Baby its Cold Outside

Another cold week in Chicago! That said, we were able to get out of the house a decent amount this week.  Ella is becoming an expert at somersaults via her tumbling class while also becoming quite the cook (see photos below).  She is an excellent sous-chef when when it comes to cookies, pancakes, and scrambled eggs. The big excitement for Jack this week was his first swimming class. He was a fish last summer at the pool so we are excited for the classes.  Ella also started a new swimming class and loved being at the pool in the winter. Grandpa Al also braved the weather this weekend to come to Chicago and hang out with his newest grandson, Jace. Ella and Jack were also very glad to play with Grandpa Al as well.  

Things you do to stay entertained during winter in Chicago. 

Ella's favorite new game is "Match".  She is actually quite good, and Aunt Erin made this custom version!

Jack trying out the trampoline. 

You may not be able to tell but this is a bear in a cave. 

Grandpa Al meeting Jace!

We went to the Iowa / Northwestern game.  Iowa won. 

The Bushaw boys!

I might be stuck...

Nope!

Getting ready to build mommy a birthday cake (about six months early). 

Getting the mixer ready. 

Pouring the batter

Mixing the batter. 

Rolling the batter. 

Baking the cake. 

Serving the birthday cake to Mommy. 

In the Groove Again

 After a long stretch, we finally got back to normal this week. Lots of play dates, running errands, story hour, and Ella's tumbling class filled our time. It was great to get out of the house with some warmer temps, even though Ella was disappointed to see a lot of the snow melt. I assured her there would be more. I didn't take too many pictures this week, but the ones I did catch capture our endless adventures and the great friendship developing between Ella and Jack.

He kept shutting himself in the bathroom. This would be why.

Who needs a clean face when you can rock shades like these?

Jack has been very busy vacuuming and mowing the rug this week. 

Creating another masterpiece! 

Today, Ella was dragging around this  blanket and at one point Jack just dove onto it. I guess he knew a fun ride when he saw it.

When Jack left to take a nap, Ella realized how much faster she could run if she pulled all of her animals instead of Jack.

Ella's 3rd Birthday

It's hard to believe that it's already been three years since Ella Jane entered our lives. Time has passed so quickly, yet, it's hard to imagine life before her. We had a great time celebrating her birthday, with a play date with her pals on Thursday and a party with family and a couple of friends on Saturday. She packed in plenty of cake, pizza, and presents - her favorites! Ella also enjoyed her first movie over the weekend, going to Frozen with Jeritt today. She's really growing up!

Ella Jane enters the world!

1st birthday.

2nd birthday.

3rd birthday.

A birthday play date with her pal, Harper, who shares the same birthday!

She got a trampoline for her birthday, now she can really jump!

Jack just likes to eat the handle.

Playing waitress after opening this dress-up gift from Ava and Reid.

Sampling a pepperoni.

Jack playing with his new friend Lyla. 

Enjoying the fruits of their labor. 

Going to our first movie.

Birthday Cupcake for breakfast!