Comprehension

Avery is in the beginning phases of word/action comprehension and it's so much fun when she understands what we say!

Comprehension from The McNeils on Vimeo.

Steps

Steps from The McNeils on Vimeo.

Great Trade

Times are tough... everyone knows this. So these days it's great to have a trade-able skill. One day while hanging out with my fabulous "also-an-at-home-mum" neighbor Amy, she lamented to me about her nasty 80's light wood/dark grain built-in cabinets and how they just weren't grooving with her new "spanish hacienda" design theme. I was complaining about having just paid short of my first born for a haircut! She being a "former" pro stylist/colorist and me being a "former" painter - we swapped. I re-did her cabinets in a theme-appropriate rustic teal with antiquing methods for authenticity. And she re-did my hair with some summer color and a refreshing new cut. Gotta love a good barter...

Wonderful Weekend

This past weekend was so much fun! Saturday we drove to LA to visit Cari at USC. Had a nice lunch, got a tour of the gorgeous campus, and enjoyed catching up. Avery even "walked" the campus and got some nasty dirty feet!

Sunday was spent at the zoo with our other blonde OC cousin, Katelyn! Checkin' out the animals was a blast - not to mention a cardio workout... The SD Zoo has some serious hills! Wonderful for Avery (and us) to get some face time with the family.

Work It

Per Oma's request... a new blog entry! For a couple of months now Avery and I have been working out with a bunch of awesome Moms in the mornings. We cruise around Balboa Park and generally attempt to recapture our pre-kid figures! :) It gets us going on a positive note and Avery loves the interaction. No makeup, no men, no treadmills or intimidating iron. Just the sweet breeze on my face, sun on my back, and a nap for Miss A.

www.strollerstrides.com

Coes in Carolina

Last week was spent in the Outer Banks of North Carolina with the Coe family - my dad's siblings and my cousins. We had so much fun catching up with family not seen in over 6 years -volleyball on the beach, playing games, big meals, and celebrating a couple birthdays. I even debuted the post-baby-bikini-body!!! At only 9 months old, Avery has dipped her toes in both the Atlantic & Pacific, traveled to/through 10 states, and met nearly all her extended and very extended family!

Waving, Walking (sort of) & Water

Waving, Walking (sort of) & Water from The McNeils on Vimeo.

Independence Weekend in Ohio

Summer = Strawberries

A Day for Dad

Since Matt is traveling this weekend, we celebrated earlier with new clothes (no ties!), dinner at Outback and a movie rental. Matt has settled into fatherhood nicely and Avery's face lights up each time he returns home. She absolutely adores her Daddy!

Happy 1st Father's Day Handsome!!!

Also - a big hug to both our Dads! We are better people because of your love, guidance, discipline and all around fabulousity!