The Holiday Season

We had a great Christmas season. This year felt really laid back and we really enjoyed each other so much. We started a new family tradition where we cut down our own tree... it felt much like "A Christmas Vacation" when we forgot the saw and money after driving 1 1/2 hours to get the tree :) Good memories:) 

This is as close to Santa as Ella would get...she was terrified!

Grammy joined us in our snowman building

Ella was scared of him once he was built. She thought he was a real...maybe Frosty does come to life:) He lasted 4-5 days and she had to look him everyday (from afar). She named

 him Hat because he wore Daddy's hat.

Ella gave both her Grammy and Nana calendars of her for Christmas

Her new tunnel...she LOVES it.

She's sitting in her new chair...she didn't know what to think of all her presents

...she was confused

Ella and Grandpa

Who's the child in the family?:)

Halloween

We took Ella trick-or-treating on Sunday. I think it was more for us than her! We got to eat her candy =)  She was too cute as Minnie Mouse, but sure didn't like those ears. They didn't stay on much. Her favorite part of the night was everyone's pets...cats...dogs... she had to see them all. She loved riding in her wagon too. Everyday since then we have to take a ride in the wagon! 

Sorry I haven't blogged in awhile. Life can be so busy. We are all doing good, especially Ella. She is walking (practically running)... learning sign language (she has learned milk and banana this week).. learning new words (bird, hot, no, )...sings the "row,row,row" part of "row, row, row your boat". She is getting so smart and it is amazing how fast she catches onto stuff. Sometimes you don't think you are teaching her anything and then all of a sudden she will do it out of no where. She's obsessed with all dogs, especially the neighbors. She's constantly running towards the street to go see their dog. I am having the hardest time getting her to eat more than just fruit, cheese, milk, and goldfish. Those are her staples right now and doesn't want to eat anything else. It 's very frustrating! These pictures I included are some of her 1 year photos and we worked hard for these photos. She was not wanting to cooperate this day. 

Ella''s 1st Birthday

I can't believe that Ella turned one today!! Times flies. It's hard to believe that a year ago, she was a tiny 7# 10 oz. Now she is 19 lbs, walking, babbling, blowing kisses, giving hugs, feeding herself...Wow, how can someone so little learn so much in 1 year?!  I feel so blessed to have a healthy baby girl that I love sooooo much. 

We celebrated on Saturday with a few family and friends. The party was a bumble bee theme and I made her outfit out yellow/black fabrics. She looked absolutely adorable!! Of course, she had no idea everyone was there to see her. Although, I do think she was a little overwhelmed with all those people in her house! She didn't know how to act. She got too many gifts, including a sandbox that she has thoroughly enjoyed. 

She was very lady-like with the cake. She never really dug in, but just ate the icing. I do admit that I was slightly disappointed that she was so "proper" =)

Maybe she wasn't too proper

Aunt Elizabeth gave her a dog and she's giving it a hug. She just learned to bark like a dog! 

Aunt Catherine and uncle Jeremy sure are fond of her. She isn't lacking in love! 

Introducing "The Swagger Wagon"

I am so excited about our new boat, "The Swagger Wagon"!! It is a 30 foot party boat! Really, it is totally a family boat, so we couldn't help but give it such a cool name. We bought it last week and are super excited and can't wait to enjoy the next few summers on it (hopefully). 

It will be something the whole family will enjoy! Although, Ella is still getting used to her huge lifejacket! It is the law for her to have it on at all times, and the poor thing can't even move with it on. You should see her try to crawl! Here she is...

The Swagger Wagon

Ella and Grammy

Ella loves her cousin, Katie!

going for a swim

HAPPY BELATED 4TH OF JULY! 

Ella and I spend it at the Braves game with my family. Daddy had to work=(

Atlanta skyline was so pretty!

Papa turned her into a Braves fan with her new onsie!

Ladies of Liberty!

I had to add this pic of her giving her teddy a hug (she's just learned to give loves)...Sweet

Last minute trip to Folly Beach

Last week, Ella and I decided to meet my parents at Folly Beach near Charleston. It was our first road trip by ourselves. She slept almost the whole way there (5 hours)! Although, it was quite difficult when we stopped for gas and bathroom break, with a baby in one arm and a diaper bag and purse in the other! The beach and family time were well worth the drive though. We had perfect weather and a great time. We took a carriage ride in Charleston, played on the beach, ate some good seafood, celebrated Catherine's b-day, and Ella ate some sand! 

The family + Taylor Beck

It doesn't get any sweeter than that! 

One tired girl!