Nor Cal

Last week we were able to visit my sister, brother-in-law, and their four girls in California. Mia was, once again, a traveling champion (the direct flights helped) & even slept through the night in her carseat when we were delayed four hours on our red-eye flight back to DC.

We had a great time catching a glimpse of a week in the the life of the Jackson family and were left in awe of Amy's organizational skills. Mia loved spending some quality time with her cousins and made a special bond with Lizzy, in particular. We enjoyed a fun and relaxing trip and ate a LOT of really good food. Taylor even made both savory & dessert crepes for us in addition to all of Amy's culinary masterpieces... We were really spoiled. Thanks for being such great hosts!

Taylor, Charlotte, Mia, & Lizzy reading books together the morning we arrived.

Mia getting ready to hike at Rock City.

McKenna, Sydney, & Lizzy showing off their mountain goat skills.

The Crew... minus Amy who is taking the picture & Charlotte, who is behind Taylor's large head.

The Inzerellos in Rock City.

Sydney, Lizzy, & McKenna - Queens of the Hill

On Saturday, we watched McKenna and Sydney's soccer games & got to see Taylor take on the roles of both official & coach at the respective games. (He didn't do both at the same time, although he is probably very capable... the man can multitask.)

We also got to go to the local Farmers' Market where they had a little bit of everything...hot donuts, tortillas of every flavor, homemade pasta... even karaoke! I was in heaven.

Amy & Lizzy picking out some green beans & eating some juicy pears.

Sydney & McKenna

All the cousins together - this was attempt #23, I think.

Charlotte & Mia are over it.

Amy and Charlotte

Saying our goodbyes...

The fate that awaited us at the airport. Washington - Delayed... Indefinitely... Forever.

We were sad to go...We miss NorCal and the Jacksons already!

Rice Cereal

Mia is now just shy of 5 months old and has taken an interest in our food lately, so we decided it was time to start her on solids. This past weekend we mixed up some very appetizing rice cereal (mmm...), strapped a bib on Mia for the first time, and went for it. We are only 2 days in, but so far so good. She ate in small quantities, but did in fact swallow on occasion.

Getting ready for the big moment

There was a little excitement...

...and a little anxiety...

"Mmmm...doesn't this look good, Mia?"

I don't think she's buying it.

So perhaps it was not her favorite meal... Certainly not as tasty as when Dad gave her a tiny taste of ice cream when I wasn't looking...

...but she didn't cry...

...although she may have left feeling a little disatisfied in the end...

DAY TWO

Lookin' good, baby... lookin' good. Just keep it down, please.