Ella's Birthday & Reunion

We decided to skip a party this year and instead headed to Chicago for a night for Ella (& Phil's) birthday. We had a lot of fun at American Girl. Ella got a new Baby (we named her Molly Jane) and enjoyed our tea party. It was a little overwhelming after skipping a nap but the orange soda she had made up for it! She said, "Daddy, this is the BEST orange soda I ever had!" (make that the only!) We also had fun at the Shedd Aquarium the next day... Ella's favorite was the shark tank. Henry just went with the flo and hung out. He had a great time, too! One of our favorite parts about the weekend was walking back to our hotel in the dark and swimming in the hotel pool at night! Pretty cool (it was indoors by the way!) I think Henry's favorite part was when we let him destroy an entire roll of toilet paper in the hotel.

The kids' school also had a Thanksgiving Program (that the 2+ yrs performed at) and so I took a few pictures. Ella's now one of the oldest children in her class so it's amazing to see how much she's grown since last year's performance!


Lastly, we hosted a Yoder reunion (Sally's side of the family) this weekend. It was very casual, but really a lot of fun to get everyone together and visit without the stress of the holidays. Thanks to everyone for making the trip. We had a great time.

Festivities...

There are so many things going on around here lately. Henry started walking literally on his first birthday (10/29), of course he turned 1 (can't believe it), Halloween & trick or treating, Ella's school had a fall festival with face painting and games. Grandma D came in town for the Halloween weekend. We had a blast. Ella dressed up as (my version of) a scary witch (more like a fairy witch) and Henry was a little bear. Henry could've cared less but Ella really got into it this year. Running from house to house yelling 'trick or treat' and then a quick 'thank you' as she cut through the yard to the next house. Henry also started swimming (parent tot splash time really) and Ella is doing some basic dance and gymnastics classes. Finally, our new house has lots of trees and leaves so we jumped in the pile of leaves today and really enjoyed the beautiful weather that we are having for the moment.

Ella turns 3 on Sunday so we are heading to Chicago for a night and have lots of kid things planned. Heading to American Girl (she's young, but she loves a good tea party!), Shedd Aquarium, the Children's Museum and of course deep dish pizza and a little pool time at the hotel. Ella is very excited and I think Henry will enjoy it as well. We are really just having a great time being together as a family and finally relaxing a little after an extremely busy spring and summer. We love our new home and can't believe the holidays will be here soon!

With all the activities, it's just easier to post a slide show so enjoy! Be forewarned, there are a lot of pictures of Henry eating his bday dinner (ravioli - his fav) and his first taste of birthday cake (which he LOVED.) Lots of mischeif and laughter!

Click Here for the slide show (it's also running on the right side of the screen.)