Ellie Belly... 3.5yrs and beyond!

November fun...

2011-11-19T06:16:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning playdate with the Ellies

Nothing like best buddies and pancakes on a Saturday morning!

Pony party for an old neighborhood friend's daughter.

The birthday girl, Molly, and her family at her 3rd birthday party.
Chris and I at the Free to Breathe Yogathon... Always a fantastic experience, a great challenge, and an excellent cause even if I can feel it a week later!

Ode to Schatzie

2011-11-19T05:40:00.000-08:00

Ell wrote this song special for Schatzie... Enjoy!

Ell's First Field Trip... Off to the farm

2011-11-08T05:37:00.000-08:00

Ell and her group at Huber's Farm... Mason C, Joshua, and Angelina

Ellie's scary kindergarten class on Halloween!!

Hiking through the corn fields.

On the hay ride out to the fields to pick late harvest veggies.

Ellie and Mason on the hayride

Joshua and Angelina

On the hayride to lunch with veggies in hand... Great field trip!!

Halloween

2011-11-08T05:33:00.000-08:00

Ell's fabulous jack-o-lanterns.

Ell got our dry erase board ready for Halloween. If you are wondering... that is a Vampire cheerleader.

My two FAVORITE cheerleaders!!

Ell's jack-o-lantern.

Ell and I getting ready for trick-or-treating

My grown-up Halloween celebration... Raven's tailgate party.

Ell making a tutu at Port Discovery.

Making dragon drool in the craft room. YUCK!! (it is just cornstarch and green water)

Ell carved her very own pumpkins this year and she did a FANTASTIC job!!

Ell-isms

2011-10-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

This morning Ell bumped her elbow on the counter... "OUCH!" "Kiddo, you just cracked your elbow." "No I didn't. I hit here." pointing to her elbow. Not wanting to have the battle, I just let it go.
5 minutes later... "Mama, what did the cow say to the chicken?" "I don't know, what?" "I just passed gas on your head! Bahahaha!!!! I told you I didn't break my funny bone, it still works!" :)

Another October Weekend

2011-10-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

Chillin' with Marg and Meme.

The Beth's babies... Ellie, Juliet, Kate, Ava, and Kiley

Race for the Cure... Aunt Angela, Lisa, Julie, and I

Sammy and I at the race... Chilly but a good day for a 5k!

In the LONG line to the shuttle... totally worth it though!

Chris and Sammy

Andrew's costume birthday party.

Vampire Cheerleader... YIKES!!

Spooky, spooky, spooky!!!!

Maddie
Robert
Line for the pinata.
Bobbing for apples

Ell and I ready for the party... Cheerleader and coach.

Pumpkin time

2011-10-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

We went to Weber's Farm to pick our pumpkins this year... I think Ell found the best ones they had!

Smiling with the pumpkins.

Just plain goofin' around!

Birthday Celebrations

2011-10-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

Ellie's surprise pizza party with some of her closest friends.

Joelle, Ellie, Ell, Kiley, and Sammy

One of her birthday gifts... matching bathrobes!

Ell and her birthday sundae, complete with gummie worms, cherries, and sprinkles!

The Renaissance Festival

2011-10-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

Ell and I at the MD Renaissance Festival... A lovely day for some fantastic people watching with good friends!

Ell playing 'Dunk the Wench'
Throwing axes... Watch out!

Ell and I riding an elephant... Woo-hoo!

Some of the sights...

Early October NC Visit

2011-10-13T05:11:00.000-07:00

Ell and I ventured to NC for a birthday/ alumni weekend visit. We had beautiful weather and fantastic company all weekend.

And since the weather was so nice and so were Grandma's neighbors we were able to spend LOTS of time on the trampoline!!
Ell showing Bennett the ropes on a trampoline with (lots of) help from Erin.
Ell with Bennett and Daddy... See, everyone got a couple of bounces on the trampoline!
Ell looks like a cheerleader in training!
For HPU's Alumni Weekend we all got to see the new Phi Mu house on Greek Row. The only word I have to say is... WOW!
We also celebrated Ell's Big 6 Birthday while we were down here... Pizza and ice cream, what more could a girl ask for?? Oh, that's right, presents! Don't worry, she got plenty of those too!!
Build your own sundaes... YUM!
Sunday afternoon baseball with Daddy and Uncle Michael.
Little slugger!
Happy birthday to you...
Happy birthday to you...
Happy birthday dear Ellie...
Happy birthday to YOU!!

Nora enjoying desserts too!

Bennett

And October Begins...

2011-10-13T05:01:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Ell and I headed down to the Fells Point Festival. It was drizzly and cold but it sure felt like fall!
Then on Sunday it warmed up and we headed to the Greek Festival. Ell liked the cookies but she didn't care for the marinated, grilled octopus.
What a mess!
Silliness!!

Train trip to DC

2011-09-25T06:52:00.001-07:00

Saturday morning Ell and I headed to Washington, DC for a day full of adventures. Our first adventure... Riding the train. It was Ell's first ever train ride and it was a success!!
We arrived at Union Station around 10am.
We browsed Union Station for a few minutes before we headed on our way.
Ell in the lobby of Union Station... What a big, big place!
We stopped by the Smithsonian Museum of American History. We only made it through parts of the West Wing... There was so much to see but we let Ell lead the way. I had a feeling that if I pushed for something it would lead to a miserable day!
Michelle Obama's Inauguration ball gown... So much more stunning in person than in any photograph!
Ell loved seeing all of the First Ladies gowns and I have to say, they were all beautiful!
More of the First Ladies gowns.
Ell looking at Dorthy's real ruby slippers... I have to say, they didn't look very comfortable. Oh well, sometimes you just have to go for fashion over function!
Rachel came up to join us for the day.
Ell at the Washington Monument.
By the White House in the morning.
Ell and I in front of the White House.
Then we went to the Nation Book Festival on the Nation Mall.
We got to see Jane O'Connor, the author of the Fancy Nancy books, read one of her books... So much fun!!

They had a PBS Kids tent and all sorts of activities. What a fantastic treat!
We saw Sid the Science Kid.
And we got to meet Arthur!
We saw Princess Presto from Super Why!
We also met Curious George,
Woofster from Super Why!,
Angelina Ballerina,
The Cat in the Hat,
and Word Girl! So cool!!
We took lots of breaks along the way...
... and managed to walk the entire way!
We visited the small gardens along the way.
There really were some hidden treasures along the way.
Ell even shared some of her cashews with some of the residents! She named this one Squirty (I don't know why) and he came about 3ft from her to get her nuts!
Train ride home. We left the house before 9am and got home a little after 9pm... It was a long day but it sure was a fun day!!

Bowling and Aquarium

2011-09-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

Aquarium visit with the Osters. Here is Maddie, chocolate covered and enjoying the dolphin show. The only thing she wanted more was to be home with Daddy watching football!
Ell and Margie at the Aquarium.
Robert!
Ell and Joelle duckpin bowling.
Ell's first shot at bowling on a cool and rainy6 Saturday afternoon.
Ell and I duckpin bowling... What fun!!
Joelle and Ell... Thumbs up for bowling!
Ice cream after bowling. Oh! And Ell lost her 3rd tooth while eating ice cream, go figure!

First day at the bus stop

2011-09-07T05:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a rainy day but we made it to the bus stop on time, actually we were the first ones there!
There she is in the first window. It was a success! We both made it but I think she did better than I did, she is my big, brave girl. I cried on the walk home and on the drive to work. I always knew that this day would be hard, just not this hard!
My baby is growing up and I'm just not ready but then again I guess I don't get much of a choice, do I?

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

We headed to Chesapeake Beach with a bunch of friends on Sunday. We went to the water park, dinner, and exploring on the docks. Here are all of the kids... Ell, Ellie, Nate, Cam, and Sam.
The kids really liked watching the fishermen clean the fish.
Saturday we headed up to Annie's playground.
Ell decided she was just going to hang out!
Sunday on the docks in Chesapeake Beach.
Ell and I at Ledew Topiary Gardens on Saturday.

Friday night we went to the HPU/ Loyola U women's soccer game with some friends. Way to go Lady Panthers on a 3-2 victory!!
Ell at the gardens on Saturday.

Ell's first day of kindergarten

2011-09-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

After all of the postponing of school due to the power outages, Ell finally had her first day of school on Friday. She went in from 12:45-2:45 for a parent orientation and get to know your teacher with half of her class.
Ell outside of her classroom.
Ell in her cubby.
Ell and I on her first day of school.
Ell with her teacher, Ms. Conklin, in their getting to know one another (and get used to your technology) lesson.
Ell in action in her classroom.
Inside her school.
Outside her school.
Ell's first story time in kindergarten. There are a total of 23 students in her class. She told me she had a good time meeting some of her new friends.
Looks to me that she will have a fantastic time in kindergarten!

Day at the MD State Fair

2011-09-05T07:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Irene we had nearly a week off of school due to massive power outages in the state. Ell was supposed to start on Monday but as the week progressed we were wondering when she would actually start. Hopefully, it would be before October!! Oh well, there was a lot of 'plan B' going on this week!
Monday we headed to the MD State Fair.
Ell had lots of fun riding the rides...
... and petting the animals.
She even rode the big Ferris wheel!

Hurricane Irene

2011-09-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

Damage and debris from Irene as seen on Sunday morning.
Lots of down trees.
Ell's bacon-stache at the pancake store. Lucky for us they were one of the only places with power, and coffee, on Sunday morning.
Then during cleanup... hire child labor!
Saturday we headed to Fells Point for 'plan B'... Brunch with Julie and a front row seat for the Irene prep.
Lots of sand bagging.
And the rain begins!! Ell and I on Thames St in Fells.
Ell and Julie with their 'hurricane thinking putty'.
Ell and I ready for the rain!
Fancy drinks and dessert with the girls.
Julie, Ell, and I
Ell in Fells.
Irene prep.
People loading up sand bags and getting ready for the flooding that Irene will bring.

Sneak a Peek at Your Seat Night

2011-09-05T07:09:00.000-07:00

It was sneak a peek at your seat night at Ell's new school. Here are a bunch of pictures of her new classroom...

August fun

2011-09-05T07:02:00.000-07:00

Wacky Day at school (LOL).
Since it was her last week at pre-K, Ell put this outfit together so she would go out with a bang... She did a great job!
Tie die time with the Slowiks.

Hair by Ell's design.

Fun in the Summertime

2011-08-14T06:05:00.001-07:00

This past week we have been fortunate enough to have, quite possibly, the most perfect weather in August... mid-80s, sunny, and skies with bouncing puffy clouds, the kind you lay back in the grass and try to figure out the shapes. Saturday morning, Ell and I wanted to enjoy the last bits before the rains began so we took a nature walk at Loch Raven Reservoir after lunch.
Sometimes you can choose to sit inside and let the grey clouds weigh on your mood. Other times you can choose to join the falling raindrops and let them wash away your cares, fears, your inhibitions. You can join them as they drip, drop, and splash on the ground. You can listen to the Mother Nature's soothing drums, throw caution to the wind, and enjoy one of the purest joys... Dancing in the rain.
Saturday on our nature walk. We spotted many things... Deer tracks (mamma and baby), mussel shells, tiny fish, and many smiles!
MB and Ms. Beth being silly at Hunt Valley on Friday night... The girls all enjoyed music by The Bridge, dinner by The Greene Turtle, and fun by us!
Ell and Kiley on Friday night hamming it up!
Sometimes you just need to, "AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!"

Here is Ell's Big Kid School Jam... Enjoy!

Back to school shopping

2011-08-09T03:53:00.000-07:00

We went to Target to do our Back to School shopping on Sunday morning while we were still in Virginia Beach so that both Bill and I could be with Ell while we gathered her school supplies for Kindergarten. Here Ell and Bill are assessing the notebooks. We need a 1" binder with a clear pocket.
Back to School!!
Ell and her supply list.
Picking out her folders... One yellow and one blue.
Deciding which scissors she should take to school.

Virginia Beach... Underwater fun

2011-08-09T03:50:00.001-07:00

This was a first... Ell started swimming underwater (and LOVING it) this past weekend. Without coaxing she went under, sprouted fins and gills, and barely got out of the pool. I think I heard, "Watch this! 1-2-3"-(deep breath)-splash! More times than I can remember... It is official... Ellie is a mermaid!
Rach played along with our underwater camera fun.
And so did Uncle Bob!
We made silly faces...
and swam around!
As long as it was under water, it didn't seem to matter!
The goofier the better!!

I am so proud of my little mermaid!!
Cheese!!!

Virginia Beach Trip, August 2011

2011-08-09T03:43:00.000-07:00

Ellie and Nana swimming on Sunday.
Rachel in the princess float.
Ellie having a whale of a good time!
Mermaid Ellie.
Surfing on Uncle Bob! Hang 10, dude!
Mermaid Ellie and I at the beach on Saturday.
Bennett and Ellie
Rachel enjoying the day.
Ellie and Nana.
Ellie and I in the ocean.
Ellie showing no fear for the water... Now that she is an underwater swimmer there is no turning back!
She is even running off the diving board!
Enjoying Rachel's musical talents.
Rachel and Ell having a jam session!
The girls in VA Beach (minus Jenna, she had to work)... Deb, Nana, Ellie, Julie, Erin, Rachel, and MB.

More of July

2011-08-09T03:41:00.000-07:00

At the Farm Fair with the Fayas, the kids enjoy snowballs on a HOT late July day.

Watching the pig races.
Ell dressing up the doggies... At least they were good sports!
Ellie and Schatzie... my two beautiful girls.
Banging on the drums at Port Discovery.
Doodle Bug doodlin' away.
Ellie and Ellie by the turtles.
Meeting our newest cousin, Lucas, at Oregon Ridge Beach.
Just plain silliness!
Enjoying the tunes of The Bridge at Ledew Gardens on a warm Sunday Evening.
Picnic time at Ledew Gardens.
Ellie, Papoo, and Andrew enjoying lunch at Bluestone celebrating Uncle Jay's 71st birthday.

Fourth of July

2011-08-09T03:39:00.000-07:00

These are in reverse order... Sorry! Ell chillin' out on the roof of the CRV watching the fireworks.
An annual tradition... Popsicles (or ice cream) and fireworks!
BOOM!
Checking out the Oriole Bird at the Towson Parade.
Ellie, Papoo, and Joelle at the parade.
Ellie and Joelle enjoying the parade.
Fourth of July Ellie.
Ready for fireworks.

Ellie Day

2011-08-09T03:37:00.000-07:00

Some highlights from our first official All About Ellie Day... For starters this is an idea that I had stolen from a few mothers that I know. By giving someone a day dedicated to just them (this works for adults as well) from food choice to activities gives them a sense of importance and even more makes them more prone to compromise. On Ell's Ellie Day she wanted to go to Annie's Playground and play with her friends, Joelle and Ellie F., and eat ice cream so that is exactly what we did! In the picture above you can see the day was a success!
Pool time with the girls.
Swinging at Annie's Playground.
Starting the day...
Random picture of Schatzie before she got her summer time haircut... this is how she rode to the salon!

Rebel Race

2011-06-20T04:12:00.000-07:00

Sunday, my buddy, Rachel, and I competed in our 2nd mud race... The Rebel Race in Frederick, MD.
We decided to costume up and dressed as the Forgotten Photon and the Iron Fang. Even though the course had a total of 22 obstacles including a pond, ditches, compost mounds, fire, walls, cargo nets, tunnels, and barbed wire we did NOT let the course win.
My costume before the race.
Rachel and I, pre-race.
Pink friends always win!!

Saturday in the park...

2011-06-20T04:09:00.000-07:00

Well, it was actually the zoo but the other made a better title for the post.
Bill, Ell, Deb, Bennett, and I spent a lovely (and rather humid) day at the zoo. We made it through the African Safari and Polar Bear exhibit before the heat started taking a toll on everyone.
Ell got to ride the camel... I have a crazy feeling this was her favorite part of the zoo.
Ell and the penguins
At Hightopps with everyone after shopping and the zoo. What could be better... outdoor shade, yummy snacks, 90s cover band, and a sandy playground.
Ell and Grandma in the aviary.
Grandma with Ell and Bennett on the iron lion.
Ell and I
Showing off her brand new red boots... Here comes trouble!

Ellie's LOL pre-K graduation... June 17, 2011

2011-06-20T04:02:00.002-07:00

Ell and I
LOL Graduating pre-K class of 2011
Top: Ms. Robin, Ethan, Casey, Noah, Nora, Robert, Ellie, Takara, Ms. Beth
Bottom: Meredith, Max, Connor, Garrett, Jayda.
Max, Ell, and Ethan
Ms. Christy, Ms. Brooke, and Ell
Jayda, Takara, Ellie, and Nora
Meredith and Ell
Ell with Mommy and Daddy
Ell and Noah
Ell and Ethan
Ell and Ms. Robin and Ms. Beth
Ell and I... I am so proud of my little graduate! She is just getting smarter and smarter every day!
Ell and Nora
Receiving her diploma.
During her graduation performance
The graduating class

Introducing Jackson and Ellie 18 Teeth

2011-06-17T04:59:00.000-07:00

Ellie and Jackson, the newest addition to the household, in a head to head battle over sharing her popsicle. Ell won!
See!
Jackson and Schatzie in the back yard.
They seem to be getting along rather well.
Jackson was born in March, just north of Harrisburg, PA and he joined the household a bit over a week ago. He is a black standard poodle who can disappear outside at night!
Ellie showing off her 18 teeth... Yup! She lost another on and when I say lost, I really mean lost! It happened during dinner so she wrote the Tooth Fairy a note; "I lost my tooth" and left that in her pillow. No worries though, the Tooth Fairy came through.

Beach trip... Assateague Island and Ocean City

2011-06-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

Ell and Kiley in Ava's pool on the beach on Assateague Island.
Ava and Beth
Ell and Ki cheesing it up on the beach.
The wild horses stopped by to check everything out. Everyone was really excited to see them.
It really is an unusual and amazing sight to see the wild ponies walking freely on the beach.
Evening walk.
The campground where we stayed on Assateague.
The other side.
The girls waiting patiently for dinner... Hot dogs on a camp fire and chips. YUM!
Ell and Kiley with Ms. Maureen and Mr Pibbs at the campsite.
Looking for seashells on the beach.
Ellis loves Mommy.
She was very proud of herself, she wrote it all by herself upside down.
I was so happy just because she loves me so much!
Ell showing off two of her tats... a mermaid and a flower. The other two were a rainbow and a unicorn.
Speaking of mermaids... Here is the prettiest one of all!
Splash time at the pool.
We stopped at the Kite Loft to check out everything and they had this fantastic butterfly bench... Super cool!!
If there are silly hat to try on... We will try them on!!
No matter how silly they may be!
Ell and the Zoltar fortune telling machine on the boardwalk. Very cool to see but after watching the movie Big, no one in our group gave it a try.
On the Merry-go-round.
The group on the boardwalk... Ava is there but she is hiding behind Kiley.
Playground and blue drinks on Saturday evening.
Ell, the claw machine expert... she just has the 'touch'.
Ell and I
Beth and I at snack time.
Beth and all of the girls by the old time claw machines.
Ell and Kiley on the motor cycles... Watch out for these bad biker chicks!
Ell chillin' with Ava on Sunday morning.
Ell and I on the beach Sunday morning. I just love early morning walks on the beach, especially with my #1, I don't know if there is anything better.
Ellie on the boards.
Our group.
Ellie and I out in the water.
Rub-a-dub-dub three stinkers in the tub!

Brew at the Zoo with our friends too!!

2011-06-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Ell made me look like a princess... She applied make up on both of us. Can you tell?
Alex kicked back and taking in all that the zoo has to offer.
(The zoo didn't offer much more than a few squirrels, some bats, snakes, and a toucan... Oh well, maybe next time)
All of the girls... Kiley, Ellie F, Genny, Ellie L, and Ava.
Learning about nature... Ellie F, Ellie L, Genny, Kiley, and Sammy.
Alex and Ava.
Ellie and Ellie.

Wine in the Woods with the cousins

2011-06-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

No dish + no spoons = no trash
Good for the environment then it must be good for you!
Lisa and I
Erica LOVING the ice cream
Three cheers for ice cream!
Hip- hip- hooray!
Hip- hip- hooray!
Hip- hip- hooray!
Two thumbs up!

Preakness Hot Air Balloon Festival

2011-05-22T04:05:00.000-07:00

The 3 Musketeers on the way to see all of the balloons.
In front of the 'playing' balloon.
Showing off her toothless grin.
Inside the 'playing' balloon.

Dinosaur bunnies... ROOOAAARRRR!!!
Ghetto-fab balloon.
Andrew, Ell, and I
Andrew the ninja
Crazy Ell

The glowing balloons

Park, Baby Loves Disco, and the First Lost Tooth

2011-05-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

Biking at the park.
Schatzie came along too!
Baby Loves Disco at the Towson mall.
Ellie and Ava
Ellie and Kiley
Ell showing off her sock puppet.
Joelle dressed all fancy and showing off her work of art.
Kiley, Ell, and Erica on our way to get snacks.
Ell and rainbow bear.
The BLD DJ mixing some tunes.
Science Center on Sunday
Toothless Ellie!
Ell lost her tooth at dinner on Sunday night... It was quite a drama filled night!
But she is pretty happy about it!
Ellie and Michael having some post dinner ice cream before going to see Hoodwinked 2.

Mother's Day Weekend

2011-05-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday at the Catoctin Zoo north of Frederick, MD with the Millers. It was a beautiful day and fantastic company... I don't know if I could ask for a better Saturday!
Monkeys!!
Hanging at the zoo with our buddies!
Ell checking out the swans.
That Alex is one happy little boy!!
Ell wanted her picture by the wallaby sign... Bennett's Wallaby.
Genny and Ell feeding the fish.
It's tortoise time!
Ell and Genny by the Koi pond.
Making fish faces! They are some silly, silly girls!
Ellie in the trees.
Climbing on the lion.
Carey and I.
Me and my little clown!
Please read the disclaimer carefully because behind it is the lion exhibit enclosed in what looks like only a chain link fence and I think it was electrified, but still that really isn't very reassuring.
Oh, and here is the lion! Lucky for us she seemed rather sedated or lazy, whatever! And definitely not hungry... PHEW!
Genny and Ell checking her out.
Camel rides on Miranda the Camel. She sure was a noisy girl!
Ell sure had a good time!
If you know then I don't have to explain but I do love that Genny is peeking around the corner with a curious look.
Alligators... We nearly witnessed a National Geographic style death scene right in front of the girls between a gator and a turtle. The girls started squealing and we never did see that turtle resurface. Carey reassured the girls that he was hiding in the mud! I hope he really was!!
The girls were climbing on anything they could get their hands on!
3-toed sloth!
Here was a sign at the snack bar... Again, hmm...
Blowin' dandelion seeds.
Next stop, downtown Frederick, for dinner and window shopping.
I have heard of a milk mustache but Ell managed to take it to a whole new level... Chocolate ice cream 'stache and goatee!
Showing me her watercolor butterfly.
"What? I have a chip on my head? I guess it is better there than on my shoulder!"
Ellie just kills me with her silly sense of humor!
Ell in Frederick, MD at the end of our day and what a fantastic day it was!
This is more of a hmmm.... than anything!

NC Trip

2011-05-08T08:04:00.001-07:00

At the BWI terminal waiting (and waiting, thank you Mother Nature) to head to NC.
Nora playing with my sunglasses during our mall trip on Saturday.
Watch out Joni Mitchell, here comes Ellie!
Ellie, Bennett, and Grandpa at Biscuitville on Sunday morning.
Checking out the chickens on the Thompson's farm on Sunday morning.
Watching hens lay an egg... they sure are noisy!
Holding a freshly laid egg!
Ellie and Nora
Lysse cousins.

Deb and Jer with their grand kids.
Ell and I.
Ellie, Bennett, and Bill
Ell and Bennett.
Nora and Ellie fooling around with Grandma
Ms Joanne and Ellie at her dentist visit.
Guess what... We found out Ellie has her first 'wiggly tooth'. She is getting so big!!!
Ell and Dr. Jones... NO CAVITIES!! YAY!!
Lunch in Raleigh on our way to the airport.
Ellie and Grandma fooling around with Ell's ice cream soup.
Ell and I outside at South Point Mall before we head back home.

Easter Weekend

2011-04-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

Afternoon with the Fayas at Hightopps.
Silly tree on my lunchtime walk.
Ellie and Kiley at Port Discovery.
Silly girls playing silly games.
Ellie the artist.
Dying eggs with the cousins.
Fancy Easter sandwiches.
Tallying up all of the goods from the egg hunt. Looks like everyone won!
Mmmm... Candy!
Ell and Andrew.
Easter morning.
Looks like the Easter bunny thought Ell was a pretty special girl!
Showing off her chocolate bunny.
(3weeks later and he still hasn't been eaten)
Showing off her Easter finest.
Ellie and I just before church.
The egg hunt after church... The Easter bunny got super tricky and even hid some eggs on Papoo's car.
That is one happy girl!
She is a good egg hunter.
So silly!
Bubble time in her new princess nightgown.
Starting seeds for this year's garden.

Mid-April Fun

2011-04-19T12:54:00.001-07:00

So many things to do in April but we have had a very wet spring! Last weekend we ventured over to Ms. Cathy and Joelle's house to dye Easter eggs. It was some messy fun!
Lots of messy fun!

Ellie Story: The other night Ell was getting ready for her bath and when she got off the toilet (with not a stitch of clothing on) she stuck the end of a long piece of toilet paper in her hiney and wagged her bum and said, "Look Mama, I've got a tail. hahahaha!!"
What am I going to do with her?!

Saturday we had terrible rain and storms! Ms. Cathy, Joelle, Ell, and I met for lunch at Chick-fil-A and then headed to the movies. We tried to see HOP but I think everyone in the state of MD had the same idea that we had... Go to the movies! Anyway, HOP was sold out and instead (and lucky for us) Rio 3D had just come out AND there were tickets still available.
Rio was awesome! I really don't know who liked the movie more the adults or the kids!

Ellie Story: The other day she came home from school and was telling me about her day and how she and her buddy, Ethan, were sitting down and decided to try on each other's shoes. Then she tells me that she smelled Ethan's feet because "he wanted me to".
All I can hope is that this game of "You Can Smell Mine If I Can Smell Yours" is not the pre-courser to "I'll Show You Mine If You Show Me Yours"... Yikes!

Sunday was not only my first mud run but my first 5k. Yikes! Here is our group before the race. If you don't know, a mud run is exactly what it sounds like it is... mud and running. However, it also has obsticals like trenches, hills, jumps, and walls. It was a blast!
The first set of pits... don't even try to stay clean!
Taking a bit of a breather.
And yay! I did it! I didn't run the whole thing but I made good time and I completed the entire course. Not to pat myself on the back or anything but I am pretty darn proud of myself! When Ell saw the pictures she said one thing... Mommy, you are gross! You need a shower!

Today's Ellie-ism: You need to shake your booty at least one time every day!

Circus Time

2011-04-09T04:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Andrew and Erica's PawPaw, Ell and I were able to join Lisa and Erica at the circus on Friday night and what a show it was!
We got there early so we were able to go down onto the floor and see some of the performers and the elephants.
Ell and I at the circus.
Ellie and Erica
Showing off their cotton candy hats.
Ell and her $12 cotton candy... that was the best cotton candy EVER!
See, even Erica thinks so!!
There it is... "The Greatest Show on Earth".
The aerial performers

The tigers
the side show acts
The strongest man... He was holding 1/2 ton, wow!!
the tight rope walkers
Motorcycles in the sphere... there were 7 bikes inside!
The superhero clowns in a car.
The trapeze artists
The catapulting pirates...
This one is on stilts!

The Barnum Bouncers
And the grand finale.

It's April, fools!!

2011-04-05T05:07:00.000-07:00

I pulled a good one on Ell for April Fools Day... a whoopie cushion under her car seat pad, fake roaches in her lunch bag, and when I picked her up at school there was a giant mustache on the car. I hope you had a fantastic April Fools Day, we sure did!!
Trying out her roller blades. It was a slow start and there is definitely going to be a learning curve here!
At least she is still smiling!
Our 'fancy' tea party... Iced tea, Shirley temples, tea sandwiches, fruit salad, mini frittatas, quesidillas, chocolate cake, and cookies... YUM!!!
All of the kids at Maddie's 2nd birthday party.
Three peas in a pod!
The birthday girl... looks like someone really enjoyed her cake!
Happy birthday big girl!!
Speaking of birthdays... Happy birthday Papoo!
Ell and Papoo showing off Papoo's adult bibs.

Sunday at the DC Roller Derby

2011-03-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

Ell and I went with some friends to the DC Roller Derby... It was a first time adventure for all of us! Once we figured out what was going on, it was really a lot of fun to watch!
The DC Armory.
Captain America on roller skates. Ell thought this was hilarious... A superhero on roller skates, that is just crazy!
Ell enjoying the derby and treats (homemade marshmallows, yum)!
Ell and I as derby girls! Yay!

Static:1 MB:0

2011-03-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a good Ell story: When I went to pick Ell up on Monday her teacher leaned out the door with a smirk on her face...

MB: Oh no, what did Ell do today?
R: I want to let you know that all of her stuff is just shoved in her bag.
MB: OK?! Did she have to change clothes?
R: No, when I went in after lunch before nap time she was waving your panties around over her head and showing her friends because "they wanted to see them" so I got the kids redirected and started shoving things in her bag and told her to leave it all alone.
MB: (eyes as big as saucers and laughing/crying) OH...(gasp) MY...(gasp) GAHWD...(gasp)
R: (laughing too) at least she didn't get them out any more today.

On the way home that evening Ell and I had a little chat about underwear is called underwear because you wear it under your clothes and so so one can see. Also that they are private and they aren't something we share with everyone. Ell apologized and I promised her I wasn't mad, angry, or upset... And if it wasn't so darn funny I may even be more embarrassed than I am. But seriously, I am going to start using dryer sheets again when I wash her blankets for school on Sundays... Oh static cling, you won this time!!!

Mid March Fun

2011-03-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

A Saturday afternoon treat after a fun time at the playground... Frozen yogurt! It hit the spot!
Saturday at the Oregon Ridge playground.
Fun with the mud buddies on a warm Friday evening.
If you ever hear the words "mud" and "soup" in the same sentence coming out of a child's mouth the outcome is NEVER neat and clean! Oh well, they all had a blast then got hosed off (and no, the water hasn't warmed up yet!) and were running around the back yard in their underwear when the pizza guy showed up.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Ell balancing at the playground:

Early March Weekend

2011-03-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Checking out her new wheels... they seem to be working perfect! She LOVES her new bike and it was a perfect day to go riding!
What else do you do on a sunny March day... Fly a kite!
Captain Ellie at the Science Center on Saturday.
Ellie with the penguins at the Science Center.

Grandma and Daddy visit

2011-03-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

Deb and Bill came up to visit and to see Ellie's drama production. Most of the weekend revolved around the production but we all had fun on the down times. This is Ell and Deb at dress rehearsal on Friday.
After her wonderful production on Saturday night we all went out for snacks. While we were all reading our menus, Ell started drawing and phonetically spelling some funny phrases. By the time any of us saw her words there was no hiding our surprise! I think my jaw may have actually hit the table!
Me: Ell, whatcha writing over there?
E: (pointing to the words in the middle) Papoo stinks.
All at the table: OH!
Can't you see the stink coming from everyone's feet? Ellie stinks, cat Mommy stinks, Daddy stinks, and Papoo stinks... Duh!
You should have seen the look on the poor waiter's face when he read it over her shoulder.
Deb: She spelled stinks, STINKS!!
Waiter: Yea, that's how I spell it too!
Twirly-whirly!
Ice skating on Sunday.
The girls!
Silly Ellies!
A little help from our friends!
Grandma, Daddy, and one tired Ellie!
Group shot.
Look... NO HANDS!!!
Mustache fun at dinner on Sunday night.
Goofing around with the finger-staches!

Ellie, the thesbian

2011-03-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

This winter Ell was involved in the rec center's Drama Club and she LOVED it!!! Their winter showcase was "Into the Wild" and the performance was a hit.
Monday night rehearsals... this is Ell's class. The performers ranged in ages from 3-16 and everyone did a fantastic job.
Friday night dress rehearsal... Ell (with the pink bow) is listening very intently, this is some serious stuff!
"Trashin' the Camp" from Tarzan performed by the Intro class... Ell is in the pink monkey hat, go figure!

Ell's class performing "Great to be King" from the Lion King. Ell is to the right of the lion.

Curtain call.
Back stage on performance night! Very exciting!!!
Ellie and Kelly
Me and my shining star!

February Fun!

2011-03-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

YEA! This is awesome!
The girls after ice cream, soccer, and ice skating... I think some little girls will definitely sleep well!
BFFs... Ellie, Ellie, and Joelle.

The girls ice skating for Ellie F.'s birthday.
"Look Ma, no hands!"
Ellie, Ellie, Sammy, and Joelle at the ice rink.
Erica, Andrew, and Ell playing at the Marr's.
Playing on the PF Chang's horse before head home.
Ell and Erica on our girl's day to go see Gnomeo and Juliet. Everyone had a blast!
Painting a self portrait at Port Discovery.
More ice skating fun... this time with her very own ice skates! Ooohhh!!!!
Out for a walk on one of the warmer days in February.

Texas Adventures/ Sno-cation Edition

2011-02-19T05:14:00.000-08:00

Pre-flight breakfast at The Silver Diner in BWI... Nothing like chicken noodle soup at 9:30am!
Getting ready for take off. To infinity and beyond....
Arrived in TX and hanging out on Thursday afternoon.

Friday... Visiting the Alamo.
And checking out the gardens.
See... Ellie really is in Texas, the bench even says so!!
Ell and I in front of the Alamo.
Real Mexican food is sooooo good!!!
The pastry counter at Mi Terra, the oldest Mexican restaurant in San Antonio.
Ellie at the trolley stop.
Ellie on our Riverwalk walk... Lovely!
Ell on her first boat ride.
La Villita off of the Riverwalk.
Ell at the Rodeo on Saturday, this was before the show started.
Outside of the actual rodeo where the we found the fair, food, and stock shows.
Texas Rodeo food... Meat plate: Ribs, brisket, sausage, baked beans, 1/2 baked potato, and 2 slices of white bread. It was delicious!
And then dessert... Ice Cream!
The rodeo

Ethan ready for exploring.
Poor little sick Aiden.
Ell at the San Antonio Zoo on Sunday morning.
Ellie the butterfly.
I think that hippo is whispering something in Ell's ear!

The San Antonio Botanical Gardens on Sunday afternoon.
Ell and I in the Conservatory.
Yum... Bananas!!
Ell and I at the gardens.
Goofing around.
Ell by a real live cactus!
Rosie and Aiden
Backyard playing time!
Yee-haw!!
Monday we headed off to the Natural Bridge Caverns... Very Cool!

Outside of the caverns.
Lunch: Frog legs at the Antler Cafe. They did taste like chicken!

Ell and Ethan are all grins on Valentine's Day.
MB, Rosie, and Haven
Ell in the Houston (or as Jer says, "U-ston") airport.
Homeward bound after a fantastic trip/

Embracing Winter 2011

2011-02-19T04:46:00.001-08:00

I can only think of so many ways to continue to embrace the winter but I think that Ell and I did the best we could... Ice skating, girl's nights, eating marshmallows, sledding, time with friends and family, swimming in the bay, and escaping to warmer climates... Oh wait, that is the next post.
Happy winter!!
Girls night with Kiley... The girls loved playing beauty parlor. Ell was kind enough to 'do' Kiley's makeup for her... Don't they look beautiful??
Ell showing off her manicure. So pretty!

Ellie's 100 day project for school... 100 big marshmallows.
Ice skating with the cousins.
We can do it!!!
That is one goofy group!
Hooray for ice skating and awesome people!
Brendan and Andrew on the ice.
Polar Plunge 2011.
Team Captain Crunch ready to go. Yay team!!
Wacco for Flacco
I DID IT!!
Team Captain Crunch on our way home.
Total team donations: $2375 Way to go team!!

SNOW DAY!!!

2011-01-27T14:00:00.000-08:00

Ell had off school due to the winter weather on Wednesday and Thursday, I don't know about Friday yet, it is Thursday evening now. On Wednesday Ell came and hung out with me at work and no matter what you say, you can have fun at work!
Wednesday night the snow started again!!
Snow angels before dinner!
Snow cream with chocolate sauce for dinner... If we only had whipped cream and cherries she could have had a snow sundae.
Thursday morning... 9+ inches of heavy wet snow but I have to say, it was pretty!
FACE PLANT!
Schatzie checking everything out.
Ell sledding down the... stairs?
Yay snow day!!
Ell on Greenwood Board of Education's hill... About 12 years ago Bill broke his butt (seriously, he cracked his tailbone after accidentally jumping two crafted ramps on an icy evening... Kinda like Dead Man's Curve, the Beach Boys song) on this hill and ever since it has been named... Broke Ass Hill (aka: Broke Butt Hill according to Ell). Good luck, Ell!
Yea, this is no big thing!
Check me out... I made it and I am still smiling!
Woo-hoo... She loved every minute of the downhill. Now the uphill, well, that was another story!
Told you... That isn't too happy of a face.
It wouldn't have taken her as long but she got distracted by everything on the hill... look snow, look people, look something shiny, look... She also had some trouble watching out for the people coming down the hill until she nearly got taken out then she started paying attention!
It was a great day and a day of snow filled activities will really wipe a girl out! Oh yea, Ell is pretty tired too!!

Girl's Weekend!

2011-01-27T13:42:00.000-08:00

This weekend was supposed to be the weekend for Ell's big drama production but due to a bit of slacking on the rec council's part that was postponed until March and this weekend was all about the girls!
Sorry Donna, I had to put this up. I think it embodies the entire weekend... Silly, nutty, and fun!
Hotel hopping!
Grandma on ice skates!! Way to go Deb!!
Ell and I at the ice rink.
Grandma, Ell, and I on the ice.
Donna, Ell, and Grandma on our Saturday adventure.
Yay... Skating!!
Maddie at Robert's Chuck E Cheese 3rd birthday party.
Ell and Andrew on a roller coaster ride.
Happy birthday Robert!!!
"Yea, it's my birthday!"
Ellie, Erica, and Clifford
Up, up, up in the sky!
The weather was beautiful, 40ish and sunny in January, a perfect day to stroll around downtown Annapolis.
Ell and I by the water.
Ell on one of her favorite modes of transportation, me.
Silly girl!
Ell and Grandma coloring.
When we were eating lunch, Ell finished early and started playing quietly under the table while we continued to eat. Maybe a bit too quietly...
She has never done this before... I have to say, it is about the most adorable thing I have ever seen!!
The next weekend we went ice skating with Kiley.
Look Ma, no hands!!
Kiley getting a little help from her friend!
And when we fall down, get back up, and keep on going!
Ell and Kiley.
Helping hands!
All by herself... I am so proud!!!

Ice, ice baby...

2011-01-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

Today's adventure... Ice Skating for Ell's first time and my first time since middle school. Yikes!!
Just putting on our skates.
Watching the skaters and getting mentally ready.
Ok, taking a bit of a break. My feet hurt!
Zamboni!
Skating!! Way to go Ell!!
They didn't have double blade skates but they did have these fun walker looking supports and they came in all sizes.
Look Ma, no hands!
Boom on your tush! But we did learn a great life lesson today... Sometimes you fall down and when that happens you get back up and keep on going!
Ell and I on the ice.

Hear ye! Hear ye!

2011-01-06T04:55:00.000-08:00

January 5th was Ear Day... at least on Ellie's calendar! We went in to have her remaining tube removed, new tubes inserted in both ears, and her adenoids removed. Hopefully this will be the end of all of our ear woes! Surgery was at 9:15 so we had to be at the surgical center at 7:45, nothing like hurrying up to wait!
In the waiting room Ell had fun playing with the wall puzzles. We weren't there long at all, once the paperwork was all done one of the nurses took us back to another waiting room.
I brought plenty of books to keep us entertained. We also met with our doctor, Dr. Diehn, and our anesthesiologist, and our nurse. Ell was in good hands, she had a great team working on her!
Our anesthesiologist even lent Ell her his electronic reader to read/ play The Cat in the Hat.
Time to dress in our hospital nightgown. It had dogs in spacesuits, very silly!
Ell also thought it was pretty funny that the boys had to wear nightgowns too. "Boys don't wear nightgowns!"
Ell, the queen of modesty wasn't a huge fan of this part of the nightgown but I have to admit... I thought it was adorable!!
We played in the waiting area's play corner... There were toys and a movies!
Soon, it was our turn. I put over clothes on and Ell and I walked back to the operating room. She was so brave and I was so proud of her. She (and I) got nervous when we walked in, people were wearing face masks and the room looked so different. I sat her up on the table and she hugged my waist. The nurse gave her 'silly gas' and she drifted off. I laid her down, whispered in her ear, and the nurse took me to the waiting room.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, scared, or even cry. I did, all of it! It was a really scary sight, seeing your baby laying on a hospital bed with her eyes half rolled back in her head and then to be lead out of the room. I knew it was for the best, but it just made the next 45 minutes excruciating long.
To pass the time I got a snack, hummus and pretzels to be exact, because the only other strong feeling I had was hunger and 9:30 in the morning was a perfect time for hummus! I read and every time the door opened I looked up, so I guess maybe I didn't get that much reading done anyway!
Finally, the recovery door opened for me, and not soon enough! Ell was waking up! I went back, kissed her, and pulled out Birdy and Bah-bah. For the next 10 min or so she was in and out.
The first thing she said to me was, "Mama, I have to go potty, bad."
With some creativity, one of the nurses and I got her to the bathroom with her IV in tact. After a successful bathroom trip we snuggled up in the bed and watched some movies.
Then enjoyed a popsicle... FOR BREAKFAST!!
After about 2 hours in recovery with movies, minimal tears, and a breakfast popsicle we were given the go-ahead to go home. Wouldn't you know it, once we pulled into the driveway she declared, "I want to go in first" and with that she skipped from the car and into the house!

She had a great afternoon, a nap, lunch, cartoons, and playing... I think she is going to school tomorrow! She got a get well card, flowers (below), a bear with balloons (above), 2 get well care packages, and LOTS of inquiries as to how you were doing. Ell, you sure are a lucky girl to have so many people love and care about you!
I love you, Ell!

Aquarium Day 2011!

2011-01-06T04:51:00.001-08:00

The Sunday after New Year's day we went to the aquarium... It was cool, not cold, but wet outside so it was a perfect day to be inside. Lucky for us not too many people were thinking the same way we were so it wasn't very crowded either... YAY!
First stop... Jellies. Actually, the first stop was snack time, then jellies!
Then off to the dolphin show!
Up close and personal!
Racing down the hall.
Ooohh... 4-D movies. We are seeing the Polar express!
Check out these shades!
Yea, we're cool and we know it!
Let the adventure begin...
The movie was cool but maybe they should have picked a better, or should I say, appropriate, preview then Extreme Outback. Even I got freaked out!
Ell and the penguin.
Oh look, more snacks!
PUFFINS!!!
"I've got my eye on you!"
Passed out on the ride home. Yes her hair is stuck in the drool on her chin!

I love... asthma?

2010-12-31T06:27:00.000-08:00

Big Daddy and bubble wrap

2010-12-29T19:21:00.000-08:00

Now first off, please stick with me until the end... I will probably end up throwing myself under the bus more than once but I promise I will tie it all together. Big Daddy, the movie, came to mind after this incident because of the scene where Sonny (Adam Sandler) gets hurt and the reaction of 7 year old, Julian (Dylan Sprouse). Sonny's great line was, "You think me hurting myself is funny, don't you?" Julian responds with a laughter filled, "YES!" Well, no one was hurt in this one but here is my (latest) Big Daddy moment put out there for your laughter filled, "YES!"

During our before bed story tonight Ell and I got into a conversation, I will refrain from telling you how it started (I passed gas), and this is how it went...
E: Eeeww! Mama, you are a dirty pig.
Me: Hey! It isn't nice to call people barnyard animals. Would you like it if I called you a dirty... muskrat?
E: No, what's a muskrat?
Me: A mix between a mouse and a beaver. You know what they are, right?
E: No.
Me: Or a raccoon, you know about them.
E: No.
Me: They look like a big ferret and a fox.
E: A what?
Me: Hold on.... (pulling out the computer, go to Google, search ferret, then see images) See, that is a ferret, some people have them as pets.
E: Do another one.
Me: (search raccoon) And that is a raccoon.
E: Oh, do the muskrat.
Me: (searching) See, that is a muskrat. Wait (searching mouse) you have seen these before.
E: Yes, in the closet. What about fox?
Me: Ok. (searching, S*#T!!, um...) Uh, hold on Ell. Let me fix this. (use your imagination... I searched 'fox' and not just the furry 4-legged ones came up... there were some rather scantily clad women on there and many of them! Yes, they were clothed... thankfully! Now typing 'RED fox'.) Ok, here we go!
E: Why did you change it, Mama?
Me: Er, um... There are better pictures here. No people.
E: Is fox another word for a person?
Me: Yes sweetheart, sometimes it is.

We both came out relatively unscathed but I have to say it made me think about a few thing, bear with my Jerry Springer 'Final Thoughts' here...
1- Discomfort, joy, pain, love, laughter, awkwardness, happiness, elation, and devastation all make up life, that is a fact. With out bad, how can you have good? And taken from Priscilla and the Pink Planet (a must read)... How can you see just how great pink can be if there are no other colors to compare. What is thin without fat, or big without small?
2- I definitely need to pre-screen any further Google image searches!
3- And most importantly, you can't wrap the most delicate and special things in bubble wrap. I would love to shield Ell from the world outside and all of the bad, scary things out there but I can't. But as easily as a Google image search for fox can reveal a barely covered woman (whom, may I add, was NOT sitting in a very lady-like fashion) is as easy as she can hear the scary and sometimes gruesome stories on the news, or foul and filthy language at the store. The best thing I can do is adapt, use all of these as learning and teaching tools, then move forward while taking a deep breath and saying a little prayer.

Santa Claus is coming to town...

2010-12-25T20:08:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve Meme and Ell constructed an awesome gingerbread house!
Ell really takes her work seriously but don't worry... a decent amount of candy did not make it on the house. It happened to take a detour into her mouth and into her tummy!!
Ell and I before Christmas Eve mass.
After mass we drove around and looked at Christmas lights for a bit then we headed home to say good bye to the house Elf on the Shelf, Max Rhonacher. We'll see you again next year!
Feeding the reindeer... water and dry oatmeal.
Chocolate milk and an assortment of cookies for Santa. Next we check the Official NORAD Santa Tracker and see that the big man is already in South America, Chile to be exact... Time to let sugar plum fairies dance in her head.
Good night Ell, don't forget the rule though... When you wake up and it is dark outside you need to stay in bed. But, if when you wake up the sun is up then you can start waking everyone up!
OH MY!!!
Proof... Santa came!!
OH MY! OH MY!!
More proof that Santa came!! Holy cow! Someone must have been a good girl this year!
Christmas morning tearing into the gifts!
So, Ell woke up at 6am and the sun wasn't out yet so she went back to sleep (great listening, kiddo) until after 8am... Everyone was up and waiting for her!
Checking out her gifts.
Ell and I reading the thank you card that Santa left for her for the cookies, milk, and for being such a good listener this year!
Look, its a 'walkin' dog'!! YAY!! Oh, and her name is Pups.
Santa even brought some things for Schatzie!
Ell and her horse, Lysse.
A NEW KEYBOARD!!
Strawberry Shortcake and all of her berry, berry bitty pieces!
At Aunt Angela and Uncle Jay's house for Christmas dinner... It was the best lasagna EVER!! Did I mention that we had flurries on Christmas Day, I don't know if that qualifies as a White Christmas but it was still awesome!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

An Ace Up My Sleeve

2010-12-22T18:49:00.000-08:00

This morning while we were getting ready to leave Ell ran into the bathroom to do, what I thought was to brush her teeth. Then I heard, "GRROOWLLL! GROWL!!! GGGGRROOWWLL!! GGGRRRRRRROWL!!!" and I realized she was sitting on the toilet. I grabbed the camera, switched it to video, and proceeded to sneak up on her. Once I hit the record button she changed her tune...

And I realized I hit a gold mine. I could never get her to do that again if I tried!!! Oh, and guess what... in about 10-13 years this video will resurface. Lets just call it my insurance or reassurance in keeping the boys away!!

One week till Christmas!

2010-12-20T18:56:00.000-08:00

Cookies with Meme... YUM!!!
Ell and the tree.
Decorating.
Checking out one of the angels I made when I was her age.
Merry Christmas! Thank you Aunt Donna and Uncle Larry!!
The first snow and it was just days before the first day of winter! Luckily, it was enough to get out of school early! YAY!!!
Schatzie in her rainbow sweater in the snow... Don't worry, she had fun too!!
Relaxing after the snow!
And now it is time for naps!
Thumbs up for cookies!!
OH YEA!! I LOVE COOKIES AND I AM FLYING HIGH ON CHRISTMAS MAGIC!!! WOO-HOO!!
I was attacked o Friday night by the paints... luckily, they were washable!
I hope Ell doesn't quit her day job!
She is lucky I let her get away with these things!! :)
Pink friends party #2
I came out the other evening to find this... When I asked her shy she was wearing her helmet she replied, "in case I hit my head with my toy." Oh, silly Mommy!!!
On our way to caroling... a wonderful neighborhood tradition I did when I was her age!
Even Juliette came to sing.
Pretty Ell posing after carols on Sunday.

I am sure the boss would love this excuse...

2010-12-20T09:40:00.000-08:00

This morning I was informed by Ell, as she is sitting on the toilet, "Mama, I am sorry but you're going to be late for work because I have to poop."

Really, what do you say to that?

Christmas with Daddy and Grandma

2010-12-15T19:33:00.000-08:00

Friday evening was Ell's Christmas 'show' at school. (I was told earlier in the week not to call it a program, that made Ell frustrated and nervous. I had to call it a show.) Then sang "I'm Going to be a Little Angel" and "Feliz Navidad" and they all did a fantastic job!
Ell was wonderful! This year she actually sang! That is such an improvement from years past even though she got very bashful and nervous when she looked at anyone in the family. I guess that ruins my plans for being the front row parent for the next couple of 'shows'!
Seriously though, not much is cuter than a group of 4 and 5 year olds singing Christmas songs!
Ell's pre-K class... Takara, Casey, Robert, Ellie, Jayda, Conor, Garrett, Nora, Max, Meredith, Ethan, and Noah.
Margie, Meme, Ell, and Papoo

After all of the singing was over the big man in the red suit stopped by for a visit. Bill asked Ell if she wanted to go up and tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas. She looked at Bill with all of the seriousness of a 5 year old and said, "No Daddy. I saw Santa last week and told him what I wanted then. So, he already knows, I don't need to tell him again."
Saturday, Bill, Deb, and I took Ell to see the Nutcracker at the Baltimore School for the Art. It was a fantastic performance!
Ell and I at the Nutcracker.
I made sure that Ell knew that the Claire was dreaming and that is where some of the bizarre things were coming from. Then about half way through the second half she leaned over to me and asked, "Mama, why is nobody talking?" It was interesting explaining to her, in hushed tones, that the music and dancing are doing all of the "talking" but hey, she is a sharp one and told me that she understood.
Bill, Deb, and Ellie out in front of the Baltimore School of the Arts in Mt Vernon.
Quick stop at the market for afternoon snacks... YUM!
Saturday night we headed down to Hampden for dinner at Cafe Hon and to see the 34th street lights.
Ell and Grandma at Cafe Hon.
Mommy, Ell, and Daddy.
Ellie posing with the cherry from her Shirley Temple.
MB, Ell, and Deb at dinner.
Daddy, Ell, and the sweater tree.
Deb showing off her new boots in front of our new favorite store!
34th street lights
Lights in Hampden! They were very pretty but we sure weren't counting on it raining the whole time... Oh well, we all had fun anyway!
Ell and Schatzie taking it easy on Sunday morning.
Ell and Grandma at the "E" hotel.
Ell with her Mommy and Daddy.
Sunday we went to see the trains at Kennilworth.
Then Bill and Ell went to the movies to see Megamind. Deb and I went shopping but we never managed to get past Greeting and Readings!

Presents and thank you notes on Sunday night.

Monday night Ellie, Juliet, and I went down the street and braved the cold to see Santa visit the neighborhood in the firetruck. It was really cold!
Here comes Santa Clause!!
Santa and his helper!!

And sew it goes...

2010-12-08T19:00:00.002-08:00

Ell told me she wanted to make something and here it is, her first project...
She decided to make a bah-bah for Bennett and she wanted it to look like hers, green, and fish. She cut everything on her own, fabric and ribbons. She positioned them but I pinned them in place for her.
Now we are ready to sew.
I raised the pedal of the sewing machine on a box so she could reach it with her foot. she controlled the speed and I guided the fabric so her fingers didn't get mushed. She also controlled all of the buttons and turning of the fabric. I think she is a natural!
She removed the pins and helped turn it right side out then finished the corner.
Here she is with her finished project. She was so proud of her work!

It ended up being a great lesson on hand- eye coordination, planning, thinking in reverse, and teamwork. But more than that, it was quality time with Ellie and I.