Trick or Treat!

Halloween 2012...First time trick or treating on an army post. (Ella went one year on an airforce base in Korea and lasted all of three minutes.) The girls had a lot of fun and I have to say it was the cutest thing watching them walk up to houses together and say "trick or treat" in their little voices and "thank you"! I was asked by our neighbor the other day if they get along all of the time to which I replied a quick "no, definitely not". But when they do, it's heaven to watch. You can tell Ella takes her big sister role seriously and rarely allows Madeline out of her sight. And Madeline loves any and all attention that Ella gives to her.

It was nice having Tom home this year to see them all dressed up in their costumes and excited over every house and what candy they received. It's the little things he missed out on last year that I love to watch him catch up on now.

Cutest Minnie Mouse ever. Even with Cheetos on her face.

Is that your best smile, Madeline?

Oh no, this is clearly your best smile.

Trick or Treating at their own house

The street we live on is definitely pretty!

Even the Ft. Sill police were generous 

Me and mine.

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.