Cousins 3

This past weekend, Nathan and Barbara trekked up to Wisconsin and Minnesota from Chicago with their very happy traveler, baby Sanne. At nearly 8 weeks, she's sweet, expressive, smiley, and hardly intimidated by her jolly green giant boy cousins. The boys were very sweet with her, especially during their g diaper photo shoot. Sanne was a serious sport for these shots, being nearly rolled on a few too many times. (By the way, how is it possible that Owain is almost a year younger than Ellis?! Look at that boy - he's a linebacker, just like his Boompa!)

I should note that I shamelessly stole these great photos of Nathan and Barbara's visit from their blog - credit goes to Barbara, photographer extraordinaire. Here are the beautiful mom and dad with their wee Sanne, after another delectable meal from mom Nordlund.
Chris, Ellis and I came home yesterday after spending the better part of the week in Minneapolis. It's nice to be home, despite the wicked winds and frigid temps. I'm dreaming about landscaping the garden now. Some ideas are percolating - I've requested a number of books from the library for inspiration - now we just need some warmer, garden-digging weather and a good long weekend to dedicate to the job.
Ellis loves to spend time with his dad in the garage workshop. The photo above was taken there this morning. And I think it's safe to assume the beer bottles were already empty when he showed up. Finding inside fun is a challenge when we've had a taste of spring. Ellis would spend every waking moment outside if he could. But today he kept himself busy for a good half hour, hauling blocks and sticks and toys around the living room in the kettle.
Ellis is a joy and an exhausting boy, as he's always been. He's busy and inquisitive and wants in on everything, from cooking to reading to driving the car. "Auntie!" and "GaGa!" (grandma) have been added to his repertoire of words, which has made for a VERY happy gaga and auntie. He puts words together and even counts to three - something new every day - it's incredible.
We can't wait to take these boys swimming and in the bike trailer and up to our family's cabin... so much yet for Ellis and Owain to discover, and that much more that we get to anticipate rediscovering. What a gift.