Sea Turtles, Exotic Fish and Polar Bears

We took Ellen to the DC aquarium this weekend. It's a small place located under the Department of Commerce. Even though it's nothing as extensive as the Baltimore aquarium, it's great for young kids, Ellen included. She had a ball and particularly liked the sea turtle, which you'll see her staring at below. The more interesting part of the trip was when we took her to the gift shop to get a toy and she just had to have the plastic polar bear despite being surrounded by fish all morning. Hmmm...

Studious Ellen

Here are some fun pictures of Ellen enjoying her time at the library. Like most toddlers, she loves technology! She knows how to work an iPhone better than me and Andy! I think we're in trouble...

Being Silly

Winter Adventures

Despite the frigid weather, Ellen has been keeping busy visiting museums and the zoo, and enjoying her new radio flyer wagon (thanks Gramps!). The great thing about DC is that there are so many fun activities for kids for free. The only challenge is figuring out which spots will be appealing for a toddler. The Air and Space Museum seems to be Ellen's favorite spot so far. She loves airplanes (waves frantically at them in the sky) and enjoys roaming all over the museum with her only boundaries being the rails that keep you away from the priceless aircraft. Not withstanding all of Ellen's excitement with these great museums and activities, we're getting a bit stir crazy at our house. Spring, please come soon...

Christmas in DC

Given the move and renovation this year, we decided to stay in town for Christmas. We were fortunate to have my mom and step-dad visit us for three great days, which included time at museums, wonderful meals and lots of laughs. Ellen also enjoyed getting many new toys. Daddy/Andy did too. Here are some great pictures he captured with his new SLR. Today we're expecting snow so we'll be sure to capture many more!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone.

Gordy waiting for Ellen to drop some Cheerios

Visiting the White House during the holidays is quite special.

Candid shot with Andy's new camera

Ellen is getting ready for our annual Christmas Day walk that ended in Gordy rolling in deer poo. Thanks, Gordy.

Santa and Ellen are not friends. Maybe next year...

Ellen with Grandma Bessy and Grandpa Rick at the DC Botanical Gardens

Sassy in Red

I had to share this recent picture that Lily captured of Ellen at the library. She looks so grown up with her new haircut :) As Ellen ponders the meaning of life below, we are slowly preparing for the upcoming holiday. We can't believe our renovation is almost over (please see me before you commit to a major home renovation with a small child!). Andy and I are so excited to celebrate Christmas in DC in our new place. I'll be sure to post pictures of our new house, with updates, very soon.

First Haircut!

So I finally broke down and took Ellen for her first haircut. It was time! Her hair was cute, but getting a bit wispy if you know what I mean. I took her to the local barbershop after reading a couple good reviews on yelp. She actually sat still for most of the haircut (to my surprise) and I think it turned out pretty darn cute! I did shed a little tear at this milestone as I tucked away her discarded hair for her baby book. How am I ever going to handle kindergarten!?