Strolling and Such

We spent the good part of Saturday strolling throughout Old Town, sharing the cobblestone streets with all the hogs and characters of Rolling Thunder.  Surprisingly, Eleanor barely noticed all the bikes and roaring engines between our trip to the playground and dinner and dessert out.  I guess this toddler's more distracted by seesaws and swings and chicken parmesan and homemade ice cream.  Sounds just like her mama!  

On the "Eeeeee"... (Eleanor's word for swing is "wee" or "eee")

Sliding

Waiting for Ice Cream Saying, "Nom, nom, nom, nom..."

Eleanor's First Trip to Pop's (outside of the womb)

Devouring the Black Raspberry Icecream

Mother's Day

Being Eleanor's Mommy is a gift.  

Mother's Day helps remind me of this reality.

We celebrated with Great Grandma Hues' ring on my hand (to remind me of her eldest daughter and granddaughters), a french toast breakfast, a photo shoot next to my rosebush gift, conversation with the phenomenal woman who molded me into the Mommy I am, and a first-time trip to D.C.'s Arboretum.

Eleanor enjoyed Mother's Day ALMOST as much as Mommy.

YUM

Eleanor Kisses

Eleanor Kisses Continued

E wanted to touch and feel every single plant sign.

Intrigued by the Caterpillars

She actually caught one when I wasn't looking.

Here are the cards E made for her amazing grandmothers.

20 Months Old

Is it obvious why we're so in love?

On her way to being 2, Eleanor is 20 months old and...

• saying "bus" repeatedly as she points out every one on the road (which is a lot in Northern Virginia)
• will drink nearly a gallon of any liquid, provided she can use a straw and hold the cup
• during tantrums, she can usually be calmed and convinced to cease when given patient explanations from Mommy
• is especially active and energetic with her running, jumping, dancing, and climbing
• can repeat almost any word (or animal noise) she hears when prompted (Listening to her attempt at "tomato" is both impressive and entertaining.)
• still loves baths and dates to the park
• her new hobbies include walking the dogs (with leash in hand) and throwing them fetch toys
• can now independently pull herself up on the couch whenever she likes (to sit with Mommy and Daddy or reach the remote and laptops/iPad)
• her favorite foods include grapes, yogurt, raspberries, blackberries, tomatoes, and frozen waffles
• loves caring not just for her dolls, but for live babies too

That Face!

Sweeping with Tiger Shades

Reading with the Dogs

Feeling the Fish Scales

Lovin' on Lovey