Catching up and gearing up

The blog has been neglected. But no longer. We're back on board. And just in time -- it's going to be a busy couple of weeks around here, starting yet this week.
We're celebrating Elise's 1st birthday on Saturday, but before that, we're all playing hooky from work and school Friday for a pre-birthday family outing.
After this weekend, she's got her 1-year check-up. And, she's on pace to start taking steps on her own within a few weeks.
But for now we'll ease back into blogging. It's hard work, you know.
Here are several random photos from the past few weeks:

I'm going to save this picture so that when Elise comes home one day at age 15 sporting a Mohawk, I will have proof that it only looks good at age 1.

Her shirt says, Super Cute. Super Cute for a red Stormtrooper.

Steady hands yield precision, but jerky arms produce a child's painting -- and modern art!

Skip Italy and check out the Leaning Tower of Elise-a.

Nearly tall enough to make my coffee -- or to get herself seconds and thirds on toast.