Happy 4th Birthday Ella!

Ella turned 4 on Friday, can you believe it?! Unfortunately the Farm Bureau Marketing Convention fell on her birthday this year, so we weren't home to celebrate with her. I felt guilty, but Teresa threw her a wonderful birthday party complete with yellow cupcakes and yellow frosting! When we got back from Traverse City we saw Disney on Ice with Ella's best friends - Maddy, Keegan, Mason and Kennedy - and then went bowling. Everyone had a great time!

The Cinderella Barbie birthday cake

Blowing out the candle

The kids bowling

Mason, Keegan, Ella, Maddy, Vaneesha (Mason's cousin), and Kennedy

Ella bowling

Catching Up

Time has gotten away from me and I cannot believe that we are already two months into 2009! I'm going to try and do a better job keeping this blog updated with stories and pictures. For now, here are some pictures of us enjoying the holidays. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season and are enjoying the new year (think spring)!

Thanksgiving - we liked this picture so much it became our Christmas card.

The girls at Frederik Meijer Gardens.

Ella sitting on Santa's lap at the daycare Christmas party.

Claire didn't really like Santa this year (sorry Carl).

Ella and our gingerbread house.

Ella opening her Cinderella castle from Santa Clause.

Claire opening gifts with Grandpa.

Ella sledding with Grandpa.

Iceman 2008

The guys lucked out....the weather wasn't nearly as bad as we thought it was going to be on race day. Both Mike V and Mike T finished strong this year, 2:11 and 2:13 respectively, coming in 27th and 32nd out of the 83 riders in their class. Congratulations guys!!!

Looking good at the half-way point.

Going across the finish line.

Trick or Treat

I forgot my camera on Halloween, so I put the girls back in their costumes Monday evening and we went out on the deck for a photo shoot. It's almost impossible to get both girls to look at the camera at the same time, but after about a dozen tries we finally got one!

Our Little Flower Girl

After over a year of waiting, the big day finally arrived. Ella was soooo excited to be a flower girl. She had her hair and nails done and wore a yellow dress (her favorite color)....she looked just like a little princess. The ceremony and reception were absolutely beautiful - congratulations Holly and Ken!

Ella walking down the aisle

Ella with the bride and groom

Ella and Holly

Ella on her first limo ride

Ella danced....

and danced....

and danced (at least until 11:00).