Home Sweet Home

Eleanora and I braved the winter weather and headed to PA for a wonderful week of family fun. Ella was a charming traveler, flirting her way through the friendly skies. She loved-loved-loved time with her adoring family (Gibsons, Petris, Hoffmans and Bentons!) and being an especially cuddly caretaker to Mena after her surgery.

Enjoying a "sip" of water

Hanging with her buddies Isabelle and Georgia

We are so glad to be home with Ben but are certainly suffering family-withdrawal. Thank goodness Natalie, UB and AJ are all coming in the next week!!

Growing and Growing

I know it's cliche', but I honestly can't believe how fast Eleanora is growing. She seems to be making new discoveries every day - grabbing, holding onto and throwing toys, reaching for Charlie's soft fur, and talking to her stuffed animals. There is nothing better than seeing her break into a big grin when either of us enter her room to "rescue" her from her crib. She loves being around people whether is charming them at the grocery store, staying up too late when we have friends over, or miserably crying in her car seat because she can't see the action. Her latest trick is to "pray along" in church. She's quiet as a mouse during worship, but then starts talking as loud as she can as soon as the pastor begins praying sending me on a mad dash to the cry room.

Her favorite time of the day continues to be bath and story time. No matter how unhappy she is after struggling against getting her pj's on (this girl loves to be naked), she quiets down as soon as Ben begins reading her favorite stories. She is completely mesmerized!

Every day brings new challenges (teething!) and new joys and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Laughing at Charlie


Laughing at her personal paparazzi!

Loving bath time (as always!)

Delicious toes!


Not so sure about sitting up on her own...

Much happier with help!

Fabulous Family

Last week we were visited by a couple of glorious Gibsons. My Dad and Mena braved the long flight to Arizona for a wonderful visit with us. We jam-packed in the fun with visits to the Desert Museum, Gates Pass, San Xavier Mission, St. Philip's Farmer's Market, and Mt. Lemmon. Miss Eleanora loved-loved-loved time with her Opa and Mena and is certainly missing their constant attention!

More photos from Dad and Mena's Trip