Whew....

How quickly our lives can change. Last Monday (July 20) Ellen decided it was time to crawl. She is now an expert and can get most anywhere she wants. The next day, Summer discovered, after months of climbing into her crib, that she can climb out of her crib. Since she is almost three, we decided it was time to pull the side of her crib off and turn it into a toddler bed. 

So, in the last week our house has been in a bit of upheaval as we adjust to the girls new talents. We are once again addressing the need for baby gates on our split level (with an uneven banister at the end of the stairs) house, and this time around they need to be ones that a toddler can get through. Anyone have any good solutions? We also have large amounts of baby proofing that needs to be done-cords, small toys, etc. Ellen also hasn't been sleeping well. She has a tooth coming in, and that combined with her new found crawling skill, she's been up late and taking short naps. 

Meanwhile, Summer has been enjoying her new found freedom. She's been up really late (11:30 one night), up early, and won't take naps-all making her really cranky. Plus she's almost three. I think we'll have a threenager on our hands. 

Amidst all this we have been trying to do all the normal life stuff plus I've been planning a family reunion for 65 people, I had a book I had procrastinated to read for book club (which I miraculously got done), it was Anders' birthday (more to come on that), we were recovering from one trip and are packing up for the next, and it was Pioneer Day. 

Anyway,  the last 9 days have been crazy and I will be glad when this family reunion is over.  

Bless the anonymous soul who sent us some chocolate.  We have discovered through trial that it is not poisoned, and in fact, quite good. Thank you to whomever sent it.