This and that

I'm in the process of clearing out my camera's memory card in preparation for our vacation next week and found a few random photos of the goings-on around here.

Chillaxin' with Dad.

Marla, just being Marla.

Bouncing with Grandpa.

First time swimming outside! I think she prefers heated pools, but she didn't complain.

Naked baby butt. Is there anything cuter?

She tried a rice cracker for the first time. It was a hit!

She also tried avocado. Don't let that smile fool you... it was most definitely NOT well-received.

Rolling with her homies

Things have been busy around here, thanks to Marla's demanding social schedule. At six months old, I think she's had more play dates in the last week than I've had in the last year. Sheesh.

Following TBTIV, those of us with children decided to initiate a lasting friendship by introducing them to one another at the first annual The Big Trip Junior in Eau Claire! Check out these beauties. I hope they all go to St. Olaf, live in Kittelsby, and perform Paula Abdul at a talent show together someday.

Ella (17 months), Marla (6.5 months), Kendall (14 months):

Over the weekend I made a trip to Minnesota to meet my friend Beth's new baby girl, Emma Lou. She is so tiny and cute, and seeing her sweet little newborn self (and seeing how sleep deprived her parents are) made me realize just how much things have changed in the months since Marla was born. We've come so far!

I can't believe Marla used to be this small! (Well, technically not THIS small, at least outside the womb, but you get the idea.)

My friends Jeff and Natalie were visiting from Florida while I was in Minnesota, so they stopped by with their adorable son, Eden (22 months). I think he sat still for approximately 4 seconds to take this picture, which may be a record for him. I love Marla's grin in this picture. A future love connection, perhaps?

We wrapped up the weekend with a play date with our friends Brian and Darlene's baby girl, Isabella. She's just a month younger than Marla, and the two of them seemed to really hit it off. Look how much fun they're having together!

The Big Trip IV (La Crosse)

Doesn't it seem like just yesterday that I published the TBTIII post? Here we are, nine months later and on to TBTIV already. Crazy. 

Anyway, you'll recall that last year's trip was in Vegas. This year's destination was slightly closer to home in La Crosse, Wisconsin (they say La Crosse is the Vegas of Wisconsin, right?). I was grateful for the short drive, as it was my first time leaving Marla for two whole nights. I missed her lots, but had a great time with my Olaf friends.

We went to the beach and spent a lot of time blowing up floaties. Unfortunately, we learned they're not allowed in the water only after they were all inflated. Apparently floaties aren't a good idea on the river. I can't imagine why...

We rented a place in La Crosse called the Bluff View House, which is a Lustron home. If you know anything about Lustron homes, you know that's a pretty big deal. At least for the 12 people it took to make the documentary about them, anyway. The most important thing to know about Lustron homes is that you can forgo wall art in favor of magnets. Cool, right?

I miss these girls so much and am so glad we've established an annual tradition of getting together. Thanks for another fantastic TBT, ladies!

Rollin' rollin' rollin'

Within 24 hours of my last post, wherein I mentioned that Marla might never roll from her front to her back, she proved me wrong. She keeps me on my toes, this girl. (Please ignore my hyena-like exclamations in this video... it's just so exciting!)