Ella's 6th Birthday!

Playing Catch Up

I am very behind on my blogging.  So here's a quick catch up of the last part of 2012 and the first part of 2013...

Santa stopped by for a visit and brought some goodies! 

Gracie @ the Christmas Eve children's program at church.  

Irelynn and Ella (in the middle).

Christmas presents from friends... matching owl pajamas.

Christmas morning... time to open stockings! 

Happy New Year, everyone!

Ice skating for the first time.  A big hit.

Ella finally gets her ears pierced after much anticipation :-)

Last Saturday

Last Saturday we made a trip to Sioux Falls.  We had errands to run, and it was time for our annual trip to the Heartland Country Corn Maze outside Harrisburg.  It ended up being a milestone day for Miss Ella.  Over lunch she bit into an apple that left her very wiggly tooth bleeding and sideways.  It was decided that rather than leave it that way, it would be best for her daddy to pull it out.  I'm still surprised she agreed, but she did.  Afterwards, she assured us it didn't hurt.  Here she is at the scene of the crime...

I do believe this was the first time Mark has had to pull one of our children's teeth out.  Although, I do believe Gracie asked him to quite a few times.

Do you see my new gap?!

Here's a closer up... 

Can you see it now?!

Then it was on to Harrisburg.  As per my Riverboat Days post, I've been into owls.  This happens to be the maze design this year...

What are the chances ;-)

 Here are my turkeys before we head into the maze.  Maps in hand and ready to find that hidden treasure spot.  'Cause we can't leave the maze without our free concession!

Such cute corn, don't you think?

Mission accomplished.  All 10 check points found, plus we left the corn maze with 4 free bags of skittles for the drive home.  Thanks to dad for not lettin' us down (despite his hate of all things sugar)!

This is Irelynn (who hadn't had a nap all day) pretending to be asleep. And this is Mark's "yeah, right" face.

And finally, Miss Ella putting her first lost tooth into her tooth fairy pillow before bed.

I'm happy to report that the tooth fairy did not forget to make a visit this time around ;-)  

Happy Saturday, friends!

Ella's 5th Birthday Party

Today was Ella's birthday party!  Thanks to everyone who helped make it a special day for her!  We love you all!

Time to open presents!

Irelynn loves candy...shhhhh, don't tell daddy.

A super fancy headband and bracelet from Aunt Cathy and Uncle Steve ;-)   Oh,  and gum and a gift certificate!

A cute outfit from Aunt Deb and Uncle Alan.  She's gonna wear this to church tomorrow with her new headband...because it matches!

Wooohooo!  A DSi from Grandma Genie and Uncle Daniel!  Plus accessories and a game!

She's waited her whole life for one of these!  Welcome to the family, McKenna.

Blowing out the candles, with McKenna, of course!

A kinda blurry family pic.

Ella Turns 5!

Ella turned 5 on July 5, 2012.  We love you, Ella!

Ella's First Day

This morning was Ella's first morning of preschool. It's actually her second year of preschool, but her first morning going to the "big" school, as she calls it. If she looks a little hesitant, it's because she was. There were tears when I left, but I'm hoping when I pick her up she'll have had a great day.

Ella's Preschool Graduation

I'm behind on my blogging! On May 12th Ella graduated from pre-school. It was her first year, and she'll go again next year since she'll be 4 this summer. In the picture below, Ella is third from the right (with the red hat)...

Receiving her diploma from Mrs. Brandt...

Our graduate...

Letting their balloons go...

Shining Stars Pre-School class of 2011 (Ella is front row, center)...

With her teacher...