Visit With Friends

Our good friend Ruth and her three kids (Alice 3, Joey 2, Alice almost one) came to play this Friday. We had so much fun watching the kids play. Ruth and I actually were able to have a real adult conversation! I know that is surprising considering there were four kids under the age of three but usually there are more of us at play dates and we never get to catch up! The highlight of the visit was when Dan caught a little frog in our yard and gave it to the kids. Then Saturday, Sandy and Greg and their dog Riley came to visit and bring Ellie her belated birthday gifts. Per usual, their visit was ridiculous fun and Ellie couldn't have been more happy. Thanks Greg, Sandy and Riley for all the wonderful gifts and especially the visit! It was great to see you!

Flower Girl

Here are a few of MANY MANY beautiful pictures from Tara's wedding. Ellie was SO excited to be the flower girl and of course, I thought she looked adorable! I was really happy that we were able to walk down the aisle as a family. It was a great moment. The first picture is my favorite. And check out that GORGEOUS bride!

Three, Preschool, and More!

My word! I have SERIOUSLY neglected this blog for too long! We have been SO busy this past month I cannot believe that fall officially begins tomorrow! I am so excited as it is my absolute favorite season of the year. Dan and I are excited to decorate for Halloween soon as it is a HUGE event in our neighborhood...apparently people caravan in just to trick or treat here so we need to be ready! Ellie and I also have already started our at-home fall crafts. It is so fun that she can actually help cut and paste now. Today we made a maple leaf art project with some old tissue paper and some cut outs from the Internet. It turned out very cute. Anyway, blah blah blah...ON TO PICTURES!!!!!! I wish I could relate all the details of Ellie's 3rd birthday, preschool, Mema's long visit, her first ballet class, and even her debut as flower girl but there is just not enough time. I hope that the pictures and captions will give you at least some idea of our last few weeks! Enjoy! First, we partied at Ellie's birthday party. Unfortunately, I cannot find our pictures! She had so much fun with all of her friends and family. Her party theme was "Camping" so the kids went "fishing" for all their goodies to fill their goody bags (thanks Auntie Claire for the idea!). It was definitely the highlight of the party! Then we went to the Puyallup fair the next day with Uncle Andre, Aunt Mary, Mema, Olivia and Nathan. The following Monday, Ellie started preschool. It was a VERY traumatic day as she was scared and did not want to leave Mommy. The good news was that by day two, she "liked it" and couldn't wait to go back! I think it helped that the second day (Thursday) was her birthday and she got to bring donuts, wear a tiara and tutu, and pick a treat from the classroom birthday box. I was relieved!

Day One:

Ellie finding her name tag Saying goodbye and putting backpack in her cubbycelebration lunch at Applebee's

Day Two: Ivy and Owen came by before school to surprise EllieOpening presents of course!

Ellie had such a wonderful birthday! But I enjoyed it most because I really enjoy Ellie. At three years old, she is so bright, articulate, and imaginative. I love how affectionate and gracious she has become, never greedy or thinking she is entitled to everything. And she is so full of joy. My mom remarked time and time again, "she is such a happy little girl." Of course, this is all I can ask for. That same week, Ellie also started ballet lessons! I told you we have been busy! It was the sweetest thing I have ever seen and I cracked up at how graceful she thinks she is and how backward all her movements were! She was adorable.