Smiles and Giggles

We've had a great week with a lot of activity. Unfortunately, Evelyn's week has not been so spectacular. She had a doctor's appointment yesterday and we found out that she has three different kinds of skin rashes, constipation, and a respiratory virus. Poor baby! It was also time for four different immunizations. She doesn't seem to let these things get her down though and is still all smiles and giggles between her coughing, sneezing, and straining. I guess she is the glass-half-full kind of person, and since this is the stage when personality starts showing we have high hopes that this laid back attitude is here to stay.


So, without any further ado, we'll get to the pictures:

This picture is to demonstrate the beautiful weather we've been having. We go on walks regularly, and they finally put the nets up at the tennis courts on our block. We even used some of our gift card money (from the baby shower) to buy a small, portable stroller which stays in the car, making it easier than ever to take Evelyn with us.

Here is the car we drove for the better part of this week because somebody backed into ours and it was in the shop getting fixed. We were grateful that they left their name and insurance information. Hooray for honest peopel! It was nice to get our own car back again- this car used as much gas in three days as our car does in a week and a half!

Let the grilling season begin! We are loving our little portable grill- we can take it anywhere, or we can have a good back-yard barbecue as seen in the picture.

On Saturday we went to the Geauga county maple festival after a pancake breakfast at IHOP. They had a parade and a fairgrounds with rides and booths. Here's Rachel eating some delicious apple dumplings with pure maple syrup. Yum!

About two months ago I had purchased a new (used) bike because the other one was stolen. Well, this week that new bike was stolen too- out of our garage. I guess I am learning the hard way that in Cleveland you either lock it or lose it. Let this be a warning to anyone who lives in the area. Anyway, it gave me a good excuse to get another new (used) bike- this time a Trek. We decided that the gas money we save by having me ride is worth the expense. It's a nice bike and I'm excited about it.

Of course we need to include pictures of Evelyn. I think these are the best we have this week. In the top one she is in the middle of one of her cute little squeals. She is growing so fast that it surprised the doctor- twelve and a half pounds now! She is a very happy baby, which makes for two very happy parents. She has quickly worked her way into our hearts and is the joy of our lives.