Happy Birthday Great-Grandpa Shallman!

Cousins, Ella and Emme, out to celebrate their Great-Grandpa's Birthday.

Como Town

It's was a rare Memorial Weekend for us - we were actually in town! We had the original idea to spend one of the days at the Zoo with our friends - Nick, Jen and their kids, Lily and Ethan. After fighting our way through the crowds to check out the animals, we headed over to Como Town.

Cruisin'

Ella enjoying a "ride" in her stroller.

Carriage ride - I'm not sure this is wild enough for Lily!

Checking out the scenery on the train ride.

Eating and riding-go crazy Ella!

Fighting fire! This was Ben's favorite ride!

So glad you are loving this Ella :)

Driving the Fire Truck - Ben really wanted Mom to go on the ride with him, then insisted he drive and I fight the fires...

The low point came when I had to ask a kid to move to another truck so I could ride on the one Ben was driving!

Slip and Slide

Woo Hoo!!!

Bye, Bye Mole

Ella was born with a Congenital Nevis (a.k.a a mole) on her lower back. It had a smaller, eraser size dark mole in the center of the main mole. After discussions with her pediatrician and a dermatologist, it was decided that the best course of action would be to remove it to avoid any risk in the future. This was, of course, a hard decision for us as it would involve her being put under general anestesia.

Waiting patiently for her turn.

She did amazing! Her surgery was scheduled for 8:45am and she was not allowed to eat anything after 5am. She was such a trooper, and only started to get fussy at about 8:45, which was naptime for her too. Luckily, that was the time they came to get her. Her surgery went well, and she woke up happy! We were really worried about the pain she would feel after the drugs wore off, but she never even fussed later in the day! Good job Ella!!!

Ella's first time swimming

After months of sitting and watching Ben enjoy the pool, Ella finally is old enough to join in the fun!

"Whoa, I don't know about this Mommy."

"You won't let go of me, right Mommy?"

"It's OK, Ella, I'm right here."

After her initial hesitation, Ella really took to the water and loved it! Her little legs wouldn't stop kicking! A successful first swim!

Taking her first shower - rinsing after her swim.

Ella is 6 Months Old!

Our beautiful baby girl is alreay halfway through her first year of life! Still no teeth, no rolling, but she seems to have taken big strides in her sitting skills TODAY.

We sure do love our sweet little Ella!

Weekend Fun!

Gotta love the great weather!

Going for walks - Ella, really, this is FUN.

Playing at the park!

Water fun in the backyard!

Backyard Fun

What is that crazy brother of mine doing?

He's funny!

Saturday Morning Cartoons!