Powing with Popi

Ella loves to "pow" things, so in February of 2012 Popi took her to the land to pow. Check her our covering her ears while he shoots...

 Surveying the damage...

Cotton Bowl 2012

We try to go to the bowl game the Arkansas Razorbacks are in every year -- this year we went to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. It was Ella's first bowl game. She got some new sunglasses, and was ready to travel!! 

We stayed at the Hilton Anatole -- which was where the razorbacks were staying. It was really fun to be in the "official" hotel because there were lots of fun events going on. Here is a picture of the elevators... (they had these emblems on everything, and there were clear/frosted versions on the glass doors. If you have been to our house you know that we are way-super-cool enough to have on one our front door!! LOL!)

The morning before the game Ella and I caught an elevator with Frank Broyles, and they called the hogs together!! Of course, I didn't get a picture. Here is a picture of Ella before we left for the game.

Here is a picture of her at the game -- she was exhausted, and she loves Steve!!

Tusk!!! We got to watch him eat grapes...

And the best part is ... We WON!!!! 

Christmas 2011

We had such a wonderful Christmas last year! It was the first Christmas that Ella really understood what was going on.We went to Silver Dollar City the week before Christmas -- it was the busiest we have ever seen it.  I think it took almost two hours for us to get in the park. On top of that it was SOOOO cold! We went with my parents and my brother's family. Abby and Ella had a good time ...did I mention it was unbelievably cold (and crowded)?!? We made it there just in time to watch the parade, and I decided I need a dress like this. I am not sure where I would wear it, but trust me, I could find somewhere to wear a dress that would light up! 

We also went to my grandmother's house where Abby and Ella made gingerbread houses! 

Isn't it beautiful?!?

Alan and I got his cousins, Brady and Conner, pogo sticks. Ella decided she wanted to try, and her Aunt Sharee helped. 

...and Christmas Morning... 

Santa Clause brought Ella a table and chairs for her to color at, and a Spongebob puzzle mat. 

and he brought her a trampoline!! (I know, don't we look super hot in these pictures?!? lol!)

She had the opening gifts part down this year!! It was so much fun to watch her! 

She got a castle, and she thought she needed to put her chairs in the castle!! 

...Ella and Grandpa! 

We enjoyed Christmas so much last year, and we are looking so forward to it this year!! 

2011 Walk to Cure Diabetes

We really enjoy being involved with JDRF. In October of each year there is a fundraising walk, and when I was going though pictures from the last year I found these...

Emma and Ella had fun riding in the stroller together!!!

And check out how cute Ella looks!!!! 

Ella's Stitches

Note: There are some bloody pictures in this post -- you have been warned!! 

On September 16, 2011, Ella got stitches! I got a call of daycare and went to go pick her up because they weren't sure if she needed to go to the doctor. (and me being the not panicky person I am, :-) was pretty sure she didn't!) Needless to say, we made a trip to the doctor, and Ella got her first set of stitches!! 

Here is the wound:

 And the numbing cream:

And the stitches...

Notice how happy she is!! She was a total trooper during the whole thing!! (Side note: Since I am writing this 14 months later, it is making me a little teary-eyed!! My baby is all grown up these days!!)

Wow... Time Files!!

Holy Cow... it has been about a year since I posted anything! ...and what a year it has been! So, the next few posts are going to be catching up! Some of the highlights of the last year are:

• A new addition to the family!! We welcomed Ms. Lindley Fern on November 3, 2012.
• Ella's first soccer season!
• All kinds of updates to the house -- thank you, Alan!! 
• A completely CRAZY year in my career!

...and lots more!! Hopefully before my maternity leave is over, I can get everything caught up!!! Hold on!! Check out my previous post too-- I actually ordered Christmas cards this year (prior to December 1st, thank you very much!!!!) That is a preview of the cards I ordered.

Stationery card

Flourishes Of Joy Religious Christmas Card

Customize your Christmas cards this holiday at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.