You're 1!

What a year. I think Zach put it best as he scooped her up in his arms, "you're a whole lotta fun now that you're one!" So true. Ellery is gaining so much personality and has quite the sense of humor. She loves being chased and tickled, snuggling before bedtime, dancing to ALL of our kid music (thanks, mom!) and running around with socks in hand. I don't know what it is with socks but a true-to-life picture would be Elle cruising around the house with a sock in one hand and Vinko the bear in another. Here are a few of our adventures...


An afternoon at the Water Conservation Garden...




Water what? Let's go!...













After months of using sign language with Ellery, I'm happy to say she is now signing back! I wanted to teach her the basics to help the communication barrier between toddler and adult. It's been pretty cool to watch. She's so funny because she'll get right in my face and sign that she's hungry and if I get sidetracked she'll follow me signing the whole way. Every now and then she gets mixed up and will sign hungry, all done and more at the same time. Other signs we're working on: outside, help, dog, cat, milk, water, brush teeth, bath, please and thank you. Hopefully we'll have as much success with the next round...





















The few remaining balloons from her birthday. She plays with these more than any of her actual gifts...




Wow. Looks like Elle's been trying to break into the wine fridge. Where are you Windex...




Best part of our mornings...













We celebrated George's 9th birthday at the San Diego Fair. It really doesn't get much better than this...




"My first Hot-Dog-On-A-Stick!" She actually only liked the corn part of her corn dog. Takes after her mother I guess...




Evan, George, Jilly, Claire and Barbara riding the Drop Zone...













Mallary and Jilly ...




And I had to add these pictures from the Heart Attack Cafe...




Fried stick of butter? Really?...







Ellery's favorite part: the livestock. I wonder if 4H is in her future?...
















Fair=Filth. Elle was so dirty I had to strip her down before our drive home. We were stuck in traffic so I put on some kid songs while we waited. There I was belting out "Oh My Darling, Clementine" when I turned around and saw her snoozin'. She's isn't the only one who doesn't care for my singing. By the way, did you know that Clementine drowned? Her boyfriend couldn't swim, therefore couldn't save her and ended up getting together with her sister?? Damn! "...I kissed her little sister, and forgot my Clementine." "Dreadful sorry, Clementine" - I think not.










Bye!...