Our Weekend

This weekend was the annual Dogwood Festival at the park we always go to in the city. Friday was such a beautiful day so we went that afternoon and checked everything out. The park was filled with tents that housed artwork from local artists, clothes, glassware, wood carvings, etc. to admire (for us) or buy (not us!). They also had all kinds of foods and treats to enjoy and many places gave away free samples and coupons, which of course we, more so me, hit up at every corner! Spencer was embarrassed by my handfuls of crackers, protein bars, coffee, chips, lotion, etc. that I carried away from the tents, but then he'd pass something he wanted and would make me go and get a sample for him! :) As my Dad would say, you never pass up a drive by, and I do not!

Once we made our way through the Festival, we threw out a blanket and enjoyed some much-needed time together as a family. Ella Ann LOVES the park and running around in the grass is a favorite activity for her.

On Saturday, Ella Ann and I made a trip up to Tennessee to attend an open house a very old friend of mine had at her new home. She recently got married and had a small wedding, so she did an open house for her and her family's close friends. I hadn't seen Molly or her family since my wedding, so I was thrilled to get to hang out with them and they got to finally meet Ella Ann. My parents also drove down and met us at Molly's house. Ella Ann was SO excited to see them and she kept saying "Mimi" and "aaapa" while we were on our way to Tennessee. She gave them a huge hug when she saw them and didn't leave their side while at Molly's, which was fantastic for me because I got to eat lots of great desserts and talk with friends! Afterwards, my parents and I grabbed a bite to eat and then we parted ways. It was a treacherous drive home with all the bad weather, but thankfully we made it home safely.

A quick pic at the Festival.

Ella Ann would take all the samples out of the stroller and pile them under the tree. In this picture she is bringing me back a cigarette butt that she had picked up! At least she brought it to me! Normally, she would have just gone ahead and put it in her mouth!! :)

There was no resting for Spencer at the park with Ella Ann around!

Checking out all of my coupons I picked up!

Molly and I at her home.

Ella Ann with Grandpa and Mimi.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone! I'm sure it is cold where you are since it is absolutely freezing here! I was very excited for Ella Ann to wear her Easter outfit this morning and was determined for her to wear it despite the cold temps, so she ended up looking a tad bit silly in her pretty outfit. I put an undershirt under her sleeveless shirt and pantyhose under her pantaloons....I know, such a fashion no-no, but it was worth it for her to stay warm!

I had to work in the nursery this morning and Spencer stayed home to sleep so none of us actually got to attend the amazing worship service, but that's okay. Ella Ann was a disaster in her nursery room this morning and ended up with me in the baby nursery so I figured I would have been called out of the service anyway had I been able to go.

We're not going to do much today since Spencer will be sleeping for most of it, but I am going to make a big dinner for us tonight before he leaves for work, so I'm looking forward to cooking a good meal! That's always fun!!! I'm sure Ella Ann will be my little helper! We'll have to hide some eggs for her around the house too so it will feel somewhat like Easter today!

Posing with her lamb and bunny basket Mimi and Grandpa sent her for Easter.

What a ham!

A Trip to NC and an Egg Hunt

Okay, I know I'm being a little lazy by combining what should be two separate posts into one, but I don't have time to be perfect today! The first set of pictures below are from our trip to Winston-Salem last Thursday through Saturday. Spencer interviewed at Wake-Forrest and one of his old friends from home is a resident there so we stayed with him and his wife. Kevin and Andrea were such good hosts to us and we had so much fun with them. It is a rare opportunity when we are able to see them, so we really enjoyed getting to stay with them for a couple of nights.

While Kevin worked on Friday and Spencer interviewed, Andrea took Ella Ann and I to some beautiful gardens and neat boutiques. Ella Ann loved all the pretty flowers as you can see from the pictures!

Since we went out to dinner on Thursday night, we ordered in on Saturday and after Ella Ann went to bed the men made a fire in their fire pit and we sat outside and talked and roasted marshmallows. Spencer and Kevin loved reminiscing about their fun times together and it was fun listening to all their stories.

Ella Ann loved getting to know her new friends and after only about an hour after arriving, she was climbing in their laps and handing them books! We were very sad to leave them, but hopefully we will get to see them sometime again in the near future. We miss them already!

We came back home on Saturday because Spencer had to work and we wanted to go to an Easter egg hunt that our church was having on Sunday. The forecast called for thunderstorms, but God cleared the skies for all the kids to get outside for about 30 minutes to hunt for their eggs!

Spencer and I walked in the home of the family that was hosting the hunt and we thought we had arrived at the zoo! Seriously, the place looked like a madhouse! There were parents running around in all directions chasing after their child or their 10 children who were covered in chocolate, strawberries, juice, etc. that was spilling and grinding into the rugs right before our eyes! At that moment we were so thankful we only had one child to keep up with! It was fun, though, and we were so glad we went. There were tons of families there and Ella Ann had a ball with the other kids!

After pushing her way to the front, she was the first toddler to be let loose in the yard and Spencer and I were right behind her with the video camera and camera both going at the same time! Don't worry, as you can see from the pictures we weren't the only crazy parents there! We were actually embarrassed by the amount of eggs Ella Ann had put in her basket, which, by the way, she wears as a purse! One kid dropped his basket full of eggs and Ella Ann ran over and started putting them in her basket! I guess all that practicing payed off! heheheheee!

Pretty, pretty flowers!

Ella Ann and Andrea in the gardens.

Kevin and Andrea had bought Ella Ann bubbles so we were testing them out on their deck Friday afternoon. She tried really hard to chase them around!

She wanted the glow worm back that Kevin stole from her!

Checking out the backyard before we left on Saturday.

Egg Hunt Pictures

Trying to scarf down some food with the Barkers beforehand!

Ella Ann's locked and loaded at the gate.....

And she's off!

She didn't let one single egg pass her by!

I'm narrating as I film and Spencer was the photographer!

Dad had to get in on some of the action!

This is just a picture of a fourth of the kids there!

Ella Ann couldn't pause a moment for a family photo!

There's only 1 egg and 2 little girls!

Mara Kate watching Ella Ann and her Daddy sort through her loot!

Kentucky Shower

Last week, Ella Ann and I hauled it up to Kentucky for a visit with my parents. The main reason I went home was because my Mom and I were throwing an old friend of mine, who is getting married in June, a kitchen shower. I went home on Wednesday so that I could help my Mom with all of the preparations and to have a nice long visit. Ella Ann did great traveling and had a blast with Grandpa and Mimi, as usual! She went and stayed with her Nana and Papa on Friday so that my Mom and I could start cooking and running lots of errands. I know Ella Ann enjoyed her time with them and I REALLY enjoyed the time I had all by myself! My Mom and I ate at my favorite Chinese restaurant that afternoon and my parents and I enjoyed a a nice, long Italian dinner that wasn't at 5:30!! I actually got to eat dinner with the younger population for a change and not eat the Blue Plate Special! ha!

The shower on Saturday was SO much fun! I think Sara had a really good time too! :) We ate all kinds of good food and had a wonderful "present" (see below) cake! Sara got lots of fun gifts and we played some games and gave out prizes. I even got to get Sara back and embarrass her by making her wear her bow bouquet on her head! If I could only post a picture of what she made me wear at the bridal shower she had for me you would understand why I wanted to get a little revenge! hehehee! Sara was a good sport, though, but she said I was uninvited to the wedding! :) Ella Ann had a good time with some new pals at the shower. One of my friends has a little girl that is 1 year older than Ella Ann and one of Sara's friends brought her little girl that was 1. They enjoyed playing together and climbing on the couch!

We got home on Sunday afternoon and Spencer had the day off so he was able to enjoy some long overdue time with his daughter! I brought home some plastic eggs for an Easter egg hunt we are going to next Sunday after church and Spencer hid the eggs all around the house for Ella Ann and got out her Easter basket so she could practice hunting! She caught on to the concept very quickly and it entertained her for quite some time!

I posted a lot of pictures, so enjoy!

Ella Ann's Uncle Craig and Aunt Kasey bought these adorable Sketchers for her for Christmas and we were able to get them out last week! They look so cute on her and she wears them everywhere! She loves wearing them too and stomping around the house in them! It makes her look like such a big girl! :(

Kit Kat got a good swipe at Ella Ann after this picture was taken! Poor girl, scared her half to death but it didn't stop her from trying to pet her again! Kit Kat is just too old to be friendly!

My Dad said I needed to post of picture of him NOT wearing a t-shirt or sweatshirt so that people know he's not a slouch. Everyone, this is my Dad looking nice! :)

For some reason, she likes to perch herself in the fridge everytime it is opened!

This was taken before the shower started.

She was very interested in everything on the deck!

This was Sara's yummy present cake! It was all icing! Sara's colors are navy and Kelly green, so hence the green cake.

Ella Ann playing with Mattie.

Ally, Mattie, and Ella Ann all climbed up on the couch by themselves for this photo op!

Me, Sara, my friend Leigh's mom, and Mandy. Old high school buddies, minus Leigh!

Sorry Sara, had to post it!

Time With Mimi

Last Thursday, my Mom (Mimi) came down to stay with us. Spencer had an interview to go to, so it was just us girls Thursday night and Friday. Ella Ann got to drag Mimi ALL around the aquarium on Friday and nearly wore her out! Going to the aquarium is not much fun when Ella Ann goes along! She is much more interested in climbing on the fake rocks, benches, touching the waterfalls, and running in the open areas! She does enjoy looking at the tanks, but only for about 2.2 seconds, which gives the rest of us time to see about 1 fish! I know my Mom enjoyed it all, though, and got to see (and touch!) some sea life!

We went out to dinner to a fun Asian restaurant where you make your own stir-fry bowls on Friday night. Since Spencer got home that night, we all went to a fabulous brunch on Saturday morning and Mom and I did some shopping that afternoon. Since Spencer's beloved Louisville Cardinals were playing late Saturday afternoon, he couldn't join us for dinner at a really neat Mexican restaurant. I think Ella Ann's favorite cuisine is Mexican because each time I feed her festive foods, she gobbles them down! She loved the black beans, refried beans, and rice we gave her, along with all the other foods we brought!

We went to church on Sunday morning and my Mom left after that. We had such a good time with her and I really enjoyed being able to spend a few days with just the girls (sorry Spencer!). My very sweet husband put up with all of us for 2 full days and didn't complain once! :) We were sad to see Mimi leave, and Ella Ann cried in the car on the way home from church and kept calling for her Mimi. The good news is that we will be traveling to Kentucky this week to stay with my parents, so we won't miss them for much longer! Thanks again, Mom!

Here are a few pictures that I quickly snapped at the aquarium and the last one I took before we left for church on Sunday.

An Unhappy Swinger

Yesterday, Jana and I took the girls to the park to walk and do some much-needed catching up with each other! Mara Kate is walking, but still a little unsure about doing it on the grass, so we put her in the swing while Ella Ann roamed around the playground with her ball. Mara Kate loves to swing and Ella Ann does not! I knew she didn't like it, but I thought she might warm up to the idea if I put her in the same swing with Mara Kate. Ummmmm, no, she still hated it with a passion, as you can see below!!! It was SO funny, though, and would have been so cute if she did enjoy it, but the picture tells the true story!

It was so nice that Jana and I could walk around, let the girls play or sit, and us just hang out. Mara Kate and Ella Ann both love it outside and are pretty much happy and content with just sitting or walking. We really enjoy our times together and I honestly don't know what I would do without her here.

As you can see, Ella Ann and Mara Kate got to sport some shorts too! This is the first time Ella Ann has had a pair on this year so far! They looked so cute!

Battle Wounds From the Park

Today the 3 of us spent the afternoon playing around at the park. It was in the mid 70s here, so we had to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather! I have been taking Ella Ann these past couple of weeks to different parks and playgrounds and she has been having SO much fun! She loves climbing around all the playground equipment, although I have to bend and squeeze in several different compartments, bridges, slides, etc. so that I make sure she doesn't fall of of them or try and run down the slide (she doesn't understand the whole sitting and sliding down concept)! Yes, I am the over protective mom that you see chasing around their child on the teeny tiny play gym and going down the 3 foot slide!! Ohh well, the things I just have to do for Ella Ann! Anyway, the parks have also been great for Ella Ann because it is like setting a wild animal free! I get her out of the stroller and she takes off. She was introduced to real live geese on Friday at the park, which she went absolutely crazy over screaming and pointing "GOOSE!!", "GOOSE!!", "GOOSE!!!!!!!" as she bounced up and down!! Yeah, that was fun to tear her away from that scene! :)

So, back to my original story, since we have been going to parks often lately, she has gotten really familiar with dogs and loving them to pieces. She chases after them, no matter how far in the distance they are, and says "dooog"! She'll get so close to them that they end up licking her face, which she thinks is hilarious, as do I! A big bulldog gave her a kiss the other day and she had slobber hanging from her chin! Nope, the germ freak didn't flinch a bit! :) Okay, so Ella Ann spotted 2 miniature Yorkies today (she was holding my old cellphone and walking, by the way, quite the multitasker) and took off after them. The girls walking the dogs stopped so Ella Ann could catch up. Well, she got so excited that she took off running and fell flat on her face on the pavement....poor girl. Here is her injury....

She'll take a hit for a dog any darn day!

Yes, she is all smiles now! She recovered quickly after Spencer passed her her "bobie", a.k.a. her blanket, and was fine and dandy. Other than that, we had a great time watching Ella Ann experience spring outdoors!

**On a side note, please don't think I don't know how to organize paragraphs, captions, etc. This stupid blogger often does not want to cooperate so I end up publishing as is, which looks terrible I know!

Carter's Birthday Party

Last week, Spencer, Ella Ann, and I traveled to Tennessee to visit Spencer's family and celebrate our nepehew's 2nd birthday on Saturday. Unfortunately, Spencer had been sick all last week and seemed to get worse while we were there, so he didn't get to enjoy the festivities and fun as much as he would have liked to. This was also the first time he had seen the newest addition to our family, Cousin Seth. We had such a good time, as usual, with everyone and were sad to come home on Saturday night after the party. Carter and Ella Ann played with each other for 3 days straight! Carter LOVED making Ella Ann laugh by dancing, copying her jibberish "words", and tickling her and Ella Ann ate it all up!! They would both get to laughing SO hard that Ella Ann would begin to sound like an old man! There was lots of belly-laughing giggles to be had! Ella Ann would just follow Carter around everywhere and she had a blast playing with all his fun toys!! Carter got a play kitchen for his birthday and they were so cute playing with the toy food and "cooking." Carter would drag me over to his kitchen, tell me to sit down, and would hand me all kinds of food for me to eat! That wooden hamburger was yuuummmmy! :)

We also got to spend some time with Spencer's aunt and uncle at the party too, which was great! Ella Ann got lots and lots of attention and played with everyone. She also got to show off all her new dance moves, which included a shoulder shake that looks like she's doing the worm! She loved playing on Carter's John Deer Gator tractor and refused to get off of it most of the time. It had all kinds of buttons on it for her to push that either sounded like a tractor starting or would play music. She also tried very hard to sit still while Carter opened all his gifts, but usually ended up right in the way trying to peer in all of his sacks and boxes!

All in all, we had a wonderful visit and enjoyed spending so much time with our family. Ella Ann will have a hard time this week just playing with me again, or maybe I'll be the one having a hard time adjusting! Anyone want to come visit and entertain??? :)

Ella Ann pushing Seth in his swing. Is this a Spencer face or what???!!

Dancing on the Gator!!

Her Uncle Craig and Aunt Kasey got Ella Ann these cute pajamas!

Carter got a hand-painted table for his birthday. His and Seth's names are painted on the back of 2 chairs. It is SO cute! Ella Ann and Carter loved sitting at the table and eating their snack!

The 3 cousins.

Ella Ann loved Seth!

Right in the middle of the action! Carter is opening all of his gifts and Ella ann has to check it all out!! He really enjoyed opening every single one, but as soon as he opened up a t-ball set, that was it, he just wanted to play with that one!

The birthday boy and his Mickey Mouse cake!

A quick family photo before we hit the road. As you can see, Spencer is not feeling too hot!