Now that it's cooler, it's been nice to play in the backyard insead of being couped up indoors. We recently got a little pad of grass so that Leila can play on something other than rocks. She loves to explore every inch of grass, every rock, plant, and bug in her path. She could probably stay out there for hours!
We took a trip to Santa Barbra this past weekend and had such a great time. It's never easy to travel with a little one who fusses in the car, but suprisingly Leila tolerated the 6 hour ride like a champ. She enjoyed playing with her Cousins and getting loves from her Aunt Kristin and Uncle Jon. The weather was a little rainy, but we still managed to walk to a little family pumpkin patch. We saw some animals, took a tractor ride, walked through the corn maze, and picked out a baby pumpkin. 
It was a great family weekend. I just wish Santa Barbra wasn't so far away so we could go there more often!
We love this cool weather. It's been in the mid 80's and so beautiful down by the water. I love this time of year. Leila loves her goldfish, and could probably sit and swing all day long. Nice thing is that she is now taking a second nap of the day! Win win for both of us!
It's funny how little kids learn how to do big people things just by watching us. Aunt Angie bought Leila a sparkly princess purse, and Leila immediately picked it up, looped her arm through the handle and started walking on her tip toes around the house. Just like that, all grown up! Now she'll need a purse to match her outfits! 
The weather is finally cooling off in the mornings and by cooling off, I mean it's not 95 degrees at 8:00, it's now 75 and beautiful! We've been out and about the last couple mornings hitting up a few different parks, attempting to find swings. We hiked uphill to a park by our house yesterday and was disappointed to find no swings. Leila was more interested in the adjacent dog park with all the barking canines. I think they wanted to eat her for breakfast. She thought they were funny. 
Not too sure of the slide
Today we found the swings down near the water at a nice little park. I think we will be going back there, but we had to share the swings and Leila didn't want to get off of them. She had fun rolling in the bark, and watching the big kids play. 
I love this time of year!
Leila turned ONE this weekend and her party was at the Pakes Ice Cream Parlor. We had such a great time preparing for her party. My sister, who is super creative had given me the idea for her party. She came a couple days early to help me get ready, and together we pulled off a great party.
Our little river girl loves to walk in the sand, put rocks and dirt in her mouth, and splash in the water. I remember watching video of me when I was her age, and dirt was my favorite too. The weather is still warm, but the afternoons before the sun goes down is a perfect time to play in the sand.
