Fall Fun

Fall has officially arrived, and we're packing in the fun! We began the week with Ella's first official 'class.' The Chicago Park District offers great, very affordable classes for toddlers. While she loved the first part of class, where she wouldn't release her grip on a car she'd grabbed right away, Ella wasn't a fan of 'circle time,' where we had to leave the toys behind for singing together. Fortunately, most of the class involves playing, and there is no shortage of push toys and cars for her to enjoy. On Wednesday we attempted a story hour at Barnes and Noble with Ella's buddy, Harper, but once she spotted the train table, listening to a book just didn't compare. "Choo choo" can be heard from the moment she wakes up until the moment her eyes finally close at night, and she loves playing with all trains. Wednesday evening was spent celebrating my birthday, which was last weekend, with Aunt Erin, Cousin Abbie, and Eric. As soon as Ella noticed the cake, she kept saying "cookie," (which is her word for all sweets), and therefore was wired - and hilarious - before we finally got her into bed. On Saturday morning we headed out to the 'burbs for some pumpkin picking and fall fun. Between the pumpkin and apple donuts and the carnival-esque atmosphere, Ella had a blast. We can't say we were surprised to find out that she is a thrill seeker, and while other kids were crying during the rides, we had to pry a screaming toddler's fingers off the steering wheel when the ride was over. Later that afternoon Ella received her first, real haircut - something Dad had been pushing for a while. Despite my hesitancy, it turned out great, and Ella did an amazing job of sitting still. She looks so grown up!

She wouldn't let this car out of her sight, even trying to take it down the slide.

She finally upgraded to something larger.

Playing with the choo choos at Barnes and Noble.

Making alphabet soup.

She seemed to think the party was for her!

Enjoying donuts at the pumpkin patch.

Her first ride.

Riding the train.

When the rides came to an end, she just found her own fun.

Getting ready for the hair cut.

She got to sit in a police car!

The new hair cut!