A Week in Iowa

Last Sunday Ella and I made our first trip to Iowa on our own. With the help of the oh-so-handy iPad, the long drive was extremely successful! We made a few stops, including a short visit with my friend, Brittany, and her kids. From Monday to Thursday we spent time with my side of the family, including my Grandpa and Grandma C., who had recently returned from a long winter in Arizona. Our last visit with them was in July, and especially with Grandma's health challenges since then, I was really, really glad to see them. We also spent time with my cousin, Jonna, and her kids, my Aunt Joan and Aunt Lorri, and Great Grandpa and Grandma P. And of course, Ella's Grandpa and Grandma C. On Thursday we traveled to Jeritt's side of the family, where he joined us after his business trip in Washington, D.C. The weekend was full of cousin fun with Ava and Reid, and Grandma V. brought Ella's car (her Christmas gift, if you recall!) out of hibernation in the basement for a few joy rides. We also spent time with Grandpa Al, Uncle Don, Great Aunt Annette, Grandpa V., Aunt Jill, Uncle Adam, Aunt Kristin, and Uncle Jeff. On our way back to Chicago we stopped in Cedar Rapids to meet Ella's new second cousin, Landry, the son of Jeritt's cousin, Daric, and his wife, Kendra. While we were glad to be home, we had a wonderful week full of family, and we're so glad we were able to see so many people. 

Ella and Reid taking her car for a spin.

Ella and Great Aunt Annette in the play house.

Cousin Kembry and Ella.

Ella meeting her new cousin, Landry.

Making messes at Grandma and Grandpa C's house.

She spent a lot of time looking out this window, and playing with my old toys (the strange raccoon at her feet).

Eating strawberries with Grandma C.

Playing in the yard with Great Grandma P.

Playing with Grandpa C.

Learning to juggle!

Ella missed her daddy!

More rides with Reid.

Ella is so lucky to have such a good cousin!

Ava and Ella playing outside.

Showing Grandpa Al how to push the fire truck.

Playing at the Early Childhood Fair with Aunt Jill and Reid.

Swinging with Uncle Jeff.

Of course she had to push it.

15 Months Old!

Last week Ella and I hosted a play dough play date with a few of her little friends. She helped me mix it up, and we had fun playing with it, although the moms seemed to be more interested than the babies:) Over the weekend, our friends, Nic and Savannah, came to visit. We hung out at home quite a bit, and walked around downtown on Saturday. It was a short weekend, but it was so nice to catch up. Ella also had her 15-month appointment last week, now weighing in at nearly 23 pounds and 32 inches tall. She was an absolute trooper with the vaccines, not even crying this time. What a tough cookie! The doctor said her development will really explode in the next few months, we can't wait to see what else Ella has in store for us!

Ella catching up on her reading.

Playing with cars and trucks, a new favorite.

Helping me make play dough.

A milk and cookie break.



Savannah and Nic came to visit!



Happy Easter!

Even though this wasn't Ella's first Easter, it seemed like it. Last year we dressed her up in an Easter outfit, complete with bunny ears. This year she wouldn't keep the ears on long enough for a photo, and she was finally interested in the Easter eggs. On Saturday morning we experienced our first Easter egg hunt. These things are intense! After waiting in line just to enter the park (and we'd already prepaid for one child and two adults), we held Ella back for another 20 minutes before the hunt began. Yeah, a bunch of toddlers being restrained in front of a huge grassy area filled with colorful eggs can quickly turn a family-fun-filled morning into an ugly situation. Once we got the green light, Ella proceeded to pick up a few eggs. But when she'd had enough she collapsed on her back in the grass and cried. I guess the fun was over. The egg hunt also included a petting zoo, which Ella really liked. She even let the goats lick her fingers. But pulling her away from that involved another fit, and needless to say, she took a very long nap that afternoon. Today we hosted Easter with Uncle Jeff and Aunt Kristin, and a few friends and their kids. It was a great meal, with great company.

Ella trying to fill her sippy cup with water from the fridge.

She tried on Dad's new basketball shoes.

Ella's first Easter egg hunt!

She liked the petting zoo more than the egg hunt.

Finding her first egg on Easter morning.

Coincidentally, Ella's favorite book this week was about Easter.

Excited to play with her tunnel.

Uncle Jeff was in the tunnel!

Crazy nap hair.

Uncle Jeff starting her early with the pull-ups at the playground.

A Visit From Grandpa Al!

Ella has been soaking up the grandbaby love lately, enjoying a great visit from Grandpa Al this past weekend! The weather didn't cooperate, but we spent plenty of time hanging out with Uncle Jeff, Aunt Kristin, and Grandpa, letting Ella entertain us. Mostly, she performed her 'serious face' for us on command - she clearly enjoys the limelight! I apologize for the short write-up, but Ella got a hold of the laptop, and the spacebar is now broken on our computer. Amazing how much it affects my typing!

A little snuggle time with Grandpa.

The 'serious' face.

Snack time!

This is how she decided to carry my purse.

Family photo after a family dinner out.

She loves to drink the water. Yuck!

Ella and her Uncle Jeff.