We have landed!

So, we are here and basically moved in. I would take pictures and show everyone the place but our camera is dead and well...you just don't want to know. The freakin' out began when we got here and I finally saw the place - but after I found out that the basement floods when it rains, the back door didn't lock, one of the burners is broken, and there is no dishwasher - that's when the drama really began... Not to mention that the carpet hasn't been replaced since...well, ever and it has a weird moist and sticky feeling. And let me just add that I love the fluorescent lights and the buzzing ambiance it creates. But don't cry for me, I'm a survivor and I am gonna make it!

There are some good things though. Our townhouse backs up onto a beautiful view of the forest with fun trails to walk on (the first morning we saw two deer). There are 3 parks on site and tons and tons of kids for Ella to play with. Also, about 30 Mormon couples live here and just by going to the park I have gotten to know a lot of women already. So, I am happy to be here and we are making it home!

For the brave of heart, pictures will be forthcoming...

Best Friends

And so the time has come for us to move (again). We are happy for a new adventure but can't help but feel sad about all that we are leaving behind. We will of course miss my family more than I can say. After all, a person shouldn't have to leave her home and family twice in their life. But I know that anywhere with Chris will be home.

It has been an awesome year filled with more challenges than we were expecting which have helped us to grow and be ready for the new challenges. But the challenges of the year seem to fade away and all we remember are the wonderful memories we have made. Memories like fun family dinners provided by my parents. And Ella begging to go to Rayna's house every week. Plus, who can forget the awesome family reunion and all the fun that Ella has had with her cousins!!!!

But this year has given our family more than memories. We have gained new best friends in Jared and Cindy. We have had too much fun going on double dates with them and getting to know them better. It is awesome when your family can become your best friends. And so it is with Ella. From the first moment Ella meet "The Boys" (Elliot and Isaac) they have been her best buds. She has gone from calling them her "babies" to calling them both "Isaas" to calling them "Isaac and Ewwiot" - and most of the time getting it right. Their relationship has had its ups and downs (mostly Ella and Elliot) but they have worked through it and grown to depend on each other.

And so here is my tribute to their special friendship that I know will last a lifetime (even through a move to Rochester)-press play for the music:

"Look, I'm Picasso"

It might be that I have been cooped up too long...but I love it when Ella plays with Mr. Potato Head. I find her creations too funny and I love to hear her describe them (I seriously need to get out more).

So here is a sampling of her designs..complete with their names.

Family Reunion: Ella's Top Ten

1. Playing with all "the kids", as Ella would say.

2. Going to Kasie's House (meaning Jessy's House, I am not sure why it came out Kasie).

3. All the doggie's (weird that she mentioned this b/c she would cower in fear if they came near her).

4. Playing in the sand with Madisen.

5. The Arctic Swim (also strange since she screamed "It's Cold, I want out" as soon as we got her in). Though, she did wake up at 6 in the morning, look out the sliding glass door next to where we were sleeping and say "Let's go swimming".

6. Running up and down the stepping stones from the house to the pool. Her legs are covered in scrapes from this activity but she would not stop.

7. Riding the 4-wheeler (she kept saying "I like riding that thing"). Also, one of Chris and my favorite parts.

8. Running free through all the land. She would just run and run and loved that we never had to say stop.

9. Playing Corn Hole with Daddy (not one of my favorites b/c we were beat 21-6, I blame this on Chris).

10. And last but not least, The Fireworks.

Well...Stupid!

So, I thought I had awhile before Ella would start making me feel well....stupid but alas, she has started young!

Example #1: She got very good at folding her arms during prayers and then started refusing because of course, she has to be difficult. I starting trying to be creative when asking her to fold her arms and one night decided to ask her if she would fold Mape's arms (he is a stuffed penguin). She looked at me in all seriousness and said "Fold his wings". What could I say, she was absolutely right and I felt...well...stupid!

Example #2: We were going out for a walk and she wanted to take something with her so I said she could take the book she was holding. And yet again, she gave me that look (you know, the one that says "do I need to correct her again?") and said "Take the magazine". And again, SHE WAS RIGHT!! And again, I FELT...well...STUPID!!! Man, she is two and I am gonna have to start thinking a lot more before I open my mouth!

Favorite Spot in Lima

We are starting to prepare for our move and so naturally we have been thinking about all the things we will miss about living here. Of course, my family tops the list but this barn comes in a close second.

Chris and I purposely drive past this barn whenever we are out because...well, it makes us laugh! All that is standing is the roof and boy do I wish I would have been there when it fell and landed in this position. I am not sure why it hasn't been torn down but I sure am grateful for all the laughs it has provided.

The Many Roles of Daddy-O!

Ella and I are so lucky to have Chris in our family!!! He is so hands-on with Ella and treats her like the little princess she is. What more could a little girl want??? I love seeing all the roles that Chris takes on when it comes to Ella. She brings out something different in him that I wanted to share with others.