The big UNO!!!

I obviously have some catching up to do. Whew! I'll start by posting something from July, August, and September.

First off - July - Shortly after Brad returned from his medical mission in the Dominican Republic we went down to Chesapeake to visit Brad's Grandma Petty and his Uncle Bob and Aunt Carol. It was delightful. They were so hospitable and I can honestly say that I have rarely eaten so many good meals in a row!

Uncle Bob and Aunt Carol - they even BBQ'd for us in 108 degrees...now that's love!

Lilia gave me (and I'm sure Grandma Petty as well) a heart attack when she went for the joy stick that controls her chair. Ya, that would have been bad.We spent an afternoon at Virginia Beach...Lilia was in heaven (that is after she woke up).

Next is August - Lilia's Birthday!!! Hooray!
We had a little camping trip in the Shenandoah Mountain range (hills really). It was beautiful! The Droz family as well as Brad's sister Brooke camped as well so it was loads of fun with the cute kiddos.

Lilia's first cake - carrot cake was a winner but the frosting surprisingly was not. Hmmm, didn't expect that!

Dirt, the other winner in lilia's book

Lilia and Kate are only 4 months apart and it's fun to see that gap narrowing with each month. They played really well together with her birthday toys. It was fabulous.

Gwen and Brooke...I just thought this was a cute pick :)

Yes, I know what you're thinking...that IS bambi

Next is September! My sister Wendy had twins in May and just moved to Kentucky for BJ to start dental school. I had tons of fun helping out with their kiddos. I'm glad to have another sibling within driving distance (although I used skymiles this time around).

This is a pic of my sister Wendy, one of the babes, her two girls and two of my sister Jen's kids. Jen was helping the week before I came so we overlapped a day. This is the morning ritual to wait for Clara's school bus.

Clara, Eliza and Lilia watching Baby Einstein. This is how I got dinner on the table and the dishes done :). Also notice the two swings...twins...it's double the craziness but double the cuteness.
We celebrated Wendy's Birthday while we were there. I love this picture just because of Eliza's face...she is the 3 yr old on the Left below Lilia...what a goof.

What a cute mommy, I admire her so much! Oh and cute babies too...how could I forget.
Loved getting my daily self esteem boost from getting them to coo and smile at me. It was sad to leave but it had to be done. There is nothing like saying goodbye to family that forces you to make new friends. Besides, I told Wendy I'd see her at Christmas. Chances are she would survive that long.Next is Indiana! Brad's sister Leslie is the sweetest ever. She drove 2 1/2 hours to come pick Lilia and I up in KY and took us back home to play for a few days. It was wonderful to spend time with her, Wally and the girls.

While we were there she took some amazing pictures. It is just a hobby of hers but I really think she is professional.

Yes...THAT is my little girl. Mmmm, I just want to kiss those cheeks. And if she weren't asleep right now I probably would.
Isn't this picture so sweet

These two are only 7 weeks apart...so cute.

Ha! Lilia is a lot shorter than Grace...it's okay Lilia you make up for it is spunk.

The Wizard of OZ pic
And yes, if you haven't notice by now...I chopped my hair. It's easy and I gave up a long time ago on the whole Rapunzel princess hair thing. Too overrated. Leslie took this head shot for me since I am planning on applying for an independent artist grant. Gotta look the part.

Yes, embrace the weird dancer within. It really IS fun, you should try it sometime.

Or if you're too chicken you can choose option two and embrace the weird baby inside. Lilia is a pro.

Until next time...and I promise it won't be four months from now.