Where did my icing go?

Sweet Audrey polishing off the last of the birthday cupcakes

New Toys!

These girls have had the best time this week with Ella's new toys. The bridge/slide Grammy gave Ella is a big hit. And the girls can't walk by the refrigerator.. or dishwasher.. or oven.. without rearranging the animal magnet game Aunt Carmen & Aunt Jennifer gave her.

Early Birthday Party

We celebrated Ella's 1st Birthday at home with family on Memorial Day. Ella received lots of love and gifts, which Nadia and Audrey gladly helped her open. Daddy thinks her favorite was her lawnmower, so she can help him in the yard.

What a Memorial Weekend!

Yippee, Aunt Carmen & Aunt Jennifer are here. We took them to Katy Days in Parsons over the weekend. There we met up with Grandma, cousins, and mom & dad's friends and their kids. We had so much fun, we'll be going to Katy Days every year!

More Milestones!

Ella decided over the past 24 hours that she is going to walk and speak her mind, and at the same time if necessary. I'd like to think she's telling me how much she loves me, but by the tone, sounds more like orders I'm supposed to follow. Well, we always said her first phrase would likely be, "Tweed, Stop It!"

Technology is Confusing!

Ella found a remote to our computer and tried to 'listen' to it like the phone. She did the same thing with the camera but wasn't able to get a picture of that.....

All Girl

Ella is 51 weeks today. She has discovered our camera case works well as a purse. Big smiles for daddy today...we miss you, can't wait for you to come home from your trip!

Big Weekend

We had beautiful weather for a busy weekend. Saturday we went to Robbie & Blake Helling's Birthday party where they had PONY RIDES! Then we went golfing with Jason on Sunday. Ella had to get on the course and give Daddy some pointers.

Shake, Shake, Shake!

This is a group photo of Ella's music class. Her friend, Ansley, is sitting in the back next to her. We like music so much, we're going to continue into summer.

Practice Makes Perfect

This is the 3rd time I've tried Ella with this spoon (if it's not glued down, she'll throw it to the dogs). She very carefully brings it to her mouth and is SO PROUD of herself.

Audrey # 2

Ella figured out how to open the shower doors this morning. Reminded me of sweet Audrey last year doing the same thing (and probably in the same pajamas).

1st Mother's Day

Ella & Mommy were very blessed to be able to share Mother's Day with Grammy & Grandma. Daddy & Ella spoiled Mommy rotten with gifts. She can't wait to see what's in store for next year. ;)

Along Came a Turtle...

We came home from bowling to a turtle in the front yard. Jay showed Ella that turtles are one of God's creatures and are not to be feared.

Baby Kingpins

Ella, Jay, and Caleb had a great time showing the folks the ropes of bowling.

Another Tooth

Ella finally popped her 6th tooth through last night. She now has 4 on the top, and 2 on the bottom. We don't see any more coming, so maybe she'll get a little break.

Camera Shy

I can hardly get a picture of this girl without her crawling to me to get the camera. Today marks 49 weeks Ella has been on this earth. Ms. Denise visited today and said that Ella is on track with her development. She was most impressed with her standing in the middle of the room on her own and her balance.

1st Steps

Ella took 3 Steps on her own this weekend. She wants to stand up by herself all of the time. I have a feeling next time she sees her cousins she will be making every effort to catch up with them.

Family Day

We are so blessed that Daddy took some vacation time to join us for story time at the library. Ella taught him the bubble song and how to play, 'see if you can catch me before I hurt myself or someone else's kid'

A Day With Grandma

A very tired Ella was sad to say goodbye to Grandma after a girls luncheon in Joplin today.