The Lake, Part 1

The annual trip to Lake Erie this year was more exciting than normal since it was Ella's first time going.

She is the 5th generation to go to VBP. Nate and I hoped she would love the water since we both do. The lake is normally very cold, so we were not sure how she would handle it. I'm proud to say that Ella loved the water, the beach and all of the extra attention from friends and family. Ella got to meet more of the Deans, more Winschel cousins (2nd/3rd cousins? Not sure anymore the relation to Ella), more great aunt and uncles and family friends. It was an atypical week. No rain, and very hot. Nate and I had wonderful help from family and even got a date night! Here are some of my favorite photos. 

Our first sunset as a family at VBP

Spending time with Uncle Matt

Ella's first time in Lake Erie. She didn't cry. We take this as she likes it. 

Taking naps in the sunshade. I love this photo, Ella patting daddy on the head. So sweet. 

Swimsuit and hat #2

Proof that I was there too.

Loving on cousin Paul

More love from Uncle Matt

Playing in the water with Grandpa David

Sunset late in the week with family

Great Aunt Suzanne. It was a windy day. 

Trying to take a nap during the wind storm. Rocking her whale beach blanket, compliments of Great Aunt Cindy H. 

Playing with Grandma Jeanne. Teaching Ella new tricks. She loves to stand.

Chatting it up with 2 of her Great Aunts, Judy and Suzanne.

How can you not love this place? Looking for sea glass (a.k.a. Lucky stones) and getting splashed by the waves.

Tradition to take a family photo when you leave.

My cat

So, I have a cat. It is not Nate's cat. He does not claim her. The cat annoys him. Actually, I think it just her existence and her hair that annoy him. So, we now have a fish. It was a present for Nate. So now we have Nate the beta fish. The fish lives in the nursery and the cat has ignored the fish....until now.

Nate returned from Ohio and the fish's water was very low. Also, items that were sitting next to the fish bowl were knocked on the ground. The fish was cowering under his plant. We came to the conclusion that the cat was drinking the fish water. Crazy. My cat just isn't smart enough to get the fish. Anyway, at first I didn't want to believe that my sweet cat was doing this. Then, one day while nursing Ella I watched my cat walk into the nursery, hop into the crib, hop onto the cube that the fish sits on and stick her head into the fish bowl and start drinking. 

Sigh

So, I am now having to watch the cat anytime the nursery door is open. I also got to change the sheets on the crib. 

I love my cat. 

Ella and Ava (cat)

Extra Ohio Time

Due to my dad's stroke, Ella and myself spent some additional time in Ohio. Nate was able to come in for the weekend but had work and travel for work during the week.  Ella and I stayed with my mom and we were able to visit dad/grandpa in the hospital and spend time with my sister and her family. We are trying to focus on the positives of this situation. My dad continues to improve. I will write separate posts on his progress. Here are some snapshots from the Ohio time. My dad was moved from the facility in Lima to one in Columbus on July 3rd, so we traveled into Ohio over the holiday.

Rocking the fourth of July outfits. Cuddling with dad. 

Nate took a walk with his niece Savannah. At some point the walk ended for Savannah and she got a ride back. 

Nate getting in some play time with Ella while we were visiting the Eves

I picked up a jumper for Ella since she loved her cousin's so much. 

My Eve ladies. Cici is sitting in her high chair and trying solids. Of course Sav is trying to help. 

Time with grandma. My mom trying to get Ella to fall asleep. It actually worked. 

Ella made a new friend. Nate's cousin Colleen is at OSU and came over to the hospital to watch Ella so I could visit with dad. 

Latest trick, working her way onto her side and then she just balances there.