13 months!

Ellasyn is thirteen months! (and two days)  Although, the books say she is now in her fourteenth month?

I can't get a picture with out her big "cheese" face!

~ She was much more interested in the elephant than having her picture made ~

She is keeping us on our toes more than ever.  She is so curious and loves to find new things to do around the house.  One of her newest things (which I thought we had bypassed) is eating Hollie's dog food.  She is so quick to get back in the laundry room that by the time I catch her she has a couple pieces in her mouth or, she is already spitting them out. I guess I should be thankful she spits them out, but why does she keep going back for more??

Here are some pictures of our inquisitive little girl...

~ Playing with her bugs ~

~ This girl LOVES her blueberries! ~

~ I didn't think I would ever use the baby wrap again, but it saved dinner. ~

~ Hollie has all the cool toys ~

~ Yeah, I wish! ~

~ Playing in her kitchen stash ~

A fun filled weekend...

This was our last weekend before Daddy officially starts back to school. (even though he really started two weeks ago with coaching/teaching responsibilities, etc.)  It was full of fun, friends and family!

Saturday morning we started the day (after naptime) at a T.A. Howard Middle School picnic.  Fortunately, it was moved indoors due to the 105 degree temps outside!  Ellasyn had a blast running around in the gym and watching the older kids in the bounce house.  Though she was not interested in getting in, she did enjoy pointing at the giant Nemo and friends on the outside. She tried the inflatable obstacle course with Daddy, but she was not a fan.  She joined him at the end for the slide. She liked bouncing at the bottom of the slide, but preferred running around on the floor.  We enjoyed visiting with some teacher friends that had not seen Ellasyn since she was teeny tiny. 

~ so silly ~

~ This is what I saw most of the time we were there. Ellasyn is on the move! ~

~ Going down the slide with Daddy ~

 ~ Bouncing on the slide ~

~ More bouncing ~

From the "picnic" we went straight to a birthday party for Ellasyn's buddy, Travis Hill.  She has been looking forward to the party since the day we posted the invite on the fridge. It had a picture of Travis on one side and Ellasyn could see if from her high chair.  She pointed and jabbered while she ate and sometimes she would ask to hold it. She hugged him and loved him and then we put him back on the fridge.  I am sorry to say that we didn't get any pics of the kiddos at the party, but she had a great time partying with some folks her own size.  Travis is in our awesome playgroup.  We are so blessed to part of such a great group of friends!  Needless to say, she was totally exhausted when we left.

After a (not long enough) nap, we checked the mail and Ellasyn got a special package from our friend and FBC media minister, not sure if that is his actual title.  One of our family pictures made by the beautiful and talented, Gara Hill, was used on the cover of the fall magazine! Ellasyn can now add "cover model" to her resume.  She had a blast looking at the magazine... she is pretty fond of herself. If I was that cute, I guess I would be too.

~ Hugs ~

~ Kisses ~ 

Don't you wish you could bend like that?  

~ A little light reading ~

On Sunday we hosted a surprise party for Ethan's mom.  The theme was "Another year of Fabulous! Super, Sensational and Sixty". She was definately surprised.  It was so fun, and we had a great turn out of friends and family.  Here are some pics of the big event...

~ SURPRISE! ~

  

~ Ellasyn was a big fan of Jan's b-day necklace and tiara! ~

 ~ All the granddaughters ~

(Baby William... 1 week, today... was at home resting with Momma)

~ Yummy cake made with love by Cousin Carol ~

Lots of Love!

Courtney

Ellasyn turns ONE!

Well, better late than never.  I am a little behind in my posting.

~ blowing out the candle ~

On July 25th, 2010, Ellasyn celebrated one year of life!  We have had such a whirlwind of a year.  She has kept us on our toes with all of her milestones, sweet babbles and funny faces. 

My parents and sister came up from College Station and my brother's family came down from Melbourne, Arkansas to help us celebrate along with Ethan's family and a few of Ellasyn's friends.  Ellasyn's cousin, Jude, turned one on the 27th so he got to join in the celebrations as well. 

The theme of the party was "It's all about you... cupcake". So, we had cupcakes of all sizes.  Ethan  grilled hot dogs and we also had various veggies, chips and dips.  Ellasyn humored us and tasted the chocolate cupcake with strawberry frosting, she was not a big fan at first.  Ethan helped her out and I think she did like it after all. After some picking, and help from his daddy, Jude jumped right in and picked up the whole thing! They went straight to the bath afterwards for a quick rinse.

Ellasyn was a little overwhelmed by all of the company but she enjoyed herself.   She liked watching me unwrap her gifts and playing with the tissue paper or envelopes. She was so worn out from all of the fun, she went right down for nap when it was done.

We had a great time visiting with our family.  Penny, Jude and Ellasyn are great little buddies.  Ellasyn was so excited to see someone her size, she went right over to Jude to give him a kiss and hug... he wasn't so sure about it.  I look forward to watching them grow up together.

~ going in for a kiss ~

~ fun in the ball pit ~

Happy Birthday, Sweet Ellasyn!  I love you so, so much. I can't believe it has been a whole year since we welcomed you into our lives.  You have been an unending source of happiness. You are an amazing blessing to me and our family.  I can't wait to see what else God has in store for you.  It will be something great, I know!! 
I love you ~ Mommie