Rowing with Anna - Day 696

Anna just came back from her trip from Texas. We visited the lake where Kerry and I were married and she had a great time. Kerry and I have started to bill it as 'summer vacation'. She rode boats, kayaks, and cars. She sat on knee boards, rocked on swinging teeter totters, and got used to dogs. All in all, she had a wonderful time and will be talking about it for some time.

The nice thing was is that she also was able to meet some of her cousins. One specifically, Kate, was really nice to her and took care of her like a true big sister. Anna also played with vintage Fisher Price toys, like the airport set, and every time I came in the lake house the two airplanes were nose to nose kissing each other. When we ask her about the airplanes she says, "The airplanes were kissing." I guess they were.

At one point Anna took command of the boat when Charlie let her steer for a bit and succeeded in turning the boat in circles for many revolutions. Daddy wasn't there as he was out fishing, but apparently there were only two explanations for the 'circular' behavior of the boat: drunkenness or a baby driving. Both are probably illegal.

The flight to Texas was quite difficult. Anna didn't get a good nap, so she was really tired and at one point just wanted off the airplane. On the way back, however, she was really good and just played the whole time -- but the naps were timed much better on the way back. This was a nice dry run for when we go to Ukraine in about a month.

Anna said a lot of great baby sayings during the trip. My favorite was after some fireworks had gone off she said, "Fireworks hurt the sky." Also, the words 'boat' and 'kayak boat' are permanently in her vocabulary, and she constantly talks about when Mommy was on the tube being pulled by the boat. Apparently, Daddy was laughing at her (of course that couldn't be true).

Well, there really is almost too much to tell. It is safe to say, however, that Anna has had her first taste of summer vacation, and she loves it.

The pictures are of Anna in her swimming pool, one of her and Kate, another of her on a knee board, one with Aunt Susan, and one with the whole Monaghan family. I have included more photos for your enjoyment.

I have also put some silent videos on the Vimeo website. You can see them using the links below.

http://www.vimeo.com/clip:87099

http://www.vimeo.com/clip:87097

http://www.vimeo.com/clip:87095

http://www.vimeo.com/clip:87091

http://www.vimeo.com/clip:87092