Happy 5th Birthday, my sweet Ella

 Five. Five? Really? When did that happen? Excuse while I delve into a little bit of denial here, but I am still picturing bringing you home from the hospital and being so excited to introduce you to our Riley. (Yes, even your daddy was excited to do that!) So when exactly did you go from a tiny 6lb newborn into this sweet, beautiful almost 4ft tall five year old? I would love to say that I want to turn back time and bring you back to the baby stage, but I wouldn't. You have become everything and more that I could ask for in a daughter. You are helpful, honest, kind, funny, snuggly. You amaze me with your artistic talent, love for dance and photography and all things nature. When we are at a playground, I can easily spot you searching for dandelions to make wishes on, flowers to give me or leaves to collect. Your outfit isn't complete unless you are wearing a headband and sparkly shoes. You can't get enough of your Disney princesses and Barbies and puzzles. When I asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up, you replied "a mom".  You make my heart so full and happy. I have loved watching you grow up into an awesome little five year old and I reallllllly hope you are this sweet as a teenager. (A mom can dream, right?)

Happy birthday to my firstborn, my lovely Ella. We love you to the moon and back and back again!

Photo Story: Gift from Grandpa...

Wait? It comes with a wig?

Hilarious!

Lookin' Good!

Birthday girl waited all day to open her pile of presents

                   

               

Uncle Bud and Uncle Bryan's gift!

A telescope!

Very excited for her Wizard of Oz cake!

She totally takes after her Granny P with icing! 

We carved pumpkins after cake:)

And we just had to go outside to see the moon close-up!

October Catch-Up

October always flies by for me. It's my favorite month of the year, but it is certainly the busiest for us. We have done a lot of celebrating and enjoying the beautiful start to the fall weather. Oh and a lot of sleeping, too.

Mailing our absentee ballots! And no, she doesn't need a helmet to walk. She was riding her scooter and wouldn't take the darn thing off. 

Enjoying frozen yogurt! 

She slept with her headband and hoodie on. 

Curled up with mama's green cardigan. So sweet.

Birthday Roadtrip Continues

After we left Wamego, KS, we headed back home. We stopped in Wichita to spend the night knowing we were going to take the girls to a pumpkin patch in the morning. I do believe they have been asking for giant pumpkins to carve since I placed the first fall decoration in our house. Every season and holiday is way more fun when you have children. There is something about seeing their excitement for it all that gets me giddy to take them places and show them new things. I'd give these girls the world if I could!

This post will be another picture heavy one. I couldn't help it. Everyone had big smiles that day!

Petting Zoo

Corn MAZE!! (It was my first time in one)

I think I was a scarecrow.

Madeline found that corn on the ground and carried it everywhere.

Where's Daddy? 

Who weighs more??

On the hayride to pick pumpkins

Our four pumpkins

Another great day with the family! I am pretty sure Ella's birthday weekend was a success. She was a very happy girl. To think my baby is almost five though makes me want to cryyyy!