Connecticut Part I

We had a wonderful family vacation in Connecticut. Eloise and Mike's hospitality was so generous, the weather was perfect, and little missy adjusted in one day to East Coast time. She was a real trooper on the plane (both ways) too. It had been a year since Calista had visited Madison, so she discovered all sorts of new things this time right away -- like climbing up and down their stairs, rolling over on the beach ball that Nonni got her (she made up that game herself and was howling with laughter!), and stomping in warm summer rain puddles with new boots from Gma and Gpa. Fun galore!

Pigtails!

Calista's hair is finally getting long enough to put her hair in pigtails. These photos were taken earlier in August so she's even cuter now. Oh, those curls!

Lovey Bear

Little missy looked too cute in this outfit that I had to take a photo...or two...or three...or more! (Skirt courtesy of Stephanie Fujii and top from Nonnie!)

Ashland Trip Day 4

Calista and I visited my childhood friend Amanda and her daughter Mirabella (Bella) on Monday. It was so nice to see them! Calista was in awe of Bella, her shoes and her toys. I had never seen Calista try to copy someone so much - it was really cute.

Then we had lunch with my mom, Lorie and Evan at SOU where my mom works. As you can see in these photos, Calista was very intent on walking down stairs and on ledges. Classic Calista. My mom later told me that a co-worker of hers said that when Calista walks into a room "she owns it!" Yes, her personality is definitely coming into its own. I love it!

All in all, it was the perfect way to end such a lovely weekend, filled with family and friends.

Ashland Trip Day 3

On Sunday, my mom organized a brunch with a bunch of friends at the Bella Union in Jacksonville. Calista wasn't so interested in sitting in her high chair, but she did find plenty of stairs to climb at the restaurant, and there even happened to be a toy store next door! Thanks heavens for Evan and my mom, who kept Calista entertained the whole time. Afterwards, Lorie, Evan, Nonnie, Calista and I went to an amazing park in Jacksonville with a mini "water works" playground. For a hot sunny day, nothing could have been better.

Sunday also happened to be my dad and Mary's 5-year wedding anniversary, so we went to Lithia Park where they got married to celebrate.

For dinner, Calista had her first corn on the cob. What a big girl!

Ashland Trip Day 2

On Saturday, my mom organized a wonderful picnic at Lake of the Woods. My cousin Nicole and her husband Ali and daugther Allison joined us, along with our dear family friends Peggy, Lorie and her son Evan. The weather was perfect, and Calista just loved being in the water. I loved being able to see everyone too! Oregon is so beautiful, and I really appreciated going to this gorgeous lake on a nice warm, summer day with family and friends.

Ashland Trip Day 1

Calista and I went to Ashland the last weekend in July and had so much fun together. She was amazing on the plane both ways, and I think especially enjoyed getting out of the SF fog as much as I did! On the first day, we went to Grants Pass to see my Grandpa Charles, Aunt Susan, and dad and Mary (Grandpa Michael and Mummy to Calista). We took Calista to a little park and even stopped to smell some flowers (Calista calls them "wahwahs") at the home where my Great Aunt and Uncle used to live. Talk about a small town!