Happy Bee-Day Tessa!

With her Best Friend, Talon, at the Bee-Day Party

Today you are THREE!  

Moab Day 1 and 2

We left on Wednesday night to head to Tuba City, Kayenta (who knew a town like Tuba City wouldn't have any hotel rooms on a Wednesday night?).  We drove past the Gladiator fire (which was much bigger when we drove home).  Tessa was a little stir crazy Thursday in the car again, and made her hair into a bee hive.  And there is one benefit of being pregnant - when your kid gets stuck in a McDonald's play place, Dad gets to climb up and rescue her!

Thursday morning we drove to/thru Monument Valley.  Tessa had fun playing in the little Hogans.

And we bought our souvenir for the trip - an indian drum!

We stayed at a place called Rim Village, just outside the main town of Moab.  It was great!  The LaSal Mountains to the east still had snow on them (and got more snow one night we were there!).  The temps were perfect for us though.  

Friday we headed into Arches National Park.  Tessa had a blast running and climbing on everything.  I was nervous taking a (soon to be!) 3 year old on a vacation like this, but it was so much fun having her there.

Balancing Rock

North Window

The arches are huge!  This is Turret Arch.  My Dad would take little side treks on his own to let the "old woman" and "handicap pregnant woman" rest their legs.

That's him way over there.

Delicate Arch

Sand Dune Arch

That evening we shopped around the town of Moab (which is down in the valley of the Colorado River, and obviously looks much different than the cliffs that surround the town).

After BBQ at the Blue Pig, we all got a good night's sleep (after Tessa cried a little to go back to her "new house").  

Arches

We're back today after a road trip to Moab.  LOTS more to see...

She can do buttons

We can add buttons to her resume, right behind pouring cereal and putting her shoes on the right feet.

The playroom

At some point (I think December?) I did promise to show pictures of Tessa's playroom.  And here it is!  (new paint on the walls and trim) With ALLLLL of her toys (indoor at least, and there are a few montessori items that she does not have access to all the time).  We were cleaning nesting the other day and decided to get everything out to see what we were working with.

And here is the after - much better!  Extra toys went into baskets and are kept in the closet.  Baby safe toys are on the lower shelves, while her rock collection and smaller stuff are being kept higher.  And yes, I have to baby proof now because Taylor's baby, Venice, is now crawling.  I also added an infant movement area with the low mirror for Baby Mac in the corner.  

Even though this is not part of our main living area (it is off of the front entry) she uses it a lot.  And it has one of the best views in the house - looking out onto the mountains!  She does not do art in her though.  She has another table in the kitchen for that.  Maybe I will feature the kitchen next!  (FYI, it is my least favorite room in the house... and probably the most expensive to upgrade.  Oh well, love what you have, right?)

Schnepf Farms 2012

When your Mommy is 8 months pregnant, you get a bath in the utility sink.  I think this may be the new norm around here.

Tessa can swim.

No more crying.  No more fear.  Tessa can swim.  I am a little proud.

Untitled from Kelly McMillan on Vimeo.

Remember that one time Katy came to town?

So this is another catch-up post.  Back in October my friend Katy, from high school, was going to be in Tucson for a day.  So we drove down and spent the day at Reid Park Zoo and eating some great Thai food.  Tessa is usually shy around new people, but took to Katy immediately.  She would ask Katy to carry her and ignore Mom and Dad!  It's alright Tessa, I like her, too.  We will need to visit her in Colorado some day!