we’ve been a little m.i.a. from the blog lately, but it’s for good reason … ok, it’s not, but i’m trying here. work has just been kicking my ass and when i get home i just want to hang with mommy, the baby, and, i won’t lie, the tv. but, this last weekend was pretty eventful, including FOUR HOURS in the car going to and from st. helena for grandpa’s 85th birthday celebration. it was worth it, of course, because of the occasion, but i think i speak for all three of us when i say that i don’t think we’ll be doing it again anytime soon.

the food and the company were well worth it, though, and we were able to finally introduce my cousin danielle to ellie. she’s sent her so many cute clothing items and other little toys and had never even laid her own eyes on her. so, that was really nice. i’d love to post a picture of the two of them together, but since auntie d has failed to upload her pictures, that’s not possible. ;)

we … well, bryn, put together a really nice gift for grandpa on behalf of our little family, as pictured above, and grandpa loved it. he was so proud to show off the picture of him and ellie, and i’m sure he’ll be taking it to the donut shop to show his friends.

we love him and are really happy he’s still around to not only have seen ellie come into the world, but also watch her grow. she’s happy he has big fingers that she can try to teethe on.