Packin' Up

First want to introduce the newest cutie in the photos. Our niece Ella joined the family last month and we couldn't be happier for her - and her proud parents. Welcome home, Ella. We spent the 4th of July weekend in Milwaukee, up to Papa's the following to see cousins Ava and Bella and then camping the following weekend. There we saw the goats, beautiful water, and most importantly ate green ice cream with Uncle Eddie. About a year ago, Uncle Eddie introduced Alicyn to mint chocolate chip ice cream and it has not been far from her mind ever since. "Green is my favorite!" Naturally, it is also her favorite color. It is also mommy's favorite color, but according to her I like purple since green is hers.

So we are packin' up to head west and Alicyn is rather annoyed that we are not leaving now.Time is so abstract to her. She knows we are heading to Grandma Alice's house and she is hoping for a slide out back. Hmmm.... slide down a pile of hay? With snakes? She'll have to be distacted with some baking. She knows we are heading to Aunt Sherry's house and is hoping for another slide out back. Is there still a trampoline? She won't be disappointed with that. Ride in a tractor at Grandpa John's and go fishing with Uncle Jesse are also on her to do list. When I told her we were going to the mountains, she told me she needed her Blueberries for Sal book because there are mountains in that book. Today we carefully chose several new books (from my former teacher days stash) for the car ride and she was sweet to pick a few for her sister.

Gracie is pretty silly these days. She loves to sing and attempts to mimick about anything. Her current favorite is blowing kisses. There's going to be a lot of time for her to blow kisses from her carseat in the near future!