She just gets better everyday...

Harper is almost 7 months and ever since our trip to California she has turned into a HAM. She is full of faces, smiles and sounds. Even though she now is reaching, arching, and moving all the time - she occasionally slows down for a cuddle.

Some new firsts...

While visiting SoCa Nanna at work in Newport Beach we decided to give Harper her first carousel ride at fashion island.

What a great dad!

Harper decided to forget her crib, she loved the King we were sleeping in - it has room for everyone!

SoCa Nanna decided to make Harper an official California Girl by getting her pink sunglasses.

Uncle Robbie gave Harper her first tour of Downtown Disney, next year the real deal.
Harper was eyeing our whole wheat pretzels so we decided to let her try one. She cried when we took it from her. Once it was soggy we worried about those big pieces that those two teeth can't manage.

SoCa Nanna made me my first fresh sweet potato and I LOVED it.

Uncle Robbie bought me my first "chucks" everywhere I go people always comment on them.

Bye Bye Mommy-itis-bring on the family.

Our welcoming in CA was swift, we arrived Friday afternoon and promptly had a great family gathing on Sat. Harper was able to meet everyone for the first time- great grandmother, great aunts and uncles and loads of cousins. She struggled at first with being passed around but by the end of the day she was broken in. It was great to see the natural knack my brothers had with her. They both were so calm and easy, they must have reminded her of her dad.

Harper's "uncle gogie"

What sweetness!

Harper just let him hold her forever.

How did she know that her "uncle gogie" was the one in great shape to be a human jumping machine.

The doting grandfather and his girls.

The whole clan...(Rob, Lorae, Harper and Rory).

Rory and Harper getting some quality time.

This is the way Rory used to kiss me when I was little too!

Our whole Riverside brood...What a crew! This made our trip complete.

Aunt Roxanne and Lorae. The genes run strong in this family...!

I cannot explain how much I loved introducing Harper to my grandmother. Seeing them play together made me remember how much I loved being with her as a child. I wish that everyone could experience this, it truly overwhelms you with love.

They weren't completely happy moments but we tried.

Four generations of girls...I have been waiting for this picture.

Harper with her cousin Hector.

Uncle Cal and Aunt Shelly (aka Black Cat/Peter Pan/Herman the Elf). I cannot wait for the holidays to begin for Harper-she will receive endless entertainment from these two.

Aunt Roxanne tried but all she got was the Charlie Brown sqaure mouth. So sad!

Grandma getting ready for her close up.

Harper with my "Uncle Gogie" (aka Uncle Rory too).

Harper with cousin Jennifer. No fussing here!

Harper needing some time alone with her daddy.

For some reason this picture reminds me of the "Wizard of Oz" (red maryjane tights with hunt's gingham shirt). I know these feet will one day be wearing those ruby red shoes that all little girls love.

These two sisters are always looking like trouble!
I know that I have this exact same picture from one of my bridal shower. Parties hard and crashes hard.

My cousin Summer was not able to make the BIG family gathering but brought her son, Ian to come visit us on Sunday. Summer and I are only a year apart and she was the closest thing to a sister I had when I was little. She is an amazing mom and it is so nice having her around. It is always amazing to have people in your life that you can pick up where you left off, like it was yesturday - she is one of those people for me.

"Vacation - All I ever wanted...Vacation - Had to get away..."

Look at these glowing family members who loved FINALLY getting to hold Harper.
Harper and Uncle Robbie

Harper and grandad.

SoCa Nanna feeding our amazing eater.

Like a baby bird...takes every last nibble.

Fresh off the plane, what a great first time flyer.

Strap on the feedbag!

With Harper's 6 month check up we got the okay to begin introducing real food...We began with rice cereal and we discovered that we have a "foodie". Since this introduction we have gone through one container of cereal a week - WOW. Harper has been a petite little girl but we know that this will soon be changing.