Reunited and it feels so good!

We had quite a few reunions to get excited about this past week. First, Monday was my last day of work for the school year, so Allie and I are happily slipping back into our work-free mode. We're filling our days with mother-daughter morning coffee walks to Caribou, partner runs in our running stroller with Allie pushing while I nap (you got me - that's not true at all, I usually stay awake), dates with friends, and (to Chris' dismay) 'errands' (read: trips to Target & Babies R Us, they know me by name). My mom left Wednesday after letting me take a shower, which she may not agree to again, because knowing she was leaving may have possibly contributed to a longer-than-usual sudsing. Allie was sad to see her Grandmom go, but we're looking forward to a reunion in a few weeks when we head to the shore.

All that running makes for a tired Al.

Someone's extremely proud of the fact that she just kept rolling until she was off the blanket.

OK, now you roll it to me...Abs...look alive, buddy.

Woooooahhh.

I will not say 'Goodbye,' Grandmom, only 'See you later.'

A reunion we've been waiting for since, well, since she left, was the chance to introduce our daughter to a family favorite, her Aunt Jones. Sara has been in South Africa for the past nine months working with the Peace Corps and we've been telling Allie all about her since she was a bundle in my belly.  Allie was thrilled to meet her and we even got a bonus treat with a visit from the Millers who were in town to welcome back the world traveler as well. Allie remembers her childhood trip to see them with fondness and was very excited to get more Miller-time.

Allie and her Aunt Jones, one of the few people who may be able to match her sheer joy for life.

Come closer...is it really you?!

Other family favorites, Sara's parents, Ed and Marionette Jones in a classic pose. Allie got to meet them at her baptism, but she let us know in no uncertain terms that she was due for another visit.

Why yes, the Ladies DO Love Cool James.

Happiness!

We're family, right? Give me your fingers, they belong in my mouth.

As if all of this wasn't enough, Christopher returned from his week-long mission trip to Sneedville, Tennessee. To his daughter's absolute delight, he's home and the family's together again. Nobody can send that girl into fits of giggles like her Daddy.

Nothing will stand between me, my Daddy, and my belly-laughs...not even my clothes.

Our final reunion that I am eagerly and hopefully anticipating is to be reunited with sleep...sweet....sleep. To that end, we're starting our girl on solids...stat. I waited patiently for Chris to return before giving rice cereal a go, but he came home Saturday night and you'd better believe Sunday morning out came the high chair. She loved it! We'll see if a full belly (Allie's, not Suz'...if only that were the solution!) helps Suz get a full night's sleep. Good thing she's cute :o).

Bring it here, woman.

Yes, some did get IN my belly...why do you ask?

 Happy 4th, everyone!