Enjoying a nice summer day with bubbles...

While Evie has been enjoying dinosaur camp every morning this week, Ellie has had some primo R&R time on Ba's shoulder.

The weather has been (relatively) mild for a Virginia summer, so Evie decided to play with some bubbles in the shade this afternoon.

This one looks like it's going to be a big one! Evie watches it warily to make sure it doesn't pop in her face.


Evie is particularly amused when mommy tries to catch the bubbles with her toes.



Even Ellie couldn't help but give a goofy smile at everyone's antics...


...before heading back to dreamland!

Ellie Enjoying Her Four-Week Birthday

Ellie was in a good mood today so we decided to take a few pictures. Enjoy!

Another dash for dad race for the record books!

The family was all excited to participate in our fourth annual Dash for Dad on Sunday to kick off a wonderful day. Evie examines her letter and dons her shirt to participate in the 1-mile walk with Opa, Ba, and Mommy while Dad ran the 4-miler.

A couple of sprinkles did not deter Evie from being sure to get a good view of Daddy racing by at the starting line!

And here is Daddy at the last leg of the race, whizzing by us (incentivized by the lead woman runner on his heels). He ended up coming in 4th place out of over 900 runners - hooray!


Ellie's first Dash for Dad and she slept through it all, even the mimosas afterwards.

Evie and Daddy pose for a Father's Day picture in the backyard.


The family gathered at Ba and Opa's house for reuben sandwiches and to celebrate a fun day for all (in addition to Father's Day, it was also Mom and Dad's 7th wedding anniversary).

We also found out today via skype that Karl and Amy will be having a girl - another girl for the Foelsche clan! She will be arriving November 1 - how exciting!

Evie's Big Sister Party

Evie celebrated her new big sister status with a party on Sunday with tons of her friends, including Sam, Katie, Mason, Miguel, Shelby, Izzy, Ava, Levi, Greta, Molly and her new sister Kelly. Mom and Dad had won a gift certificate to a private storytime at her favorite Alexandria bookstore, Hooray for Books, which seemed like a great activity for the kids.
Everyone enjoyed the songs and books that were sung and read.


Here is Evie preparing her "scary face" for the book being read about a scary dance. Afterwards, we all headed to one of Evie's favorite playground to enjoy some cupcakes.

Of course honorary little sister Ellie slept through most of the festivities!

Evie is having fun being a big sister

It has been a hot couple of days - summer is definitely here! To escape the heat, the family has been relaxing by our deluxe inflatable giraffe pool in the backyard.


Evie is a big fan of any opportunity to wear her new yellow swimsuit that has a "tutu" for our little budding ballerina.


Evie helps keep Mommy cool by "watering" her legs.

Ellie takes a nap in the shade while Evie splashes around in the spray park.


It is a rare moment when Ellie has her eyes open...

Evie is becoming an expert at holding her little sister, who she likes to exclaim is "soooooooooooooo cute!" Ellie is pretty mellow for the most part and lets Evie explore her little toes.

Bringing Up Baby McDonald: The Sequel!

Well, it has been quite a few days for the family.

Early Friday morning, Mom's contractions were getting stronger and everyone went to the hospital at 4:00 AM. A few hours later and just 15 minutes of pushing a new addition to the family was born at 2:37 PM on May 27, 2011.

Elinor "Ellie" Genevieve McDonald -- just minutes old. 8 pounds and 4 ounces and 21 inches long. A full head of jet black hair!

Evie meets Ellie for the first time. "I'm finally a big sister!" Evie exclaimed.

Ellie in Mom's arms that evening.

Ellie, Ba, Opa and Evie (ever excited about her new sister).

Ellie with BeBe, Popi and Evie -- everyone is all smiles!

Finally back home on Sunday, Evie is giving Ellie her first kiss from her sister.

Ellie happy to be with the entire family. Sweet dreams! (Mom and Dad hopes Ellie's sweet dreams last a few hours.)

All smiles for Mother's Day!

We had a lovely Mother's Day celebration at Ba's and Opa's, enjoying a feast and the beautiful weather.
Evie looks so serious between the two mothers!

In what will hopefully not be a Mother's Day tradition, Evie dances to Mommy and Daddy's wedding video.