Sweet

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family, friends, and much to be thankful for. While the drive was long and frustrating at times I am thankful it wasn't as long as it could have been. The girls did an amazing job in the car and Lilly was very excited to get to Papa's house.

The first night Lilly received her Powhatan Turkey gifts. She asked the Powhatan Turkey for a teddy bear and a unicorn. Amazingly enough, the Powhatan Turkey listened! Lilly was thrilled. Ella also enjoyed her gifts from the Powhatan Turkey.

Here is our Thanksgiving highlighted by my favorite pictures.

Papa's street. So Godly.

Building a Tee Pee.

Ella's Virginia 1st Birthday party. It was wonderful for Ella to get to celebrate with family and friends. Thank you to those of you who helped us celebrate!

Friends for 30 years...

Serenity

We have so much to be thankful for and are so very blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving at St. Andrew's

Today Lilly had a Thanksgiving surprise at her school. We were told to arrive at 11 a.m. for a little gathering. Andy was awesome and actually drove 30 min home to stay with Ella (allowing me to go) since siblings were not allowed and then drove 30 min back to work. Thank you Andy! It is so hard to juggle school events where siblings are not welcome and it was very sweet of Andy to graciously let me go when I'm sure he would have enjoyed himself.

When we walked in the kids were all sitting dressed as either a Pilgrim or an Indian. They had a homemade place mat in front of them and an extra seat next to them. I sat down next to my little Indian and enjoyed a snack that she helped make (banana chocolate chip muffins and goldfish with water or juice). She served me and told me all about making the muffins.

Then we went onto the carpet and watched and listened while the kids sang their Thanksgiving songs. Lilly loves singing and loved hitting her homemade tom tom!

Here's to a happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I hope you'll have no problem finding something that you're thankful for this year.

Ella's 1st Birthday Party

Yesterday we celebrated Ella's 1st birthday with family and friends at our house. The party had been scheduled for the previous Saturday but Lilly was sick so we moved it back a week. It was a great time! Jackie spent Friday night at our house making homemade gravy and meatballs for the party so we could have meatball subs. We also had a large tray of Chick Fil-A nuggets, Philly soft pretzel sticks, fruit, and cake. It was yummy!

Lilly decided to wear her happy birthday tu-tu that Aunt Sherry gave her for her 3rd birthday.

Ella spent the majority if the party in my arms. She was a bit overwhelmed by our guests and is much more comfortable with Mommy.

She also spent some time with Daddy. She did not walk around and visit people...

The weather was mild so the kids played outside most of the time. The rest of the time the girls played in Lilly's room or in the basement. I did have a turkey craft prepared which all the kids (even the older boys) did end up doing. Yay!

Ella could just barely see over the table.

Birthday girl!

Ella wasn't sure what was going on when everyone started singing.

But she sure loves cake...

After a nice long nap she opened her presents and played with them until it was time to go to bed. Happy 1st birthday sweet girl!

Dance

Dancing Queen

Birthday Girl!

Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to Ella,
Happy Birthday to You!

Today we are just hanging out doing our usual routine. Lilly is having a very hard time with Ella's special day. She is jealous and I understand how she's feeling. We've done a lot of talking about when people are born (including Jesus) and how we celebrate their births. She understands but feels jealous. She even had a rough morning at school. It must be hard when you're 3 to understand why your little sister is getting so much attention and also receiving gifts. She decided to go take a nap. I think she'll feel better when she wakes.

Tonight we will go to Panera Bread so Ella can have a grilled cheese and a yogurt. Then we will return home for cake and singing.

When I picked Lilly up from school today people were commenting on Ella's dress (because I always take her in footie pj's!) and I told them it was her 1st birthday. Then I started getting all emotional! I knew at any minute I could lose it so I just sort of laughed it off. I just can't believe she's already a year old. And to top it off a website that sends me monthly updates on babies' developments sent today's email titled "My Toddler This Week." Toddler?? I think not.

A Year Ago Today...

Sweet Ella,

A year ago today you came into our family. I remember every single detail as if it was happening this very minute. You were perfect. Your arrival was beautiful. The room was quiet and still. Daddy took you to the couch and held you and gazed into your eyes. You were calm and quiet. It was a beautiful sunny fall morning and we had a spectacular view from the delivery room. You made your debut at 7:34 a.m. and you weighed 7lbs, 14oz and were 21 1/4 in long. We were surprised you were so much bigger than your sister.

You had the chubbiest cheeks. You make my heart skip a beat. I have loved you since the day I found out you were in my belly and I still look at you daily and cannot believe how lucky we are to have you.

Your sister couldn't wait to meet you. She loves you so much and you simply adore her. This was her very first glimpse of you.

She immediately bent down and kissed you lightly on the forehead.

Our very first family photo.

There's no way to express the amount of love we have for both of you. One day you may both become mommies and then you will know what Mommy is talking about.

You are amazing baby girl. You are 1 year old today. A whole year. I cannot believe you are growing up so quickly. You are starting to be spunky like your sister. You love to sneak up the stairs. You are walking steadily now. You walk like Frankenstein. You weigh about 23 pounds. You are tall. You giggle. You dance (and it is hysterical). You give bear hugs. You are cuddly. You love to nurse. You love yogurt and water. You love playing with toys and with your sister. You say "CkCk" for cat, and "Ma" for Mommy, and "Duhduhduhduhduhduhduh" for Daddy, and "Bubee" for baby, and "Bah" for bye, "Hiiii" for hi. You clap and wave. You love dogs and animals in general and get very excited when you see them. You are absolutely amazing and we are so proud to be your Mommy and Daddy.

Happy Birthday sweet girl.

Making Music

Birthday Surprises!

The other day Ella received a birthday present in the mail all the way from Minnesota and today she received one from Cape Cod! How exciting and fun! We are saving the Minnesota present for her birthday (Thanks Krissy! I want to wrap it for her to open) but I caved and let her open her Cape Cod present from the Sharlet's. Then it hit me - this would be her first present ever to open!! Why does this make me sad? She's already old enough to open presents??? So I had to document it... Thank you Stephanie, Mike, Jordan, and Ryan!

It's an adorable baby purse!! It comes with a cell phone, change purse with coins, compact (make-up), and keys. They are all soft and make crinkly sounds. So cute!

Counting her money...

I cannot believe our baby is turning ONE. Time has flown and we are enjoying every minute!