And then, a trend...

Over the past handful of months, Ella has really found great interest in squeezing into small spaces. We're talking boxes, containers, or whatever she can find.











Hmm...Wondering what Ella will get from Santa this year?

Ella's first Birthday!

So Ella's first birthday came and went. It was a really great day. BUSY! But great. We woke up to our smiling little Ella who was newly 1 year old. We had made it -- all three of us! The first year is so changing and wonderful -- lots of emotions and events and ups and downs for sure. We opened the 2 gifts that had come via snail mail from Great Aunt Susie and Great Gramma Rhey. Thank you to you both -- Ella LOVED the ducky slippers and wash cloth and LOVED the babydoll from Aunt Susie -- complete with Pachoulli scent -- mmm!




A gift from Great Gramma Rhey: Ducky slippers, loofa, and Ducky bath puppet :)

The birthday party was great too -- very high energy and busy. We were so happy our family and special friends were there to help Ella celebrate her big day! A HUGE thank you to "Gigi" and "Grand-dad" for the "hall rental" for Ella's bash. We owe them big time for sure! We had lots of tunnels and a pink tent thanks to our great neighborhood pals. The kids had a great time!











*** Love to you all.

***** No idea what's up with the format of the pictures and movies. I am completely clueless with this html stuff. I'll work on it ;)

Ella's First Year In Review

Hoping this works!

Ella's first Halloween!

Apologies for getting these up a little late! Look how cute! The first two pictures are from the Thursday CP+B (Nathan's work) Halloween Party. There were LOTS of kids. I think Ella was a little overwhelmed to say the least! But we had a good time :)






And on Saturday, our neighborhood put together a Halloween Kid's Parade and Party! Jess and Chuck came too with little Ben the sweet monkey! These pictures are compliments of Jessica Carlson who kindly took them for us. (Thanks Jess!)








Needless-to-say, we have a good time. We're already looking forward to next Halloween!

In other news, our sweet little Ella will be turning ONE on Sunday! Exciting, exciting, but kind of bittersweet to watch her grow up and turn into a little toddler. I kinda miss my baby. But so many good things to look forward to as we dive head first into toddlerhood. We will be having a small party -- just a few friends and family members on Sunday. Wish we could invite more pals but I think it's best to keep it small for the first party. Next year, that may change. Looking forward to seeing "Gigi: and "Grand-dad" (Geri & Dave) on Saturday. Sending them safe travel wishes as they embark on the cross-county journey (with the dog, Cody too!) on Friday. We can't wait to see them!

Love to you all.

Katy

** Stay tuned for pictures of Ella smashing her first birthday cake....Mmmm!!!