Retreat

I'm back! I was able to escape motherhood for four days and I took advantage of every moment. I traveled with my sister Linzy, who also needed a break, to Arizona. We spent a lot of time eating, laying out, and sleeping. It was so nice to just have to care for ourselves and no one else, although we love our jobs!

Here we are enjoying the sun...the hotel had great pools!
This was the view from our room....you may notice the wedding that was being set up this particular day.

While I was enjoying myself, Ava and Ella were working hard to keep Grandma C, Grandpa C, Grandma F, and Daddy busy. On Saturday, Daddy and Grandpa F left for a road trip so those who were left got even more attention! One of the highlights for Ava was making a giant cupcake...here she is with her creation, making some silly faces...

So lady-like...

Antlers!

Before I left the girls did a great job of reminding me why I need a break. Ella is now into everything...I keep this basket in the living room for diaper changes and last minute things like hair clips and lotions...Ella made herself right at home.

While I was upstairs with Ella one day, Ava decided to paint herself like a tiger again. I guess we overlooked this possibility when we did face painting at the circus!

Luckily, the paints were washable and we have since had the discussion about

paint staying on paper.

Changing subjects...we recently purchased Ella's 1st birthday present. I know it's early, but I figured she can only use it for so long so why not get a little more use out of it...she doesn't know the difference...right? Anyway, this was the box that the girls found quite amusing

for many days.

The box even made it outside for Ava to eat lunch in one day. I'll save pictures of Ella using her new gift for around her actual birthday.

The week I got back from my trip Ava started swim lessons again. I say again because she did take them when she was 10 months for one session and did great so we figured she'd be fine to learn as she grows. However, after not wanting to get in any large pool last summer and not wanting any water on her face, ever, we thought a refresher course might not be a bad idea. She likes swim class as long as I am holding her, part of the reason may be the COLD water. Regardless, we have some issues to overcome.

Super shallow ring search....she won't get them unless she can reach them without her face touching the water. She does, however, blow bubbles so we're making progress.

Now that I am back and the weather's been nice we've just been hanging around taking it easy. The girls love being outside so we get out as much as possible..I try to get pics but they are never both looking at the camera and rarely smiling at it.

It took me awhile, but I am back into the groove of things so hopefully I'll be posting again soon.