Mia's chores!

Dan and I decided that now that Mia is 8 months old, she is old enough to pull her own weight around the house so we put her to work on the chores. For some reason, Mia was very interested in the dish washer and the laundry on Sunday morning...a trait she most definitely gets from her Daddy!

Alexander Family trip to Apple Hill!

Along with Papa Peter, Grandma Shelly, Uncle Kevin, Auntie Michelle, and Baby Cousin Kaiya we went to Apple Hill on Saturday. Our plan was to have a relaxing day of apple tasting, but things changed as we approached Placerville. Apparently others wanted to partake in the apple festivities as well! Traffic was bumper to bumper and only got worse when we entered the Apple Hill area. A unanimous decision was made to skip the apples and head for the grapes! Instead we visited our favorite Apple Hill wineries and a brewery. A great time was had by all!!

Night out in the City!

Dan and I had our first real night out since Mia was born. Dan had a test to take during the afternoon and as soon as it was done, Mia and I picked him up and headed to the bay for Meeko and Emily's engagement party. We were able to make it in time to Meeko's parents house for the party. After the party, we dropped Mia off at her Auntie Steph's house so we could go to Meeko and Emily's after party in San Francisco. Mia was so excited to visit with Auntie Steph, Uncle Dan, and her new Dog Cousin Louie. Stephanie's photos below are super cute! Dan and I were so excited to have some time out with friends although it was a little wierd to not have Mia with us. We definitely missed her while we were out, but must admit we enjoyed the break!!

Santa Cruz with the Hunters

Mia and I picked Dan up from work on Friday and headed to the beach for a weekend getaway. We were lucky enough to have the Hunters join us on Saturday. Although it was overcast and a little chilly, we went down to the beach so the kids could play in the sand. As always, Mia and Dylan had a great time playing together. After dinner, Mia laughed hysterically as she chased Dylan around the family room...they are so cute together! We were very excited to get our first look at the new beach house! The old house has been torn down and the lot is being leveled...very exciting!!

Mia's New Milestones

For the past 6 weeks, Mia has been scooting around the house and she is getting quicker by the day! She has also started to scoot up onto us if we are lying on the ground playing with her. Yesterday, Mia surprised us by standing up on her knees and then pulling herself up to stand next to the ottoman! Luckily, I happened to be holding my camera at the time. Look at the photos below to see the series of events! Today, we took a trip to Babies R Us to invest in a baby gate for the bottom of the stairs. We have totally put off getting a baby gate because they are a hassle and an eyesore, but after seeing Mia start climbing the stairs today, it is now a must!

Oregon

Early Friday morning, we flew to Oregon to visit "The Thomas Five" of Portland. Along with Doc and Gram, the three of us had a wonderfully short and easy flight to Portland, especially when compared to the last flights we took to visit them when we flew halfway around the world to their home in Singapore! We were so excited to spend time with Roger, Mika, Ellie, Nisa, and Maile! In keeping with her tradition of giving Mia nicknames, Nisa's name for Mia this weekend was "Fuzzy Head"...so far that one has stuck pretty well! After we arrived on Friday, we headed to Mt. Angel for the big Oktoberfest celebration. Mia was lucky enough to be able to borrow an Oktoberfest dress so she was definitely in proper attire! We had a great time eating sausage with sauerkraut and drinking German beers while listening to the Polka bands. Mia was politely asked to leave the festivities at 9pm as no one under 21 years of age are allowed after that time. Unfortunatly, Mommy and Mia had to leave, but Dan was able to stay with Doc and Roger until closing! On Sunday, we were honored to serve as Maile's Godparents as she was baptised. The ceremony was really nice and Mai Mai did a great job! Mia was lucky enough to have Doc hold her and take her for walks during the service...thanks Doc!!
We were very sad to leave on Monday, especially when seeing Nisa's face at the airport when she dropped us off. Although we will see them again at Thanksgiving, we agree with Nisa when she sadly stated, "Thanksgiving is too many weeks away!" We can't wait for Thanksgiving!
Thanks Roger, Mika, and Girls for the great hospitality!

Santa Cruz Adventures

We just returned from a much needed week of relaxation! Mia was introduced to one of the most treasured of Thomas traditions, the August trip to Santa Cruz. Although Mia has been to Santa Cruz a few times in the past, this time was extra special. She was able to spend time with her cousins, Ellie, Nisa, and Maile. Nisa came up with a new nickname for Mia during our trip- "Princess Pacifier". While there, we took a trip with Doc and Gram to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and we also went to the Boardwalk where Mia took her first Merry Go Round ride! Dan was able to play 4 rounds of golf during the week, 2 with Troy and 2 with Doc. Dan was thrilled to play Poppy Hills with Doc for the first time! He was even more thrilled that he shot an 88...watch out Tiger! The highlight of the trip for all of us was the 8/8/88 20 year reunion. It was so special to see so many of the original crew return to the 4th Avenue beach to recreate that beautiful beach day that we all spent together 20 years ago! After the beach, we all headed to the Fox's for dinner and drinks. It was great to catch up with everyone!! 8/8/08 also happened to be Mia's 6 month birthday! It is so hard to believe that 6 months has passed by so quickly. Mia is army crawling like a champ and will now start eating solids...stay tuned for updates on her adventures with food!