A Ball Poppin' Good Time

Oh my! This ball popper is nifty, Grammy.  Thank you.

Grammy Cheryl flew into D.C. for a summer visit.  Personally, I think she was dying to see Eleanor's first tooth in-person.  Whether or not her motives were actually dentally related, I'm unsure.  However, I do think it's safe to say her trip was not a disappointment.  In fact, if you ask Eleanor, she'd tell you that these last couple of days spent with Grammy were a "ball poppin' good time."

Daddy was in to the new toy too.  (Perhaps even more than Eleanor.  Ha!  Ha!)

The box was part of the gift too, right?

Giddy-up with Grammy

Weeeeeee!

Problem and Solution

Problem: Can't choose my favorite pool picture from my most recent water date with Eleanor.

Let's be honest.  Simply narrowing it down to 4 photos is anything but simple... it's impossible really.

I blame E's irresistible cuteness.

Solution: Include them all.  That totals 10 shots.

Hmmm... could that be overkill?

(If yes, again, I blame E's irresistible cuteness.)

Kyle's Response: "They (the pictures) all look the same."

My Response to Kyle's Response: "Thanks for your help, Honey."

I'm ready for soccer practice Auntie Val! When are you coming to visit?

I spy a tooth!

What Food Does to E

Miss Eleanor Claire is very animated, especially at lunch time.

Playgroup, anyone?

Here's a glimpse into the fun of our Thursday afternoon playgroup.  There's generally between 5 to 10 youngsters each week, and the ages now range from 7 months to almost a year and a half.  We all met at New Moms Group and continued getting together so the babies could play.  And play they do!  As you can see, toys and baby buddies are not in short supply.  

What a blessing it has been to meet such wonderful mommy friends and watch our little ones grow together.  Eleanor and I will definitely miss this when I return to work next month.

Seamus, The Man of Today's Group

Remember these two holding hands for the New Moms Christmas photo?

Annabelle knew just how to show me her beautiful smile when I got the camera out.

Kaylee and Eleanor were jamming out at the musical activity table.

Reni and Anna

Big Grins from Alexis and Jenna

Eat More Chicken!

In honor of Cow Appreciation Day, Mom, Eleanor and I trotted right over to our local Chick-fil-A restaurant. Dressed like cows from head to hoof, we received free meals... and lots of stares from confused customers who didn't receive the memo. Even though Mom jokingly threatened to never visit again after this shenanigan, it was worth the moo-lah we saved. Plus, I'll never forget how we laughed and laughed until the cows came home!

E's Very Own Pool

Thanks for my new swimming pool, Gaga!

An inflatable pool had been on our shopping list for quite some time.  We finally found the perfect one on sale at Target, so Gaga made sure it went home with us.  What a dream it has been being able to take a cool dip during these sweltering summer days!  And we only have to go as far as our backyard.  That's pretty fantastic if you ask me.

"Are you sure this hat is necessary?"

"Catching" the Water

By golly, she has a tooth!

Eleanor wasn't exactly thrilled about having Gaga hold open her mouth for this photo shoot.

The day after her 10-month birthday, I spotted Eleanor's first chomper.  In case your having trouble locating it in the photo, look closely at the bottom front left area of her gum.  There, you'll find some sharp pearly spikes spouting.

Eleanor's grumpy face quickly disappeared as soon as she returned to eating with Gaga.  :)