Painting

Before Auntie Rach left Vegas, she raided a classroom supply store that was going out of businesss. One of her great finds was this small sized easel for Lola! We had to try it out, and she loves it!

Lola's initiation to her easel: painting with water. I'm a huge fan because of the "cleanup" :)

Checking out the paintbrush.
Really going for it with paint now!

I turned around for 30 seconds and she was painting on the floor before I knew it!

I found these awesome organic, plant-based paint powders. Mix it with a little water and it's washable, safe, and smells good too! Lola picked out the pomegranate for today's project.

The masterpieces. Isn't she talented?

Getting SO big!

With a little help from Bub and Nana, Lola learned how to climb up to the top of the slide, got a little help from Bub getting onto the slide, and went down all by herself. She slept VERY well!

Summer at the Lake

You gotta love the warm summer days and when clothes are not necessary!

Carousel

Just another Saturday night...Dan, Lola and I eating taco truck. Lola had her favorite, the "dilla" (quesedilla) beans, and horchata. On our way home, we were driving by Riverfront Park, and when I saw the carousel, I asked Dan if we should take Lola on her first ride. He reminded me that he had never been to the carousel himself, so they had their first ride together :)

I was a little nervous that she wouldn't like it...

...I was wrong! Blurry, but you can definitely see her smile!

A quick exploration of the fountain before we headed home.

The Boys from the Burg

Last weekend, we went to Palmer Lake and were joined by Dan's friends from Ellensburg and their wives & girlfriends. These boys all grew up together and have stayed close friends. Now, all of the girls have become close friend as well, so we have a great time when we get all together! Having ten adults around, Lola got a lot of attention and she loved everyone and every minute of it!

Kerry, Morgan and I stayed up late making smores. The girls: All six of us! Lauren, Morgan, Kerry, Lola, me and Michelle. Cuddling with uncle Cole. Lola's fort. She spent some time here eating snacks and reading her "Washington Birds" book, while I made lunch. Nice shades Lo!First swim in the lake!Hey Zane and Lola...show me your teeth!Party time!The boys. Dan, Cole, Zane, Jason & Nolan.

5 men and a little lady.

We had such a great time with the Boys from the Burg and cannot wait to have them back up to the lake again next summer!

The Cypress Tree

Father Bruno is an Italian priest who taught art at Gonzaga in Florence for many years. I took a drawing class from him when I studied there. He is an absolutely incredible man who has impacted thousands of students over the years, and who I learned a lot about life, art and wine from! He married Dan and I, and at our reception, he gave us a painting that he made for us of two cypress trees.

Bruno said that in Italy, cypress trees grow throughout much f the countryside, and they are always found growing in groups. If there is one cypress tree alone, it will not be alone for long. So our painting was of two cypress trees, representing our new family. He tucked a sharpie in the back of the painting and told us to draw in little cypress trees one day, as we add to our family.

We went to a baptism a few weeks ago, Fr. Bruno was in town and he told us to bring our painting to him so he could add in another cypress tree. All he had were crayons, which made me nervous, but I decided to trust him. It looks perfect!

Breckenridge

Two weeks ago, Lola and I went on vacation with my family to Breckenridge, CO. We met up with the Millers, family friends from Nebraska. When my parents were first married, Susy lived next door to them and was our babysitter, who quickly became like family. We had a wonderful time with Susy, her husband Scott, and kids Drew & Liesl, and cannot wait to go back!

Drew, Lola & Liesl in downtown Breckenridge.

Drew entertained Lola with a some Elmo songs...or did Lola entertain Drew???
Lola the fish, swimming with Auntie Ray-Ray.

Lounging with Nana & Liesl.

Lola hanging out on the steps of the chapel in Vail where my aunt Shelley was married when I was 18 months old. I was a flower girl, my mom was a bridesmaid, and Susy came to babysit! We had to sneak in and take a few pictures inside this beautiful little church.

The Nicholas girls.

The girls. We had a wonderful day together- just the girls. Swimming, shopping, and sushi!

Lola's first gondola ride.

Drew wanted to take Lola on a pony ride. It was her first!

She did great. I think they both had a good time!

Drew, Liesl, and Lola in the shades!

Nana and Stevo.

Lola and Susy.

The whole crew.

The "kids"