Clips & Skiing

Ella's hair has been growing in SO much! It's so fun to see her change from being such a bald baby and I am already anticipating being able to put her hair in pigtails! We might not get those yet BUT....it is long enough for me to put in just a little clip! I am worried she might pull it out though and choke on it so I haven't really let her wear one out yet but I think she looks SO cute with her little clip in! These pictures were from St. Patrick's Day so I put a little green clippy in!

Since the big snow storms up in the mountains, Eric and I have been wanting to go skiing. It took us 2 or 3 months to find a day to go but we finally went! Eric took a personal day last Wednesday and we drove to my parents' house Tuesday night. After a relaxing morning, we headed up the mountain and got caught behind this stupid truck going literally 5 mph!!!! We were behind it about 20 minutes until it lifted that yellow thing up and thanked us for wasting our time. We couldn't figure out what in the world it was for so if any of you know what a truck like this does with the yellow thing down and dragging on the road, please let us know!

Once we got there, we had a great time! It was SO warm up there, I wouldn't have worn my jacket if I was guaranteed not to fall! Seriously, people were skiing in t-shirts and tank tops! It was a gorgeous day and it was nice to just have a day with us two! We mainly skied together but after lunch we parted ways for about 30 minutes so Eric could go on some daredevil runs and I could just do my safer ones! This was only my 3rd time skiing and boy was I nervous when I got to the top the first time! It's not quite like a bike for me yet....I don't always remember what I'm doing! It was a great time and I'm SO glad we went!

Ella had a fun day that day too....she got to see all her DB cousins and aunties and hang out with Grammie and Grampie....who could ask for more??? Thanks for taking such good care of her for us that day!

Sick

My baby is sick! Like, throw up in mommy's hands, sick. I felt so bad for her...she didn't know what was happening. Neither did I....I just sat their catching it and then had no idea how to get us both up off the ground! I was worried she had an ear infection so I was on the phone making the appointment when it happened. My poor, poor, little girl! I gave her a small sip of water after....is that ok? I feel like this is such new territory for me. I don't want her to throw up again but I don't want her to be dehydrated either! I guess I can ask all my questions at our appointment today! I'm glad I could get in. Oh my sweet girl...I'm SO sorry you're sick! Thank the Lord this is a day I'm home!!!!

Pirate Party

Last Sunday was my Dad's birthday and Tuesday was our nephew Grant's birthday. So, after church, we drove out to celebrate! We had a yummy dinner with the family and then a pirate party for Grant. This being Ella's first themed birthday party, she had to dress the part so I made little skirts and headthings for Tessa and Ella to wear! The following pictures are of Captain Grant (who turned 6!) and his two youngest swashbuckling mateys! Please don't be frightened of these pirates...they're quite friendly! and...check out Tessa's tummy! SO CUTE!

The Four Oldest Cousins

Yo-Ho-Yo-Ho the Pirate's Life for Me!

Anneke, Billy, Grant and Nate

Two weekends ago we headed to Redlands for the day. It had been a while since Eric & I had been out there and it was fun to see the family, hang out with Kelly for a while, go to Gourmet Pizza Shoppe and play dominoes with my parents! Kelly came over with Cameron (Chris was out of town but we missed his company!) and Cameron loved running around outside at my parents. We got the ATV out and got on with Eric and took a ride! He loved it and Eric did too!

Next, it was Ella's turn...she really seemed to like the ride daddy gave her. In fact, they kept riding around for about 10 minutes! It was a fun afternoon.
That night, we went to GPS for dinner and I would like to state for the record (Kelly) that I tried the Annie Oakley pizza thanks to Jill & Scott who got it and it was fine. I don't think I like pasta on my pizza but it was good and I would probably have another slice at another time if given the opportunity! I will agree that it could use a little more ranch to give it a zing but it was good! I split a BBQ chicken pizza with my mom and it was DELIGHTFUL! I am awaiting my public apology, Kelly! :) We then played dominoes with my parents until 10 and then had to drive home! We were both struggling to stay awake...man we're getting old! I used to think I could drive all night!

Here are some shots of my little girl at 9 months...can you believe that...NINE MONTHS!!?!? Where, oh where, has the time gone! I sure love my little honey! She's moving all over and DESPERATELY wants to walk! She's such an easy going little girl and I love her giggle and smile! My favorite thing is when I see her after a day of work and she is SO excited to see me! There's nothing better in the world!

Costco=Awesome

So, tomorrow is the grand opening of the new Costco located by us. We are right in between 2 Costco's and both are about 15/20 minutes away which isn't bad but this one is only about 5-10 minutes away. We've been excited to go to it and have one so close...makes Costco dinners MUCH easier! Tonight we were on our way to Chipotle to pick up some burritos for dinner and decided to do a drive-by of the new Costco. When we got there, we noticed the gas station was already open so we filled up and the men working there told us about the party going on inside with lots of food...no buying yet (check stands weren't open) but lots of samples and food for all! Eric & I enjoy a good adventure and when it involves free food, we're totally there! We found a parking spot & went into the CROWDED Costco & had dinner there....sandwiches, meat & vegetables, bratwurst, soda, coffee, carameled apples, flavored popcorn, pizza, churros and SO much more! It was incredible. You could tell there were a lot of "big wig" Costco people there too and it was just fun to get to check out our new Costco! Ella had gotten a little catnap in the car so she was great (although QUITE jealous that we were eating and she wasn't and I hadn't brought a snack for her...oops!). It was a fun and random night!

Seattle or Bust!

What a great trip Ella & I had in Seattle! It was SOOOO fun to see and hang out with Kristen and be a part of their big move in into their new house! Ryan had worked so hard and it was so cool to just see the relief of being in their OWN house again! It's SO beautiful and it was an honor to run errands and help Kristen find a rug, get shades, get curtains, and just help with the process a little! Ella was a trooper and has made a full recovery to get back on schedule! She did great on the plane and while she only slept 20 minutes the whole time (that was on the flight out there...on the flight home she had JUST fallen asleep when the kid in front of us dropped her crayons and let out a squeal...thanks for that!) but she was good! I was EXHAUSTED after the plane rides after trying to entertain a 9 month old on my lap for 3 hours but all was good and it was a great trip! Can't wait to see you again, Kristen! Save some projects for me for this summer (yes...we really are talking about a road trip up this year!) So...here are some pictures I FINALLY uploaded!

On the airplane ready to leave CA

Her 20 minute nap

First sink bath...loving it!

Ella's FIRST Valentine's Day!

Kristen & Ella at Kristen's niece's birthday party!

Talking to Dada on the phone
Kristen's brother and sister in law (Jon & Kara) came over for a yummy breakfast made by Ryan on Sunday morning. It was great to hang out with them in the new house and I was SO glad I got to see them! Kristen & I met Kara for lunch one day too and that was so fun...not to mention the YUMMY food...I'm craving that salad again!

It was a great trip and I'm not scared to fly with Ella again! I seriously feel blessed with the best baby EVER! She's so go with the flow, I love it! She can get a little over it sometimes but for the most part, she's so easy! We definitely missed Dad & were SO happy to see him when we got home! Thanks, Kristen & Ryan for having me! I'm SO glad I got to see you in your new place and be a part of so much!

Leaving on a jet plane...

Ella & I leave today for Seattle to visit Kristen! I am SO excited and a little nervous all at the same time! Ryan has been working on finishing their house like a crazy man and it looks like we'll be staying there tonight...with them on their first night! I am so excited to be a part of this and get to help Kristen with the unpacking and maybe even some shopping to fill the place! SO fun! I'm nervous about the flight but it's short so it should be fine. I've just never flown with a baby and doing it by myself makes it a little more challenging! Should be good though...I just hope Ella's ears don't hurt. If she's ok there, it should be great! So...stayed tuned for pictures from Ella & mommy's adventure...the first of many I'm sure!