Punkin Patch

We had a great playdate at the best Pumpkin Patch in OC at Irvine Valley College. They had a cute haybale tunnel, tons of 50 cent rides, some random goats, and pumpkins of all sizes. Eilee had fun pulling and pushing Liv around in the wagon (she has inherited her daddy's strength) and riding the mini carousel with Amelia and Charlie (and she's inherited her mommy's love for horseys). As soon as we brought home our smattering of pumpkins and gourds, Eilee decided to play toss the mini pumpkin (you can tell her daddy has been really working on her throwing arm). Ever since that day whenever she sees a pumpkin she calls out "punkin patch!" in a very excited one and a half year old girly squeal! :)

Due to technical difficulties involving our really old computer that will not upload our pics from our nice camera anymore, the pictures will come later. I've been procrastinating writing on the blog lately due to this problem. So hopefully we'll get a new computer for Christmas and be back to giving normal updates.

Why does MIT have to be all the way in Boston? :(

In mid-September we had a weeklong goodbye party for Kirk, Wanda, and Kyle. Eilee and Kyle really started playing (and saying "no" to eachother) together this time. We are so sad that they will be so far for 5 years or so, but are hoping this means they will end up back here (maybe San Diego) when Kirk is done with his post-doc. They are living in a neat old home that has a view of the Red Sox's stadium (I wish Kristoffer were here right now...I can't for the life of me remember the name of the stadium.) and is right across the street from a park that flies a flag that George Washington flew. How's that for a little history? :)

Family Camp (2nd Generation)

A lot of you know that my family had a tradition of going to camp together every summer with our church. It was always such a highlight for me since we tried to go with the same group of friends every year. So...this year we took Eilee to the Forest Home Family Camp for a week of togetherness, worship, teaching, swimming in the lake, hiking, pancake breakfast on the mountaintop, polar bearing, swinging, nighttime babysitting, gourmet (truly) food that I didn't have to cook, parenting classes, time by the creek, meeting families from around the country and OC, and naps! It was really a great vacation for us as a family and for me as a mom. I'm really thankful that Kristoffer was willing to give it a try. He loved being with us and having so many opportunities for activity. Eilee just loved being outside so much of the day and seeing so many "girls" and "baaaybees."

Love that grin!

Eilee has been getting a kick out of running back and forth downstairs. Occasionally she'll throw in a few spins. Here's our energy ball taking a break.

It's in the genes!

Ever since I could feel Eilee kick around while I was pregnant, I could tell that she loved music. So now she has taken up her third instrument--the harmonica (drums and a maraca came first, but everyone can play those). It is the most hilarious thing to see her swaying back and forth to the tune. I think she can already play it better than I can.

OC Fair

So this was officially our first time to the fair as a "family." We took Eilee on some rather precarious looking little rides that were supposed to be fine for her age, saw a few animals (goats mostly), looked around at the food, and then decided to eat somewhere else. :) It seems like most of our jaunts are pretty short these days, but I think that's changing as Eilee is heading to just one nap. That's one thing I'm learning...just as soon as you think you have a rhythm, it starts to change. I think (hope) I'm learning to be more flexible. :)

Coldplay At Last

We have been huge Coldplay fans, but have never been able to go to a show before. So, in April, I started searching for tickets to their summer tour and found that they weren't going to be in LA. I was really bummed because I had wanted to give Kristoffer tickets for Father's Day. Then, on Father's day weekend, we found out that they added LA tour dates, but we were too late to buy tickets. :(.....Fast forward to yesterday (July 15)......We decided to be spontaneous and search for tickets for yesterday's show on craigslist. Everything was either way too expensive or gone. Then, at 5:15 we got a call from a guy in Anaheim who had two tickets for a great price in an awesome section. Kristoffer picked them up, I called my mom who babysat, and we were off to LA by 7:00. It was awesome! We couldn't believe it. The show was so perfect! We loved the way they kept moving to different stages throughout the Forum. They really engaged with the audience and made it such a fun experience. It is amazing to be in a room with thousands of people (sold out audience) and hear everyone singing the same lyrics. I think the reason I love that so much is that it reminds me of what it will be like to be singing in heaven (different lyrics, but similar connection).