I want to linger... a little longer

The Brighton Camp reunion was this weekend. I didn't take one photo, but believe me, it was pure heaven. Amazing--after 10 years, it's still the same, wonderful place. Even the costume closet still smells the same! I had SO much fun. The memories kept flooding back. We laughed and laughed and talked and talked and we even raided the walk-in. Do we really have to wait FIVE more years until the next reunion? I'm planning on it already.

And then today was our Israel reunion. Wow--it's been 16 years. I honestly didn't even recognize some people, though others look exactly the same. What a great afternoon.

I certainly am grateful for the amazing experiences I've had and especially for all the extraordinary individuals who have impacted my life in one way or another. I love them all!

July Highlights

Oh, it's been a busy month! Sorry, no photos--they won't load for some reason.

I spent a week kid-free in D.C. for work--Barry is still recovering. But they had great fun at This is the Place State Park (or "That is the Place State Park" as C.J. calls it), on the Gibby's trampoline, up the canyon, in my parents' pool, planting flowers in our front yard, and cleaning our windows--inside and out! C.J. greeted me at the airport with the biggest grin ever and bouquet of flowers. I got all teared up, I had missed my family so much, but then couldn't stop laughing when C.J. went on and on about how fun escalators are!

Other adventures include a visit to the aquarium, lots of swimming (at Grammy and Pop's house or in our own little pool), walks around Silver Lake, dinner in Park City (fyi--there is NO A/C at the Pizza and Noodle place on Main Street), BBQ with the neighbors and the missionaries, and lots of popsicles.

As for Eli, he's finally to the point where he wants to get off his knees and walk. (I would too if I was crawling on all the sand that gets brought in every time we come inside from our Little Sahara backyard.) He took 6 steps this evening. He is starting to throw temper tantrums. Isn't he too young for that? And he is finally eating fruit and veggies. Well, some.

C.J. is using the potty! It's been a week, and he's only had a handful of accidents. Hurray!

Eli hits 40%

Eli had his 1 year check-up today. For the record, here are his measurements:

• Height (I guess they call it "length" when you're under 3): 29.8" (40%)
• Weight: 19.5 lbs (5%)

Eli Turns One

Eli's first birthday was on June 30th. It's amazing how much babies change in their first year!

Eli isn't saying anything we can understand yet, but does lots of pointing and squealing when he wants something. And he goes crazy when his mom or dad comes home. He loves to crawl, climb, and explore--C.J.'s firetruck bed is one of his favorite hangouts. Church is a weekly nightmare. He adores riding or pushing his walk 'n ride toys and is even starting to take a few steps on his own. He loves chicken nuggets, lunch meat, cheese, and anything with noodles. At least half of his meals end up on the floor and/or in his hair. He doesn't care for any fruit or veggie (except cauliflower) unless it's pureed. He's got beautiful olive skin, dark brown eyes, and six (whoops--EIGHT!--just checked) sharp teeth.

Happy birthday, Eli. We sure love you!