Fall Leaves

We took Elliana out to get some pictures with the fall colors, and she thought it was a grand event! She loved holding the leaves but thankfully never felt the urge to eat them. These pictures were taken at Cox Arboretum. I'll have to do another post with more pictures taken just down the street.

Every-day Life

Who's her daddy?! These two pictures were taken during the same nap.

Elliana's smiles, laughs, and funny faces constantly keep us smiling and laughing. She is a joy to be around. We're learning to appreciate her appreciation for the small things in life, like crumpled paper, baby swings, her daddy's shorts over her head, homemade toys, and bags/laundry baskets that need help getting emptied by a little girl. Until recently, she could only crawl backwards, which got her into some funny situations, including sitting on the leg of Max's desk chair and getting her legs stuck in between her crib rails.

Happy Little Camper

This past weekend was Homecoming at Cedarville University and my 5-year reunion! We had the opportunity to take part in a breakfast hosted by the Nursing Department (where I was able to see a few of my nursing classmates), watch the parade, and watch a few friends play raquetball. Then, as we have for the last several years, we went camping with those that have been involved in Discipleship Council over the years. Discipleship Council consists of a group of 12 people each year that are picked by our discipleship leader, Mark Irving. Mark met with us regularly throughout the year, and we went camping, went on a mission trip, and went on a retreat together all in one year. Each of us were responsible for leading a Bible study as well. We were a pretty tight group, and 10 of us (plus spouses and children) were able to make it back this year! Our 10 joined those from other groups that he's picked over the last 8 years. These weekends tend to be mile markers for us now. Two years ago, Max asked me to marry him shortly after we left the campsite. This year, we had an 8-month old in tow! We had a lot of fun in spite of the rain and chill in the air. The guys kept a fire going the whole time, and we spent time catching up, singing, praying, and playing games. Elliana did very well! We kept her bundled, and amazingly she didn't even fight wearing mittens. She did really well sleeping on an air mattress, too.

On the Move

Elliana has been getting around pretty quickly as of late. She has figured out how to crawl/scoot backwards and gets herself stuck in/on corners more often than not, it seems. Max said that she went forward two "crawls" yesterday while I was at work, so it looks like she might be moving in the right direction shortly. I've been impressed by her ability to lift up her whole body into push-up position. Between that and all the ab crunches she does trying to sit up from lying down, she's putting me to shame when it comes to being in shape!

The week before last, she and I drove (I did the driving) to Indianapolis to spend part of the day with Lindsey, her little family, and Molly. As we were making plans to get together, we realized that the last time we had gotten together to hang out was just a little less than a 1 1/2 ago. Since then, Molly has gotten married, I have had my first baby, and Lindsey has had her second baby! Lindsey and I have also moved, and Molly seriously considered it. :) It was a fun though oh-too-short of a time together. I had the chance to see Natalie for the first time. She's giving Elliana a run for her money with those thighs. She's only 4 months old!