We just arrived home from our crazy adventure across the country. I took Ellery and Dane to Texas, then flew Dane and I to Florida, then back to Texas for a few days with daddy. We had a great visit and are now feeling a little exhausted from the whole trip. This first post is from our first few days in Texas. We were fortunate to stay at my best friend, Carrie's house, for the first night. Ellery and Hagan were so sweet with one another. . . .holding hands, helping one another out and lots of hugs!!!

Today marks a historical day in the Libby household. I was able to put Ellery's hair into 2 braids. Yes, I am actually posting about this, as I have been waiting 3 1/2 years for her hair to grow long enough to wear in such a fashion! I didn't say they were long braids, but I am thrilled that there is enough hair for these petite little braids.

Ellery just finished her first year of preschool and what a great experience it has been. Although she was the youngest in her class, she is quite social and thrived in a classroom setting. We were fortunate that she had 3 veteran teachers who did not fall for her dramatic antics! After the first few days of school, she came home sad and told me that she was upset because her teachers said she HAD to come in when they rang the bell. I can only imagine the look on her face when she realized that she was NOT running the show! I LOVE teachers! Here she is with her best friend from school.

Sweet baby Dane is walking everywhere these days and rarely stops for anything or anyone. When we drop Ellery off at school, he is always excited and anxious, as if he were going to stay, too. As a result of this, I have to let him walk around as much as possible without interrupting the other classes. Then, I typically let him cruise around in the back of the car for another five minutes before wrestling him into his car seat! This child keeps me moving!!!

Last weekend, Darin played "Mr. Mom" while I attended a 40th b-day party on Friday and a baby shower on Saturday evening. I am pretty sure he was completely exhausted by the end of the weekend, although he would never admit it. Here are a few pictures from the baby shower. . . .I have been so fortunate to make good friends in San Diego. These are a fantastic group of women whom I am blessed to call friends. By the way, the picture of me with the pregnant woman, Beth,--that was my "Hollywood" pose(NOT SERIOUS).

Here are a few more pictures from our visit with grandpa. This is now the face we get from Ellery when we ask her to pose for a picture. . . this reaction is one I would expect from a 5 year old boy, not my dainty little 3 year old!!

Last week, we went to visit grandpa at the nursing home. He has been there for about a month and we are hoping he can come home as soon as he is rehabilitated. It has been quite difficult on grandma as she is spending most of her days at the home. After 62 years of marriage, they are still very much in love and we were fortunate to capture this tender moment between them!

Dane is going through a lovely phase where he eats, and then proceeds to throw what he does not finish. This is typically directed at my face or head, which makes for an interesting evening when we are having spaghetti night at the Libby house.

If you should feel so inclined, the rest of the pictures from our photo session are on the website. Go to: www.amandaprince.com , click on the main site, then click on client lounge, then type in lovely libby for the password.

A few from my birthday celebration. Do you think Dane likes cake??

Last weekend, we headed out to the desert for a couple of days. I am always fascinated by the beauty. . . .the dry weather, barren mountains and extreme heat all lend to this lovely place with unique flowers, cactus and "brown" mountains. The temperature was quite warm(around 100 degrees), so we spent a great deal of time in the pool. Dane was unsure at first, but eventually grew comfortable and enjoyed the water. Ellery was born part mermaid, so she was in her element!!!

Last weekend, Dane FINALLY started walking(at 14 months of age). This was a bit concerning to us, as Ellery started at 10 months. All the same, he is walking, but only very slowly and quite cautiously. As you can see from the pictures, he feels the need to keep his arms held out straight for balance. . . .no daredevils here!!!

Happy Mother's Day! We spent our day in Orange County with Darin's mom, grandma, aunts, uncle and cousin. We had a lovely brunch and then went to visit grandpa. I spent some time alone shopping and even got in a run by myself--heaven!! As indicated by the pictures, having a relaxing lunch with small children is nearly impossible!

On Friday, I took the children to Legoland for a few short hours. Several reasons I love Legoland: 1. Proximity to our home 2. Rarely as crowded as other theme parks 3. Lots for both children to see and do 4. Clean!

Last week, we had some pictures taken by a professional photographer for Dane's one year portrait. Follow this link, click on the blog link on the left, and scroll down for a peek at some of the pics: www.amandaprince.com I researched many photographers, but was most impressed by her great flare for lovely pictures that are not "staged".