Quick update

Super quick update just to capture some moments of Nell.
She has always called the tow trucks "toad trucks" and the "toad man". Yesterday she was asking why it was called a "toad truck" and I had to tell her it was really "tow truck". It was a little sign of her growing up. Made me a little sad. But then today instead of karaoke she said "hokey pokey" which made me smile and then instead of "monopoly money" she said "Pinocchio money"
So I guess even though she heads to Kindergarten next week she is still not all grown up. And that suits me just fine

The weekend

We continue to miss Nell. But are enjoying seeing pictures and videos about her time with Milla and Poppy. Yesterday she did the ropes course, including the zip line!

Here, Zaven, Esmé and I walked up to the farmers market in the morning. I got tomatoes and peaches.
Then Zaven and Chris went to see the movie Ice Age 3 with Nick. The. We got Thai food for dinner. While Chris ad Zav were at the movie Esmé had a good nap and I did laundry and actually had time to sit on the couch and read. I am ready Gone Girl and it is very good so far.

This morning we were off to church. It was a nice service. Esmé was funny when we picked her up at the nursery a little 5 month old was there and she wanted to hug him. It was really cute. The kids and I had lunch at Panera and then went to the grocery store. The plan was to cookout with the Brewers at the pool at 5:30. At 4:44 we got an email that it was cancelled. So we met them over there to swim but did not cookout. We had a great time. Zaven learned/taught himself to do a back flip. It was great. I did a few flips and dives.

Tomorrow I will start to set things out for the trip. The trick is to get laundry clean for the trip and still have something to wear in the meantime.

Nell and Grammy are off

We had a great visit with Grammy this week. Lots of fun playing and activities. Capped off last night by evening swim and dinner at the pool.
This morning Nell and Grammy headed for TN. Zaven had the last day of VBS and we had a quiet afternoon recovering from a long night with Esmé the night before. Then it was on the Plaza Azteca for dinner. After dinner we blew Zaven's mind by going to Extraordinary cupcakes and Honeybee for dessert. It was a fun treat.
We talked to Nell on the phone. She was in good spirits. She did not look back this morning as she left. She is an independent little one for sure. Zav managed to shed a tear upon her departure, sweet brother. Esmé is doing great. She spends a lot of time carrying bags around, pushing the baby stroller and walking around. With the exception of crying for and hour and a half in the night last night, she is a very happy baby.
I am really looking forward to more tomatoes from the market tomorrow.

Zaven is home!

We are so happy to have Zaven home! Plus Grammy is here to visit. Such a treat. They got here around 6:30 on Friday and we welcomed them with signs and hugs. Saturday we got up and went to the farmer's market. We got some fantastic tomatoes, melon, peaches and corn. We got very hot on the way home. We spent some time recouping watching The Olympics. The afternoon was spent playing with Grammy and then we went out to dinner at 2nd street.
Today we had church. Chris preached. The kids were great and we came home and had lunch. Then Grammy took Zaven and Nell to the pool while Esmé napped and I went to the grocery store. Then Chris, Esmé and I went and met them at the pool. I even worked up the nerve to do a flip off the diving board!
Then we had dinner and Grammy and I went with Zaven and Nell on an evening walk.
Tomorrow is VBS for the kids.

Busy baby

Yesterday was busy. Esmé was very busy too. We got up and went to the grocery store at 8:30. A good time to be at the store. Then we came home and Esmé rolled around on the floor in the hyphen. Had a nap. Rode her bike around the house. Took me for a walk around the back yard. Was silly with Nell. All this left her ready for bed at 5:50. I kept her up a while longer, but it was an early night.

Nell had her friend Helena over. They had a great time playing and being silly. They made masks to scare off monsters. Had lunch. Played dress up etc.

Girls day

Last night at the swim banquet Nell was excited to get her first trophy, ever!
Today we had a girls day. We got some things done around the house and then went to the museum here in CW. It was fun. We did some drawing. We saw the quilt exhibit. We saw a new textiles exhibit with lots of beautiful embroidery. We rode the bus. And we made plans for a playdate tomorrow.

The river with Isabel

No surprise, we had a great time at the river with Isabel. We drove over after church.
We got there in time to do some tubing and playing in the water. Then we showered in the outdoor shower and got ready for dinner. Isabel had her brother, Latane, her nephew and his wife, Latane and Randle, and her cousin Betty Berle and Norman. We fed the kids early and then Nell watched a movie and Esmé went to bed. It was a great evening. Such nice and interesting people and a delicious meal.
This morning the girls got up about 6:30 and we enjoyed a beautiful morning. Then Isabel made us French toast and we played some more in te water, had lunch, Nell and Chris went tubing and now we are headed for Williamsburg. Tonight is the swim team banquet. We are sorry Zav is not here. But he is having a great time in Chattanooga. Word has it they kids did the ropes corse today, can't wait to hear about that!