What a difference a summer makes

Last year at this time, we were struggling mightily with Audrey's sleep schedule, and wildfires all across California had filled the skies with thick smoke. We were stuck inside all the time, trying to cope with our severe sleep deprivation, while at the same time starting an aggressive financial plan that gave us little to no money for extras. This year, we've been blessed with stunning weather, blue skies, and a far from perfect but certainly much improved sleeping situation. And we've paid off every debt except for the house, and we've almost finished building our savings up to a six month cushion.

It feels like we've gone an eternity since last summer. It feels like three or four eternities since Audrey was born. To be honest, her entire first year is a complete blur to me. I'm glad we took a lot of pictures, because otherwise I think I would have no memory of it at all. Now here we are, settling down into some kind of normalcy again. The girls are playing together more. Audrey is talking a lot and is able to tell us more about what she needs and wants. Aria has taken things to a whole new level of creativity and action. It feels like we're a family again, instead of four people trying to figure out how to live together. We still have lots of work to do on so many fronts, but we can look back at the last year and a half and see just how far we've come. That feels really good.

It wouldn't be a blog post without some pics of the kids, so here they are. :)

Aria's first trip to Funderland - she bravely rode a ride all by herself:



Synchronized sliding!



Audrey wants a cuddle with Mommy:



Aria can make her own Mac 'n' cheese now after Mom or Dad boils the noodles. She can also make her own peanut butter & jelly sandwiches!



Audrey tearing around the playground:









Aria doing her best impersonation of a monkey:





Swimming at Nana's house is a huge relief on 100 degree days:



Both girls love to play Ad's drums, but I only got a good picture of Audrey, unfortunately: