"E, l, l, a, that's Ella!"

Ella wrote her name for the first time by herself the day before her 3 year old birthday party. I had been working with her on writing it for about and week, and we were very surprised she caught on so quickly! Friday morning she was in the bathtub while I was making her bed. She called me and said "Look what I did Mommy, E, l, l, a, that's Ella. I did it!" Yes, the "a" needs a little work to look just right, but "way to go, big girl!"

Labor Day Fun

Earlier this month we had a fun Labor Day weekend. The Jenkins' came to visit - Nana, Papa, Aunt Jenny, Uncle D, Baby Taylor, Aunt Jules & Brent. Ella & Nana got some quality bonding time Saturday night while we went to the Robert Earl Keen concert & on Sunday when we had our last river float of the season. It was wonderful to see Taylor as she is growing so fast! She was a great little traveler, visiting New Braunfels for the 1st time. We also celebrated Papa's birthday & Ella's a little bit early since her Aunts & Uncle couldn't make it for her birthday party. Thanks for coming to see us!
Taylor Kellogg - almost 4 months.Look at that beautiful smile!

Adventures in Dallas

Ella went home from Abilene with Nana & Papa to spend a week in Dallas. I had to start back to work a week before full-time childcare began, so "Camp Dallas" it was. After spending Sunday & Monday with Nana & Papa, she was on to Meme & Pop's house for the rest of the week. She had so much fun! Lots of swimming time, a trip to the Dallas World Aquarium & the Dallas Zoo. They rode the Dart Rail downtown on both outings & Ella thought it was so cool! After reliving her visit with a lot of great pictures, here some highlights.

1st Dart Rail "train" ride to The Dallas World Aquarium.
We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo...

Yummy berries!

Wedding in Abilene

In August, we went to Abilene for Brad & Karen's wedding. Ella had a ball - it was her first wedding & her first hotel stay. We could not have asked for a better little traveler. She knew she looked so beautiful in her fancy new dress. She kept calling herself a princess. The conversation we had about Karen (the bride) was priceless. When Ella saw her at the reception she said, "Mommy, do you see that REAL LIVE PRINCESS? Let's go talk to her." When we had a chance to give our congratulations, Ella just stood there speechless, staring up at her. I picked her up & she was so happy to be so close to such a beautiful princess! We got a lot of great pics, because Ella was really showing off for the camera. "Face Mask," Hilarious! Loves her Baby Taylor... ...and her Papa. Dancing with 2nd cousins.Playing with Lauren.

Yes, it is True!

I am now a working (out of the house) mother & this neglected blog sure shows that. My teacher orientation/staff development began Aug. 10 & the last post I made on here was Aug. 11. Wow - how ironic! I promise I had every intention of keeping up with this, but priorities have shifted. It's all good, though. After 4 weeks, we are settling into our new routine nicely & I am finding the time & energy for it all. Although I missed Ella more than I ever imagined the first couple of weeks, from day 1 she has LOVED school (daycare), Ms. Beth (her teacher)& her new friends. The stories she tells about her day are precious & make us realize how "grown up" she has become. Jeff has been absolutely wonderful with his new morning routine & is really enjoying his extra time with Ella! Since, I leave the house at 6:15 (before Ella is awake,) he is responsible for getting her up & out of the house. Everyday she is happy & dressed with tennis shoes, a "perfect" ponytail & matching bow. Now onto the updates. I am going to highlight a few fun times we've had over the past 6 weeks.

Ella & Mommy ready for their "new schools."