The Montifiore Manse

Our North American Trip: Part Two

Arkansas, U.S.A.

Sorry to be interspersing these old pictures with the newer January vacation pics, but it is striking to see the difference in Julia from the November-December trip Julia and Mommy took to North America to now, just a couple months later.

By the way, Julia popped her fifth tooth through today! And she and Daddy have been bravely battling a summer cold. Looks like the worst is over, though.

Julia laughing on Uncle Nathanael's lap. He's her youngest uncle and is eleven years older than she is.

Do you think she got enough attention?! :)

Sharing more smiles with Uncle Bud.

It's Grandma!!!

Julia generously shared her insights with Aunt Elisabeth....

...helped Aunt Esther with her bookwork....

...who looks happy for the help....

...then provided some assistance typing....

...after which Uncle Bud roped her into helping fold clothes! She kept busy, all right - and I was kept busy keeping track of her as she set the household to rights.

Although tired, she consented to a final picture with her thankful and adoring Auntie Beth. Whew!

I'm not sure what this expression is about.

Julia and Esther all ready for church. The BabyBjorn carrier was a big hit with the Aunts... another way to spend some time with their little niece.

Nathanael didn't fit the BabyBjorn, but he did get to wear the Sleepytime Wrap. Comfy, secure, and adjustable to any size... it's a great option which I found useful for sleeping on the plane rides. And, of course, Julia lost a sock. She's an expert at that.

Awwww.

Too precious. The time was so short, but sweet.

Yum, carrot! I'm not sure if this is big enough for me, though - any more on hand?

A tea party with the family.

Sister love... I miss Esther! (And Elisabeth, and Nathanael, and Dad, and Mom, and Daniel, and Peter, and Amanda, and Joanna, and Lydia....)

Julia meets another friend on the blanket!

We had a lovely time visiting a few folks from the church plant in Arkansas... here a lively game of Pictionary is in progress at the Peterson's house.

Julia survived a 2o-hour car ride from Arkansas to Kentucky to New Jersey. Never again.

In Kentucky, she got to meet my brother Peter's mother-in-law*....

...and his sister-in-law* Kim.

And here is Peter's wife* Amanda! It was lovely to meet them all

*The asterisks are to indicate that it should be noted that these relationships were all pending the wedding of Pete and Amanda which occurred after my visit on December 27, 2008.

Julia loves it when Mommy sings!

And here's the proof that I did indeed teach her to stick out her tongue. We did manage to have a bit of fun on the long car ride. Next up, New Jersey!