Girl's Weekend

With the boys in Vegas for Martin's bachelor party, Aunt Erin, Ella, and I enjoyed a fun-filled girl's weekend. On Friday we visited Erin's school for Field Day. Ella had a great time hanging out with all of the big kids, but it was a little different experience than when I took her last year. A stationary baby is much easier than an active toddler! Taking advantage of the steamy weather, we hit the beach on Saturday, and as suspected, Ella loved playing in the sand and water. Later in the day we walked to Rib Fest and while Erin and I sampled tasty BBQ, Ella spent a half hour working on a giant ice cream cone, as seen below. I didn't intend for her to eat the entire thing, but she wasn't giving it up, and an hour later I learned the true meaning of 'sugar high.' Sunday morning brought brunch with Aunt Kristin, Uncle Jeff, Cousin Abbie, Great Aunt Bernice, and Great Uncle Clay, who were in town visiting. It was great to see them, and Ella showed off a few of her latest tricks to keep us entertained. Below are also a few pictures from our trip to the Museum of Science and Industry earlier in the week. And though the 'new baby' news took over last week's blog post, we were able to host our close friends, the Vandall family, while they were visiting from Kansas last weekend. Everett, their nearly five-month-old, piqued Ella's interest (hopefully a sign that she'll be a great big sister!), and we're so glad we were able to spend so much time with them.

Ella devoured this ice cream cone the size of her head. She may have her mother's sweet tooth.

We got out our baby toys for Everett, and Ella seemed to remember how much she used to like this one.

I swear the bunny hat was her choice.

Ella talking to Everett and Tim.

The Vandall family.

Best friends and babies.

Who needs a sand and water table when you have a mixing bowl and measuring cups?!

Patiently waiting for an exhibit at the museum.

Playing in the park sprinkler.

Ella and her pal, and neighbor, Mia.

Ella and her buddy, Harper, at the museum.

Even a traffic cone is interesting during field day at Erin's school.

She was enthralled with the big girls jumping rope.

Ella had to try, too.

A day at the beach.