Happy Birthday Ella!

Ella is so wonderful in so many ways. She has a beautiful spirit which sometimes (ok, lots of times) I don't appreciate as I should. Spirited is the BEST word to describe her. I can't believe she is 6 years old today. Frustration, laughs and tears - I can't think of any better way to have spent the last 6 years. Here are just a few things that make Ella, well - Ella. I love you Ella!! Thank you for being who you are.

She is always up for a challenge.
She never meets a stranger.
She is fabulous at cracking eggs.
She NEVER forgets - anything.
She is great at Rock Band.
She loves to learn.
She is always entertaining - in oh so many ways.
She is more than mildly independent.
She makes everyone think!
She loves accessories - and dresses.
She has a great way of posing for pictures
and a beautiful smile!

I thought I had the tradition of putting candles in their breakfast. However, I must have slipped on year two because I can only find cake...oh well, you get the picture...no pun intended!

Here are some more pictures of the big day!

Santa - Round 1

Here is the picture from our first Santa encounter. The big kids were so fast on Santa's lap that Gabe got left out. He will be in the next one.

Thanksgiving - Part 2

Parade

Waiting for the parade

Gabe's first parade
Wiped out on Sunday afternoon!

After filling our bellies on Thursday and more visiting, we headed back to White House. We got up on Friday morning and hit the road again for Mayfield for Thanksgiving round 2. Friday was eating, resting and going to visit Chrysti-Carol as she kept watch over Travis in the hospital. Saturday was lunch at Hill's where we met Tia and her family as well as Jay with his family and Misty. Santa was also there. We did a little shopping and hit the parade Saturday night. Carla and Uncle Joe were there with their three dogs. It was not boring with the three dogs and three kids. We also had lunch with Uncle Kim and Aunt Brenda after church on Sunday. Now back home and time to rest - I mean to do laundry and unpack and get ready for Ella's birthday!

Thanksgiving - Part 1

I have my eyes closed in this picture...there were probably 30 taken so hopefully in one they weren't!
Making mints - and they were gooood!

Camden and Gabe meet!

Tree climbing

On Wednesday morning we hit to the road for Thanksgiving with the Merriman family (Jonathan's mom). The kids had fun playing with their cousins, climbing trees, doing "art", cooking, and just running around. The adults had fun eating...and catching up of course. I only took pictures of the tree climbing so the rest are "stolen" from Jamie. Oh, and Kathy had her tree up - Jude liked to turn the lights off and say in his evil voice "Christmas is ruined"....oh my. Also worth noting, Ella only took off her sunglasses to sleep for these two days.

Happy Thanksgiving...

from our 1 little 2 little 3 little Indians (third Indian not pictured).

Turtle Indians

Today was Jude's Thanksgiving program at preschool. It was precious and it was a great morning for us because he was excited about doing it so he was easy to get ready this morning!! Jonathan and I went in late to work and Ella was really wanting to go but since she has been ill so much she couldn't. We did take video. They were decked out in their Indian gear with their drums...so cute. They also sang some great turkey songs. Important to note - they served goodies (or better yet, they ATE goodies) after all their hard work!

Got one...

not a deer but Mimi did get a picture of the boys "hunting".

Sunday!

The kids love to go out and get the Sunday paper. Today was Jude's day...unfortunately for Jude, he does not like to wear pants and it was chiiiily! Jonathan and Puh headed off to the Titan's game where Jonathan was apparently bad luck as they lost their first game of the season! At home, I was able to get the Christmas card pictures made which was great to check off my list. It was interesting to take all three munchkins to church alone but I made it - and they were all really well behaved! I am really looking forward to a family filled short week! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone - and happy travels for those traveling!

Last week in pictures

The Birthday Boy
Ella still loves to hold Gabe

My gym

Nerdy little Gabey!

Kids cooking!

Last week was quite hectic. Monday night is kids cook night. We usually make pizzas - which is the picture I included - but this week we actually made quiche. The last time I made it they would not eat it but this week they did! They got to add everything themselves. Mimi and Pops also spent the night on Monday night then came back through White House on Tuesday night and took us to dinner for Jonathan's birthday, which was Thursday. On Wednesday afternoon I took Ella and Jude to My Gym where they had a blast! I also had to take my car to the shop...yes, again - so I was in a "car" which made me realize...I DON'T want a car with three kids!!! Anyway, Thursday I worked and then had to go back and pick up my vehicle. I also worked on Friday and my car battery died in the pick up line at school. Oddly enough it was the day that I got there really early and was in the front of the line. Two hours later and one call to On Star for some roadside assistance and I was on my way! Did I mention the hot water heater AND the heating and a/c unit blew at the rental house as well as the battery back up, light fixture and Brooke's chair monitor at work? We also put up our Christmas tree this year. I will post a picture of that beauty later. On a positive note - I won my battle with Hendersonville Hospital and got my refund PLUS discount..YES!

Tagged

So, I was tagged by Amanda to :Go to your fourth picture folder and then go to the fourth picture in the folder. Write four things about the picture and then tag four other people. It's amazing what you'll find!!! And the winner is....

This picture is from the Sandlin's visit when Ella was 1...

1.) I miss our dental school friends sooo much - and sometimes being in Memphis but don't tell anyone.

2.) Kids grow up tooooo fast.

3.) Caroline and Ella are alot alike.

4.) The ball popper is STILL a great toy!

I am going to tag - Lindsay, Jessica, Carmen and Joni because I think they *might* do it!