Puddles

This  afternoon we had a rain shower.  Ella was ready to run and play in the puddles that form in the cul-de-sac in our neighborhood.

 I love this picture.  You can see her feet running but the reflection in the water is priceless.

This picture is the same way.  

One, Two, Three jump

Take 1

Take 2

Take 3 - We did it

There is no greater joy than running through puddles.

New Year of Ballet - 3rd year

Ella began her 3rd year of ballet.  She has decided to do ballet and modern dance.  

She keeps saying " I'm a purple girl."

Her leotard is light purple.

So, hair up, pins in, earrings, and two teeth gone - we are ready for another year of dance.

    




                                                
pink is her 1st year                  light blue is her 2nd year                              light purple is her 3rd year

So proud of you Ella for tackling another year of ballet.

On another note:  if you didn't know I LOVE SWEETS.  Sweets are something I do after every meal.  Well this weekend I had the best sweet stuff.  McDonald's has introduce the Caramel Apple Sundae.  I am not a big caramel fan but let me just say - Yummo!!

They are so good  - I had one Saturday night then I had to go back and have one on Sunday.  When I went to the grocery store believe me I loaded up on vanilla ice cream, caramel, and apples.  Who would have thought about putting apple in your ice cream.  

I have a new favorite sweet treat.  

It's Summer

Thank goodness Ella doesn't know that you take the summer off from school.  There were a couple of crafts pages that we didn't finish from her preschool books.  It is amazing how little girls love to cut, color, glue and make things. 

We completed about 6 projects.  School can be on the floor, in your pj's and you still learn.  What a great concept. 

It is so hard for me to believe that in a couple of weeks she will be 5.  Wow!  where does the time go? 

5 is a big deal. 

Look at the edge of this picture.  You can even have your dog sitting right beside you and do school.  Gabby kept walking on her papers.  We would just laugh.  Gabby should be the smartest dog around. 

Enjoyed doing school Ella Bell

Picture Day At Ballet

What a difference a year makes.  She has grown so much.  Today was picture day at Ballet.  Ella brought excitment to class today.  Each little one wore their costumes.  Pink everywhere.  She marched right in and waited her turn.  Once it was her turn, she listened so well to Mrs. Bonita. 

The Gardener for The Wizard of Oz Show

After pictures, the parents watched their routine.  It is funny to watch her.  Something comes over her when the music comes on.  She tries so hard to be sure her hands are in the right place, her feet are doing the right thing, and standing in the right place.

Ballet is serious business. 

Can't wait for the recital on June 4th.

Disney Dream 2011

We had a wonderful vacation.  We sailed the Disney Dream May 8-12.  The new boat was very cool.  The technology that is included on this boat is over the top.  The Oceaneer Lab is very interactive.  Jeff was very excited that he was able to go with us this trip.




The Aqua Duck ride was neat how you could see out over the pool deck.  We enjoyed plenty of ice cream cones, unlimited soda and watermelon. 

Thanks for a wonderful vacation Meme.  The children were already trying to schedule the next trip.  Disney Dream I am sure we will return.

I'll Do It

Ella is sleeping on the other end of the couch.  I guess Gabby decided she needed to be the guard dog. ha!  At ballet, Ella has been dancing to the theme song for Clifford.  The beginning of the song goes, "A girl and her dog. . ."  Well that is what I thought when I saw this picture.

Okay here is the new all by myself attitude this girl has.

pouring her own juice

working at the lid

So proud

Yummo!

Ahh!  my heart just swells when I think of this precious little lady.  She was so proud of herself. 

Just Because . . .

I had to include this picture.  I am getting so sad but happy at the same time.  She is getting very close to being 5 years old.  How did that happen?  I like this picture.  Her hair is down with no hair bow.  She looks so big with her hair.  This is how she like to wear it now.  She tucks it behind her ear and off she goes.

Lately, she wants to take a bath by herself, dress herself, pick out her own clothes and do things for herself. 

We think this is the same bird from our bird adventure earlier in the week.  He doesn't fly yet.  He has been hopping around in the pineneedles.  He is sitting on the wood.  He is hard to see.

On of Jeff's buddies from work came over to get the garden ready to go.  Guess who was fascinated?  Ella.  She went right outside to watch Freddy (in her pj's).  She asked if she could drive the tractor.  Freddy was so nice to her.  He truly let her drive the entire way.  After she finished, she gave him hugs, said "thanks 100 times, and then came inside and drew him a card.

Okay we have 2 boys at our house as well but the little girl was the one outside with the tractor.

Mr. Fashion and a Little Girl

Seth's Easter basket had something he has been wanting for a long time.  A Fedora Hat.  Really???!!??

What is that about?

Not sure but he was thrilled

Mr. Fashion was dressed to go to ballet on Tuesday.  Garrett could not believe he had on a collared shirt to go to ballet.  Seth was determined to wear the hat so a collared shirt it was.

He was fussing at his brother but the face was cute

Ahh!  I could just squeeze him.  He is so loving and sweet.  His hugs are the best. 

Ella decided to get up early today.  She snuggled with "Georgie"  Georgie, the brown monkey, tucks safely under Ella's arm each night for bedtime.  Georgie and Blankie have comforted Ella since she was 2.  Both are Ella's sidekick.

Chuck E Cheese Party

Ella was invited to a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese.  One of those moments where she has been before but doesn't remember.   She was blown away.  The cool part is that the whole family was invited.

Really I just put a token and do it!  Yes Ella.  Play all you want

Seth and Danny

Ella pedaling the bicycle to go up in the air.  Her eyes were huge the first time she did it. 

So we left with the question, "Can I come here for my birthday?"

Joining the Girls

Last night was our first night of ceramics.  This is something I remember doing with my mom when I was little.  The boys were at Easter Drama Practice so just girls. 

Meme, Amy (a girl from mom's work), Ella and me.

We are going to go each Tuesday night to paint together.

Ella choose 2 rabbits to paint

Sweet little hands being so careful

This is our teacher who helped us with all our questions.

So 2 hours later, Ella finished her rabbits

Thanks meme for the final touches.  She is so proud of her work.

Imagination

The playground becomes many adventures in the spring and summer.  You may hear "Arr!", "Fire in the hole", or laughter.  Most of the time the playground becomes a pirate ship.  Seth and Ella had an adventure yesterday outside.

Ahhh!  Love this

Ella is hot.  Her little face was red as can be when she came inside.

May the adventures continue all summer long.

First Middle School Youth Lock-in and a little Wizard of Oz

Garrett had his first Lock-in at Church Friday night.  He was very excited.  We made him pack a sleeping bag and a pillow just in case.  He already knew he would not be sleeping. 

He is really not happy that I'm taking a picture of him and I brought my camera. 

(For my friend Sheila,  notice the 12 year old still sitting by a sister who is in a car seat.  I'm right there with ya, girl.)

Shutter shades and a handsome boy

After picking Garrett up Saturday morning, Daddy, Ella and Garrett had a date.  It was Ella's turn.

Her ballet studio was offering a pancake breakfast.  Even though Garrett had not slept all night.  Pancake were just fine with him.

Love this picture.  Our family has a rule that we all support the other one.  This was Ella time to shine.

Mrs. Bonita, Ella's Ballet teacher.  Mrs. Bonita was my ballet teacher when I was 3 or 4.  It is just a surreal moment to have a daughter that I can watch doing something that I loved as a child.  I get a glimpse into what I did as a child.  Last year, during the recital I just cried the entire time she was on stage performing.  I was so proud of her.  I love what Mrs. Bonita stands for and teaches these girls from the tender age of 4. 

Dorothy was there too.

This is Ms. Tara.  She is Mrs. Bonita's daughter.  She helps teach Ella's class on Tuesdays. 

So after getting home, Garrett's belly was full so off to sleep he went.  He was so tired that he couldn't think, couldn't process and just looked sick.

I'm glad he is young and can handle staying up all night.