Wedded Bliss!!...and Rekindled Friendships!

An invite for a wedding...that takes place 2 days before your dreaded anniversary.  What to do? Well, in this case - we go.  The bride was one of my best friends' younger sister that has grown into a beautiful, sweet woman and one of my best pals (her sister) was driving up from Georgia.  I hadn't seen Tonia in 5 years so it was a no-brainer!  Was the ceremony difficult? Yes.  Did I shed some tears, especially since I share a name with the bride...just think "Jennifer, do you take this man?"  Eeek! But being there watching this adorable couple so much in love made me realize that it could be out there again for me.  I wiped my tears and got over myself! :)
It was a beautiful wedding and a fun reception!  It was a very kid-friendly reception just like Jen said "the kids may outnumber the adults".  In Tonia's case, they did.  She has 5 adorable and active kids that kept us on our toes! :) Ella was so excited to see Annabelle again after their initial meeting when they were ONE!  They had a blast and when Tonia's family packed into their vehicle for the hotel...Ella cried..and cried...and cried the whole way home!  They have decided to be skype buddies! Should be fun to listen in. :)
Did I cry the whole way home with Ella? Nope...but my eyes did water up because I hated to leave Tonia again.  We need to get together much sooner next time!
P.S. Tonia...I just HAD to add our crazy pic! It shows the REAL us! :)  and it cracks me up when I see it!

Last Stop on the Mini Vacay - Beale Street...in the middle of the day!

We decided to check out Beale Street while we were in Memphis on our way home from Graceland.  It was cool but I'm sure very different from what it is like at night!  There were lots of cool bars and music but it wasn't really that kinda trip for us. We were just checking it out to have done it.  We weren't exactly checking out the night life with Danielle (17) and Ella Bella (6).  Also, we were all hot and tired!  That explains Ella not smiling in a picture!  It does happen every once in a great while.
So no BIG ASS BEER for me!  But now I know that I want to go to Beale Street...at night...with friends! :)

The Mini Vacay...Next Stop....Graceland!

We drove the little bit to Memphis and spent the day at Graceland - The Home of Elvis!  It was my 2nd time but Ella, Mima Dee and Danielle's first so it was lots of fun.  It was great seeing everything through Ella's eyes.  She had a lot to say about everything!  She always liked Elvis but left loving him.  She just kept saying how sad it is that Elvis died.  She thought his decorating style was funny and thought his cars were super cool - especially the pink and purple ones! She thought the planes were cool especially since one had a bed in it which she thought was amazing!  She danced and sang along all around Graceland to Elvis' songs.  She had listened to his music and knew about him through the Lilo and Stitch movie which she loved. 
She says she wants to go back 1000 times...I've been twice and love Elvis...but i've gone enough.

Ella enjoying our hotel in Tunica, Mississippi!

Bisa & Biso were nice enough to take us along to Tunica with them for a mini vacay.  It was nice to go as a family and stay at a nice hotel, swim in the pool and take a dip in the jacuzzi.  Not to mention the buffets! Ella loved the hotel lobby!  We stayed at the Hollywood Hotel and there was plenty for her to see.  She especially loved the model of the Titanic and of course the mermaids!
Check out us being hams!  Ella has mastered it!...Next stop - Graceland!

Independence Day!

We couldn't have asked for a better 4th!  Our friends Becky and Scott invited us to spend the 4th with them in Arkansas. We got to swim lots with Ella being so excited that she finally jumped with no fear in the deep end with no floaties! We also hung out at the fair riding lots of rides including Ella bravely riding big girl rides!  Becky and I each rode one ride with the kids and were both completely nauseated after.  Our bodies just aren't the same as they used to be!!  So the kids started riding on their own!
Evan and Ella were in the parade.  Evan was with his team on the back of the fire truck and Scott was nice enough to let Ella ride in the front with him waving and throwing candy.  she was over the moon!  We watched a pageant, rode rides and watched fireworks.
What a fantastic couple of days.  Thanks so much guys! Happy Birthday America! :)

Ella the Artist

One thing Ella loves to do is create art!  Check out her beautiful work!

More and More Birthday Parties!

We are having lots of fun this summer with even more birthday parties.  First we went to Danielle's friend (although Ella considers her one of her besties!).  Kendall's party was a surprise pool party/BBQ.  She had a great time with another friend's little brother.
Next up was Bo's birthday at the water park! Bo's mom is my hair dresser and friend.  They are also family of our buddies so we were able to spend the day with Becky, Scott and the boys.  Ella also had fun with their cousin Charly who is adorable and Ella's age.  When asked what Bo wanted for his birthday - he replied with "lots of tatoos - guitars and skulls".  I found a tatoo sleeve and he went nuts over it.  That is the picture of Bo - proudly wearing the sleeve! :)
We love birthdays! :)

Our Little Mermaid

Ella is really enjoying her swim lessons!  So glad we decided to sign up!  She completed Level 1 and moved onto Level 2.  She didn't pass Level 2 but will probably retake it so we end the summer with a confident swimmer! Level 3 made me nervous as the kids looked bigger and were diving.  Not sure if either of us are ready for that yet! :)