The boys are away for the week...

And I think little sister misses them!





Yep, the boys left last Friday to go to the beach with Papa and Grandma and I must say that it has been pretty quiet around here! They are having tons of fun and when I asked them tonight if they missed me and daddy and Elliana- they all said no, not really! Ha!
Well, we miss them!


Last week the weather was so beautiful and we took advantage of those few days when the temperature dropped from the 100's to the 80's. We took our first real family outing and went to the zoo! It was the perfect day and Elliana did really well. The boys of course fought over who would push sister in the stroller, and had fun "showing" Elliana all of the different animals. Really, I don't think she had a clue about where she was at, but she does like to be outside and there was a lot for her to observe so she was happy.

Looking all cute and ready to go to the zoo!



First stop: the elephants.


Austin has been really anxious to be the one to help her and push her in the stroller. Sweet brother.


Watching the silly monkeys with daddy



Or is daddy the silly one?!



Petting the goats and not sure what to think about them!



Love this one of the giraffe


Nathan tries to get a better view through the giraffe-scope



Jensen's favorite- the bear


Nathan checks to see how big his wingspan is


Mommy loves her girl

(her cute little clip was almost about to fall out of her hair. It bugs me to look at all these pics now and see that!)

I have FOUR children now. After 8 1/2 years of having 3 boys- it still does not seem real!



Having a picnic lunch on the blanket in the shade- she was so happy



Well, MOST of the time she was happy



We are enjoying our time without the boys here and we are truly beginning to bond with our sweet girl. She laughs at us and loves it when we get down on the floor to play with her and give her kisses. She is beginning to imitate a few things we do, such as waving bye and making silly noises with her mouth. She knows me now and as we have ventured to a few places (Target, Costco and Pick up Stix :-) ) she loves to be close to me in the carrier and looks up at me to make sure I am still there.
The three of us miss the boys and will be glad when they are back home, but it has been a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Elliana this week and enjoy her while they are gone. I must say that not even a day after they left I had a huge list of things I wanted to get done this week, but so far none of it has happened because I have had more important things to do...

Things like cuddling, feeding, laughing, dancing, rocking, playing peek-a-boo, reading board books, changing diapers, napping, carrying, putting adorable dresses and bows on her, going for evening walks, giving baths, taking endless pictures and video, singing, praying, comforting, hugging, kissing, and just LOVING.

Yep, I guess you could say I'm still following the Dr's orders! :-) That list is just going to have to wait!