4th of July & Big D

It's been a busy couple of weeks... we had a great long weekend for the 4th. Justin and I both had Friday off, which made for an exceptionally long weekend in Austin. We hung out at our friend's new backyard pool on the East Side, had brunch play dates at our house, and visited our music teacher at a farmer's market for his "gig."

We were in Dallas this last weekend for a PSW event, and it also happened to be Eleanor's first road trip since she was 8 weeks old. Let's just say there's room for improvement on the car riding front. She loved staying at a hotel and walking around Uptown. Saturday afternoon we had brunch with Justin's work friends, and our daughter was a total maniac, doing laps for HOURS at the beer garden, rolling in dirt, and generally just making sure the packed house knew she was there. On Sunday, we had brunch with my Uncle, Aunt, and Cousins (The Schroeders), and Eleanor was happily high fiving and kissing the family until she quickly got bored and had to meander the restaurant.

New tidbits:

: Eleanor now says more "mo," up, down, bubbles, outside "side," ball, and swing "weeeee." Her very favorite words, however, are yeah, yes (with a lisp), and no. OUR favorite word that she says is "nigh niiiiight," which she's starting to say when she's ready for a nap or bed. Gotta love that.

: The newest activity of choice is strolling her baby around in her baby stroller. We went shopping for her first tricycle last weekend, only to find that she's too small for even the smallest trike (welcome to the world of being small, Ellie). So the consolation prize was a $5 stroller that she can't get enough of. We strap her baby in, and she usually finds treasures along her walks such as rocks, leaves, and twigs that she packs in with her baby.

: On a similar note, Eleanor no longer likes to ride in HER stroller - she prefers to push the stroller (behind the low lying basket). Last weekend she pushed the big stroller almost a mile before she pooped out. And she walks with such purpose, really funny;)

: We have a budding artist who likes to color with her Crayons. She also tries to eat them, which we're working on. Needless to say, Eleanor has produced some great fridge art;)

: Our daughter is becoming more independent and insists on using silverware and drinking from our cups.

: Conversely, she's in a sudden hand holding phase while walking. It's great until you realize she. doesn't. stop. ever.

We hung out at our friends new pool over The 4th. But, all Eleanor wanted to do was swim in the rocks. See video below for "rock angels."

We went to the park on Friday, and a summer camp unleashed onto the playground right when we arrived. Ellie ended up having an entourage. Two 8-year-old girls each held Ellie's hand and took turns taking her on the slide and swings. When we had to leave, they asked, "Can Ellie come back and play tomorrow?" So precious. Our daughter was in HEAVEN.

After an hour and half into the trip, 2 DVDs and some crying fits, we finally got Eleanor to sleep.

Happy Hour in Dallas with Evan, Meghan, and (dog) Wells.

Brunch with The Schroeders in Dallas. Of course the boys look so handsome, but we couldn't get E to even look at the camera. This is the best we could get...