Ellen Walks!

I am very sorry for the delay in posting! We moved a week ago to our new house in Arlington, VA...pictures coming...and it's been chaos. We are in the midst of doing a major renovation to the second floor so Andy and I are currently living in the basement while Ellen sleeps on the main floor in the guest room.

Since moving into our new digs, Ellen has had more room to roam. I'm delighted to report that she is officially walking! Check out the video below. Although she is a bit of a late bloomer with her 14 month birthday nearing, I'm sure she'll pick up speed in no time! We're very excited to see her reach this milestone. I'm mostly happy because I'm ready for her to stop serving has a human vacuum cleaner picking up all things dirty on the floor :)

Ellen Turns 13 Months!

Ellen turns 13 months today! It's so hard to imagine. I visited a friend's newborn yesterday and can barely remember when she was that small, although she is still a little nugget. Even though she is still so small, she is turning out to be one tough cookie. For instance, she frequently launches herself over me and Andy, and even tries to climb over our big dog Gordy! Yesterday she got a shot at the doctor's office and didn't blink an eye. The nurse couldn't believe that tears weren't shed! I think this picture taken today captures her spunk and some would say "feistiness"! I wonder where she gets it?

Hoe Down on the Farm

While I traveled to Chicago for a family event, Andy and Ellen enjoyed some one-on-one time in DC. Andy took Ellen to the Falls Church, VA farm day at Cherry Hill Park. Ellen met lots of ducks, eat lots of hay, and listened to some fiddlers. Andy said that she was louder than many of the animals with her squeals of joy!

Happy First Birthday Ellen!

I can't believe the day is finally here...Ellen turned one this weekend. How long ago it seems that she came into our lives and how much things have changed. We held a "carnival" themed party on Saturday with lots of family and friends (see some pictures below). We had games, food, music, pictures and lots of fun. I'm also including a link to a video/photo montage that I created, which reminds me how much she has changed. Thank you sweet Ellen for coming into our lives!You are a true joy and gift to everyone who meets you. We love you very much.

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See full video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKaQTzSAHZg

Dancing Queen

Ellen's latest thing is dancing and making funny faces. Here you can see her moves in a video captured by Lily. She will now "dance" on command, which makes for a lot of fun during mealtimes! I can't wait to see what else she has in store :)

Joint Family Mountain Trip

Last weekend we went spent a great time with three other couples in the Shenandoah region of VA. It was so nice to let the kids hang out and entertain each other while we enjoyed the scenery. Although my pregnant friend and her husband left wondering how they got roped into this "vacation," it was a fun adventure and nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of D.C. for some fresh air and open space.

Owen showing his baby brother how to attempt a head lock

Why does everyone look so concerned except John?

Ellen and John enjoy a good read

Dedicated to Aunt Meggers

I wanted to share a cute picture of Ellen taken by my sister, Aunt Meggers. She does a far better job taking pictures of Ellen than we do sometimes! The picture below was taken with Megan's new iPhone, which apparently has some fancy photo finishing capability. Here she captures Ellen's growing spunk and personalty. Thanks Aunter Meggers for being a wonderful Aunt and sister!!