Celebrating Ellie

 We had a wonderful birthday celebration for Ellie this past weekend. She is so excited to be 3! The first picture above is Ellie bowling at a friend's birthday part just a few days before her own. Just above are both girls helping me make Ellie's cake. (Instead of saying "Cheese" they're saying "Cake!" At first she said all she wanted to do for her birthday was go play in the balls at Ikea. (Mom and Dad liked this idea because it meant we got to send BOTH girls to the balls to play and we got some alone time. Hee hee!) But we figured that wouldn't do for the actual celebration, so we gave her a very appropriate alternative...


 The pool!

Understandably, we don't have many pictures of our time at the pool, but suffice to say they LOVED it and are already asking when we can go again. Luckily for us, this pool is nearby and has an indoor and outdoor section. We're excited to check it out this summer!

Ellie was having so much fun this is how she felt when we had to leave the pool and go get lunch. Even McDonald's was a hard sell that day!

The girls love going to this McDonald's because they get to ride the Cinderella carriage.

It's finally cake time! She loved her cake and was so happy to have pink icing with sprinkles. I've gotten several requests in the last few days for me to make another birthday cake for her. :)

Not shy about blowing out her candles. She calls it "putting fire" on the cake.

After cake, we took a picture of her with all her loot. And boy did she have a lot!

Every girl needs a pink cup! Thanks Gram and Pops!

Definitely a highlight was the pink tutu from Aunt Beth and Uncle Evan.

Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Stuart continually wow us with their thoughful gifts. Here is her little kitty that she immediately named Tasha. (Just like Gram and Pop's kitty.) This has been a great learning-to-share lesson for both girls. (By the way, it sheds like a real kitty...thanks AB and US! :))

Another fun book that she immediately had to sit down and read.

Among other fun things, Nana and Grandpa sent Dumbo. She's already asking daily to watch it.

Great Gramie sent her some fun books. Ellie sure loves books and is always happy to receive more!

And last but not least, the one thing Ellie continually asked for when asked what she wanted for her birthday--Legos! Daddy was all to proud to fulfill that request. (Mommy had to be convinced a bit, as per the 'messiness" reasons.) But both girls have had a ball playing with the Legos and Ellie is building tower after tower.

We want to send out a great big thank you to our family for such wonderful and thoughtful gifts! Thank you for helping celebrate our little Ellie from so far away. Ellie, you are a continual delight and joy and bring such light into our lives. We know it won't be long until you want to skydive or backpack across Europe by yourself, and we are blessed to spend each day with you and help you grow into the young lady God has designed you to be. We love you!!