Vacation!

July began with a bang this year! The Basso Famiglia is officially on vacation! We started our month off with a visit to Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Brooke. We picked up Mamaw Charlotte and headed to the 'Haute on Sunday afternoon. It was the first time we had been to their house and it is absolutely lovely. Bella had a blast. Among the highlights: playing catch with Lexi-dog, eating cookie dough given to her by an overly-accomodating Uncle Jeremy, or cuddling with Aunt Brooke at the end of the visit. We were overjoyed with the first and last activities. As for Uncle "Cookie-Monster", all we can say is paybacks are hell. Here is a photo of our little Bellaboo with her benefactor. She is all hopped up on sugar and raw eggs.

On Tuesday, Nana and Gpa Adkins came for a visit. The girls hit Kohls while the menfolk put up Bella's tree swing. (All parents reading this blog: Kohls is having their summer clearance right now.) When we returned home, Bella took a test swing and decided that she quite enjoyed it. We haven't heard this level of giggling and squealing to date. After the inaugural swing, Nana and Gpa fed Bella lunch, while Mom and Pop hit Panera for a much-needed lunch date. Then we all went to Sam's Club for a little bulk shopping. After the Adkins left for home, we headed to Stride Rite to get munchkin some new kicks. Turns out that she is a size 5.5 now, so I'm glad we went when we did! Thanks Nana and Gpa for the new sneakers!
Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, which we plan to spend quietly at home. Bella will probably take a dip in the pool and we will most likely grill out. Papa has become quite the grill-master as of late. On Thursday, we're heading to the Children's Museum! On the first Thursday of every month, families get free admission from 4 to 8 p.m. We thought it would be an excellent time to take a dry run. However, we are pretty confident that Bella will like it as much as we did when we were kids! On Sunday, we plan on taking a little walk on the Monon with the Stalls. We are anxious to see Little Man again! Keep your fingers crossed for good weather!