There Was One in the Bed...

and the little one said, "roll over! roll over!"

The Mouse's House

Ella started getting a little jealous that Gavin was taking the attention (and Mom) away from her, so Adam and I planned a special outing with just the three of us to Disneyland.  Gavin stayed with Grandma while we spent 2 nights at the Happiest Place on Earth.  It's been a long time since we've been to Disneyland, and Adam is notorious for not liking the place at all, so we weren't quite sure what to expect.  It turned out to be one of the best trips we've had, and Ella loved every single minute of it.  It was great being able to stay at the hotel and having the freedom to go back for naps.  Plus, we didn't realize how much time you can actually spend at the parks when you have a child in tow.  As a teenager, we'd go just to go on the rides.  But with a toddler, everything took longer and we experienced things we never did before we had kids.  We really liked the perks of being able to go into the park earlier than regular admission (they call them "Magic Mornings"), though it was tough getting out the door early enough to truly take advantage of the extra hour.  

I think we enjoyed it as much as we did because we got to experience her joy of going to an amusement for the first time.  She reminded us of the innocence and wonder of being a child and it really was beautiful.  She definitely taught us to take our time and just enjoy everything, seeing it all for the first time all over again.  From the rides to the food to the room service, Ella was in heaven.  It was her happiest place and it was great fun for us all.  

Getting comfortable in the hotel room and waiting for room service to arrive.  Ella excels at vacationing.

Waiting to get into the park.

She knew we were going into somewhere special and was so excited when we started walking down Main Street.

The Jungle Cruise was one of her favorite rides.  She also loved Winnie the Pooh and The Little Mermaid (which was her first ride, and left her in tears when it ended).

Ella is good about letting me do her hair, but usually dislikes headbands and hats.  So we were super surprised she wanted to wear ears around the park.

Getting the hang of rides.  Here she is going "Woooo!" on It's a Small World.

We went on these right before her nap and she almost fell asleep from the motion.

Adam and Ella's car.  I tried hard not to bump them.

She had her first churro and loved it so much, she ignored Mickey Mouse, who walked by at that moment, so she could continue eating her treat.

California Adventure was new for us all.  We greatly enjoyed the theme.

She loves her carousels! 

So happy.

She fell in love with "MinMouse" (as she calls her).

Really excited to meet Minnie, though she doesn't look it here.

Lovely family portraits.

On our way out and heading home.  I'd say she had a blast.

We are definitely looking into our next trip to D-Land, and can't wait for Gavin to be old enough to experience his first time there, too!

Family Life

Things have really started to settle down around here, and we've gotten quite used to being a family of four.  Gavin is growing so quickly and everyday Ella shows us how much she is learning.  Here are some photos from the past few weeks.

Playing house.

Playing around with his hair.  I'm going to miss those gray eyes when they eventually change color. 

Ham. 

My two handsome boys.

Ella's first time riding face forward.  She was (and still is) so excited!

A playdate with my friend, Jean, and her two girls.

Ella had her first scraped knee while playing outside.  Totally my fault since I put her in new sandals that she kept tripping in.  She took it like a champ, though.

Ella loves spending time exploring the backyard with her Grandma.

Not sure if it's because he's a second child or if he just really likes being carried around, but G spends a lot of time in this carrier.

Surprise face.

Love his smiles.

Mia moved into Ella's house.

Zoo Day

We met with Ella's friend Maddie for a day at the zoo. It turned out to be a short time together as cranky kids were involved. Ella has been especially needy and wanting her parents (especially Mom) these past few days. At first I thought it was because she caught a cold, but seeing how that cold has passed and she's still exceptionally clingy, I'm guessing she's just going through some growing pains. It's likely wanting more attention now that Gavin is here. We're planning a little mini vacation with just her in the upcoming weeks. Hopefully that with help curb her insecurities. We did have some nice moments at the zoo. She really enjoyed watching the Yellow Tail Wallabies and the prairie dogs. She even got to try her first corn dog (a result of me not being able to pack our own lunches because the bread we had was moldy and I missed our grocery store run this week). Of course she loved it (she is her mother's daughter), and was even more excited about the dipping dots we had after (sorry, Dad!). Being around other kids having meltdowns does help affirm my daily struggles with having a toddler and infant at home. Sometimes I forget how normal it all is and that I'm not totally losing it. Plus, being around other screaming toddlers makes me remember that mine is actually pretty well-adjusted, neediness and all. The zoo was super crowded due to spring break, so we'll have to make another visit soon (preferably when it's calmer).

Gavin, of course, slept through it all.

Happy Easter!

We had a busy Easter weekend starting with a birthday party for one of Ella's friends from Kidspace and dance class.  Their Easter-themed party gave Ella an opportunity to participate in her first egg hunt. We've decided that an egg hunt for 2-year-old-ish toddlers is the most mellow egg hunt ever.  The kids basically gathered a few eggs, then got distracted, and decided to do their own thing.  There were still so many eggs left over!  It was really cute watching them, though.

Lunch before the hunt begins.

She quickly got distracted by this fountain.  She ended up washing all her eggs in it.  What can I say?  I've raised a neat-freak.

A jello break before the pinata.

Easter Sunday we hosted a brunch and egg hunt for our family and friends.  I'm bummed I didn't get to take more pictures, but it was a busy day.  Ella enjoyed the festivities but was a little uncomfortable with all the attention her visiting cousins and aunts and uncles were giving her.  I really wish we lived closer to Adam's relatives in Washington.  By the time Ella warms up to them, it's time for them to leave.  But we are glad we get to see them for special occasions like these!

The kids getting their Easter baskets before the party starts. Gavin was "thrilled."

Ella liked her eggs the most.  She discovered jelly beans the day before (thanks to her dance teacher), and now expects them in every egg she finds.

Our friends joined us in the festivities.

The spread.

Louie made a ham-pig.  Or a pig-ham.  So wrong, yet so cute.

The Easter baskets for the kids for the egg hunt.

Ella looking for jelly beans.  We should have just called it a jelly bean hunt.  Unfortunately, the eggs were empty (she was pretty disappointed) so as to avoid major sugar overload.  Adam thought that was cruel of me.

The little boys (Caiden and Gabe) enjoying their shakers and toys.

Ella kept yelling "Mad!" to her friend, Maddie, who had dropped her egg (probably also in disappointment for lack of candy inside).

A rare picture of the two of them (usually because Ella gets camera shy when asked to pose with her friend).

Ella wanted to keep running around the yard with Dad.

Yes, yes, I did put him in a pink bunny polo.

We had a lovely Easter and I truly enjoy watching Ella get more out of these events as she grows older.  The most important part is teaching her the true meaning (no, not eggs and bunnies, even though she'll say "hop!" when she hears "Happy Easter!").  We've read a lot of books about Easter and Jesus and His sacrifice for us.  While she's far from grasping the entire concept of His death and resurrection, I know that we are planting seeds and that when she sees and says Jesus, she knows He's someone important.  My favorite is when she reminds us to pray before every meal.  I love that she reminds us daily to give thanks for all the blessings God has given us.