Wearing Pajamas to the Library

Tonight we went to story time at the library. The fun part for Ella is she can wear her pajamas. Our neighbors have gone before but we haven't and so tonight we all bundled up and headed out in the rain for a nice evening at the library. I thought Ella would not want to separate from Wes and I (yes, I made Wes go too) but as soon as we arrived and the quilt was spread out for the kids she ran right over and claimed her spot. I'm sure many of you know that moment when you are glad your child is being independent but a little sad for the very same reason. So Caroline and Ella enjoyed songs and books and Amy, Benton, Wes and I sat back and, well... enjoyed songs and books also.

Robbbyrda's Dog Godfrey

This is my friend Robbbyrda being not only a fabulous mom to Godfrey, but such a great friend to Ella (and me). She was letting Ella "walk" Godfrey. Keep in mind Godfrey weighs more than Ella and Robbbyrda together so that is some trust going on there- between them all! This picture is from a dog park here in Charlottesville. It was like a playground with pets. All the parents know each other by their kids (for example, Robbbyrda is "Godfrey's Mom", not Robbbyrda, not Gary's wife, not a Director at UVa, but known for Godfrey. Nice! These pictures don't do him justice, but Godfrey is so sweet, so lovable, and huge! When we left Ella said Godfrey could come over and sleep with her in her bed. With that suggestion I was wondering what it would take to make that happen since this is the first time I've heard Ella talk about sleeping AT ALL in her bed. So I said, "Maybe for your Birthday" to which she replied, "Well, I need a new bed first". And again- if that is what it takes...

After visiting we did our usual grocery shopping and then headed home for a nap. Wes made it home from golf early so it was a nice Sunday afternoon with everyone home. I even had some time to clean out Ella's closet. I can't believe I am packing away all her size two clothes and cute little sandals. I know you all told me it would go by so fast but seriously, this just doesn't seem fair. Ella's favorite activity lately is "reading" to her animals. Here's a quick video of her "reading":

And here are picture of her reading to Private Humpback (sent from Iraq). Oddly enough, while Ella was reading to him, the phone rang and it was Matt calling. Ella is too little to understand the importance of that but as soon as I heard his voice I was so happy. Thank you for calling Matt!

And no, it is not unusually warm for November here. As I have been putting away Ella's clothes, she finds them and puts her favorites back on.

Happy Birthday Uncle Mitch!

Thank you to Mitch's parents and Shannon for including us in dinner out to celebrate Mitch's Birthday. On the way home I said to Ella, isn't it so fun to see your family? And Ella replied, "Family makes me happy, I love Uncle Mitch." You can see it in this picture! Of course Ella thought it was her Birthday too and I also want to thank everyone for all her gifts. You really know how to make a girl feel special (and her Mom be able to have a nice meal!). So here are some pictures of the gang:





















Mitch's parents, Fran and Jim. In the summer, the menu would be their FAMOUS barbecue and homemade ice cream. For tonight, they picked Bonefish Grill.




















It is hard to make out everyone here, but on the end is Jeff, Mitch's brother, and Brooke, his girlfriend. I know Jim and Fran are proud of their wonderful boys but I am touched also by how much they admire and care for Shannon and Brooke.




















Grandma!






















Grandpa Barry and Alex made it too. This is football season for Alex so we were lucky to see him on a night off.























Ella and Shannon (Ella's latest 'Shannonism' is she wants a canopy bed just like Shannon did).

Being put in my place by a two year old

Ella: Why are we going to the store?
Me: Because I forgot to get sugar
Ella: Why do we need sugar?
Me: Because I need coffee
Ella: Why do you need coffee?
Me: Because I like it
Ella: Why do you like it?
Me: Because I have an addiction
Ella: What's an addiction?
Me: A bad habit
Ella: You need a time out
Me: Why?
Ella: Stop talking while you're driving

Okay then- let's just call a spade a spade. In a matter of minutes I feel like a drug dealer because I realize I'm addicted to coffee. There are worse things. It's just that these questions are coming at record speed these days and I probably am just entertaining myself with such ridiculous answers. Seriously- why can't I just be a grown up and say something along the lines of, "for the same reasons you want juice, I like it"? But I don't and Ella is getting quick enough to put me in my place which is funny. Whether she realizes it or not- she is pretty funny these days.

Mandy Carroll Photography

Every year at this time we have pictures taken by Mandy Carroll. Mandy is a local photographer with an amazing eye and artistic flair. I find myself each year looking forward to the fall not only because it is a beautiful time, but also because we get to spend a couple hours with Mandy chasing Ella around and capturing all that spirit. After every session I think to myself there is no way we got a good picture. And every time I am delighted by the faces and feelings she has captured. Amazing! She posts a sneak peek on her blog so visit her page (http://www.mandycarroll.com/) and click on "blog" to see a couple pictures of Ella just in time for her Third (!!!) Birthday.

Back to Africa

This weekend we went up to DC for Scott, Jodi, Selma, and Kemper's going away party. And not just any party- a party filled with 168 friends! Scott and Jodi are packing up and expect to be in Africa in the next couple of weeks.


This is their second post (first to Nairobi) and they will be in Dakar, Senegal. Of all the times to forget my camera, this was the one so I don't have any pictures, but there were many friends, great food, and some sad goodbyes.

Ba-ROCK the vote!

We have been singing our own version of "Rock the Boat" today, "BaROCK the vote baby..." Ella is very good at it. Here she is sharing her voting choices today: