Backyard Camping

We missed our play-groups annual summer camping trip this year. Ella was disappointed because we really had a great time last year. Ok truth be told she had no idea that she missed the camping trip. I felt guilty, so we decided to do a backyard camp-out instead. Which turned out to be really fun, and convent since I could just go in and sleep in my comfy bed whenever I wanted too. We bar-b-qued turkey burgers and potatoes, roasted marshmallows in the fire pit, and made s'mores. One of her favorite things was making shadow puppets inside the tent when it was dark. Her and Daddy stayed out in the tent till about 10:30, then she decided she wanted to sleep inside. Next time we are going to try to make it through the whole night (well Ella and Troy will, I will be cozy in my own bed).

What I'm eatin another s'more!

Cozy in the tent

More S'mores with Daddy.

Checkin out the stars.

Summertime Rolls!

This summer has been a bit mellower than other summers. With me being in my 3rd trimester, I don't have my usual energy for doing things. But non the less we have still been having fun!

Here are some of the things Ella has had fun doing so far this summer!

Building sand castles with Daddy!

Being silly with friends!

Painting in the backyard!

Playing in the garden!

Being Joyful!

I suppose when you are 3 almost 4 years old you don't need much too have fun! A play pool full of water, some sand toys on the beach, a few of your friends to make you laugh! If only life would stay this simple, pure, and innocent! At least she has it now, and we can live that sweetness through her smile, and joy!

Hope your having a fun summer too!

Cousins

My sister and her family were out visiting recently for her birthday.  They stayed for a full week so we were able to spend lots of time with then, doing lots of fun things. We hit up La Jolla one day for my sisters favorite breakfast place, The Cottage. Then strolled around and ended up at Powell's for some yummy chocolate. One day was spent at Legoland, which the kids LOVED! Mostly we hung out at my sister hotel at the bay. Ella loved playing in the pool with her cousins, and making s'mores in the big fire pit out side there room on the bay. It was like a mini staycation for Ella and I all week long. So nice to be able to have so much fun right here at home.

 Oh and I can't forget out little girls trip back up to  La Jolla for cookies from Girards, they are the best!

Piggy Backing through La Jolla with Connor

S'mores at the Bay

S'more Fun

Fun at the Pool

Learning to Drive at Legoland

Springtime Fun in the Backyard

Okay so here is the first shot of my pregnant belly. I am about 41/2 months in this pictures. Ella was enjoying her homemade popsicle and dressing in her white sunglasses to match Mommy. We have some of the best times as a family just hanging out in our backyard relaxing. You can't beat the beautiful San Diego weather!

Legoland

Ella's Uncle Tom and her cousin Sean came out for a visit in March and we all went to Legoland. This was Ella's first time at the park, it was awesome. They have so many great rides for kids. Her first time riding an amusement park ride all by herself. She was very proud! Her favorite rides were the dragon roller coaster, the knights horsey ride, and the cars. Here are some pics. Oh after Legoland we hit up Carlsbad for some fish and chips and beach time. 

A Princess Birthday Party

Ella's best little girlfriend Maya had her 3rd birthday in March. She had a princess party, complete with a real Cinderella and Tinker Bell. The girls all dressed up as their favorite princess, Ella went as Snow White. The girls had so much fun, playing pin the slipper on the princess, getting perfume and glitter from Cinderella, dancing, and playing games. At the end they were all crowned official princesses! Of course no princess party would be complete without a princesses castle cake. Ella had so much fun, my girl sure loves a party!

New Year's

We started out the new year with a trip to the Wild Animal Park in San Diego. It was our first trip to the park. So amazing to be able to see the animals close up like that. Ella had a blast, her favorite part was feeding the deer. She kept calling them Santa's Reindeer, this was just days after Christmas. After the park we stopped at Orfila winery so Daddy could do a wine tasting, and we could sit outside and have a picnic. It was a nice way to end 2008. I'm pretty sure I didn't make it to midnight, being pregnant and all!

What Have We Been Up Too?

So I went on a little blogging hiatus. It's been about 7 months since I last blogged. I feel very guilty about this, but I do have a pretty good excuse. We are expecting another member to the family. That's right I'm pregnant with another little girl! She will be arriving sometime in August. Ella is so excited to be a big sister. My pregnancy has been very good, nothing to complain about so far. We plan on naming her Violet after my Gran (my Dad's mother). She was a sweet, gentle, and kind woman and she is very missed. I thought it fitting to honor her by giving our daughter her beautiful name. As for a middle name, that one is still in the works. So now to catch up on all of Ella's latest adventures!