Too long

I know it has been far too long since I've written and posted photos. The hurricane was an experience I'll never forget and has made me much more appreciative of things like cold water and electricity. I have been working too much and am almost to the end of our busy season. I am very much looking forward to only working 3 days a week again.
Maya is constantly exploring and learning new words. About 2 weeks ago she put two words together for the first time. She told Quinton "bye-bye Daddy." She not only walks and runs well now, but she also walks backwards and sideways. She's yet to come to respect gravity and will dive face first off the couch if given the chance. She loves her babydolls and likes to pretend with them. She lays them facedown, covers them with a blanket and pats their backs, saying "shhh, shh."
She is still very much a picky eater. She is good at eating her fruits and grains, but not so big on veggies and meat. She loves bananas and cereal. She will happily tell you "no" if she does not want something.
Her little independent spirit comes out a lot. She prefers to try to do things herself. She likes to spoon her own cereal and try to put her own shoes on. When I tell her it's time for a bath or bed she runs around the room as fast as she can, laughing all the way. Sometimes this amuses me more than others.
Right now we are at Nana and Grandpa's house in Arizona, with my grandmother here as well. The weather is very nice and we have been relaxing. A trip to the zoo is planned for Monday, a first for Maya.
I look forward to posting vacation pictures, Halloween and pumpkin patch photos. As the weather cools, we will be outside a lot more. There is a lot to enjoy. Maya is so delighted by all the new things to see.