Surprise!

I couldn't say anything about this earlier, and it's been killing me having to keep a secret for so long. A couple of weeks ago my future BIL called me and asked if Ella and I would like to come down to Florida to surprise my sister for her birthday this past Saturday. A free visit to Florida? Sign me up, please!

Ella was- how should I phrase this? a holy terror on the flight down. She didn't do anything bad per se- she was simply energetic and wanted to make good friends with the people around us. Naturally, the best way to endear everyone to us was to try climbing up the tray table, banging on the window, and doing her impression of a Tarzan yell. Of course, as soon as we landed in Atlanta she fell sound asleep, only to wake up as soon as we were boarding the next flight.

Fascinated by the seat belt. This very quickly turned into her waving it about. 

Passed out during our layover. I wish I got to sleep like that! 

However, my sister was so thrilled to see us that it made the miserable flight bearable. She walked in, said "Hi" very calmly, then it dawned on her that I wasn't really supposed to be there. Once that realization hit she ran out of the room screaming.

Although it was a quick visit, we managed to pack a lot of things in. We ordered her wedding dress, and I think I have made my final decision on my maid of honor dress (that is, as long as she doesn't take me out shopping again and I find something else I like better). On Saturday my parents and I drove out to Tallahassee for the FSU-Clemson game. I had thought that we would end up having to leave early, but Ella fell asleep almost immediately so I figured as long as she was content, I would stay. She ended up sleeping through almost the entire game. How she managed to do that with over 80,000 people cheering is beyond me. 

At the FSU-Clemson game. Ella rocked her noise-protection headphones.

The rest of the trip went by in a blur, and before I knew it, we were heading back to the airport. Ella did so much better on the return trip, which was amazing considering that she had not one, but two teeth pop through. Now we are back to the regularly scheduled program, and I have to figure out how in the world to top this birthday present next year.

I've been a bad blogger

I can't believe it's been almost two months since I've had a chance to sit down and type something up. So quickly, before the mayhem machine shrieks or finds some new mischief, here is a quick list of what has gone on in our lives since the beginning of August.

• We took an insane, three-week long road trip, traveling through 18 states (twice in Indiana, Georgia, and New York), and logging almost 4000 miles on my car. Ella and I spent a week in Florida and two weeks on Cape Cod. Jim flew down to Florida to meet us, spent a week on the Cape, then had to go to a conference in Philly. 
• Ella has learned to crawl; cruises around like crazy; walks holding onto our hands; stands up on her own for short periods of time; says hi, mama, dada, dog, and up; waves hi/bye; eats "grown-up" foods; tries to climb on everything; and is full of trouble. I spend my days chasing after her, learning about new things in our house that have to be baby-proofed, finding Cheerios everywhere, and cleaning up bits of paper that she loves to tear up. We go to bed exhausted, but this is my favorite stage so far. She has such a fun little personality. 
• Jim got a chance to get back to brewing. He and one of our friends made a pumpkin beer for the fall. Once it's ready, we're going to have a fall party. 

Gah, I'm trying to think of more things that we've done. In fact, I'm sure that we have done something more. We must have done something more, right? I'm blaming the baby for this lapse of memory. To distract you from my poor blogging skills, here are some photos.  

Sound asleep in the car

Right after she learned to crawl. She was very proud of herself. 

At Justin and Lucie's wedding reception in Florida

Loving her float on Cape Cod

Not loving her life vest

Finally somewhat happy on the boat

Jim and I managed to get out for a date night at the Popponesset Inn

At the Cape Cod Children's Museum. Ella showing her disapproval of sharing with the other kids. 

Showing off how she eats like a big girl

Playing foosball with Nana and Grampa Jim

With her Nana and Grampa at the beach

She loved, loved, loved spending time with Nana

Swimming with Nana

Wearing Nana's hat

Showing off how we "nap" at the beach

Posing for a picture

Swimming with Daddy

Hanging out

Her super-secret, babies only clubhouse

Labor Day weekend at the Splash Park

Fascinated by the water

Extremely suspicious of spaghetti

Pulling clothes out of my dresser

And her face when she realizes she's been caught in action

Crawling around

Cruising around the house