Ella Ann Floats!

We took Ella Ann to the pool this afternoon for the first time and she seemed to like it! We put on her cute swimsuit from her Aunt Andrea, hat and sunglasses and she was ready to go! The water was a little cool, but she didn't seem to mind it. She eventually figured out how to splash and thought that was pretty fun! The last picture was the best....she enjoyed lounging in the pool!

Ella Ann's Nemesis

Grandpa got Ella Ann an inflatable toy for Christmas that she absolutely hates right now! It is supposed to help her learn to crawl, but it's not really doing it's job because every time we roll it towards Ella Ann or even if she just sees or hears it (it has balls in it that ring) she gets this huge, bug-eyed look on her face and then looks to Spencer and I to figure out if she should start screaming immediately or wait until we torture her by rolling it! It is SO funny! I tried to capture this look in the first picture, but really the picture doesn't do this face justice. I sat with her in the last picture to try and help her out but it didn't work, she was still very upset!

Spencer and I have taken pictures and video of her with this toy because we have to be able to show her this when she is older! We have gotten some pretty good laughs out of making her cry! I know, it sounds horrible, but if you were here watching it and seeing her poor, little face you would probably get a big kick out of it too! I promise, we won't do it again.....for now! :)

Spencer Turns 27!

The family celebrated Spencer's 27th birthday this week. We took Ella Ann to the park earlier in the afternoon to enjoy some time outside. Then we ordered yummy Thai takeout from a fantastic place here in town for dinner. We thought it would be best to order in and enjoy a meal together after we put Ella Ann to bed rather than take her to dinner with us at 5:00 p.m. and eat with the old folks!

I made a cream puff cake for Spencer that was really good. I tried to get Ella Ann to help me sing Happy Birthday to Spencer, but she wasn't too interested. She was mesmorized by Spencer digging into his cake and she helped him open his gift. The tearing of the paper scared her half to death, but then she decided that eating the paper would be better than getting upset over the whole situation.

Our First Playdate

Ella Ann had her first playdate with her bestfriend, Mara Kate! Jana and Mara Kate came over to our house yesterday to enjoy some play time. The girls were so cute together, dressed alike may I add, but I think Jana and I had the most fun laughing at them, taking pictures and video! Jana and I just surrounded them with pillows, since they both have a tendency to be very wobbly, and tons of toys to keep them occupied for a couple of hours. They did manage to take some swipes at each other, but no harm done! It was neat watching them interact and check each other out.

Ella Ann and I had so much fun with you, Jana! We are already looking forward to our next playdate!!!

Viva Las Vegas!

As you may have read from my previous post, my Mom, Dad, Spencer and I spent a few days in Las Vegas last week. We had such a good time going out to eat at fantastic restaurants, especially Joe's, a seafood restaurant at Caesar's Palace. A couple that is good friends of our family, Jimmy and Bridget, were also out there at the same time as us. One of Spencer's really good friends from Kentucky, Clay, was in Vegas this past weekend too. We went to dinner with him one night at the Wynn and did some gambling. It was great to see him!

My Mom and I nearly killed ourselves on Friday doing some serious power shopping! Thanks again Mom, I had so much fun with you! My Dad spent some quality time at the Flamingo pool everyday, while Spencer enjoyed winning some money at Blackjack and Craps! It was so nice to also spend some time with just Spencer. We got to just hang out with one another and not worry about bottles, bedtimes and naps! However, we missed Ella Ann SO much and were so happy to return home and see her! Her Nana and Papa kept her while we were gone. They had a great time with her and Ella Ann also got to see her great grandmothers, aunts and uncles in Kentucky. She also went to Nashville and spent some time playing with her cousin Carter. He is almost 15 months old and doesn't really know what to think of Ella Ann. From what our family told us, they were very cute together and Spencer and I were sorry we missed them playing!

We are happy to be home again and busy trying to get back in the groove of things. Thanks again to my Mom and Dad for taking us to Las Vegas! Spencer and I really appreciated the trip and all that we did, especially seeing Jerry Seinfeld! That was great!

Outside Margaritaville in front of Caeser's Palace

At the Wynn with Clay

Inside Caesar's Palace where we saw Jerry Seinfeld

Visiting Our Family

Yes, it has been a week since I have posted! Spencer, Ella Ann and I have been out of town all of last week and we returned home last night. Spencer went hiking in the Grand Canyon earlier last week with his dad and brother. Yes, they survived, but nearly killed themselves and hiked out of the canyon a day early and headed to Vegas for some R&R! My Mom, Dad and I met up with Spencer last Thursday in Las Vegas (his dad and brother flew home the morning we arrived). We spent the rest of the weekend having a blast in Vegas.

Before my family and I left for Vegas, Ella Ann and I spent some quality time with my Mom and Dad in Kentucky. Ella Ann did so great adjusting to a new place to sleep (a dark hallway in the basement!) and meeting new family members and friends. She was quite a ham for everyone! She enjoyed playing on her little blanket surrounded by a ton of toys, taking walks with Mimi and I, going to eat Chinease at my favorite restaurant (nope, no fried rice for Ella Ann yet!), taking long naps and playing outside in the front yard.

Ella Ann with her Grandpa and Mimi before church

Ella Ann met her Great Great Aunt Sue

She also met her 3rd cousin Cindy

As you can see, Ella Ann REALLY enjoyed playing at Grandpa & Mimi's!!!!!

Ella Ann and Her Avocados

In case you were wondering just how Ella Ann maintains her babysoft skin, she applies a thick layer of avocados to her face and scalp daily. Please see her demonstration below! I know it's hard to tell, but she does enjoy eating her face mask too!