Summer Vacation!!!

Well summer vacation is finally here and I couldn't be happier! No work, no more getting up early, and no more long to do lists. I'm looking forward to doing lots of fun things with Ella again this summer. Last summer we had a blast and I expect now that she is a year older this year will be even more fun. This will also be the last summer that she is an only child so I'm going to take advantage of only having one and do all we can! One of the things we are doing again this summer are swim lessons and Ella is enjoying them even more than last time. She smiles the whole lesson and even remarked "this is awesome!", many times. In this class they wear a float block on their back which helps them be more independent and she loves that. She can kick and paddle her way back and forth across the pool without any help from me. However she is still not to thrilled with putting her face in the water so we're working on that. Other things we are doing include classes again this summer at Gymboree. This year we are taking art and a play and learn class. She really enjoyed it last year and she is already excited about going again. We will also take some trips to the zoo, the beach, library, museum, and any other fun spots. She has never been to the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, so I also hope to go there. In mid July my sister Beth will come to visit so we are excited to see her and her growing belly! (We are due a month apart!). In early August Ella and I will fly to Florida to visit my mom, dad, and Beth. This will be my last trip down until after the new baby is born so I am looking forward to going. As for baby #2, he or she is still cooking. I still feel sick from time to time, but I'll live. We find out in a week and a half what gender our little on is. Can't wait for the big ultrasound. I'm still guessing boy :)