Can't Wait for Spring

I am officially done with this weather and am ready for Spring. I am tired of being trapped in the house and can't wait for daily walks and trips to the zoo...park...wherever! I added some pictures, mostly of Ella hanging around the house except for this first one. This was the first time Ella has sat in a shopping cart without being in her seat. She absolutely loved it...smiling and kicking her feet the entire time like she was on a ride! And, of course I had to get a picture. I know the people at Home Depot got a big kick out of Mike and I trying to get her to smile in the middle of the store while Mike is shouting, "Say, I love Home Depot"! It's funny what a kick we get out of all the little things now! Here's my little angel...

"I love Home Depot"

Ella just loves to smile with her entire face....It cracks me up!

This is by far Ella's very favorite toy. She loves to race around it and doesn't care who is in her way. She will run you right over. Bob says this is great training for Nascar..."left turn, left turn, left turn!"

Ella doesn't seem to mind hanging out with her toys in her pack and play but I am guessing this will end when she starts being able to crawl...which could be any day now!

Ella enjoying a carrot.

So serious!

Daddy and Ella playing

Ella is getting better and better at standing and pulling herself up on things. Isn't she supposed to be crawling first??

We have pretty much given up on the changing table since she is such a little worm. I usually feel like I am wrestling some type of animal when I change her!

Charlie's 2nd Birthday!

I can't believe that Charlie is already 2 years old! Here are some pictures from his party!

The birthday boy is enjoying his pizza!

Aunt Juanita and Ella

I don't think Andrew was that excited about Mommy holding another baby. Boy, does he have a surprise coming in a couple of months!!

Getting all of these kids in one pic was harder than you'd think!

Ella just hangin' out wishing she could be eating some pizza with the other kids.

Ella's 1st Christmas

Well, here it is. I am finally updating due to the constant harassment from all of my girls. It normally takes me a good amount of time to put together a new posting but time is not something I have at this moment. I can hear Ella stirring from her nap right now! So, here are a bunch of pictures from the holidays in no particular order but they should hold you all over for awhile! We had a wonderful Christmas this year with all of our friends and family. Ella got so many great gifts although she seemed to be extra excited about the wrapping paper! Her 1st Christmas just came and went way too quickly!

Sitting in front of our tree

Christmas morning at Aunt Erin's

Finley helped Ella open all of her gifts!

Ella posing with my very favorite guy...well, Mike is okay too! Ha ha

Uncle John and Ella on Christmas Eve

Opening new gifts at Boompa's

I just love Ella's new hat!

We were so happy to have Uncle B home!

Ella wearing her Christmas hat...that is of course entirely too small for her head! I know I am so mean!

She loves my cell phone.

Cracking up in her bouncer

What has Ella been up to?

Ella is almost 6 months old. We just can't believe how quickly she is growing and learning new things. She can now sit up all by herself and play with her toys...with pillows for that occasional loss of balance. But she really has gotten the hang of it! Sitting really isn't her thing though. She would much rather be standing while holding on to things which is so crazy because we are not all that excited about having to chase her around anytime soon. Ella is also getting the hang of eating real food. She has been enjoying her pears, applesauce and sweet potatoes but is completely against peas! Anyway, here are a bunch of pictures.

We visited Santa early so we would miss the crowd. We couldn't get her to smile but at least she didn't cry!

Ella holding herself up. She would do this all day if we would let her.

Rice cereal and applesauce. She loves to babble and swing her feet while she eats.

Yummy sweet potatoes!

Finally a great smile!

Daddy and Ella reading.

Sitting up to play with her toys.

Mommy made her wear her hat inside for pictures.

All bundled up and ready to go!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving was a very busy day. We were so happy that we could make it out to see all of our family!

Ella dressed in her new purple dress. The shoes made a few pictures but didn't last long.

Oma holding Ella at Barb and Poppop's house.

Ella was being cranky but Brennan didn't seem to mind sitting next to his cousin. They are only 10 days apart!

She warmed up to the idea!

Ella, Brennan and Jaxson hanging out while everyone stood around and watched them. They are so cute!

Finley, Maddox and Ella

Finley loves holding her baby cousin.

Good thing I took this picture as soon as she put on her 1st Thanksgiving outfit because she only wore it for 2 hours before she pooped all over it! Ahh, the joys of motherhood!