weekend at "the cabin"

goin' to the dump

Elise got to ride in Poppy's white truck to go to the dump last week. Trash removal has never been so exciting.

Sylvie at 10 months

Our little Gerber girl is somehow getting sweeter than ever. At 10 months she is definitely beginning to explore and interact with her world more.

Today Sylvie can...

- Feed herself any kind of small soft pieces of fruits or cooked veggies. She doesn't have a single tooth but usually refuses to be spoon fed.

- Stand with assistance. I think her record for independent standing is about 3 seconds.

- Get into a crawling position and sometimes backwards crawl (like Claire once did).

- Belly laugh with the best of them, usually in response to her big sisters being silly.

- Blow raspberries and do zerberts all day.

- Make mommy's heart full. She's such a sweet little baby. So hard to see her growing up soo fast!

fishing off the dock with Poppy

And still in their pajamas.

The best way to start a day at the lake.

Well, that and lots of coffee (or hot chocolate, depending on your age), pancakes, and sausage. :)

They got one! (Actually they ended up catching a few!)

Oops!

The fish jumped off the hook and onto the dock! No worries. The nice little fishy made it back into the lake unharmed.

The cottage swings have been loved by our girls this summer.

Oh, the simple joys in life.

day of play at Pratt Lake

A couple of weeks ago we had the chance to visit with some relatives at the little green cottage I visited many times every summer. It was great to see my girls enjoying the same little beach I loved as a kid.

Toby with Grandma and Grandpa Coates

Sylvie & Nana

a morning at the cottage

4th of July, 2011

Our last day in Junction was complete with a parade and fireworks.

Unfortunately, I cannot find my memory card for our little canon, so I'm so bummed to say I'm missing some great photos (including the parade photos, our road trip photos, and shots from our first days at the cottage). :( But... these are some sweet shots I found on our other camera from our last hours in GJ.

Avery bought "best friends" shirts for the oldest three girls with her own money. Elise wants to wear it everyday.

Elise checking out the Barbie Avery gave to her from her own collection.

Linnea picked out one of her own stuffed animals to give to Claire.

Avery looking at the photo album we gave them.

Front yard fireworks. A traditon we are really going to miss.

Gramma and Poppy were a huge help that week. The next morning we embarked on our three day road trip to Michigan. I do hope I find those photos! Those and the ones of the little birthday party for Claire that Aunt Tarami had waiting for us at her house.

And that ends our Grand Junction chapter. Now onto Michigan... our new house, getting settled, and playtime "up north."

belated birthday

I have oodles and oodles of projects to get done around our new house. Our moving truck arrived three weeks ago and I still haven't hung a single picture on a wall. There are boxes still waiting to be unpacked and closets filled with things but not at all organized. To my credit, we have been busy buying furniture and odds and ends for the house, as well as making sure to spend as much time "up north" as possible. (We've all needed the time to rest and play post-residency.) Oh, and then there's the reality that I have three lovely but very dependent little girls. And sometimes... between the cooking and feeding and helping and bathing and rocking and picking up and such, well... I'm learning to except that this settling-in time is going to take a while. (Thank you for listening as I try to make myself feel better.) :)

And my poor neglected blog. Oh where to begin? I suppose...

where I left off.

Early July. Celebrating Claire and her birthday buddy, Bryce.

Yes, Claire thought the number 2 candle was a cookie and proceeded to take at least two bits.

No, she did not swallow them.

Bryce. Claire still talks about you little buddy. Miss you and your big sis so much.

Bryce's sweet mama and my dear friend Laura hosted the b-day bash, pouring her love into yet another wonderful gathering of good friends.

This was July 2nd, five days before Claire's official birthday and three days before the big move. Next up... 4th of July photos. Our last night in Junction.