The One with the Bright Orange

It's been a crazy few weeks for a couple reasons.
1. Hunting weekend. This is a weekend Matt looks forward to each year. It combines so many of his favorite things... nature, guns, fall, godly color of orange, camaraderie, the chase/hunt... and family together, he loves it all. His uncles come to ND each year to celebrate or participate this season and it was the first time he was able to introduce Grady and they all got to see Eleanor in her prime! Matt and Eleanor stayed the whole weekend and had a blast. It was good to see everyone but my favorite is always Kevin!

2. I'm officially back to work full time. I'll admit it's hard, I just haven't found my groove or gotten back into the swing of things yet.

3. Eleanor moved into the toddler room... where she's not confined by pack and plays or high chairs. Where she is the littlest one in the room. She's going outside regularly, she's making projects like a monkey for the letter M, singing songs, "sitting" on the carpet for learning time, etc. They say she's doing well and they complimented her on her use of utensils but also stated she doesn't like people getting in her personal space - so obviously we have a little bit of learning to do when it comes to playing with friends.. we'll get there.

4. Matt went down to fill his deer and turkey tag. He didn't have any problems getting the turkey tag, which is the one that mattered to me. Struggled a bit with the deer tag. He took his dad down to help him and Michele stayed and helped me handle both kids. On Sunday, it was a two grandparent day as we went out to drop some stuff off at the farm. I will say I snickered watching my dad play with Eleanor with a bucket on his head.

Her language is starting to come along. Her best word is apple but she's also working a bit on buckle, more, bye, hi, kitty, and baby. We've eaten a lot of apples lately to encourage the word association. She's still helping with Grady and even gives him kisses, which is more endearing than you may think because she doesn't even pucker up for Matt and I. The cutest thing ever was one morning when we were getting ready. Grady was in the bathroom in the rock in play which is at Eleanor's level. When she walked in, he looked at her and gave her the biggest smile... to which her response was to smile back. It's like they both realized they belong together.

ALR: okay, let's have supper!
EER: Apple.
ALR: First we need to have broccoli.
EER: Apple.
MJR: Mmmmm, broccoli.
EER eats broccoli and ham.
EER: Apple, apple.
MJR: Yes, yes, we will get you an apple.
EER: Apple.