Birthday hugs from his sister.

Visited the Lepiens this week. Nora and Addie dressed up :)

Nora and Elias

Joliana making cookies-- a tradition of ours!

Spent today at the beach!

It's amazing how much more interactive and social Addie is around girls. Almost all of my friends here in town have boys, so Addie is around boys most of the time. She does fine, but just usually plays by herself. But not around these girls! They had a blast together! I even got told to 'leave the room' when I went up to check on them. No moms allowed! We had a great mini-vaca to Duluth. And now I'm halfway through the week... :)

One year ago...

And today...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELIAS JAMES! We love you to pieces!! You are a joy :-)

SUCH A GIRL!! I was putting Eli down for a nap-- maybe downstairs for 3 minutes-- and when I came upstairs, Addie had painted one hand already and was onto hand #2. Don't worry, Brandt, none of it ended up on the rug (much to my surprise)!! She was so proud of herself.

B and Addie playing "Pretty Pretty Princess."

Eli playing in the toilet again :)

Our date today--- Build A Bear Workshop at Ridgedale. I've been very much anti-Build-A-Bear, but it was a BLAST! Addie LOVED it!
B is in LA this week for work. Hard to see him go yesterday after a great week off for vacation. And slightly jealous that he gets to spend some time with Jeff while out there. But we'll stay busy! We always do :)

We had a fabulous trip to Branson, MO -- family reunion. We swam every day, rode the Ducks, went mini-golfing, played cards, ate well, and even had a 'kids' night out' and saw the movie SALT. Addie and Eli were great!! I'm having a little trouble uploading pics today, but when I figure it out, I'll post some :)

We have gone two days without Addie's old blanky. This is her new one :) She has been attached to the old one since she was 7 months old. It was tattered, torn, very stinky, and barely pink anymore. It was disgusting! So we built up this trip to Target so she could pick out a new blanky, and she did! We 'threw' the old one away. She does not want to chew on this blanky, thankfully!.. she says it's just for cuddling. It is a BIG DEAL for this little girl!!

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder." We had the most perfect weekend with Dad! Now gearing up for week 2...

We have entered a new stage in life-- Brandt is traveling for work. Every week for the next 10 or so weeks. Something we knew would be coming to us soon, since we have been extremely blessed these last three years with little to travel. So, yes we're surviving! Yes, we're staying busy. But yes, I feel like a single mom. And yes, it's going to be tough. We miss him. I miss him. And it's only week one. See you soon, babe. :)