Princess

Let me just warn everyone out there,... we are in full-blown dress-up mode these days. If someone else was around, I'd add a picture of myself with fairy wings and skirt, but since it was just us (thank goodness really), here's Ella...

Priorities

I really wouldn't use a formal dining room very often so when I had the chandelier removed I didn't really think twice about it- except to be happy I wouldn't be hitting my head on it so often. But tonight when I looked over at the "dining room" I was reminded of how being a mom changes you. I have to admit, pre-Ella, in my quest for order I would have a dining room here regardless of the use factor. But now, not so much a priority. Our bathrooms are full of Elmo towels and potty seats. Our room is wired especially for Ella to be able to watch Sesame Street in bed with us. Our front porch is parking for tricycles. Priorities.

Congratulations Uncle Mitch!

This weekend we went to Uncle Mitch's Graduation Party. I remember being at Shannon's party last year and we all commented on just one more year for Mitch. In the blink of an eye, here we are! So now Uncle Mitch is planning on working in the ICUs and finally having a similar schedule with Shannon.

Wes gave a speech/roast and here are pictures from everyone laughing. Wes ended the speech with a heartfelt congratulations and recognition of all the hard work that went into finishing his degree. Congratulations Mitch!

And then the cake was cut and Ella thought she couldn't have a better day. I tried to get a picture of Shannon and Mitch with their two nieces, but Ella was hard pressed to give up her cake:

"Aminals"

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh Ella... I just couldn't resist taking your picture tonight. Every night before going to bed I check in on you. You are far from needing it. Remember when I'd turn you from your belly to your back and whisper, "Back to sleep love". Those days are long gone but I can't break the habit of rubbing your back and telling you how much we love you. Tonight you went to sleep with your usual menagerie: Cat, Pink, Puppy, and Feet with a few binks thrown in and of course, blanket. They were lined up on the sides of the crib (as usual). In fact, when I said, "Get all snuggly and I'll be back to say goodnight" you were lengthwise in the crib with your blanket and cat under your arm when I returned. You said, "I got my aminals mommy". So here you are, just a couple hours later, having rearranged everyone in your crib.

Michigan State University

This was a very quick trip, but it was packed with fun road trips and great family time. On Monday we went to MSU and Ella had her first exposure to Michigan State. It was beautiful- the trees were in full bloom and campus was gorgeous. Steve, Polly, Gracie and I had lunch at El Az- an old hangout that we would always go to with Mom and Steve when they visited. And the perfect place to enjoy Cinco de Mayo.

We rushed home to pick Isabella up at school and meet the guys for a cook-out. Here are a bunch of pictures from the evening. Ella and Isabella loved (understatement) Steve's underdogs on the swingset.

I especially love this picture of Mark and Wes watching the littles. Cheers guys!

Isabella's Confirmation

Isabella had her First Communion on Sunday and we enjoyed being a part of her special day. It is hard to believe the last time I came was for her Baptism. Congratulations Isabella! After church, everyone came back to Isabella's for a family gathering. It was great to see all of Isabella's family and for them to meet Wes and Ella. As you see in the below picture, Wes played the guitar while Isabella sang and the littles danced.

Later in the day Ella found Grace's Barbie Jeep and quickly figured out how to drive- in a straight line. As you can see Grace was kind enough to ride shotgun. I love this picture because it sort of shows their personalities right now. Ella is sitting, belted in (by herself) and Gracie is the wild one. They swap these roles back and forth, but for the most part, Gracie is our wild child!

Poppy and Nonna

Poppy and Nonna came for a visit and Ella was waiting in anticipation for their arrival. Ella has these great letter squares that we play with a lot. It never occured to me to take them up off the ground until Nancy made Ella a house. Ella loved it!