Activities

September has been a very full month for us...I cannot believe it is almost October! And so life goes on and we all get older and I try to soak up every second that passes and know it as wholly as possible. Kate is almost 6 months old...a concept that is just too surreal to me. Didn't I just give birth? My goodness! Kate has absolutely NO desire to sit up (we are working on it) but she is creeping (almost crawling! GASP!) EVERYWHERE. She loves to be on her tummy and loves standing on my lap....her legs are extremely strong! And she makes all kinds of silly sounds. She was making raspberry noises but she has moved on to screaming and grunting. The grunting is pretty hilarious but the screaming is terrible! She is SO good at that high-pitch scream and it is a bit much for all of our ears. I am hopeful that she will move on to another sound as quickly as she came into this one. She is also saying "ma ma ma ma" and "mum" which of course melts my heart and makes up for all the screaming (almost :) ). Ellie and her friend Jaden at Sunday School (Ellie is snuggling her preschool class mascot "Glimmer". She got him for the whole weekend and we had to record all our adventures with him).

Soccer practice...Go Ellie Go!

Gymnastics practice with Glimmer :)

At the Puyallup Fair

What a fun month we've had! Our family is so blessed. Life is good!

Happy 4th Birthday Ellie!

Happy Birthday Ellie! On September 17th, Ellie turned 4 years old. I CANNOT believe how quickly that time has passed! Gratefully, I have been able to be there for every minute of those 4 years (thanks Dan for working so hard so I can be home with our little girls!). Ellie has grown into a BEAUTIFUL, fun, sensitive and extremely bright young lady. I am so proud of her. So some 4 year old facts: Likes...Polly Pocket, Barbie, pretend play, catching worms and frogs (seriously), gummy snacks, writing and going to school. Dislikes...bedtime, mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, "loud and messy boys," sleeping in her own bed. Best Friend...imaginary friend named Cinny Always...names animals, dolls, pretend characters, etc "Caroline." Is really good at...writing, storytelling, puzzles, making Kate smile, helping Mama and Dada, making everyone laugh, observing details in situations others would not notice. Loves to play...Polly Pocket, office, bakery, school, library, store, hotel, and Zingo. Wants to be...a pediatrician. :) And here are some pictures from her birthday weekend:

Busy answering the phone the morning of her birthday...

If you could pick your birthday breakfast, what would you choose? Ellie chose "Fruit Loops on a string and milk in a princess cup." OK....random.

Getting ready for her birthday. This is ALL her doing by the way. I just took the picture. I don't know how I got such a girly girl. Lip gloss....

Blush...

Ellie had to wait to open gifts until Dan woke up (around noon)! What a patient little gal! I couldn't help it...I let her open just one. It seemed cruel not to...

But the real surprise came as a knock on the door. Ellie had NO IDEA Mema and Papa drove from Spokane to see her. As you can see, she barely let them come in the door before she freaked out and jumped on them!

Love you Papa!

Ellie #1 and Ellie #2

Ellie playing with her new Polly Pockets

Tee Hee!

Special friend Ivy came over that night for a little visit

Saturday morning before her actual birthday party (dress was a gift from Ivy)

Uncle Matt and Auntie Tara (6 months pregnant and looks AMAZING!) arrived first...

...and then they all kept coming! We had 20+ adults and 20+ kids at our house! Nuts but so wonderful to see Ellie surrounded by so many friends and family who love her dearly. Thanks everyone!

These next two pictures crack me up. Little kids are so funny when presents are being opened. They don't care who the gift is for, there is just something so cool about a present.

After the party. This moment was adorable. Ellie took it upon herself to show her baby sister Kate how to play her new Leapster game. Kate paid attention and was eager to try it herself! A great weekend! Thanks again to everyone who came to celebrate Ellie! A special thanks to Nana, Papa, Auntie Tara and Uncle Matt for picking up the balloons and cake and making cookies; to Mema and Papa for driving all that way just to make Ellie feel so special and finally to Dan for waking up after only 3 HOURS of sleep to not miss a moment of Ellie's birthday. Love you all!

Ellie's First Day of School

Today was Ellie's first day of preschool at her new school, Lake Tapps Christian. I was a little worried that she might cry like last year, but happily there was nothing to worry about! She did SO great! She was ridiculously excited for school and said she LOVES her teacher and her class! HOORAY! What a stress for a mommy until you know all is OK for your little baby! Anyway, she looked adorable, she had a blast, and she came home with a "big girl" confidence. The cutest part of the day was when she gave Kate a "pep talk" before leaving for school. It went something like this: "It's OK Kate. Don't cry. I know you'll miss me but I have to go to school because I am the big sister. I won't be gone long and I promise to have a tea party with you when I get home. It's OK Sissy, I love you."

Seriously. Too cute. Of course, I cried. I love moments like that. I hope to revisit them in a few years when the girls are beating on each other, pulling hair, and fighting over toys. :) J/K.

Honestly, all I said was "SMILE!" The rest of it is all her idea! :)

Just gorgeous.

The "Pep Talk"

Ahh...the coat-hook picture. A classic!

A goodbye kiss for Kate!

Kate's Baptism

On Sunday, a few friends and family members joined us to witness and celebrate Kate's baptism. It was very important to Dan and I that Kate be baptized like Ellie, and it was a great reminder to us as parents of our commitment to teach our children to know and love God. Thank you to all of you who were able to be there to share our special day and we greatly missed those of you who couldn't make it. Kate wore the same dress that Ellie wore...purchased by Dan's grandmother for all her granddaughters and great-granddaughters to wear. She also wore the same gold cross that Ellie wore when she was baptized.

Pine Family

Ciabattari's (my brother)

Papa and Nana

This has to be the funniest (and most ironic) picture I've taken. Three little Angels...yeah right!

Proud McDonald Family

Just Ellie. She was so excited for her baby sister!

Ellie made this card for Kate. A keeper for sure!

Congratulations Kate! We love you and promise to always share with you the amazing love of God. You are so special!

5 Months Old

Happy 5 Months Sweet Girl! We love you Baby Kate!

HA HA HA! This last picture is a keeper! And check out the cheeks...are you kidding me? You have NO IDEA how much they get kissed and squished in a day!