great-great grandma Corrine, Grandma Nancy, Grammie, Mommy and Violet. Mamaw Chloe is her other Great-great grandma. We went to Atkins so they could both meet Violet. Aunt Tammy took lots of great photos. What an amazing feat to be able to have so many generations.

Mamaw Corrinne, Mamaw Nancy, Mommy, Violet, Grammie and Mamaw Chloe

Coming Attractions....

I realize it has been a while since I have been able to post wonderful Violet and other Ward family updates. Here is a list of coming attractions:

1. Five generation family photos (yes, Violet has TWO great-great grandmothers!)
2. Fun times at Grammie and Popi's in Edgemont.
3. Thanksgiving in Florida (Violet is ADORABLE in her swimsuit!)
4. VIOLET TURNS THREE MONTHS! We cannot believe how fast time is going by. She is so wonderful and we love her so much!

Lots of updating ahead...please stay tuned for Ward family fun!