October recap...

Somehow my best of intentions and reality are struggling to align these past few weeks. Alas, here is a condensed version of our lives this past month!

We started October with a long weekend trip to Idaho. 2 days of driving, 2 days in Idaho, 2 days of driving. It makes a long weekend, but throw in a swimming pool in the middle of the driving and lots and lots of movies, the trip ends up manageable--even fun ;-)

Ella showing Grandpa Kerner her loose tooth.

Aubrey and Grandpa Kerner coloring. Grandpa joked that Aubrey could teach him to color in the lines ;-)

Ella, Grandma Kerner andAubrey

The week after we got home from Idaho, we had our 1st school field trip. The preschool has turned the pumpkin patch field trip into a family field trip so Aubrey and I were able to join in on the fun. Once again, the rain held off as we headed to Lakeview Farms. 

(Please excuse the out of order pictures...some days just aren't worth the fight ;-))

Aubrey and Ella with their final pumpkin choices.

At Lakeview farms 2011.

Aubrey had a little trouble with pumpkin sizing.
The rules were:
-able to carry
-size of a face/soccer ball

~~Our attempt at a self-portrait~~

Aubrey's final choice, after the rules were clarified!

Ella's 4 year old preschool class

Ella's pumpkin choice.

Somehow we are already nearing the end of October. Today we picked up the final pieces for the girls Halloween costumes. I'll be working, but I'm sure Neal and the girls will have quite the fun evening gathering more candy than 2 little girls need =)

----Hope this finds everyone well----

Happy [late] Birthday, sweet sweet Ella!!

Our baby girl turned 5 years old on the 7th of this month. So extremely crazy to believe how fast time has flown by?!

While its hard to believe 5 years could have already passed, Ella often reminds us how quickly she really is growing up. The week before her birthday, Ella discovered her 1st loose tooth. {It has taken me so long to publish this post that she now has her 2nd loose tooth too} Reading is a task she is trying to master with full force, most weeks she is able to read her homework and answer the questions appropriately. Her personality is taking on that of a full-fledged little girl. She can often be heard saying "Oh my gosh, I cannot believe that..."  or correcting Aubrey on the "right" way to do/say things.

This year, Ella got to celebrate her 1st school birthday. At her preschool, you get to be "star of the week" during your birthday week. Its a full week of Ella, show-and-tell, a star board and even a lanyard that says "I'm the star!" Ella chose to have mommy bring in donuts for her class as the special treat on her actual birthday.

During "star of the week" time, Ella used her microphone to pick 3 friends who asked her questions about  anything on her star board.

Taking the microphone very seriously ;-)

Nothing completes "Happy Birthday" like some maracas!!

Ella's birthday celebration continued on Saturday at "The Pumpkin Patch" on Sauvie Island. We were blessed with the 1 dry and surprisingly warm day in a 2-week stretch for her party. Ella and her friends loved the hay ride, scavenger hunt and party fun to be had!

Happy happy birthday Ella!! We love you so much. Here's to another fun-filled year =)