November unexpected but loved visit from Sarena

Yep- Still trying to get caught up!!! Last November, a huge early snowstorm came through Connecticut and because of all the leaves still on the trees, tons of trees fell down, causing mass chaos and a power outage for their town for over a week. Sarena, Todd's sister, called and asked if instead of staying there in a cold house, if her and the kids could come and stay at our house for a few days. So her unfortunate situation for them initially ended up being a great opportunity for Elli and I to spend some quality time with family. Todd was sad to miss out, but he was out of town for work during their visit.

Robin, Diana's sister, Diana and her kids also joined in on most of the activities for the week and it was super fun for us all to be together.

We had an awesome time together and we even spent a fun filled day in D.C. We packed in a visit to the Holocaust museum (the kids and I went to the kid part), Washington Monument, the Natural History Museum, and then on another day we went to Mount Vernon. The kids espcially enjoyed Mount Vernon. It was home school day so there were a lot of extra activities available.

Above is some of the old timey games they had available for kids to try out on the lawn in front of the Mount Vernon house.

Elli loved chasing and being chased through the hay maze. Meredith, a great family friend of Sarena's family (and now ours), came from Connecticut too. Elli loved playing with Meredith too and I definitely enjoyed the extra help from everyone!

Here is a pic of Elli and I playing "Throw the dried corn like a dart through a wheel circle thing" -- that is the official name I think. Why don't you believe me?

We even got to see the reanactors make real food- although they didn't share with us, something about the FDA not allowing it. Whatever- they wanted it all for themselves.

The rest of the pics below show a little of the fun we had just hanging out at the house. The neighborhood kids loved having extra kids to play with and before you knew it, we had a four square game going, chalk, and a lot of laughing. It was a lot of fun. Even though Halloween was over, Elli still wanted to wear her costume, and since her costume was warm, I didn't object.

Since this is the closest we will probably ever live to this much family-- it was a cherished blessing to have so many of us together for an unexpected winter reunion.

2011 Halloween

I would be remiss not to show off Elli's Halloween costume this year! She was an extremely cute peacock and it totally fits her budding personality. Todd wasn't able to be home for Halloween but we did enjoy going to a few neighbors' houses and to our church for trunk or treat. Elli got really good at saying "tck o tee"!

I decided to play along and dress up as my own version of a peacock!

Elli loved the suckers best of all!

More Updates: September back in Virginia- Elli's Big Race! and Strolling Time!

Elli and I participated in a Fun Run race in September for the Scouts. Elli did great and ran for a little bit by herself. But then- she got tired and I carried her and then we had her hitch a ride for the rest of the way back on an unoccupied seat of a double stroller. It was still lots of fun.

Elli loves to go on long walks with her stroller. We probably walk a mile together on these strolls and she takes her baby along for the ride. She is such a cutie!

Summer fun Update #3- Home in Texas and New Mexico Trip

TEXAS TIME!
So I know this is torture to look at these summer fun pics just when it is getting so cold but there is nothing to be done about it. I am just happy it is finally getting done! :) Anyway here is my first trip down to Texas to spend time with my family while Todd was away with work.

These first pics are of Elli with her cousin Grace. Gracie and Elliana got coordinating outfits at the mall and then had a great time as we had them play together for a photo op after church! They were both too adorable!

Sweet huh!

Outside Water Fun with Granddaddy!

My dad set up a little baby pool for Elli while we were in town and she just loved it. She even liked helping him to blow up the pool. She is so helpful!

She was a little hesitant about the water at first but then she really got into it, especially when cousins Grace and Kyle joined it. Dad set up an older pool that they all enjoyed as well!

Kyle and Elli had a love hate relationship because they are close in age and Elli doesn't ask permission to play with his toys. You could tell they loved each other though!!

Elli grew a great fondness for Jenny and "JeGey" was the first of the family names she said, followed by Kyle.

The kids didn't even have to be in swimsuits later to enjoy the water fun- just strip or tie up your dress and enjoy! Oh to be a little kid again with such small inhibitions and modesty!!

I took a break from being Mom to be a part of a 80s zumba work out day with Cheri and Jenny. It was a lot of fun and we definitely looked awesome! We also participated in our first Flash Mob dance at the local mall. We brought the whole family out to see it with us. It was pretty crowded at the mall but super fun. I am so glad that, before they ban them, we were able to participate in ONE!!!

Elliana enjoyed every aspect of Gramma's house. Coloring and eating cookies were her favorite, but when she decided to color the fridge and oven, cleaning up the mess also became great fun. Gramma was so obliging to even teach Elli the word cookie. For a few days after she would actually ask for gramma by asking for a cookie too!

She even enjoyed some afternoons at Cheri and Chris's house where she had Chris as a surrogate dad for a little while. Chris enjoyed her attention too especially when she seemed to really enjoy watching football games with him.

Another favorite activity was playing the piano. Elliana and Kyle put on a great concert for us complete with singing and very expert piano playing.

The kids also all enjoyed time at the Science Spectrum-- a main museum attraction in Lubbock for some good ole kid friendly science fun.

Elli is not liking this one--- Gracie is worried, and Kyle is oblivious! Love it!

These last two pics kind of give you the idea of the Elli Kyle breakdown. Their relationship wasn't always completely happy, especially since Elli drew some of Cheri's attention away from Kyle. Kyle loves his momma and doesn't want to share her, but he will have to learn soon *Cheri is expecting in April! Elli takes kyle's toys, he pushes and takes them back. Kyle also has been known to just kick her if she gets too close to him when he is snuggling with his momma, but Elli doesn't just take it. No- she started biting him whenever he pushed her. She had never done that before and now she tries it even when she is not happy with me. I guess it got the reaction she wanted. She is growing out of it, but every once in a while, she tries it to see if it works again. That lil' pill!

Ruidoso

Near the end of my vacation to Texas, we took a week to visit Ruidoso, New Mexico, to our timeshare-- the same one all of us girls went to as kids-- LOTS of fond memories from this place.

We enjoyed the usual activities of exploring the woods, looking for animals, going mini golfing, and race car driving too! We got to take a nice hike down from the top of a ski lift at the local ski resort. It was beautiful and Elli lasted pretty well for the most part!

Elli-- the Trail Hiker!

While walking around the town, Elliana decided she wanted a piggy back ride. However, she didn't really know how to hang on, so the following picture is the result. And Yes Jenny actually walked around quite a little while like that. Such a sweet aunt!

We even got in some icecream time. To say Elli loved the icecream is an understatement. She was begging everyone for more after the one we shared was gone. The begging did seem to pay off...

We also took a day to go fishing and to the local Horse museum that had a whole section to dress up and enjoy pretending to be a cowboy. Gracie was especially comical acting out being Cowgirl Annie for the rest of the day-- she even had an awesome accent and whole back story about being orphaned and then going to cowboy school to learn how to kill bad indians. It was so funny. Cheri has it recorded for later enjoyment!

Jenny and I just might have enjoyed getting in on the reenactment action!

Yay for Fun Family Time!