Idaho Trip

Elle and I have had the opportunity to fly up to Idaho and visit my family for a week and a half. We have both been equally excited about the prospects of such a trip. Thus far, our vacation has met all of our expectations; and we are both happy to know that we still have a week left of our visit.

Our trip started out with a short plane ride, and a full day spent with Aunt Bridget. Bridget took us out to lunch, to the zoo, the park, and anything else that took our fancy. The day was full of fun, excitement, and catching up. It was a great way to start out our visit to Idaho.

Happy Birthday Elle

Today was Elle’s third birthday, and I have to say, I was both happy and sad. It is a joy as a mother to see your kids grow and become such individual people; however, at the same time, it is hard to see them grow up. I understand that three is not quite grown up, but at the same time, it can be hard for me to realize that she is three. There are times that I ask myself: am I the mother of a three-year-old? And, how did that happen? Nevertheless, today was a very happy day. And as hard as it is for me to believe that Elle is three, it is not hard for her to believe at all. She was very grown up and sweet on her birthday today, and we really had a very enjoyable day.

We started our day out with Elle dressing up in a new Aurora/Sleeping Beauty costume. Elle absolutely loved this, and Johnny and I both equally agreed that it was the favorite present of her birthday. Then, after becoming a princess, Elle wanted to open all of her presents. So, at 7:00 in the morning (crazy I know), we let her open her birthday presents. She had a lot of fun, but I think she mostly enjoyed pulling the princess wrapping paper off--she didn’t seem at all concerned about what she found inside. Next, after playing and dancing for endless hours, we went and got her three-year-old pictures taken. Elle was very cute, and enjoyed getting these done. Afterwards it was off for an ice-cream cone and a happy meal (so easily satisfied). After some more dancing and playing, we went to Pixieland, where Elle got to go on some fun kid rides. When we got home, we had cake and ice-cream, and then, of course, more dancing (this girl cannot get enough dancing). All in all, it was a very fun birthday.

I am so proud of my little three-year old. She really is such a sweet, fun, energetic, caring, hyper, adoring, happy, inquisitive, silly, goofy, crazy, loving girl (princess according to her). I don’t know where our lives would be without her. She makes everyday an adventure. She makes me see life through new eyes, and there is never a dull moment when she is around. I have never laughed and cried so much in my life; and I never know what to expect next. She is constantly surprising me. She is the sweetest princess I know, and I am so glad that she is my little girl. So, thank you Elle for three wonderful years. I love you.

Elle Turns Three

Happy Easter

Easter was a joyous even this year. Elle was thoroughly excited to find that the Easter Bunny we met yesterday, had visited her last night, and left her some fun Easter goodies. She enjoyed each of her presents—especially the candy—and loved finding all of the eggs that were hidden around the house. When it was time to go to church, she couldn’t wait to put on her new Easter dress—princess dress to her—and she even let me curl her hair. After church, we went and tried to fly her new princess kite. Johnny and I were a little dubious as to whether or not it would fly, considering that it was not any bigger than my hand. However, much to our amazement, it flew significantly well; and Elle loved running around making it fly. Our Easter Holiday turned out to be a wonderful day; and we loved spending it together as a family.