The Past Week

I'd like to post more blogs more often of everyday happenings.  There are so many precious moments I'd like to remember and share with our family and friends.

Last Thursday (July 24th) Ellen and I were having lunch when she asked to look at the ketchup bottle. She started "reading" the letters on the front. By the time I grabbed my mobile to take a video she had stopped, but I thought it'd still be nice to post the video.

This was a very precious moment - Ellen and Brenna playing together in Brenna's room, and it's a great example of Ellen's funny personality.

This summer has been the nicest summer I've had while living in England - meaning, it's been warm, even hot, sun all day long and very few rainy or even overcast days.  We got out the paddling pool last week.  This was Brenna's first time in a swimsuit and paddling pool.

The girls are patiently waiting for me to get the water warm enough by pouring 3 kettles full of water into the paddling pool, despite having filled the pool in the morning.

Ellen said,"It's like a bath... outside!"

Me: "Ellen. Say cheese!" Oh, the reluctance to look at the camera.  The straps kept falling off her shoulders, so I finally convinced her just to take them off.

Our rhubarb plant has grown this much from being just a root a month ago.  Jeff's aunt gave us the root while we were in NI last month.

We thought it'd be fun to go to Chirk Castle in Wales on Saturday, since Ellen is becoming increasingly interested in princesses.  Ellen was only 5 months old the last time she visited this castle, so another visit was due.

Daddy and Ellen played a little croquet in the castle gardens before lunch.

We found a shaded place for our picnic. Brenna was napping in the pushchair/stroller.

Brenna loved rolling around and stretching out on the picnic blanket after her nap.

I was wowed by this giant, beautiful hydrangea.

In the garden

A very bright and colorful flower

We never actually made it into the castle, but we spent some time in the courtyard catching up with friends of ours from Shrewsbury. 

Brenna Boo can now sit up in a Bumbo seat!  She only lasts 5 minutes or so, but she loves being part of the action during our meals and I love having two hands to eat!

On Tuesday, a few of us from my "mum's group" got together and the girls made pizzas, even the pizza dough!