Swine '09

The Swine Flu scare recently hit our area pretty hard. All schools, parks, & children's activities were cancelled for 2 weeks. So, we found a lot of new fun things to do around the house.

School Program

We recently got to watch Ella's 1st on-stage performance. She once again brought joy & laughter to parenthood! It began with a shoving match with one of the boys in her class. There were flowers of the stage floor the children were suppose to stand on or next to. Ella was VERY determined to follow directions and stand right on top of the flower. As you will see, she got her way. After the singing began, for some reason Ella decided she wanted to be front & center. So, she made her way to her new spot (on another flower) and had a ball performing the rest of the song. I am sure this is just the 1st of great performances to come.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcNk8kqpAtA

"Cools"

If you know Ella, these pics will probably be self-explanatory. The story is: Ella is newly obsessed with her "cools" (aka-sunglasses.) She left the 1st pink pair at a friends' house, so we went to Target to get her another pair. She needed some "real" ones anyway. For awhile, she wouldn't take them off long enough to remove the packaging. Yesterday evening, she finally did and they have hardly left her face or head since. Luckily, she has been cooperative about leaving them in the car when she goes inside somewhere (as long as I do the same.)
Jenny, you ready for all this?!? Ha ha!

Aunt Cici & Arturo's Spring Visit

We had an enjoyable weekend with Aunt Cici & Arturo in town. Ella definitely loves her Cici & is obsessively crazy about Arturo. Ella's independent nature shown through as she told them what to do & told Mommy & Daddy to "go out!" (of her room that is.) I think she has unofficially turned 3! It was non-stop playing with Ella & she had a blast! We painted pictures, went to the park, grilled out buffalo steaks (yum!) & Ella was super when we went out to eat. She was very sad Sunday morning when Cici & Arturo were leaving. She climbed in the backseat of the car & said "Cici, strap me, I go wit you to Dallas." Awwwww. Thanks for making the trip to come see us!
As you will see, Ella grew very attached to her soccer ball that we took to the park. It went everywhere with her. Each time after she slid down the slide, she put the ball on the ground & kicked it back to wherever we were standing. It was pretty funny!

Easter Egg Hunt

We had a nice relaxing Easter Day, just the 3 of us. Ella LOVED the egg hunt in her backyard & you would've thought there were 10 other kiddos chasing her down for eggs. Her sense of urgency was hilarious! I will warn you - I am posting A LOT of pictures because it doesn't get much cuter than Easter pics. I couldn't narrow it down anymore. Oh, and there is a video, too. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZacIbDdbxiQ











Easter bunny brought Ella new swimsuits & a princess hopscotch. She was so excited about the hopscotch - "it's like the one at gym school!" And once Schlitterbahn opens in a couple weeks, she will appreciate the new "suits!"

Easter Prep

Ella had a fun & busy week last week getting ready for Easter. She had a blast decorating everybody's Easter cards to "send bunnies" (that's what she called her pictures) to family & friends. We went to a neighborhood Easter egg dying/decorating party. When we were leaving the house, Ella went back inside to get her basket because she thought we were going on an egg hunt. She had one the day before at Mother's Day Out & obviously it left an impression. Once she understood what was going on, she had a great time "painting," gluing, & stickering eggs with other kids in the neighborhood. And, let me tell you, dying eggs outside is the way to go! You will also see we are trying out a new hairstyle in hopes of growing some of the bangs out. All of a sudden, Ella once again wants a "little ponytail" everyday.

1st Visit to Sea World

Daddy took off work on Good Friday & we went to Sea World. We had a beautiful family day enjoying the animals & shows. Ella's favorite thing was dancing in the isles & watching the sea lions play. Since we live so close, I am sure it is just Ella's 1st of many trips.