Next stop, Grandma Bev's

This is such a special place to visit. My grandmother's childhood...my mom's childhood...my own childhood...and now my children's.

I love this shot of Reagan with the playhouse, Grandma B in the doorway, in the background.

The girls had a blast, as always.  We wish we could have stayed longer but everyone was so exhausted, home was were we needed to be.  We are looking forward to making it up again in the spring. 

First food

I agonized over what to do about Elsie's constipation issue. Changing formula brands actually worked but would have doubled the cost of feeding our youngest (from 70$/month to 140$. Insane!). So I introduced some solids instead. She actually did really well for such a young eater.  Here she is getting prunes for her 'first' feeding (we had tried earlier in the day but she was too cranky).

I decided to continue to roll with the solids once we got home. In addition to prunes she is getting sweet potatoes and applesauce (from Grandma B's apple tree!). Is it weird that I actually like making baby food?! Elsie is a great eater. I can see what Sharon said about her boys being 'vigirous' nursers.  Miss Elsie takes after her daddy!

Grandparents

We had a lovely visit at Doug and Sharon's. Here is Katya and her grandma working on a craft project that Sharon had all ready for the girls. Fun!

Doug taking a break from cooking to play with his grandkids.

Sharon feeding Miss Els a bottle.

And here are Doug and Sharon with their FIVE granddaughters! 

Visit with the Ross's

Our first stop on the Thanksgiving trip was at the Ross's home in Shoreline.  We had a great visit and it was so nice to caught up with them.  The boys are 10 months old and so adorable!  Katya and Reagan had a great time playing with them and getitng them to laugh.  This is Grayson.  Such a content, happy little guy and super cute. 

This is Ben.  He seems like the trouble maker!  I can already see the charisma shinning out of this little boy.  I swear, 5 minutes with him and he will have you wrapped around his finger!  His personalty served him well during his difficult gestation; he is a fighter. 

Miss Payton is sweet as ever. I always have such a fun time with her! Poor girl was having a hard time understanding why Katya was running crazy around the house when we got there. She thought Katya didn't want to play with her, but Katya was just super wound up and excited.

Every time we leave them I am sad that we don't see them more often.

Elsie Ryan 5 months old

Our littlest girl is getting big fast!  She is 5 months old today and just last night I discovered she has her first tooth!  The tip has just broken through, her bottom right, center incisor.  She is quite a strong little one and very wiggly.  She is getting better and better with her hands and really enjoying her teething toys such as Sophie the griaffe.  She is eating very well for such a young one, more on that later.  Her torso is SO long and I measured her the other day to find her just shy of 28 inches, wow! We have been very busy around here preparing for the holidays and our trip to the Rockies. I will try to get some more posts done and scheduled out before I leave. Love to all.

 



Levi

I recently finished reading "Marley and Me," and if that book doesn't make you appreciate your family pet, nothing will! Levi, despite his issues, is such a great dog. He is perfect for us and we love him! It is hard to think of him growing old...which he is of course. He was 1.5 when we adopted him from the Galletin Valley Humane Society and so we have always called January 1st his 'birthday.' That means he will be turning 9 soon. In some ways we can see it...the grey around his eyes....his being a bit less rambunctious.  And we know that health issues will come at some point.  But for now he is healthy and happy and  sweet as ever. 

He is a great subject to practice my photography and editing skills on.  I can't decied which I like better...

A few more favorites...

I love how natural Allen and Eryn's smiles are in this shot. I just wish you could see more of Paige. Every shoot I do is such great practice. Is Eryn gorgeous or what?!

This photo is great of all of them!