Happy New Year!

Here we are on the las day of 2008.  My how quickly 2009 has approached!  I spent the last part of my 2008 at Oma and Papa's house in Holland.  Some of my events are chronicled in the pictures below.

We got a quick family photo on Christmas.

The next picture shows the freezing cold temperatures that we were greeted by.  Papa took my cousin Trevor, Daddy, and me for a ride on his tractor as he was plowing snow.

Cheese with Oma and Pappa.

We had a special treat and playtime with my cousins Miquel, Eva, and Jordi Luke. 

By the way, I will have a new brother or sister in June.  A new website is under construction for my sibling called "Then There Were Two".

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!  I hope that your time leading up to the celebration of Christ's birth has been exciting and full of joy.  I have been spending time in the snow,

with some of my daddy's family,

with some more of my daddy's family, and

then I went to Holland to spend time with my mommy's family.

So far my trip has been exciting and fun!  The cold weather has been an adjustment, but I am adapting.

I can't wait to share the rest of my trip with you next week.

On Holiday

I flew out to Michigan earlier this week.  I plan on seeing many of you while I am there.  We'll get lots of pictures together and have big fun!  See you soon!

Business as Usual

CHEESE!
Mommy and I did a little photo shoot outside; it was fun!

Caeden and I had a little date.  We talked over smoothies.

My parents bought me water colors to paint with.  What a blast I had!

Christmas is coming!  Are you ready?  I am getting pumped to celebrate Jesus' Birthday!

Gobble Gobble

I hope you all had a wonderful reflective Thanksgiving!

My holiday was spent with Grandpa Chuck, Grandma DeDe, Mommy and Daddy.  We had a wonderful time that included eating, bike rides, a car show, IN-N-OUT BURGER, walks, and swimming.  Don't be jealous...

We put our Christmas tree up.  That was cool.  I am looking forward to see you at Christmas and playing in the snow.  See you in a few weeks!

Visitors from the North

My Grandpa Chuck and Grandma DeDe came down from Michigan to visit with me and my family.  I have really bonded with them and love to go on walks with them.  Mommy and Daddy are a little jealous of my affection for G and G but they understand and are happy that they get a little break...maybe.

I am not sure if you know, but I have a baby.  Her name is Kayla.  She is almost one month old!  She's pretty tough and likes to go on walks, too.

I picked a flower.

Hanging around

I have been busy hanging around this past week, but especially today!!! I woke up really early this morning so that I could hang out with Daddy. It was so much fun!!! Then we went in to wake Mommy up at 6a.m. Somewhere I discovered that people have different color eyes and that my are brown.


Today was also monumental since I wore Dora undies most of the day and only had one accident (I didn't want to go number 2 in the toilet quite yet.) I think that I was pretty successful today since the past 3 weeks I have been using the toilet at least once a day.


I think that I am going to have to ask my parents to sign me up for gymnastics. I like to make sidewalk curbs into balance beams, do summersaults, and now instead of rings I use stools.

Life with Ella

My vocabulary has grown significantly, my mommy and daddy have been the recipient of many funny comments and conversations.  Here are some examples of things I have said and done recently.

Mommy and I were on a walk to go see the neighbors' animals (they have goats, horses, pigs, etc.)  On our way home Mommy said, "Ella, there is a bunny way over there!"  I nonchalantly replied, "Good eye, Mom!" and kept walking.  

Shortly after seeing the bunny we both see a helicopter and the moon.  Then I ask Mommy, "Is the helicopter going to hit the moon?"  Mommy was in shock!!!  She couldn't believe I had put that together.  Mommy says that I continue to amaze her!  

Mommy and Daddy say that I have been doing a great job with using the "big-girl toilet"  but when ever I try and am unable to go I say in my serious voice, "doesn't work" and climb off the toilet.  It makes Mommy and Daddy laugh every time.

I have a super sweet side as well.  We were sitting around the counter eating breakfast.  Mommy glanced around to see where her water was to take her vitamin, without hearing a word, I noticed she didn't see it.  I thought it would be nice to give Mommy my water, "Mommy, you may have a drink of Ella's water."  My parents were amazed at my ability to pick up on their body language.

I am starting to give back to my parents.  They have changed many many diapers for me so I thought I could return the favor...Mommy and Daddy were standing in the kitchen while I was sitting on a stool next to Mommy.  Mommy's hands were full.  I decided it was the perfect time to help Mommy.  I waded up a napkin, pulled Mommy's sweats away from her body, and began to wipe her bottom, shouting proudly, "Mommy, I am gonna clean your booty!"  I was really happy;  Mommy and Daddy were speechless.

Yesterday, Mommy and I went to pick Daddy up at the office.  Daddy was looking kind of sharp and I thought he should know.  When he opened the door I said, "You're hot!"  That got a couple of laughs.

Mommy tells me all the time that she cherishes the fact that she gets to be at home with me and is a part of these precious moments.  Thanks Daddy!  You are truly an incredible father, husband, and provider.

Monkey Two! I mean too!

My cousin Brody dressed up like a monkey and I did, too.  Two years running I have been a monkey.  It suits me well because I like to climb and run around like a monkey.

I settled down long enough to get a photo with one of my favorite people, Nancy.  My daddy works with Nancy.  She likes to spoil me and enjoys that I like shoes...just like her!

I hope you are all doing well.  Keep the faith!

Autumn Activities

My parents really like fall.  I understand that it's quite different here in Phoenix than in Michigan where they grew up, but I get the gist of their admiration.  Football, apples, leaves, and...jean jackets?  I rock'em just like Mommy and Daddy!

Mommy and I got Daddy an iPod Touch for his birthday.  I helped him get a bunch of songs loaded on to it.  I have an affinity towards gadgets and explained to Daddy that monkeys have been trained to use them!

My bosom buddy Caeden celebrated his 3rd birthday over the weekend.  I had a great time at the party with my friends and family.  We played with balloons, tricycles, and balls.

My Daddy turned 30!

This week Mommy and I spent a lot of time planning for Daddy's birthday.  We both love him so much and wanted to make his day extra special.  

When we weren't planning for Daddy's 30th I learned how to climb up to the top of my change table.  I was so quick that my parents almost missed me in action.

I thought Daddy could use my help blowing out the candles.

I had to go potty and this is how much toilet paper I thought that I needed.  Think it is too much?  Mommy did!  I may not know how to gage the amount of toilet paper I need but I do know the entire Alphabet.

P.S. This is how I woke my Mommy up today.

"Open the refrigerator!  I want to eat!"

It's cooling off!

Finally, it is not too hot to play outside.  This week we got to go to the park a few times, but Mommy didn't take any photos.  Mommy says that I have to up my bathing since I like to get into the dirt.  Here I am getting some bath toys ready.

Mommy and Daddy cannot believe how fast I am growing up.  I like to be independent and now I know when to voice my opinion.  My latest phrase is "NO, don't touch me!"
I spent some time dropping goldfish for the birds to eat.
Here are some other interesting facts about me:

I like to sleep with the light on.

Mommy caught me with the toilet open, cleaning it with the toilet brush.

I am still crazy, as ever, about blueberries and raspberries (raspblueberries as I call them.)

I started to use a pillow at night.

I am quick to say "I'm sorry," especially if I think it will help me get out of trouble.

I love when Mommy and Daddy sing to me when I am brushing my hair or teeth.

I enjoying look at old photos of myself.

I know how to get my own drink out of the refrigerator and put it back.

Happy Belated Blog!

Apparently, I was having too much fun and forgot to post the weekly blog!

On Sunday, we went on a two hour bike ride along the Phoenix Channel.  We stopped half way at a park where we played and had a picnic.
Here Caeden and I are quacking around at the Westcor kids club show.  The first Monday of every month the mall puts on a hour long performance of singing, dancing, reading, and prizes. My favorite part is when Webster sings "happy birthday." 
  Have a nice week!

Sea World

Last week was fantastic!!!  We went back to my homeland (San Diego) for the weekend.  I got to see some of my friends, go to Sea World, and hang out with my parents!

Having bunches of fun with Ashlynn at Yogurtland.

We stopped by the Beals house to meet Tice (he was born on my 2nd birthday) and play with Mattias.
Me and Mommy at Sea World on my first roller coaster ride.
Enjoying the Shamu show!!!
Neat tricks!!!

life. show low. party. fun. friends. family

You will probably be able to tell from the pictures that I had a great week!  But I am into stating the obvious.

I started off my week with a road trip with Mommy, Kirstin, and Caeden up and over to Show Low.  It is a lovely town about 3 hours northeast of Phoenix.  We stayed at the "yellow house" a.k.a. Kirstin's parents' get-a-way house.

Who knew golf could be so much fun?  Tiger, watch out I have a killer one arm approach!

It was also my birthday this past week and I am officially 2!  I have had lots of little parties.  My first 2nd birthday was celebrated in Quincy over Labor Day.  My second 2nd birthday party was up in Show Low with Kirstin and Caeden.  We had a delicious peppermint cheesecake, YUM!!!

My buddy Caeden and I going on a walk.

Playing at the Show Low city park.

I love to run!!!  On my real 2nd birthday (September 20th) I decided to run circles around the fireplace.

Here I am with Amy and Matt Thomas and we are celebrating my third 2nd birthday party at Jamba Juice!  That is my favorite place to go!!!

Here Daddy and I are at the fourth and last of my 2nd birthday parties.  

Ciao Amigos!!!

One last byte for you.  Per Dr. Horlick, I am 26 lbs. (50th %ile) and 34.5" (75th %ile) tall.  My mommy and daddy say that's just right!