Surfer Chick

Who knew we had a surfer chick on our hands? At least as much as she can be at 5 months old. More than anything I think she enjoyed chewing on the tether. =)

On the move

Over the last week or so Ella has mastered the walker. She now follows you from room to room, backs up and re-directs herself after running into a wall or door way, and is constantly reminding us that we need to baby proof our house by grabbing everything she can reach. Carl is learning the only safe places for him are outside and on the carpet. Yesterday, he hid under the table while we ate dinner so she couldn't get to him. Here's a video so you guys can check it out.

Birthday Wishes

Dear Grandpa Thomas,

I hope that you have a super fun birthday! Next time I see you I promise to give you a drool filled kiss. Thank you for being such a fun Grandpa! I love you!

xoxo,
Ella

Where oh where did my happy girl go?

Ella has started teething which has brought on frequent but random crankiness, extreme drooling and a week (and counting) of sleeplessness nights. When I got home from work today she was full of smiles so I thought I had better take a few pictures so that I can look at them and remind myself after one of those sleepless nights that my happy baby is in there somewhere. When the tooth finally breaks through there is a little reprieve...right? If not, just humor me and let me believe so. (for my own sanity)

Practically a professional

Okay, not even close, but I am getting better. Before Ella was born we purchased a new Canon camera; since Ella arrived I have been slowly but surely learning to use the many functions that camera has to offer. This weekend I took this picture of Ella and her Great Uncle Mike. I love it!

Puppy love

Every time Ella is hanging out down at Carl's level he sneaks in a few kisses. This afternoon she returned the favor, letting him know she's pretty fond of him too.

Pretty Bows

We finally have hair long enough to hold a bow!

Really?

Can this be happening already? She hasn't quite coordinated the movement yet, but I would say life as we know it is soon going to change =)

Last concert in the park

Last night we spent the evening under the stars at the last sunset concert series of the summer. Are we really already at the end of summer? Ella always seems to have such a good time outside. I am already looking forward to next year!

Big Rock

On Sunday we headed up to Big Rock, a creek up in the mountains near Wrightwood. Don't let the name fool you, there aren't any big rocks, but the trees are beautiful and the sound of flowing water is so relaxing. Chris BBQ'd some hot dogs and the guy's had a good time hanging out in the water. Ella loves to be outside and seemed to be having a great time nature watching. Overall it was an awesome, and might I add free, Sunday with family and friends.

Still learning...

The following is what happens when Daddy feeds Ella rice cereal.

Movin' on up

Ella is starting her move up the food pyramid, we have started introducing rice cereal. (I didn't say it was a big move =) At this point more food is getting on her face than in her mouth, but I'm sure we will both catch on pretty quick. Yesterday while feeding her, she decided it would be way more fun to play with her toes. Definitely messy and undeniably cute.