Green ocean before the Fall

Arielle had one last chance Sunday to put on that great Hawaiian dress from her family in California. This picture was taken in an ocean of trees on a highway that leads to Athens (home of REM and the Indigo Girls) on the way to a friends wedding. Arie is in her car seat with the dress on and often talks to herself softly when on long drives like this one. We still don't know what she is saying but she really means it when she says it. She has this one sound that she will always make when I tell her use her words or to ask for something. Music to my ears and heart.

Night falls

Night comes sooner than Arielle's ability to sleep. She commands the front yard with a fast walk around the edges and sleep is the last thing on her mind. Ari uses the hat to keep the hair out of her eye.

It's nothing a good walk around the yard can't fix. Ari has quite a long stride when she gets going.

All this late night catting around has brought out some new friends. This cat comes running over every time it see Ari out to play now.

Ari is still our little girl and we just can't help but take one last picture as sleep overcomes her. Her Mother sneaks in for a keep-sake. The flash cuts the pitch dark room to reveal Arielle all balled up and Lori remembers a time of closeness.

Lori was kind enough to take this picture for us because Ari is growing up faster than we can accept. Ari is going through a kissing thing now. She kisses us, books and boo boos too.

Brushing Teeth

Aloha

This shirt was a great gift. Ari sleeps in it for now but she has room to grow into it. We love it on her.

Ari says good morning or Hi to Momma. She doesn't say goodnight yet (she says bye bye and gives Daddy kisses) so it may be some time before we teach her to say Aloha.

Self cleaning orphan

More packing please

Where is Arielle???

Arielle is warming up for the big game!!??!!That's right, it's time for professional baby hide-and-go-seek.

Baby is still unpacking

Arielle is adding new sounds to her vocabulary and she is trying to put her own socks on by herself. She grows so much now when she sleeps and remembers more along with being hyper-observant of new things in her environment.

Baby has a messy day

A wise man once said that you can only change what you take responsibility for. California was a bitter sweet experience and there are some things that I take responsibility for and some things that I am grateful for and even some things that I cannot change. Lord give me the strength to know the difference.

We are home and happy, our love goes out to all unconditionally. Thank you for the lessons of commitment, determination and relentlessness. I have been humbled by the worker bees of A2Zfx. A chapter ends and a new beginning lies before us.