Busy Weekend

We had a great weekend. Packing for the trip was funny. We were unpacking the Target bags and Bella found the snacks and every time she found one she'd coming running "Mommy I Looooove these" and then she'd find another one and say the same thing...it was really funny. By the time the Target bags were empty her arms were filled and her eyes were so excited. The girls were great on the ride there. Friday night Auntie and Uncle Shawn took the girls swimming. On Saturday we were glad to see Miriam graduate and show the girls around campus. At her party Bella enjoyed the cookie cake and even took a swipe when she thought no one was looking; however the icing was black and all over her mouth! She also found a lovely microphone and entertained us with a 10-15 minute song. I was in tears it was so funny. Every time I thought she was done she would start up again with more hand motions. Sunday we went to church and at the end of service the kids came into service and gave the mom's potted flowers (which we gifted over to Auntie). It was so cute seeing Gabby come in (being held) and bringing me flowers. I was surprised that we dropped her off in the nursery sound asleep and thought my pager would go off any moment when she woke up in a strange place with strange people around...but to my delight she was just hanging out. We then went to Olive Garden for early lunch and then to the hotel for a 40 minute nap. Finally we headed back to church for Newell family pictures. I wasn't sure how it would go with 5 kids, two that are just one and Bella, but it was pretty painless and fast. We then celebrated Gabby's birthday (a little early) with family and some friends. It took Gabby a few minutes to figure out the cake, but she soon destroyed it. Monday we had fun hanging out with Auntie and Uncle Shawn. We ate at Gene's Root beer and went over to the football field and played soccer and just had fun. The flight home was crazy. Bella was in rare form and one minute wanted me and the next wanted Joel. Had fun but am so glad we don't have any trips planned in the near future. Happy to be back into a routine.

On another note we started Gabby on milk and think she'll be bottle free by the end of the week. She's cruising all over and takes off when she has her walking toy. She'll take one step so I know it will be soon, but not sure if she'll figure it out by her real birthday next week.