Ellie saw a picture of someone on the tea cups at Disneyland.

Ellie: "Can we go there mom?"
Me: "I don't know?"

Ellie: "Maybe after breakfast?"
Me: "I don't know? Go ask Dad."

Ellie (upon coming back from talking to Danny): "He said I don't think so."
Me: "Oh, ok."

Ellie (straight faced and in all seriousness): "That means yes."

It was a very Merry Christmas.

I think we did a pretty good job of keeping things simple this year. Of course it's easy when the only thing Ellie wanted was princess band aids (and a Christmas tree). We did get her a few other things, but the band aids were still at the top of her list of favorites (probably second to lots of gum and candy). I was pretty excited about her new play kitchen, but I think it's going to take a friend or two coming over to play with her to get her really excited.

Chase was happy with his horse, dog, cars and dad's new shaver.

Just a very nice Christmas.

The Chasey man

July 2010

I don't realize how fast my kids are growing up until I find old pictures, that aren't even very old. This shot was less than 6 months ago. A big difference from the little man we've got today.

Our sweet, timid Mary

Ellie was the first girl to arrive at the Preschool Christmas program, (I had the wrong time, which made us quite early- I should do this more often) so she got first pick of her costume. A good choice.

Toys

Danny's new toy
(thanks to a boss who likes to give the latest fun, new gadgets)

Ellie: "Hey dad, do you got any games on this?"
And now refers to it as Daddy's "Big Touch"

My new toy

I'm usually against opening presents early, but I've gone far too long without a camera already. Now I just need to learn how to use it.

Can you guess what Ellie is?

Ellie had a Thanksgiving program today at preschool. They preformed a play about the first Thanksgiving, sang some silly turkey songs, and served their special guests cornbread that they helped make before we arrived.

yes, a costume change and all

Ellie is one cute turkey

Chase was happy to see Ellie's special guests too.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Time for costumes.

Cowboy Chase

my little butterfly

We've been without a camera for awhile now, but I figured Ellie's very first preschool Halloween party was a good occasion to borrow one. She is loving preschool and learning all kinds of things. She can write her name, sing lots of new songs and cut with scissors. I'm not sure how I feel about that last one, but I suppose she has to learn some time.

I also realized today that she can recite almost the entire first chapter of Sideways Stories from Wayside School. I've been reading it to her for a few weeks now, but had never heard her join in before. I thought maybe it was just the first few lines, then maybe just the first few paragraphs, but she either finished my sentences or recited it all the way to the end of the chapter. It made me laugh every time she'd chime in. She's definitely been holding out on me.