Friends

I was so lucky last week to see so many friends that I haven’t seen in a long time. First I went to my friend Heather’s baby shower. I worked with Heather at Stampin’ Up! Although we never worked in the same department, it’s was so easy to be friends with her. It was great to see her along with a bunch of co-workers at her shower.
Monday afternoon my friend Dianne brought her 2 cute kids over for lunch. We weren't able to visit long, as we both had a lot of work to get done, but it was fun seeing her again.
Finally, I was able to see some friends from High School, Laura & Kimmi. Tyler, the kids, and I met them at the demolition derby. It was a great show (the kids loved it too), and so fun to catch up. I think I need to get together with old friends more often.

on a side note: I love how nervous the lady in the background of this picture looks. Maybe she’s the wife or mom of one of the drivers?

Pajama Party at the Temple

I wasn't the only one running around in the rain at the temple in my Pajamas tonight. I think everyone who lives just west of the temple was out running around in their pajamas as well. I've never been to Hawaii, I've never been anywhere tropical, I've never even been to Lake Powell, so I may not be the one to judge natures beauty. But this was by far the most beautiful scene I've ever seen. My am-mature photography skills can't possibly show the beauty I saw tonight. Next time, I think I might even wake up my overly tired kids for it.
(I've never seen that many people at the temple in their pajamas either... what a sight.)

Horse Ride

Ella takes her first ever horse ride at Gardner Village.

the video

I think Lily enjoyed the performance more than anyone else. She couldn't take her eyes off the stage, she kept patting whomever she was sitting by and pointing at the stage so that they wouldn't forget to watch.
It's a little out of focus at first. (First time using the video feature on our camera & we didn't realize we needed to focus it ourselves.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx_byTlQauE

A Father's Day gift for Tyler

After church Ella made Tyler a father’s day gift. It was a fake mustache that Ella made herself.

Tyler sporting his new gift.

Ella had an Idea for a cute picture. (shown above.)

Happy Father’s day!

Dance

Ella’s dance recital was tonight. Emily & Trisha brought her flowers.

My cousin’s wife Robyn came over before hand to style Ella’s hair & makeup. Ella looked so beautiful. I wish I had a closeup picture of Ella’s face.

Ella & her cousin Katie on stage.

They did so good & had so much fun together in dance this year.

Lily, Katie, & Ella (in the background)

Practicing a dance move in front of Café Rio before the show.

Cait came to watch Ella.
Nana, Papa, Grandma, Trisha, Brielle, Greg, Jami & Mayci came to watch too!
I’ll post a video of the dance performance later.

The perfect Fathers Day card for Cait

After a LOT of laughter, Ella says:
This card is way too funny! What does it say?

Me: it says, "You have all the right tools to make a great dad. Happy Father's Day."

Ella: It's the best card ever. Can we get it for Cait for her birthday? It's just too too funny. I thought there was going to be food when I opened it, but it's tools. (more uncontrollable laughter) Cait will think its so funny. Can we get it for her?

Me: It's a really expensive card. I don't really want to spend that much money on a card that is intended for a dad, rather than a little girls birthday card.

Ella: But mom, I don't think you know how funny the card is.

Me: I guess not.

Cute Photos

I was excited when Heather Tycksen contacted me to see if I was interested in trading some Wall Art in exchange for a photo session & prints. We met her downtown a few weeks ago for a fun photo session with the kids. Check out some of pictures she took. If you want to see more pictures, just visit her website, click on proofing, and type in the password: Ella.

Dear Storm,

Ella: Mom, How do I get this note to the storm?
Me: Ummm, hmmm, how do you think you can?
Ella: Maybe I could pray, then Jesus could give it to the storm for me? I just need to let the storm know that it needs to go away because I have a jeep to drive.

More Ella Quotes

Ella: I'd better hurry and finish my project before this storm gets madder and madder and knocks our power off.

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Ella: What if I went to Tennis School instead?
Me: Instead of what?
Ella: Instead of Kindergarten. Is that a fun idea?

Happy Birthday!

Ella celebrated her 5th birthday today!

She got some fabulous gifts from Grandparents, Aunts, & Cousins.
She said “Thank You” each time she opened a gift.
(This is a major milestone for her.)

Nana took Ella to lunch & then to Build-a-Bear this afternoon. Ella had so much fun!
Tyler and I are pretty sure today was the best day of Ella’s life so far.

Ella made these cute “fish” drawings as favors for her guests.

A yummy Chocolate, Chocolate Chip birthday cake.

Ella originally wanted to have a “haunted house” themed party in a pumpkin patch on a beach.
Luckily I was able to talk her out of that Idea. Instead, we had a “fish” themed party in blue & purple. Ella chose the new theme, colors, & helped with the decorations. We invited all of her cousins to help celebrate.

Fish balloons.

Happy Birthday Ella! We are so happy that you had a fun day.

Strangers in the cold

Ella: Mom, one day if it’s really cold outside, I will bring a stranger into our house to get warm. Like someone I don’t even know who is freezing cold. Is that a nice idea?
Me: It’s very nice, but we don’t usually let strangers into our house... maybe we could just find another nice warm place for the stranger to go & help them get there on a bus or taxi.
Ella: We could just send them over to Caits’ house. They would be warm there.

So, if a bunch of strangers show up at your house next time it’s cold and rainy outside... just know that Ella has sent them over to get warm.