Thiel Resort and Spa.

We've had a busy, fun weekend. Saturday we went down to Encinitas for Chris and Jolie's baby shower for their upcoming twin girls. Ellie was the only baby there and was very popular with the new grandparents to be. She rode on the swings, she snuggled with her mama, she petted a dog, and then cried if anyone else tried to hold her. Sorry great aunts! It was not the right moment in terms of her naptimes.

This morning we got to talk to Grandma and Grandpa from France. Their hotel looks over Omaha Beach, and they had some good adventures getting their rental car and finding the hotel. Today we went to the first birthday party for one of Tim's coworker's kids, where again, Ellie was the hit with grandparents. She also petted Pat and Megan's incredibly cute cat, and played with the multitude of toddler toys they have in their living room. She likes the stand up toys, but doesn't get that she could push them forward and walk. Probably because she's the laziest baby. Wile she took a nap, I stuck out and get a pedicure, which is what keeps a mommy from going nuts. Love me some massage chair and hoof care.

We started our morning talking to people in France, and then ended our evening hanging out with people from France! The Vogeleers are in town staying with mom and dad, so we went over for pool time, dinner time, and drinking nice wine time (well, wine for Tim. Water for me and milk for Ellie.) It was Ellie's first real trip into the fabulous pool and spa at the Thiel resort, and she LOVED it. She was a little freaked out by the waterfalls, but was happy as a clam as Auntie Sara and I swam around the pool with her. Then we spa-ed for awhile, which she liked even more. She is the swimmiest fish, and once we get her the appropriate pool floatie, she's in business for the summer months.

Dinner was lovely, and mom was thrilled because I let her give Elizabeth her first taste of ice cream, which she liked more than the squash and peas I was trying to feed her. While we were packing up, the Vogeleers caught sight of Sophie the giraffe, and they said yes indeed, Sophie has been around for many generations in France. It's not just a crazy marketing ploy. They were very interested in Ellie's bumbo chair - perhaps we should have a cultural exchange!

A little sketched out by the waterfalls in her cutie bear bathing suit

Enjoying the heck out of herself in the spa

The swimmiest fish!

And a little bit of "only in California." Check this out.
At first, it looks just like a guy on a motorcycle with a lot of gear on the back.

And then you realize, it's a guy with a dog in a special dog carrying case. Almost as good as the people I see on my morning walks with dogs in special dog strollers.