Happy 18 months to Simret

Wow...I cannot believe that my baby is a year and a half. I guess that truly doesn't make her a baby anymore. It is hard to believe how quickly she is growing up. Just for a little update: she has so many words now, continues to love to dance, isn't hitting as much (thank God), has gone to the potty a couple of time (although we are not pushing this), continues to drool more than I think she should as I think all most of her teeth are in, and in general continues to have a spirit for life I wish I could match. She is full of energy from the minute she wakes until she literally passes out (where ever she is) for a nap and bedtime. Yesterday, Colton was complaining about her rearranging the furniture every morning at 8AM- as she does this in the living area that is right over his bedroom. That being said, Colton adores Simret and she him. It couldn't be more special to her when her big brother sits down to read her a book.

One event that is coming up that I am starting to get nervous and excited over at the same time is we are planning to take a trip to Costa Rica for Lance's birthday next month for 5 days and I don't think Simret will be coming? This is going to be extremely difficult for me to pull off without missing her like crazy and ruining our vacation together-that we so desperately need. You see my mother has offered, or I guess I should say mandated, that Simret stay with her. Simret loves her Granny and I know that they will have an amazing week together, but at the same time I am scared to leave her-not because I don't trust my mother, but because I have never left her before. I don't want her to feel like I am not returning...like I just left her and am never coming back...I don't want her to feel this way even for a second. So, any suggestions would be wonderful?

Simret having lunch with her Daddy-at the Aquarium in Denver last weekend.

Simret making an important call at the dinner table.

Lance teaching Simret how to ride her bike in our back yard.

Simret executing a quick exit off of the bike.

Hannah got a Tepee from her grandmother...

Hannah & Simret in the Tepee.

Simret dressed ready for a summer of music festivals.

Still drooling?

'

the bumper sticker on the back of Lance's truck...thought some of you might think this is a big funny. As Lance was nicknamed "the elder" while we were in Ethiopia.