Baby Love

Ellie loves her baby dolls. She has a special attachment to Cate. I suppose that she demonstrates her love for Cate by coloring her with purple (thankfully, washable) marker. She was so proud of doing this that she agreed to pose for photos with Cate. Don't worry, Cate is now without body art, Ellie cleaned her up herself. James also likes baby dolls. The photos of James above are of him with Ellie's doll, Erica.
Disclaimer: my childrens' dolls do have clothes. Ellie just prefers for the dolls to be without them.

Benny's Bday Bash

We went to Ben's third birthday party today at the Y. A great time was had by all. We met Ben on Ellie's first birthday and I can't believe they're three this month. Time flies! Happy Birthday to our Benny Boy.

Fashionista (?)

Ellie's expressed a little more interest in dressing herself lately. The two top photos are of her in her chef's apron, mitt and hat. She was quite pleased with herself and it was very sweet. Yesterday morning, she came up with the outfit shown in the last photo. It's actually a sundress that was Gwyn's that Ellie wears around her hips. She likes to pretend it's a skirt. I think she looks like a child from some Mormon compound in Utah. I'll have to work on guiding her fashion choices in the future.

Thank you, Uncle

Adam came to help John with the kids last weekend. Although the photos might not indicate this, Ellie adores "Uncle." She was so excited to have him come, as was James. Thanks, Adam for all your help. Hopefully Ellie will be more cooperative while taking photos next time you visit.

Fitz

Our next door neighbors got a puppy last weekend. Fitz is half Beagle, half Chihuahua and he's adorable. Ellie had fun playing with him and even walking him on his leash.

Halloween '09

We had a great Halloween this year. Ellie dressed up as a bumblebee and James was a pumpkin. We carved our pumpkin outside (which was probably a first in my life) because the weather was so mild and we all had fun trick or treating. Ellie walked up to houses independently and when she came back, she proudly exclaimed, "I said 'thank you', Dad!" I think she really had a good time because when she woke up the next morning, she asked to go trick or treating again.

James Sits Up!

As of today, James is sitting independently. He enjoyed showing off this new trick at music class this afternoon. He's such a good little Buster boy, he even giggles when he tips over.