A Great Week!

You'll have to excuse me ahead of time.  This post is going to be unbelievably long.  It's been a busy week so far!  I am enjoying summer so much this year!  I was thinking about it the other day, and this really is the first summer that I've ever stayed home.  I've either worked summer school or camps, or taken grad classes.  It feels nice that I've got 8 1/2 weeks of lounging with my family and friends to look forward to! 

This week has been very busy so far!  On Monday, Miss E and I went to the pool.  Tuesday, we had our first playdate with my friend, Erin, and her 8 1/2 month old daughter, Hailey.  On Wednesday, my good friend Robyn came over for a visit, and today, Dave and I walked with Ellie and our neighbor, Mary, on the new trail that they've built behind our development.  Pictures are coming!  You'll have to deal with  my wordiness today :) 

Developmentally, Ellie is going full steam ahead!  I swear this girl learns something new everyday.  She's full blown crawling these days, and just this week, she's learned to pull herself up to standing.  You'll notice in the pictures that she is standing on EVERYTHING!  She's even taken little steps while holding on to Dave!  This week we added watermelon, prunes, and little pieces of avocado and banana into Ellie's diet.  She seems to like it all, although she's still getting used to having to chew her food rather than just swallowing the puree.  OH, and she said "mama!"  I don't know if she's actually referring to me, but she's saying it!  Ellie is one happy, well-adjusted kid.  She eats well, sleeps well, and plays hard.  We couldn't ask for anything better. 

We leave in 6 days for a 10 day adventure in Montana to visit my parents.  I am SOO excited!  We started planning the "packing list" for things to bring for Ellie.  Holy crap.  Traveling is going to be a different experience than it's ever been.  More of that later.  Here are some pictures from the week so far...

Little lady has discovered the windows! Standing, of course.

Little Miss Independent

Banging on the windows-a new favorite pastime :)

Ellie and her buddy!

Ellie's first playdate...standing, yet again...

Sharing so nicely!

She standing again?  No!

Stink Face :)

My favorite picture from Ellie and Hailey's playdate!

Enjoying the pool again!

Ahhh...relaxing :)

Look at my cool toy, mom!

Notice that the sign says "Trail is for hiking and cross country skiing." 

Really?  Cross country skiing in Maryland? 

Going on a walk on the new trail!

Say cheese :)

Family shot!

There we go :)

Finishing up our walk with daddy!

My loves :)

Something must have been funny!

Well, well, well.  Standing again.

She's got the giggles today!

They call me White Fang.

I knew we'd have a football fan on our hands.  First down!

Lovin' some prunes for the first time!

Hmmm...

Silly girl proceeded to wipe prunes, sweet potato, and peas all over her face.

And she was very pleased with herself!