Welcome Back!

 Finally! I've got the layout updated and new photos. I'd like to start writing on here again as well! :)

Look, Daddy, a flower!

 

Our little Kia that could!

 The last two weeks of May we took our first Family Trip across a few states to Indiana! Josh's family had been anxiously wanted to spend time with Elynna. Oh, and Josh and I, too.  :)

Stop in Denver at the Apple Store

Here's the quick run down: We spent our first several days with Grandpa Weaver and Grandma Sue in Daddy's hometown of Valpairaso, IN.

Looking at Grandpa's koi pond.

Grandma wouldn't hardly let anybody else hold Ellie :)

Cheese!

Ellie's first taste of dandelion!

Beautiful Baby Girl

At GracePoint on Sunday morning

We made a surprise stop at the Aarkelins. Aaron unfortunately was playing disk golf, but Sonia and Mazie graciously entertained us.
Then we hung out and played some games.

We even got to visit The Cross Family a couple times.

White Castle!

Anyone up for some Quelf? We were!

Auntie Leslie with Ellie-bellie

Aunt Leslie and Oliver joined us for the weekend and Leslie gave Mommy a much needed new hair do!

From Left: Grandma Sue, Aunt Leslie, Aunt Heather, Uncle Bill, and Grandpa Weaver

Our first visit with Great Grandma Weaver

Ellie got to meet Great Grandma Weaver in Portage, IN as well. 

Together at last!

Grammy and Paw Paw in Knox was our next stop. They were both thrilled to meet Baby Ellie. Ellie greeted them with raspberries and "da-das." Grammy had lots of toys to share with Ellie.

Happy PawPaw and Grammy

Great Grandma and Grandpa Krupa

 Great Grandma and Grandpa Krupa were so happy to see Elynna for the first time! We enjoyed pizza and pop around there kitchen table in Portage, IN.

Elynna also got to meet Kara and Elisha and Jonah McFadden. We played a Monopoly card game and Jonah (8 years old) schooled us!

Mommy and Daddy got a couple date nights and a whole day in Chicago! 

Edgewater Grill in Culver, IN

Chicago Skyline at sunset (after an awfully WET day)

A cloud off of Lake Michigan behind us... and a hotdog stand

Al's #1 Italian Beef. Mmmmm!

An Octopus attacked me at Field's Museum

Jellies at Shedd's Aquarium

My friends Christa and Nate Dame and their boy Josiah

Elynna grew so much while we were there! She started crawling on her hands and knees! She started saying "da-da" and "ba-ba" and even "ma-ma" every once in a while. She also started clapping... thanks to repeated encouragement from the grandparents. By the end of the trip she was attempting to pull herself up to her knees. 

Grandpa's Dog, Emmy

Oh, the dogs were probably some of Ellie's favorite things on the trip.

A stop in Iowa

High Five, Daddy! (Lunch at Panera's)

 

She also got a new big girl car seat by the time we left!

There's a quick update. It's good to be back. I'm in full swing with my new job at River of Life Church as the Children's Ministry Director. Josh is enjoying being at home and doing lots of freelance design. 

Last night we had dinner with my family. My little sister Crystal is in town for the summer so it's nice to see her.

Anyway, gotta go get some prep work done. See you again soon!