Okay, I admit it. I have neglected my blog. I think about the time it would take to upload pictures, the energy it would take to write (not so) creative comments, and, well, you know. I find other things to do. And an 8 month old provides so many opportunities for distraction.
Part of my neglect the past few months is all the traveling and visiting we’ve been doing. Ellie is one well-traveled baby! In February, I traveled to Florida with Ellie and introduced her to both her great-grandmas on my side and a slew of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Here are few pictures- 
Great-Grandma Bette
Great-Grandma Barbara
Great-Uncle Eddie
Great-Aunt Suzie
Cousin Ryan
Cousins John Michael and Ryan
JM and Ryan are two of the sweetest cousins (I guess technically they are 2nd cousins?) a little girl could ask for, as evidenced in the picture. The trip made me wish to have family much closer. Mark and I have family and friends in so many different places, we could probably take a trip around the United States and never pay for a hotel room (which we might do one day, so get those guest beds ready!) No matter where we moved we would be far from someone we loved.
I guess trips that make us wish we lived closer to family is the theme of this post, because in March and April we had a visit from Dean and Peggy, I took a trip to Minnesota, and we took a trip to the Mountains to visit my parents for Easter. I guess in some ways having a child means family is closer (or just visiting more often!). A few highlights:
Reading with Grandpa
Ellie's 1st Easter Basket
Easter Dress
The church in the Mountains we went to for Easter
Hanging out with Grandpa
The Stratton Clan for Easter
so lady-like...
Uncle Richard
On a hike in the mountains
Tug of War with Aaron and Kristy's dog, Lena
Playing with Cousin Sarah's feet
All the girls at Martha's baby shower
Playing with Cousins Molly and Greta
Uncle Aaron put me in a cooler!
Wearing Uncle Jesse's hat (that's right, Ellie has an Uncle Jesse all you Full House fans!)
And one last picture that sums up the joy of parenting over the last few months:
I LOVE the pics of Ellie with her Grandpas!! So cute. She is a doll! We are thinking of coming your way this summer to visit my brother – will let you know!
Thanks Bunny! We would love to see you this summer! We will be back from NY the middle of July, will you be coming after that?
You’ve presented a wonderful window into Ellie’s life and growth. The pictures are adorable. espicially the last one. What a joy to experience the growth and awareness of her life. I missed Ole this time around. I suppose he’s still on probation.
Olie is always on probation! Haha! Thanks for reading Dean! Love you!
Sarah, you have a way with pictures and words. What a gift! It is an added blessing to have Ellie be the feature of the pictures!!!