Aunt Lulu and our trip to Chinook

In June of this year, a great love was born: Julia and her Aunt Lulu bonded. Sure, they had met a number of times before, but Julia was a baby. It's very different now that Julia can talk and interact. Julia and Lulu hit it off!



On our way to the airport to pick up Lulu (aka, my sister, Leigh), Julia and I talked and talked. We talked about picking up Lulu, and we talked about the "yucky traffic." Once Leigh was in the car, Julia clammed up. She would not say a word for about 10 minutes. Leigh started talking to her (and acting silly). About 5 minutes later, Julia announced, "Lulu is FUNNY!"

We started off the visit with a trip to Mexican food. (Leigh brought Julia a bear, and Leigh ended up naming him "Paco," because she had Mexican food on the brain.)

The next day, Lulu and I enjoyed a day of shopping (though I don't think we bought anything). On Friday, Lulu met Julia's playgroup. We had gathered for a picture to capture the group before one of our members left town. Then, we had lunch. That evening, we met up with friends at a local outdoor restaurant. It was fun to introduce Leigh to some of our friends here.

To Chinook Lodge
For years, Leigh has heard me talk about my friend, Brittany's family's house in Southern Maryland. I've been going to Chinook Lodge with the Gaggle for about 15 years. She has always wanted to go, and we had the perfect opportunity. Brittany and her family were at Chinook during Leigh's visit.



We had a great trip to the Bay. Brittany's husband, John, watched the girls so we could go out for a ladies-only lunch. (Thank you, John!) We watched Aubrey catch crabs with her Dad, and we went out for ice cream. Julia learned a new past-time: throwing rocks in the water - she couldn't get enough.











She had such a good time with the big girls, who were surprised to find that Julia was not a baby anymore!


Julia with Aubrey & Cecile in April 2008


Julia with Aubrey & Cecile in June 2009

During Leigh's visit, Julia and I got used to having Aunt Lulu around, and it was hard to say good-bye. We wish she lived closer! I loved watching the two of them have so much fun together. (Julia still refers to our guest room as "Lulu's room.)

We're hoping to go to Denver in November for more adventures with Aunt Lulu!