July 9, 2011

Ellary had a rockin birthday party today.  We had 13 adults and 16 kids including the babies.  The kids danced and sang to Justin Bieber songs, decorated frames for the craft and ate lots of food, treats and cake.   Photo credit goes to my friend Molly who took all the party pictures.

This was as close as we got to a group shot.  It's impossible to wrangle 13 kids.

Keaton slept through the entire party so I had to take a couple pictures later to show off her rock star attire.

Happy Birthday Mom!!

We love you very much and wish we could celebrate your birthday with you.  You are in our thoughts every moment.  We miss you!!

My Mom and I.

This picture is for the girls.  They love seeing a picture of Grandma with a tiger.

My mom with her mother and sisters.  

Greg, Grandma Walvatne, Grandpa Walvatne, Mom, Aaron and I at the Sea Lion Caves on the Oregon Coast.  

Mom and Ellary.

Mom and Shila.

Mom and Keaton.

On this day in 2006...

Daddy and Ellary.

On this day in 2007...

Ellary and her baby.

On this day in 2010...

Ellary out cold with her Peter Pan and Wendy dolls.

July 8, 2011

It's all about Ellary...

July 8, 2006 at 3:37 a.m.  Welcome to the world Ellary Gracen!

Ellary's entrance into this world was met with a number of road blocks and because of these unfortunate events she was born via c-section.  My frustration in having a c-section is based solely on the fact that mine was completely unnecessary, but I digress.  What really matters is that our baby girl was healthy and eventually safe in my arms.  I was so happy to see that face.  So many tears of joy.

My sweet baby girl.  When I was home on maternity leave with Ellary I would just sit for hours holding her while she slept.  I never wanted to put her down.

Happy First Birthday!

Ellary wasn't too sure about the cake.  She wanted nothing to do with digging in and smashing it all over her face.

Happy Second Birthday!

Ellary had a party with her friends at daycare.

And we spent the evening a Chuck E. Cheese.  

Happy Third Birthday!

A princess birthday at home with the family.

Happy Fourth Birthday!

Peter Pan.  He's so dreamy.

Ellary had a wonderful fourth birthday and celebrated with all her friends.

Happy Fifth Birthday!

What a beautiful girl.  Getting so big!

We met Dad at the office for lunch and then went to the park to test drive Ellary's new scooter.

Ellary has been asking to go to Chuck E. Cheese so Adam thought we should spend her birthday dinner there. He was right because she couldn't have been more excited.

Ellary is dancing it up while Shila films her music video.

Ellary, my first born, you taught me what it meant to love something more than life itself.  What a beautiful person inside and out.  You are sensitive, thoughtful and kind.  You are wise way beyond your years.  In fact, sometimes I am frightened by the level of insight you have.  You are a wonderful daughter and an amazing big sister.  I love you so much.  It is an honor to be your mother.

July 7, 2011

Always a character.

On this day in 2006...

We headed to the hospital to have Ellary.

Ready to burst.

Patiently waiting...

On this day in 2009...

We were heading home from St. Louis.

Stones River National Battlefield in Tennessee.  Of course we had to hit a National Park on our way home.

Home sweet home.

July 6, 2011

The girls worked on crafts before we headed out to Micheal's this morning to buy more craft stuff.

Keaton kicked back in her bouncy seat while I worked on the computer.

On this day in 2009...

We hit the main tourist attractions in St. Louis... The Gateway Arch and Budweiser.

Here is a view of the arch from below.

Checking out the view from the top of the Arch.

The entire gang checking out the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.  Our friend Josh got us started with the Passport To Your National Parks.  This was our first cancellation location.  Thanks Josh, we have explored many great National Parks since and much of it was because of you!  We can't pass a cancellation station now without stopping.

Josh, Lisa, Ellary, myself, Shila, Adam, Ruby, Laura and Riley.

And last by not least we sampled some beer and toured the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.