We've started this week off bug free. The girls are feeling much better and when we woke up this morning the thermostat read 73! The house hasn't dipped down under the AC auto (we keep it at 77 when we sleep) in almost 3 months. That was good enough for me to quickly open all the windows and go for an early morning walk with the girls. One way of Suzanna getting some running in on our walks is to point out the bunnies. That's her job, to chase them as long as she can. It's very fun to watch.

On our walk this morning we had a great find! On the crib side someone had left a pile of treasures for the garbage man to pick up. I was shocked to see they hadn't made the effort to donate them for someone else, but it didn't take me long to see the best of all. It was a bike just Suzanna's size with training wheels. That's what got Suz half way home. I'll post some pictures with her on it. She's good with steering but it's getting the feet to stay on the pedals is what she finds the hardest. Finding momentum is also difficult for her, but we're working on it! Nana said I learned to ride a bike at 4, so I'm hoping with practice this summer and fall buy next spring/summer we'll take the training wheels off.
I couldn't resist taking a picture of the sky. It's almost like something you'd see painted on a canvas. I'm in such awe of the Midwest sky. One if its best features. One of my goals this month (July) is to vocalize and think of only positive things of St. Louis. We'll see how that goes.

She's 1! She voices her opinion a little more than before, she's walking more (not 100%) and seems to know what she wants a little more too. One thing that changes more and more each day is her love for her big sister. When Suzanna's hollering in the corner of Time Out, Ella gets worried. This has been the latest thing she's been doing to cheer up Suz.....standing on her head. It seems to work too!
What a good little buddy. Ciao Bella!

It felt good this morning, we are almost nearly healthy again. Suzanna had energy to actually run around and is getting back to her old self. This entire day was nice outside.

Suzanna had her first taste of the stomach flu today. I think that's pretty good being three years old and all. Let's just say she's had 3 baths, I've done many loads of laundry and she's very lethargic. Ella on the other hand has a lot of energy but is runny on the other end. I just pray what we caught is just a 12 hour flu bug and doesn't go thru the night. All day she's said "I sick, I need to see the doctor." Poor thing!

After coming home from the store today, the first things the girls wanted to do was play in the diaper box. First it was Ella's turn and Suzanna pushed her around the kitchen/family room area. Next it was the two of them.
Fun!

Tonight we had our normal bedtime routine. I snuggled Ella, put her down in the crib and read to Suzanna a few more books, prayers and shut the door. When I came back into the family room I looked at the clock again and noticed I read it wrong. It said 5:55 (not 6:55). I didn't know if I should let them out and enjoy the extra 40 min. the evening had or to let them sleep and know the morning would start early.

She loved it! The freedom, sand, crisp clean air.....this was one happy baby!

Pike's Market.

Suz found a lot of snuggles with her cousin Daniel. It was cute how she was very curious as to where Daniel was and was especially happy when he spent time with her.

The plane ride there was event less. Coming back was a little more strenuous. Suz played by herself the whole time and Ella was fighting a nap. Finally she gave up and took a quick 30 min. nap. I'll take it! The laundry is going, the girls are down and I'm ready for bed!

We had such a short visit to Washington, we really didn't have time to do everything we planned. It's especially hard because Alisha's family no longer live in our old neighborhood. So before the wedding reception (of Sarah) we dropped by to visit with good friends. They were extremely helpful with things (thanks) and also the girls got to play. Lauren is 4 weeks old. It's hard to remember they start out that tiny!

She didn't need her little shopping cart to get around at the Pacific Beach...she had Aunt Annie! And Nana....

I'm not sure how this started. Oh, I remember now, it was dinner time and we were all eating outside. Suz wanted to play and I told her it was time to eat. This plus jet lag equaled the following incident.

It's official! When you might ask? The 8th of December!!

Rides with Aunt Annie.
Ella....sandy on her hands and feet.

I have four adjectives that describe my experience on the Pacific Beach. Tranquil, peaceful, clean and unbothered.
The girls loved putting their feet in the warm sand.

Papa was helping Suzanna with her shoes. This was the head tilt some family members got for the first few days. "I shy" she would tell me.
Cousin Maddy helping Suzanna out....what a big help!