Milestones

Looks like I'm becoming a once-a-month blogger. So I have a lot to talk about - I'll try to condense it though.

In mid-August, Phil's family had a reunion in Estes Park. We had a great time visiting everyone but it sure was cold and rainy. Elaine got rainboots that weekend - Lightning McQueen, naturally.









Right after the reunion, Elaine started preschool. There are about 12 other kids in her class and it is busy! But she has so much fun. She likes to do the weather in circle-time, she loves chapel (once a month), and play time on the playground. Here she is on her first day of school.









Natalie turned 9 months old and time is flying with her. She can pull herself up, wave, take a couple of steps while holding onto a table or me, and she just started to crawl. She is the best baby!









Phil's company picnic was right after Labor Day weekend at a park close to our house. They had sno-cones (a first for the girls), face painting (another first) and a bouncy castle. The picture of Elaine with the unicorn on her arm is just my favorite - she's little tough-girl!












Then came the birthday madness. Since Elaine's birthday was on a Friday, I took birthday snacks to preschool on Thursday. Elaine got to wear a crown and the kids all sang "Happy Birthday" to her. She wanted frosted cookies so I baked...a lot!









Phil was able to take off her entire birthday from work so we took the girls to the zoo. Elaine loved the animals - especially the elephants. The Denver Zoo has been improved so much since the last time I was there (so long now I can't even remember). We rode on the train which was sort of boring and on the carousel (Elaine rode an elephant). She definitely had a good birthday!












The next day was her birthday party with mostly family and her best friend, Drew. She got so many presents but I think the highlights were: a Wiggles accordion, a microphone, a princess dress-up kit, a tool kit, a baby doll (she named Baby Sarah), and her princess bike (we got it used months ago - looks brand new - love it when that happens).