Playing Mommy

Bella has been very diligently 'mommy-ing' her doll lately, so I had the idea to give her one of her newborn diapers (we had a case left over) to use on her doll. Here is the result:


...we particularly like the two-fingered-'gross mom!'-hold that she has on the diaper in the second photo.

The Sickness

Mom has been sick now for a few days. I've been doing my best to keep her spirits up (giving her lots of hugs and such), but she still seems to be sick. She does this funny thing, where she puts her hand on her mouth and does this sort of loud exhalation/yell thing. Here, let me show you what it looks like...

Our Little Weirdo

Yes, she's eating broccoli here. We have no idea why.

The Big Screen

Bella had her first movie theater experience last night. Yes, we went to see Harry Potter on opening day, thanks to Auntie Am. Bella did pretty well through the previews - she didn't mind Matt Damon crashing cars or anything, but it was when Paul Giamatti tried to pass himself off as Saint Nick that she started to whimper. We can't say that we blame her, really. From there on out she was afraid that he was going to reappear, so Papa spent a fair amount of time with her walking the side aisle. Bella's favorite parts of the movie: When Harry is hearing the prophecy (she pointed to the crystal ball and said "Pweee!!" (pretty)), and all the fireworks. All in all, not a bad night at all.

4th of July

So, I don't remember Independence Day being quite this loud last year. I remember being quite nonchalant about it last year and mostly just sleeping through the festivities. But this year it seemed much louder and scarier. Anyway, this year started out with swimming in Grandma and Grandpa's pool, and then a fun little barbecue with the family. Auntie Am brought me some little pop it thingies and so papa shot them in the air and they landed on me, which was quite fun. Every once in a while though he would miss and they would hit the floor, so I had to let him know by saying "uh-oh" a lot (I didn't want those streamers to get left on the ground!)


Then he started lighting these sticks on fire and they would fly up into the air and make a loud pop.

Why would he do that? Why would he make noise just for the heck of it? It was completely unnecessary, in my opinion. I NEVER do that. Anyway. So I didn't like that so much. Then, we headed home for a quick nap and then out to the Carnahan's for the REALLY loud fireworks. I did not like them. My little friend Ophelia didn't seem to mind at all though, so I just went and slept in her little bed in the closet, well insulated from all the noise, and that was much more enjoyable. Mom says I missed a good show though. I'm a little skeptical. Oh, and here's a picture of my festive little toes.

Playing in the Street

Every morning while we were in Eugene, Bella woke up at 6:30 A.M. (which pleased everyone in the house a great deal). When she woke up, she wanted to go outside. So, because I was too tired to stand firm, I let her. She liked to take little walks.


And she liked to pick up rocks.


And then she liked to throw them in the street and say "uh-oh".

Go Zags!

This post really has nothing to do with Bella, except that she will now have to be traveling north to see her Hunca Unca (Uncle Scotty). We found out last week that Scotty has received an all expense paid trip to Spokane for the next four years, courtesy of Uncle Sam. So, Scotty will be studying Business and Pre Med at Gonzaga U starting in August. Here's some pictures of Hunca Unca from the weekend.

Sweet Creek Falls

We went for a little hike to Sweet Creek Falls while we were in Oregon. Bella even hiked part of if herself! Big big girl.

Beach Time

Bella loves sand. Bella also loves waves lapping against her ankles. In short, Bella loves the beach.

Cousin Weston

Bella and I just got back from a long weekend in Eugene for my Cousin Weston's funeral. Weston was enjoying a weekend with some friends at the coast a week ago, and in something that could be described as nothing other than a freak accident, he was shot and killed. We attended a small funeral on Friday for family, and then a very lovely Celebration of Life at Weston's girlfriend's family's estate on the coast on Saturday. After the Celebration, we went to the beach for a little bit so that Bella could get her toes wet, and found that someone had written "RIP WESTON" in the sand. Here's a picture, with my other two aunts standing behind the writing....



So, we ask for your prayers for Weston's family and friends. His mom and twin sister received a lot of support over the last week, and we covet your prayers for the months ahead.