Mini Family Reunion

Wow, what a fun filled weekend in Phoenix! We had a mini family reunion of sorts and stayed at the BEST B&B (Uncle Brian & Aunt Becky's B&B) - we couldn't have asked for better hosts. So the cast of characters included me, Justin, Eleanor, Nana, Aunt Katie, Grandpa & Cinnie, Aunt Becky & Uncle Brian, (Cousin) Katherine and her daughter, Joss, (Cousin) Elizabeth and her fiance, Christian. 

Eleanor had a little trouble adjusting to the time change with regards to napping and sleeping at night. That combined with her FOMO... let's just say there was some fussiness. Overall, she did great though, all things considered. 

My cousin, Katherine, was so brave to fly in for 36 hours so that the 2 babies could join in the fun. Katherine's daughter, Joss, is exactly 5 months younger than Eleanor and is such a sweetheart. While our daughters share some very strong digit genetics (skin tags where their extra fingers would have gone - just like their Mama's - and webbed... ahem, "twin" toes). Besides that, they couldn't be more different. Eleanor can't. stop. moving and requires constant action. Joss, on the other hand, is the most chill baby I've ever met in my life. She really just goes with the flow and takes everything in. Very even tempered... God bless her!

My cousin, Elizabeth, and her fiance, Christian joined in the fun on Friday. We're headed to Santa Barbara in October for Liz and Christian's wedding - we can't wait. I think it's safe to say Eleanor had a little crush on Christian. She's very into flirting with boys now, which slightly scares the #*@! out of us. On the flight home, she wouldn't leave a 13-year-old boy alone... she'd literally break her neck to make eye contact and squeal at him. Sheesh.

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting Grandpa and Grandma. Grandma Cinnie is so bravely battling cancer, and we visited her in her rehab facility. Eleanor quickly learned that Grandma is one of the best laps to sit on and also learned that Grandpa's your go-to when it comes to anything sugar related. We are so proud of Grandma Cinnie in her journey to beat the cancer beast. She's one of the strongest women we know!

We spent the rest of the weekend eating The Palumbo's delicious home cooking, walking Eleanor to the park, hanging by the pool (water was too cold to get in), and foraging for rocks (at least that was Eleanor's favorite).

Some tidbits from this week:

: Eleanor is OBSESSED with watching our lawn maintenance men, and this, of course, was no exception in Phoenix (video below). She doesn't let the men out of her sight, and talks to them as they go about their business.

: Our daughter is getting better with animal sounds when we ask her the sounds a cow/dog/lion/owl make.

: She now knows how to give eskimo kisses - so sweet - and also knows "uh-oh!"

: Body parts! Eleanor (most of the time) can point out her nose, eyes, ears, and head.

: We only let Eleanor watch one 30 minute "show" a day (Sesame Street or Signing Times). Well, even so, she's now very into the TV. She'll hand us the remote control, and then settle in on the couch with her fingers in her mouth ready for her "show." 

: If Eleanor could sleep outdoors, she would. This girl is so at peace outside. She could be screaming and throwing a nasty temper tantrum, but the minute we step outside, she's an angel. I'm a little concerned about the triple digit weather approaching. We need to get creative!

: Eleanor is clearly our daughter... she LOVES spice and seasoning. We ordered a kid's (mild) portion of Tikka Masala from our favorite indian restaurant, and she was in heaven. She literally was elbow deep in indian food and licking her fingers. I didn't eat indian food until I was in high school (thanks to the Jayarams) - this girl has quite the palette for a 1-year-old. I'm hoping this means she'll become a chef:)

2nd generation of cousins! Joss & Eleanor

All strapped in, ready to visit Grandpa and Grandma

Mommys and Auntie in the backseat

2 of the best people I know

Love Joss and her arm "bracelets"

Nana and Eleanor

Auntie and E

Joss with her Mema

Eleanor showing Grandma Cinnie one of her favorite activities - wallet destruction

Balloon fun

The fam! Grandpa's a little outnumbered;)

Bedhead?

Sweet cousins

Morning hang out with coffee, egg casserole, and sticky buns.

Joss and her Poppi

Cool Cat

Joss and her amazing light socket hair

Elizabeth made it! Another visit with the grandparents...

Me circa 1980 - rainbow swimsuit at Aunt Becky's pool in Phoenix

Eleanor in 2013 in her rainbow swimsuit at Aunt Becky's pool in Phoenix

Nothing like the joy of a ricotta cheese container at the pool

Playing with vintage Fisher Price toys that were about 30 years old.

Fish face

Multi tasking : wine drinking and baby wrangling

Watch out, Liz - you have some competition! Eleanor was smitten with Christian.

No nap all day traveling back to Austin... until we pulled into the driveway.

Representing 'Via! The Affordable Family Fiesta...

Literally elbow deep in tikka masala

Her first run at Tikka Masala...

Justin was worried about a client presentation - here was his captive audience... I heard this from upstairs and had to sneak down to capture this. Notice the camera shaking because I was silently laughing hysterically.