Family

 We had a pleasant visit from Grandpa Franklin and Grahams at the end of June.  Eliana loved swimming with Rachel, Ruli, Sarah, and Grahams.  For the next week, every time we said we were going swimming Eliana said, "Grahams?" expecting her to join us.

 I was SO glad that Ruli, Rachel, and Kyle were up to playing with Eliana this warm summer day.  I had taken my 1 hour glucous test that morning and wasn't feeling fabulous.  I praise the Lord for helpful family!

Next to Kyle and I are Lynda and Drew.  Rachel is holding Dawson, Drew and Lynda's son.  A few months back while sharing dinner with Rachel, Ruli, Drew, Lynda, and Dawson, Kyle made some comment about Rachel in regards to Grandpa Franklins last name.  It turns out that this is the same last name of Lynda's mom.  A little bit of research on Aunt Marcie's part found that we are distant cousins.  What a small world!  So the above picture really is a family photo!

October Photo

It was cool for a few days in October.  The rest of the time has been in the high 80-90s.  That means we are still enjoying walking without sweaters yet!

I have tons of stories and pictures to share, but not the time to share them yet.  I hope to update some more soon, but we'll just see.

Before I forget though, here are a few things Eliana is up to:

*climbing into her chair at the dinner table.

*signing dog, more, eat, milk, thank you, please, shoes, bread, hot, and we're working on banana, cat, car, fish, bear, doll, and a few others.

*LOVES to be outside, and is rather upset when we bring her back inside.

*has decided she hates her car seat (which made the 40 minute trip to a special pumpkin patch rather stressful).

*has her fourth molar coming through (thus she isn't eating too well).

*is learning to run (which is hysterical.... I can say that now since she hasn't run away from us in public... yet).

*loves when Rachel, Ruli, and Brice come over to play.

*loves talking to GramE on Skype.

*enjoys "reading" books and having us read them to her.

*has been calmed down from more than one tantrum while trying to have a diaper change by singing (some rather silly songs since I make them up as I go to get her to relax).

*loved the girls day out at the zoo with Faith and Zoe.

*can put things in the dirty clothes all by herself.

*sometimes would rather walk by herself than holding onto my hand or Kyle's.

*loved spinach quiche yesterday for lunch (which was a total shock since she hasn't been eating well while getting this molar and in general tries to hand me all green foods).

*still doesn't like tomatoes or bell pepper (takes after Kyle).

*loves olives, raisins, fruit, noodles, cheese, and chili verde enchiladas.

*doesn't like to be in grocery cart seat for more than about 10 minutes at a time (BIG sigh), but she does enjoy walking with Kyle to go get an item at a time while I fill the cart as quickly as possible.

*still makes strangers laugh, smile, and glow while we are out and about.
*knows where her belly, head, feet, nose, and ears are (which means she also found that there are finger sized holes in her nose... :) ).

Sister Visit!!!

Thanks Trisha for coming up this weekend!  It was SOOOOOOOOOOO good to spend time with you!

 Here is another attempt at getting a family photo.  One day, we'll get Eliana smiling too!

My hair is starting to get long again!  I've considered during the numerous 100+ degree summer days of chopping it all off, but it is actually getting close to the length needed to donate.  Maybe one of these times I'll actually chop my hair off in spring rather than in the fall or winter.