Ana on a horseback ride with Grandpa, Uncle Brett, Aunt Kayli, and Jethro.
Isabel riding--she wasn't too enthused.
Isabel swinging. Elena is missing from all these pictures because she is a demon and spends most of her overtired days screaming. I, on the other hand, am missing because I spent the last two days reading the first three Ranger's Apprentice books. Ta ta--I'm off to enjoy lazing on my mom's sofa some more. I love vacations.
Fourth of July we managed to make it to a parade, although it rained on us the entire time, and then to fireworks again that night.
Kayli's family watching the fireworks. 
We were so close to where they were shooting them off, we could hardly see the finale for all the smoke.
Mom and Ana
Cheese!So how do you discipline a two year old that only moves to obey when she thinks her life is in immediate jeopardy? (She thinks that because I'm telling her it is, by the way.) Lately, I think it really might be. My Dad caught me on the phone just as I was thinking murderous thoughts.
He suggested I sell her on Ebay as a package deal with Ethan, my 18 yr. old brother. I think Dad just thinks Elena's cute looks might help him rid himself of Ethan. He said it might hurt my seller rating a bit, but it would be worth it.
Dad was also very informative. He explained, "Didn't you know that when you fall in love, marry, have s**, and then a baby, that eventually that baby will be two years old?!?!?" Thanks Dad. Apparently that lesson hadn't sunken in enough. He then brought ill tidings for the future as he also mentioned that one day that baby will be 14, 16, 18 etc. Joy.
For Isabel's and Leo's birthday we went to Circus de Shanghai at Navy Pier, and then we stayed the afternoon to watch the 4th of July fireworks on July 3rd. Taking the train instead of driving was very nice.
See how happy we all were? Isabel especially.
Definitely something I would do again, given the chance. Then we went to American Girl store to pass the time, Leo about died after seeing the hair salon and hospital for the dolls. Also we went in the Disney Store but it was jam-packed and crazy because Michael Musso (sp?)--some Disney Channel actor--was there signing CD's. Elena was in heaven though. She loves princess stuff. 
This was the crowd. 800,000 people. It was more impressive than the fireworks. Police were everywhere doing crowd control. All the streets were shut down for blocks and blocks and there were people as far as the eye could see. Leo thought is looked like a scene from Independence Day or other apocalyptic movie. I don't think I'll every do something like that again, but it was neat for the one time. Plus, the kids were really well behaved the entire day, so all in all it was good.
For Isabel's birthday, we had a party. More just because I wanted a party rather than Isabel's birthday. But what a great excuse.
I made empanadas, but really I've never made them before, and never seen them made, so I had major problems when is actually came to the part of stuffing the meat mixture in the dough. Luckily Hermana Franco saved my bacon. She told me it was like making tortillas--who knew? Since I've never made tortillas.
Kayli and Brett came with their kids, and the Francos, and the Yeats. It was fun. I hit a few softballs. I miss softball.
So I'll never be a professional cake decorator. That's okay, it's not one of my goals in life.
Isabel was more interested in eating grass than her cake.
Opening presents from Hermano Franco y familia.
Now that is one cute little girl.
Elena cried herself to sleep here.
Cutie pie Isabel.
Pretty Ana.
Elena eating chicken from her feet.
What a weird kid--yet very flexible.
Happy Canada Day! Enjoy some poutine. Yumm.... makes me hungry just looking at it.
