Reno

We took the family to Reno for a long weekend with the Colemans.  Vivian enjoyed the flights so much that she refused to sleep but she did manage to charm the other passengers. 

Much quality time was spent with the cousins:
 Picking blackberries on the banks of the Truckee River, 

Reading stories with all of the cousins (thanks, Aunt Jennifer!):

 And visiting Lake Tahoe, on a river boat cruise followed by a free concert on
the beach. 
 

Such a beautiful place, especially as viewed from the cold, silvery water of twilight, swimming to music with my daughters!

Crawling/Standing/Bouncing baby girl

To see Vivian's latest skills, and the craziness of her environment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6uEIHAt39o

'Seeing' the President

Waiting in line, in the hot sun, for 2 hours.

During the presidential election, we took advantage of the multiple visits of the candidates to our swing state by going to see President Obama speak at a rally on the CU campus.  Thinking it would be a good experience for the kids, we (insanely) took them along.

Entertaining the kids as the line *crept* forward.

Vivian could entertain herself when we finally reached our 'seats' on the green.

Waiting...

And waiting...

Mae found a place to take a nap.

The President spoke in front of the building in the distance. We couldn't see more than a dot waving it's arms; a bit underwhelming!

Souvenir!

Inside-out day

Nine months old, today.  As many months out as in (my tummy, that is!). 

Day at the race track

Mae and Adi were very excited to drive their own cars at Gateway Fun Park. That is, until they started actually driving. They both looked petrified (perhaps just concentrating?) and wanted to stop after only 2-3 rounds. We didn't even get charged.

And yes, I'm playing with Instagram.

Crazy hair day

 The big girls' preschool has been having 'themed days' this summer; here's what they wanted for Crazy Hair Day.

Adi:

Mae:

And the only reason Adi ever lets us braid her hair: so she can be "Miss Curly" the next day.

For the record

I want to keep a running list of milestones and events in Vivian's life:

Babbling:
'b', 'v', 'w' consanants: 7 months old
'm' (mama... but not used to mean anything) July 29, 2012 (8 mos)


Crawling:
first forward progress July 22, 2012 (almost 8 months old)
long journeys (kitchen to gate, hallway) by July 27.

Rolling:


Teeth:
Apr 20 2012, bottom front left (almost 5 months old)
soon after, bottom front right
July 2012, top front left (perhaps?) (almost 8 months old)