Year End Wrap-Up

The day after Christmas was busy as can be. We braved the crowds and went shopping for some deals. Then headed to Loran's aunt and uncle's house for some family time. It was fun to have everyone together.

Lunch time. Daddy has to play the role of high chair and we try to feed Ella...

Ella stayed with Nana and Papa while Mommy and Daddy went on a date to see Marley and Me which was a great movie - but definitely a tear-jerker.

Afterwards, we brought Ella over to the Beavens' house for her first "Woman You Made Too Damn Much Food Day". Ella was a hit over there, but we couldn't stay too late so we could get Ella to bed. If the Beavens ever move, they'll have to tell the new owners to expect guests every December 26th - there aren't even invites to the party, it's just a given!

Sunday, we invited Auntie Chelsey over to go look at some holiday lights with us. It was a display called Lights in the Park and the admission fee goes towards local charities. There were really neat light displays, of course, Ella slept through the whole thing, and woke up about a mile from home.


Monday, Ella and I drove south to Northfield to visit with the Trotman's. Ella was able to play with Cully and Ahnika and loved the dog kisses. Then she joined us when we went out to lunch. She was very entertaining while we were out and about, full of giggles and fun.

This is what Ella looked like when she woke up - very Beethoven.

New Years Eve!
We had a laid back NYE this year. We had been invited to many parties, but they were pretty far away. Then, we were invited to Ella's boyfriend, Jack's, house for a party. Unfortunately, Jack got sick and the party was cancelled. We stayed home to play, which was fine by Ella. In previous years, Mom and Dad have gone sledding at the end of the street at midnight and watched the various fireworks over the lake. Last year, we had baby Ella so there was no sledding and this year, we had one year old Ella - and it was COLD. Mom and Dad actually stayed awake until midnight though, but were in bed about 15 minutes after the new year.

Mommy bought a new ottoman to hide/store all of my toys!

Wrestling with Daddy.

New Years Day
Mom was sick. Very sick. It was actually really hard as a mom, Ella was very confused as to why I wouldn't play with her, care for her or hold her. Luckily, Loran was home and he was definitely doing a great job taking care of Ella and myself. I know it wasn't the ideal way to spend a day off. I would have rather not been hugging the toilet myself. Today, I'm feeling quite a bit better - still not completely 100%, but getting there. Ella seems to be overjoyed to have me back. I've received quite a few unsolicited hugs.

New Years Eve, we were trying to take some video of Ella's new tricks. She'd only stare at the camera like a deer in headlights. Once the camera went off, she'd do her tricks. Finally, just as I was going to give up, she did it!