Tom, Jess & Eloise: Sum-sum-summer Time

This happens every year, suddenly it's the end of August, the state fair is starting, labor day is right around the corner and even though I've been done with school for EIGHT years, I still get that weird back to school feeling. I think the word "bittersweet" sums it up. I absolutely love fall, it's my favorite season, but there is something sad about summer ending. The other weekend Tom and I were able to sneak out of town alone for the first time since Eloise's arrival. It was absolutely wonderful. We officially decided where to go friday night and left saturday morning. My parents happened to have a free weekend in which they could enjoy every second with Eloise (and vice versa). We went to a place just outside of Two Harbors, MN and stayed on Lake Superior. Aaaaah, so beautiful and so refreshing. We had no major plans besides trying to unwind a little bit. I think relaxation hit while I was reading a book, listening to the waves of lake superior, and enjoying a glass of wine. That is a trifecta of goodness in my world (it doesn't take much these days people!).

A sunny view of lovely Lake Superior from our room.

A quick rain shower on its way.

Back to sun...and an awful self-portrait. So awful that it makes me laugh and I wanted to put it on here. One, it was so bright that I could barely keep my eyes open. Two, we got massages so my hair is beyond greasy. And three, what is that one strand of hair that is sticking straight up?

We walked around Gooseberry Falls and went on a bike ride starting from there too. This is what we do when it's just the two of us, self-portraits...

...and solo shots

The scenery never fails here.

My parents had a fab time with Eloise. It was so reassuring knowing that she was going to have a great weekend too. Thanks again mom and dad! We brought over a ridiculous amount of "baby stuff" to their house. I wrote pages of notes for my mom. On the way out the door (literally as the door was shutting) I remembered to yell out "oh yeah, Parker eats a cup of food a day!" Poor dog. I'm glad we remembered to even bring him...kidding, but my how times have changed.

My dad took these photos and I adore them.

Eloise is now doing about 50% crawling and 50% creeping. She crawls on unfamiliar territory, like grass and playground rocks. I took her to a little playground in our neighborhood and we actually played with more than just a swing ride, very exciting. Although I was watching her like a hawk to make sure she didn't try to eat any little rocks.

Just because I have no other photo for in between paragraphs...

Still no teeth but I do believe Eloise has had some gum pains lately. She was notably crabby for a few days. All babies cry and whine, including Eloise, but for the most part I would describe her as very happy. But when she had her crabby pants on it made for some looong days. We're still not sure exactly why but Eloise puked last Saturday, just one time, one hurl if you will. Poor Grandma Leisa got the brunt of it. However, Eloise was fine that night and the next day. I'm posting some photos of Leisa and Eloise during happier times to erase the vomit memory :) She didn't eat anything new and wasn't otherwise sick so maybe a side effect of teething?

And just some other random items.

Eloise was feeding Parker and laughing when he licked her fingers. I AM thankful for a dog that eats everything dropped on the floor. A lot of food goes overboard and it's nice to have one less thing to clean!

Eloise and Brayden playing in the pool. It held their attention for a surprising amount of time. I love these little swim shirts that have SPF in them. Less sunscreen to apply is a major bonus. Baby swim suits are to-die-for cute but these are so practical.