One of the BOYS

That's right -- this post is about Eliana. Our little princess has discovered the car box. We used to buy each boy a car when we went grocery shopping. As a result, we have close to 500 hot wheels cars. And the boys love to play with them! Sadly, so does Ellie. She loves to pick up handfuls of cars and throw them back into the box. She spends more time at the car box than Nicholas. I even caught her mimicking Nicholas by making a car noise "vroom". What is a mother to do? I had visions of tea parties and dress up and painted fingernails and my little pony land . . . Now I'm wondering if I should just buy Danica Patrick posters for her room.

Best Friends

Last summer, Nicholas developed a fascination with the lawn mower. He loved to watch Josh mow the lawn. And if he couldn't be outside while the mowing was happening, he would run from window to window watching.

This year, we bought Nicholas his own lawn mower. He loves with it! He'll spend hours outside with Josh mowing the lawn. When Nicholas hears the word "mower" he'll jump up and say, "Just a second, Dad. I hafta get my mower."

Beauty is in The Eye of The Beholder

When Josh saw these pictures, he said "I bet these are going to be your next blog post." Well Mr. Smarty Pants, I wasn't planning on it. But how can anyone resist that cute face! So here is Eliana discovering her reflection.





In other news -- Eliana is 9 months old today. I tried to take pictures, but since she is mobile now, she was more interested in crawling towards the camera. I did notice, though, that she began smiling as soon as she saw the camera. I guess she's had some kind of experience in posing for pictures. I'm not sure how that happened. . .

We interrupt this blog for a word from our Sponsors.

Here are a few things that are worth sharing:
Cracked Black Pepper Triscuts -- they are made to love! I could eat a whole box in one sitting, and almost have on several occasions.
Gerber Yogurt Melts -- Now technically these are for toddlers. But they are yummy. So Nicholas, Eliana and I share.

Michael Miller -- I've mentioned him before, his Pink Chocolate collection. Here are a few others that are so much fun.

Ginger Blossom

Ruffle Rac

Carnival Bloom (my most favorite of all time)

Amy Butler -- I have a crush on all Amy Butler fabric and patterns. Here are some that are so deliciously fun to look at!


p.s. -- if any of you that sew want to make me this bag or pillows, let me know. I can have the pattern and fabric overnighted to you. . . :)

And last, but not least -- The Great Wolf Lodge.

It is FANTASTIC! If you can find a moment to sneak away with your family, you need to. Just look at their website, you will be hooked. We had the best time. My boys want to live there. (And if anyone from the Great Wolf corporate headquarters happens upon my blog, I'll gladly promote your hotel for a free pass. Call me.)

We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog.