Sunshiny Days

I absolutely love spring. It's so exciting to wake up to beautiful sunshine streaming through our windows and birds tweet tweeting outside. Our backyard has sprung to life with lush green grass, flowering trees and bushes, and soon-to-be potted flowers on our back porch. The arrival of spring once again turns our kitchen table overlooking the yard into one of our favorite spots in our house.

I only have a couple of more months of work before summer break and can hardly wait to spend day after day with Ellasyn. We are looking forward to our trip down to Gadsten, AL and Destin, Fl in June with Eli's family. We are also hoping to have an Eli & Abby vacation sometime this summer. Anybody have any suggestions for an affordable get-away for 4-5 days?

Last weekend, we traded in the ol' Hyundai Elantra and bought a brand new Toyota Rav 4. WE LOVE THIS CAR! It is a very reliable and safe car and is the perfect size for our family. Eli did a ton of research on all the suvs we were looking at, and this one was the best match for what we needed and wanted. It's a great addition to our family and will make traveling this summer much more enjoyable.

Ellaysn update: Ella continues to grow and change. We even swear that her hair is getting longer and a little blonder. Her main mode of transportation continues to be rolling like a log and scotting on her belly. She can move from sitting to all fours now, but hasn't quite figured out that that is a more efficient way to move. Regardless, if she sees something on the floor that she wants, she will find a way to get there. Lately, she seems most fascinated by things made out of cardboard or paper, remote controls, and anything that she can grab and pull (handles, straps, etc). She's starting to drink out of a sippy cup and is learning to "chew" by eating small pieces of fruit and those little gerber cereal puffs. She will imitate us when we smack our lips - it's like she's giving us kisses. Her little personality is so fun. She is super curious and social. She loves watching everything going on around her and meeting new people. She will win you over instantly with that little two-tooth smile. She is a very happy and bubbly baby.

Here are some new favorite pictures of our little girl:

Ella's favorite thing to do after she eats ~ tug-of-war with the tray when we try to take it off

Ellasyn brushing her teeth with daddy

she's a daddy's girl

blowing bubbles

Ella and Nana on Easter

Ellasyn Rose

Ella and her Easter eggs

Ella sitting in the grass for the first time ever - sampling a leaf

Ella and her cousin Allie at Uncle Bill's 60th b-day party