Celebrating 14,600 Days of David Estoye

David and Jeanette came all the way from New Jersey to celebrate David's 40th birthday. Our friends the Solivens drove in from LA and the Galls from Seattle came to. We had a blast. Alcatraz on Saturday, dinner at Beretta Saturday night and football and Scrabble at Castle Reidskull on Sunday.

Why I am grateful for my dad

1. His curiosity gets me out sight-seeing (note: see us on the top of Mount Tam overlooking the bay)
2. He came to my rescue this week, so I could finally get a much needed root canal.
3. He keeps our house supplied with flashlights.
4. He always makes sure the doors are locked and that we have plenty of extra keys.
5. His patience and kindness to others is admirable.
6. And he makes Ellie laugh from way down in her belly.

Love you, Dad. Thanks for a great visit. We miss you.

San Diego Visit Part 2

Saturday was Morgan's 1st birthday party. Christy had a few friends over and we had lunch, cupcakes and a pinata. Christy and I were up a lot with the kids Thursday night, and we still managed to stay up and decorate the night before while Dad and Gavin slept! No fair! I'll never forget Dad's famous last words that night, "I'm exhausted. I'm going to bed" while Christy and I hung lanterns and streamers.

Speaking of sleeping...I think Ellie barely slept the entire trip since she was having so much fun. Here is possibly the ONE time she actually took a nap while we were there.

San Diego Visit Part 1

We had a warm welcome from Christy, Luke, Caroline and Morgan on Thursday night. The Millays just love Baby Ellie, and Ellie had a ball just soaking it all in. She and Morgan played with the exersaucer together, Luke loved her up, and she really gets the giggles with Caroline.

On Friday we went to Christy and Gavin's favorite pumpkin patch, Bates Farm. We rode the ponies, fed the farm animals, picked out pumpkins and road on the tractor. Christy and Gavin have gone there ever since they got married, so it was nice to join them in one of their traditions.

Pumpkin Patch

Gramma Arleen was here visiting this past weekend all the way from CT. We went to the pumpkin patch, got Ellie's Halloween costume, went on walks, ate dinner at home and went to church. We had such a GREAT time and I loved having the company. Gramma got in A LOT of cuddle time with Ellie. And Ellie started squealing in delight. So cute!

Daddy's Girl

The view from here isn't so bad after all!

Just within the last week, Ellie has FINALLY come around to tummy time. I thought I'd never see the day.

Missouri Visit Part 2

Man, did we take Missouri by storm! We hit Grant's Farm, Grandma's and Columbia. I have to say, though, the highlight of our trip for me was just being able to do everyday stuff with mom and dad...doing bathtime, eating dinner together, meeting dad for lunch and taking walks in the neighborhood. And of course, Ellie getting to meet Grandma Bertha.

Missouri Visit - Part 1

We spent last week back in Missouri visiting Mom and Dad. I was really nervous about flying with Ellie, but she did great. She slept the entire time both ways. I ended up getting her a seat and while she didn't exactly use it, it was nice to have the extra room. It was great to be back and to get to spend so much time with Mom and Dad. John's work travel plans changed, so we actually stayed an extra day. On our last day, Dad, Ellie and I hung out and drove to St. Charles. Here is a picture of Ellie sightseeing in front of the Missouri River.

My camera battery was fried, so once I get all of dad's photos, I'll make another post.