Leaning Tower of Ellie

A New Day

This late afternoon, I took the girls to the park. We had a rather grumpy, whiny, disjointed kind of day and I was at the end of my rope so I thought the fresh air and room to run might help. Lucky for me, it did. We played hard for a long time and then went home for spinach and cheese pizza (Ellie's favorite), books and bedtime for Kate, and a popcorn and movie night for me and Ellie. Not a bad way to end the day!

I Don't Want to Grow Up...

...I'm a Toy R Us kid!

I am Not a Runner

I am not a runner. I have always said this and despite finishing a 10K race this weekend, I still believe it to be true. I don't "train" for races and I have no aspirations for running anything longer than 10K. I hate running "just for fun" on the treadmill or even at home. But I have to admit, I love being part of 5/10K races. I like feeling part of something healthy and positive. I like being "out there" in the community. I like the mental toughness I have to rely on to get me through the run. I like not being too comfortable in my comfort zone. Admittedly, I like being the cheered rather than the cheer-er every once and awhile. And I like knowing I am strong for my girls. Finishing anything difficult is always empowering and I definitely like that. Here are some pictures from my recent race. I ran with my great friend, Tabitha. Despite the fact that the first 4 miles were uphill, we had an awesome time!

Ellie Turns 5!

Some of my favorite pictures from this past week, and quite the week it was! First day of school, school birthday celebration, trip to American Girl Store, her first race and a visit from all her aunties, uncles, grandparents, etc. We had a wonderful "small" family celebration at our house with just the grandparents and aunts, uncles, and cousins. I am continually amazed at how awesome our family is. They drive from all corners of the state (some just coming in from LONDON!...ahem, Auntie Tara) just to celebrate our special little girl. Ellie said the highlight of her actual birthday party was playing with her cousins... "Even better than presents" she said. :) It truly moves me to think how blessed we are.

My favorite picture overall

Ellie's "Pretty Woman" moment!

How much "girl" can you pack into one picture?! Ha!

Yep, it's love.

Not the ensemble I had in mind for her party but somehow she ended up in this interesting Mexican sarong. I swear she makes anything look adorable. :)

Joy

Ellie's requested special lunch on our way to American Girl store!

Seriously. Look at that face.

Even better that Mema joined us!

Dan made this cake as he does every year for his girls' birthdays but this one was by far his best!

The cousins (minus Kate and Cole sleeping upstairs)...for the record, we had a 0,1,2,3,5,6 and almost 7 year old represented! So cool!

Race Day

You go girl!

A big THANK YOU, to everyone who made Ellie feel so special this week! It was very much appreciated. XOXO

The First Role Play

Kate playing mommy to Ellie's Baby Alive doll. 17 months and we are starting to see more of Kate's play personality. She loves to give the baby a bottle and then tell everyone Shhhh because the baby is sleeping. Even though we've been through all of this with Ellie, we are no less excited!

One Last Visit to the Zoo...

Today I took the girls to the zoo for what will probably be the last time this summer. We timed everything so perfectly that we saw every animal in its best and most active/interesting moments. We McDonald ladies had a blast! :)