Family Fun

Almost all my siblings managed to get together with our kids to have fun together. We had Tanya, Traig, Tammy, Tasha and the spouses, Sarah, John, and my personal favorite, Byron. Alas, no Tiffany. We enjoyed Traig's suggestion of Mother's Beach in Marina Del Rey (complete with paddle-boarding delightfulness!), then spent an afternoon and evening at our place to share a meal together. 

Ellie thought it was amazing!

Update.... Ellie has become mobile at 9.5 months. Watch out, world! I took a video to commemorate this event! Obviously rather exciting for us ;)

9 Month Eliana

Eliana is a gorgeous little munchkin.  Her face and sweet little pudginess is thinning out into a more toddler-esque shape.  She is forming a more distinct personality and learning more and more how to express herself, but still favors saying "all done" more than anything else.  This month is bringing change and a great deal of growth! Ellie is on the verge of becoming truly mobile.  Up until this point she has only been able to scoot backwards, often ending up under chairs and the like, but she is starting to propel herself forwards on her knees!

Sleep has been amazing.... about 5 nights in a row she slept the whole night through!  But then teething troubles struck her poor little gummy upper mouth and now it is nearly a distant memory as she battles the pain of growing up.  She needs lots of snuggles and kisses and almost constant holding.  I am back to carting her about on the hip to sooth the dear.  

She is worth all the trouble!  How could I not want to snuggle the Cuteness on a near constant basis?!

Father's Day

A TRULY RICH MAN IS ONE WHOSE CHILDREN RUN INTO HIS ARMS WHEN HIS HANDS ARE EMPTY. -Unknown

We had a good Father's Day celebration.  The photo book I made for Byron arrived well in advance of the big day, and the girls presented it to him before church.  Daddy loved it! We then ate scones and bacon scrambled eggs for breakfast.  After this came church, followed by nap time.  Daddy attempted a nap with Gigi and she insisted on covering him with kisses (and not napping).  Next up came my opportunity to make dinner whilst Ellie slept and Daddy took the older girls out for a fabulous ride on their trikes.  They LOVED it.

Dinner was a letdown.  I knew there was a problem when he asked me what I made for dinner... after dinner.  He had no idea what he was eating.  He graciously albeit mockingly informed me Chicken Pot Pie is supposed to have chicken in it.  He is convinced I forgot that part.  Shredded chicken is apparently a no-go in a pot pie.  Now I know. 

The evening was followed by a romp through our homemade sprinkler activity area with the kiddos and Daddy took center stage delighting them with giggles and spins around the yard.  It was a beautiful sight!

Source: thecraftingchicks.com via Kristin on Pinterest

BIG SUR

The Family all trekked out to Big Sur for a big Mopsie Bash!  We love her!  The trip included hiking, partying, bird-watching, toddler toting, and beach frolicking.  The trip home was graced with a Porta Potty magically appearing at every emergency (no lie!).