Happy Birthday Grandma!

We wish you a happy year ahead!

At 18 Months, Eleanor Begins Daycare, Swims in the Pool, and is Daring in Pink

"Moh joos pls, cracker"

Last week Eleanor began to attend MWF daycare at SUNY Potsdam. She's going to spend 6 hours for 3 days a week with two wonderful teachers, and 7 other toddlers (whom she refers to as babies). Already Eleanor loves playing with all the new toys in her Toddler 1 room. She's giving them a definite challenge during nap time, but we're hoping that she gets more comfortable with her little cot as time goes on.

Just like Daddy, Eleanor wears her backpack to her first day of 'school.'

Eleanor at snack with her friend. She says please and welcome, but not thank you.

Pool time! "Weeeeee, gain, gain, Daddy."

"Up, up, up." Eleanor is wearing her cousin Alex's swimsuit!

Eleanor wore pink to church on Sunday. She LOVES her flower hat from the Conners, and didn't even try to take it off once during the entire service.

Mommy likes pink a little bit too.

'Okay enough, mom.'

Eleanor and the colored blocks

Like Father, Like Daughter

Eleanor and her daddy have a lot in common.

They're both terrible flirts.

They understand the importance of hiked-up argyle socks.

Neither of them can cook, except for pretend cooking (they're really good at that).

They LOVE to read (especially together).

They sweat when they sleep.

They love technology (Hello Helen!).

They have big feet. . . Wait a minute!

They both like to strut around in backpacks, looking important.

They're always sad to separate from one another. "Daddy, work." Says Eleanor.

There's a Bear in the Back Seat!

Fleeting Summer, Fleeting Youth

Can anyone tell me, where did my little baby go?

Big girl, big cheesy smile

What does the green light mean? "Gogogogogo!"

"Vrrrmmmmm"

"Up, up, up!"

Running after 'the boy,' from down the street. Eleanor is obsessed with him, and chants 'boy, boy, boy' as she watches him bounce balls and ride by on his bike.

"Apples, apples, apples."

Eleanor Runs on Dunkin'

No comment needed.

Donut nirvana

I would like to add that Daddy brought home the donuts. Not mommy.

Eleanor and Civilization

This weekend we brought Eleanor to the Ottawa Museum of Civilization. She had a wonderful time running wild in the Children's Museum portion, and then promptly fell asleep in her stroller for the rest of our visit.

We're realizing that as Eleanor grows, so does our appreciation of museums, art, and architectural beauty. . . because we get to discover it anew with her fresh young and eager eyes.

Dave and (sleeping) Eleanor in the beautiful Native People's atrium at the Museum of Civilization.

Eleanor and Daddy swab the deck- at the Children's Museum

Eleanor confidently rides a camel. "Yah, yah!" Says she.

Eleanor served us sushi in a Japanese restaurant- with flair.

Eleanor white knuckles a street ride with daddy.

Stage mom, baby on stage.

In the Native People's gallery.

double, double deckers

"Take me back, please!"

A few More Summer Pictures (Grandma's favorites)

Eleanor reads at the Minneapolis Public Library

My mom and I took pictures during our visit with different cameras. Here are a few from Grandma's camera!

Eleanor met her cousins Dylan and Alex at Leggo Land at the Mall of America. She adores them.

Eleanor blows bubbles at the cabin (note her new Carhart overalls from Grandma)

Eleanor waves 'bye bye' to her Auntie Molly and Grandpa as they begin a canoe trip

Auntie Molly, Eleanor and pinneapple

leanor rests at the Science Museum Dino display

Every morning Eleanor and Grandma read books

Peak a who?

Eleanor Shops (with a little help)

And one video. . .