Santa

So we attempted to see Santa this past Sunday at the mall. We arrived an hour early and the line was so long and Santa wasn't even there yet. So we went to get lunch and walked by afterwards to see him as we were leaving and decided a week night would be a better idea. So we went tonight and there were 4 people in front of us and I think we waited maybe 5 minutes. She just had to take Elmo with us. So I kept telling her "you should show Santa your Elmo," hoping this would help ease the transition onto Santa's lap for a quick photo. She froze in front of him and it was like she had cement shoes on. Santa spoke to her about Elmo and Ella even gave him five. I picked her up and sat her on his lap and got out of the way in hopes of a quick picture. Her bottom lip started to quiver and she was not liking it but she didn't cry. They took a couple pictures and this was the best one. The last one they took she smiled after the flash. She keeps talking about Santa - this is going to be a fun Christmas this year!!!

Sorry it's been so long since I blogged but if you know anything about my job - November & December are crazy. We had our company party last night which I plan and this year I catered (except for the chocolate fountain - yummy) so I am exhausted. It feels like I worked out because I was walking around like crazy last night, in heels of course. Now that is over maybe I can concentrate on finishing everything for Christmas.

Don't think I ever got around to posting the Halloween pictures of Ella - if I did sorry here they are again.

Ella & Jackson

I couldn't get her to say trick or treat but my polite little girl said please & thank you

Baby Will

Ella done with the trick or treating

Thanks Barb - too many favorites, had to share it!

Mark & Teresa Tolar, October 24, 2009

Congratulations to Teresa & Mark!! They had a absolutely gorgeous wedding and an awesome reception where my daughter has become the new disco queen. This morning (November 11th) it was more like a drama queen. I think we are getting into the terrible twos. This morning she whinned so much for me to get her a baba that I went and finally got it before changing her clothes to go to daycare this morning. After giving her the baba she starting crying that she had it. She then cried because I won't put a third helping of Dora toothpaste on her toothbrush (don't be concerned - yes it's a new one).

Everything worked out perfect for the wedding though. We got a suite at the hotel so Ella didn't have to sleep in the same room with us. She went down early for nap on the day of wedding and I even had to wake her up so we could get her ready and to the church in time. I was concerned about the nap because her normal nap time was right when the wedding was supposed to start.

After walking down the aisle completely solo she stopped in front of Mark and I (this photo) and said "I did it!" I guess she was so excited to get her new Elmo she just kept saying his name so finally my mom came and got her so that wouldn't be the only thing Teresa & Mark heard on their wedding video. Mom took her to the bridal suite and let her run around for a while. Mom said she turned around and at one point Ella had her hand on the fire alarm and was ready to pull. It was just in her sight and grasp that she almost set off the fire alarm during Teresa's wedding. Thank you mom for stopping it. I couldn't even imagine if that had happened!

Family photo at the church

There was a couple of hours before the reception started so we went back to the hotel and relaxed for a while and had a snack. On the way to the reception she counted to 10 in the car and I have witnesses. What a smart little cookie!!

Wedding Party being announced at the reception - Daddy & Ella

Thank you so much to my mom & dad for coming in and helping this weekend. They helped us entertain Ella at the reception and took her back for bed so we could enjoy the rest of the reception. After all of her dancing she was exhausted. I changed her into pj's and Mark put her in the car with mom & dad. They said before they got to the light outside of the parking lot she said "I go night night." That's exactly what she did.

Dora the Explorer

So last night as usual after dinner I went to get Ella ready for bed. I changed her shirt and then she started brushing her teeth while I change her diaper. I turned to get a diaper and looked back at her and Dora was brushing her pee pee. Oh no Dora!! I had to take it away and we had serious melt down. After struggling to finish getting her ready for bed she had forgotten about Dora until this morning and of course the green tooth brush was not good enough and she had a melt down again. Guess I'll be looking for another Dora toothbrush on Friday when I go Christmas shopping.

My Niece - Livie is 2!!

I can't believe my little Livie is 2 years old. Ella had a good time at the party playing with all the kids and especially eating Aunt Kristin's cake - yummy!!

Fun group activity with all the kids

Papaw reading to Ella

Give me a minute - I'm not ready for my photo opp. This prior to Ella mysteriously falling into the bathtub and getting all wet.

mmmm....cake

Livie blowing out her candles

Don't you see I'm busy, I have cake, why do they keep taking my picture - it's because you are so cute little one

Livie & Daddy opening presents

Day at the Park