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Departure Day: July 18, 2006
July 18, 2006We left the house at 5:30am this morning. Had a car service pick us up which worked out great. Arrived at the airport just over 2 hours before our flight. Good thing, because the lines were a mile long and we just made our flight. The first leg to Atlanta was awful. We didn’t want to pay the $1200 for a seat for Melina so instead we just paid the taxes and fees to have her as a lap child ($400). It sucked. I thought we were prepared, but oh no, not even close. Nothing like having a 1 year who wants to stand up and walk around confined to a lap of parent squished in an economy seat. Boy, traveling first class to Cabo was so much better! Anyway, we made it, barely made our connection in Atlanta but once we were settled on the plane, Melina settled down and slept for about 6 hours. Yeah!! We also had bulkhead on that leg and they blocked off the middle seat for us. Not that she could sleep in it, but she could sit in it and we also had a place for all the bottles, toys, blankets, etc. Mom and Dad were there to greet us in Milan and that was awesome. No trains, buses, taxies, just the 5 of us in the car and heading to San Carlo for 5 weeks. Melina was so happy to see them and so were we.
Another Birthday Celebration
July 16, 2006Sunday we had a ice cream cake for Melina with my Grandma, Kevin, Val, Owen, Chad, Heidi and Charlie. Mel wore her new little Clyde kitty outfit that Sarah gave her for her bday. She likes to point at it and say "itty-itty."
Melina wanted to be sure cousin was included in the fun
Happy 1st Birthday Melina!
July 15, 2006Melina spent her birthday at the water park with my mom's group. We played in the water and had cupcakes for her birthday. She had a great time. On Saturday, we let her eat (well play with) her birthday cake. She loved it!
Bubbles Everywhere!
July 14, 2006Ongoing birthday coverage...
We have bubbles everywhere!
My new cousin!!!
July 14, 2006I have a new cousin!! His name is Owen. Although I was at the hospital when he was born, I didn't met him until he was 1 week old. My mom told me it would be better to let him grow a little bit before I gave him tiny hugs and kisses. When I met him, I talked to him (using my inside voice) and welcomed him to the world. Then, I read him a book. He liked it. We are going to have so much fun growing up together!
I'm a big girl, look what I can do!
July 14, 2006I can sit forward facing now. Yeah for me!!!
Lions, Tigers and Big Black Bears!
July 10, 2006Today we went to the Zoo! Melina and I love having Bill home and being able to spend so much time together as a family. We headed to the zoo today and had a great time.
Of course, just as we exited, Melina fell asleep, so this was the start to our zoo visit.
Look Daddy, there is a big black bear!
Taking a little break after the bat visit.
Hah! Isn't this funny with our little screecher. Yes, we had to move on, she yelped a little too much and got the chimps all stirred up.
Oh boy, she loved the goats. I can't wait to see her in CH when they are right in her front yard!
Walking away with daddy. All Melina wants to do now is hold your hand and walk, no sitting for her anymore. Boy, that 11 hour plane ride should be fun!
Getting a better view of the giraffes. . .
Bye Zoo! We'll be back again!
Birthday week begins. . .
July 10, 2006Melina will be 1 year old on Friday! Her Auntie Jackie came over on Sunday and brought her all kinds of fun birthday gifts.
Melina opening her gifts. . .wonder what it could be. . .
An Italian Dictionary book for kids! What perfect timing.
The piano was a huge hit. Melina's new favorite toy by far. Hopefully she has Bill's musical genes and not mine!
Birthday parties
July 09, 2006It is a birthday party extravaganza this month! There sure are a lot of summer babies! Melina has seven birthday parties this month although she will only be able to make it to four since we are headed to CH soon. Saturday we went to her friend Alisa’s party where she got to play with all the water toys and lots of friends (I forgot my camera so no pics from that day). Sunday we went to little Hannah’s 1st Birthday party where Mel got to swim and play with more friends. Here she is clapping for the birthday girl as Hannah eats her birthday cake. What fun!
My first popsicle
July 09, 2006Hi. This is my first popsicle. It gave me a rash.

Also, I have a new cousin. His name is Owen. He has a lot of hair. Uncle Kevin and Auntie Val did a great job.
Ok, I'm off to crawling practice. TTYL