I know who I'm thankful for!!

Happy Thanksgiving!  We had a wonderful dinner with the family followed by watching movies and hanging out together.  Ella spent her Thanksgiving break with us and also with Papa and Aunt Amanda. 
Sometimes it takes a holiday called THANKSgiving to realize what you are thankful for!  I know the biggest thing isn't so big at all...it is a little 6 year old with a big, bright smile and a kind heart named Ella!!! I love her so much and so thankful to have her in my life!!! I am also thankful to be back in the U.S. and with friends and family after so long! Things may not be how I envisioned them...but I do believe they are as they should be.

Never a dull moment with Ella!

Ella kept us busy this fall/winter with parties, dancing and even a date with princesses!  Mima Dee took her to the Disney show when they came to town and she LOVED it!! She danced and took it VERY seriously anytime music came on!  And I could barely get a picture at a recent skating party for a friend!  She keeps me on my toes!!!  I wouldn't have it any other way!!!

My BIG haircut!

I've always thought about donating hair...but...I could never get past that point of getting sick of longish hair and cutting it.  Well, this seemed like as good a time as any for something new and I did it!!! Jodi cut 10 inches off and I donated my hair!! Ella the photographer took this pic of me with my long ponytails! Hope it helps someone! Ella is growing her hair to donate now as well! :)

Under the Sea this Halloween!

Ella has always wanted to be a red head so this year she got her chance! She was one of her beloved princesses - Ariel!  We had a lot of fun! She dressed up for school, marched in the parade, went to the church party and trick or treating with the Hartwells even getting to see her buddy Charly (the Cute Clown as Ella called her!).  All in all we had a great time! We even dressed up and played around at home!!!

It's Fall Y'All!!!

We missed last fall while overseas so we decided to really take this one in getting in a hayride and movie under the stars, drinking lots of hot chocolate, pumpkin carving and hanging out with our favorite black cat - Bella!!! Happy Fall Y'All!! :)

Our New Home...& New Start!

We are in our new home and looking forward to our new start! We found a cute little home for us and with the help of wonderful family and friends - we are moved in!!! Many thanks to Melissa & Mike up north for your help up there and to Becky, Beth and Gary for the help getting everything from the truck into the house!! Also thanks to Evan and Eli for the laughs - see above!  Our 1st visitors - Bisa & Biso! :)

Mommy & Ella = FUN!!

In case I haven't mentioned it lately - I love this kid! She is my best buddy and I feel so lucky to truly enjoy the company of my child! Like I say - I hit the kid lottery!! :)

School Days & School Spirit!!!

Hard to believe my baby is a 1st grader!!! She is loving school and all of the friends she has made! She especially loves the Spirit Days at school.  Here are pics of Interesting Hat & Crazy Hair days!  Also, her 1st grade school picture!  She does NOT look 6 years old!! Where does the time go??? :)

Finishing up Summer!

We had a great summer surrounded by friends!  We finished up the summer with some fun visits to the Hartwell's for bonfires and tree climbing - yes, Ella climbed her 1st tree! Of course the kids came running that she needed help getting down but you know me....1st we documented the big step with a picture! :)
Another big step was finally getting Ella back on her bike! Yeah! Of course it took so long that she outgrew it but at least she got her confidence back and is now asking for a big girl bike for Christmas! ;)
Hate to see summer go but she is so looking forward to school starting!!