Pasty White Beach Bums

We went to the beach for the first time since living here, and Bella's first time ever. She didn't mind the lack of water toys- we didn't bring buckets, shovels, floaties or anything else. She had a blast running from the sand to the water and back, scooting on her knees in the shallows, kicking the incoming waves, and hanging out in her old bouncer when she got tired. I think that's the most use the bouncer has seen since she was a month old, when she realized she didn't like being strapped down to anything, music and relaxing vibrator notwithstanding.

Somehow, Bella didn't look as pasty as Ryan and I did, although she certainly doesn't get any more sun exposure than we do. I think I should spend a little more time out by the pool in the next couple of weeks, or the Harvey's are going to need protective eye wear when we go up to Pineview.

The Gulf Coast Beach Experience

We took this video on Saturday down on Galveston Island. Bella had such a blast she didn't even mind missing her nap for it. As far as beaches go I would give it a 7 (1 being cold and ugly, 10 being Puerto Rico- warm and gorgeous). Ike didn't leave many trees standing when he came through last year, so there wasn't any shade. The water was a little brownish near the shore, but it was just as warm as the caribbean. After all the disclaimers we got from friends about Texas beaches being ugly, we were happily surprised. It was much prettier than lots of California beaches I've been to.

I'll post the pictures as soon as I can.

She Needs some Dress-Ups

Unless you have microscope vision, you'll probably need to click on the pictures to see them better. She was strutting around the house in my shoes- as usual- but when she saw me whip out the camera she started doing runway facials and throwing some cheesy grins.

She wandered the house with the tube on for at least half an hour, bumping into things and getting stuck in tight places. She didn't want to remove it until her shoe fell off and she couldn't see where it was to put it back on. And the swimsuit... She comes to me and brings me the top and bottom and insists I put them on her. She might just want to go swimming, come to think of it.

Ballarina Bella

Bella was endowed with a great sense of rhythm at birth, but she is developing this talent more fully with the inspiration of Michael Jackson's musical talent. She was trying moves that I've never seen. I doubt anyone has.

Step Master in Training

I tried exercising while Bella was awake yesterday. Bella was thrilled about her front row seat, and bobbed her head to the beat of the workout music. I resorted to weight lifting when my jumping and stepping on the bench didn't deter her from reclaiming the throne.

Now-a-Days

Alicia's Wedding

Alicia is married, and it happened more than a month ago.
As you can tell, Bella really enjoyed it.
This is the only picture I got of Bella in her dress.

You might notice that the only pictures I have posted are at the Bountiful Temple. Although we also went to a fabulous wedding dinner the night before at The Tiburon, and the wedding reception held in my parent's backyard, my camera didn't see anything but the inside of my purse. I didn't even get a picture of myself in my surprise bride's maid dress. (One of Alicia's three bride's maids was unable to attend the wedding, and since her dress fit me I became her bride's maid by default.)

In case you are wondering, Shaylee doesn't have a case of pre-pubescent acne. They really are mosquito bites.

Welcome to Houston!

We're not in Kansas any more (I think that's the last time I'll use that line). We have been enjoying the 100+ degrees of Houston for more than two months now.

This was Bella outside at the hottest time of day on the 4th of July. We were assisting Ryan as a city employee working at the Sugar Land celebration. No, Bella isn't sun burned. We took to pouring bottles of water over her to cool her down. We spend most of our days inside with the a/c.

Ryan didn't want to go near the snakes so I took Bella to drape snakes around our necks for her first time.

We also went to the Houston Zoo. Bella's favorite part was the petting zoo section. The brushes are intended for grooming the animals, but Bella preferred beating the mini-goats instead of brushing them.