Love love love

Two beauties.

Could she be any happier with her papa?

Olympic Sculpture Park

Ready for Halloween

Look at me!  I am the cutest pumpkin on this planet.

Big brother and his good friend, Tyler, go to Ava's birthday party.  Anya loved seeing the big kids in costume.  We thought she would be the cutest ladybug for Halloween, but we've decided she'll be the  most adorable devil.

Anya's Words

We're off and running with our girl's vocabulary. Emmett said today he "thinks she's up to 80 words" and I would probably put it somewhere around 50. Nevertheless, way to go, sweetie! Here are some gems...

Twahck is Truck
Mow is Cat
Beh is Emmett (this one we scratch our heads on, maybe for "big" brother or sometimes it sounds like "bye" as in get out of my face)
Me Me is her Baby
Chee for Cheese
Pee-tha is Pizza
Dwee-Dwee is Blanket (Emmett interpreted this one for us and it stuck, so all blankets in the house are now referred to "D-D")
Nan-yah is Anya

We hear a lot of other cute words and sounds, but we're still Lost in Translation. For now.

Anya's First Week at School

820 33rd Ave in Washington Park is where it all begins for Miss Anya Elle.

Anya takes a quick break on her first day to rock and smile.

Big brother's first day and Anya's second. She's already a pro.

Mommy is sooooooooo happy she is home.

Anya and Emme go way back. Their mommies are good friends and Emme's big brother went to school with Emmett.

Nanny does it again and brings her beloved horse for the kids to ride. Coco Puff, the pony, was there, too.

Kenny introduces Anya to Jasper. Mommy surprised and delighted to know that Anya prefers the horse over the small pony.

Nanny and Anya = Best of Friends

First Day of School

Anya was excited about her first big day at school. Mommy had no idea she would have trouble sleeping leading up to this monumental moment, so I think the transition, thus far, has been harder on the parent than child. I guess that's what you want, right?

Teacher Nanny and Teacher Jackie said she was great. They sang the "Fish Song", made playdoh, ran around outside and Anya even said "please" and "excuse me", which makes me so happy.

Watch out world here she comes!

I *heart* Dominic

Dominic came to visit us in Seattle for what ended up being a whirlwind, fun-filled week. Dominic and Anya love each other so much.

First time riding on her own horse...big girl.

Our double stroller took a beating this day at the zoo. Yes, Dominic is sitting in the baby seat while Emmett pushes.

Dominic takes a shot of the girls.

Hanging at EMP's Sky Church.

St. Louis 4th Fun

The Roxy bikini is a huge hit!


I love wearing Gramma's hat.

The boys and I take center stage in the pool.

Nothing's cooler than sitting by Cousin Hannah and Aunt Jill.

My mom and I just before the WG parade. It sure was hot!

I didn't last for Aunt Jill and Daddy's fireworks show, but I think I heard this one go off from my crib.

Emmett and Henry were in heaven for sure this trip!

Anya meets Penn for the 1st time

Two Year Check Up

All is well in the land of Anya Elle! Doc says she doing great and we're less concerned with her speech delay. In fact, her parents were never that concerned about it and the docs have finally come around. She is thriving and we're grateful.

Height/Length: 35.5 inches
Weight: 26 lbs 15 oz.
Head Circumference: 50 cm

Hangin' out at Mutiny Bay on Whidbey Island.

Two Year Olds and Tiaras. What more can a girl ask for?!

Terrific Two!

Thanks, Grams, for my treasured tiara! All birthday girl's need some bling.

Mills and Anya -- two 'lil rock stars in the making.

Here's our fly girl with her good buddy, Maceo.

The gang.

Birthday girl loves her big bro and he loves her, too.

A wonderful celebration for our sweet 'lil cupcake girl!

Anya tries yoga today for the 1st time!

Summer is here and we're always looking for something to do. Mommy is also looking to sign on new yoga studios with Nama Products. I had the chance to talk with an owner today for a studio in Magnolia who specializes in family yoga. Village Yoga offers a Story and Stretch class on Mondays that caters to 1.5-4 years old, so I had to take the kids.

Emmett being the seasoned yogi after his camp last week knew just what to do, but Anya was our newbie. She sat on her mat for maybe a total of two minutes and even made her way up to the front to sit on the teacher's lap while she read the class a book. Her best and probably only pose was Butterfly, which she knocked out of the park! I was so proud of both of my 'lil yogis.

Here are the two of them demonstrating Legs up the Wall. They are on their way.

Lake Chelan, Part 2

Slidewaters Fun!

Big girl on the teeter totter with Gramma.

Gramma squirts Anya!

Cars packed and time to head back to the city. We had so much fun with family!

Lake Chelan, Part 1

Lots of baseball and croquet on the lawn every day!

The girls...

Anya and Papa have a showdown with their hats.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Classic. This one goes down in the books and might be showcased at her wedding.

I love Gramma!

We're off to a winery that is not kid-friendly, so we leave, but got a great shot...

...or two. This is fun family!