Ella is an Indian, nope, Ella is a Seminole

We decided to put Ella in a Indian, I mean, Seminole costume for her 1st Halloween. We even had the cute moccasins (thank you Schultes' family). Here is Ella at Uncle Brian & Aunt Sarah's annual Halloween party. Ella did so good at the party and got her groove on. She is really getting into dancing when she hears music. I think we can thank daycare for that since they listen to music everyday there.

Ella is growing so fast and starting to run, not walk to where she wants to go and is up and down most of the stairs. This week she also is standing up from a sitting position without needing to hold onto anything. She is also starting to climb on more stuff. For instance, she is now able to sit on the edge of the fireplace. Apparently she is tall enough now to get her legs up there.

Wheel of Fortune Fan Club

The past two weeks have been quite the headache -- literally. Last week I had severe allergy headaches, Ella went to the doctor for eczema. Charles went to the doctor this week for an infection (we think) and then Ella has been there three times this week trying to diagnose her high fevers and high white blood cell count. Through finger pokes and IV draws, we still don't know for sure what the issue is and we're now on the 3rd different antibiotic. Her body, for some reason, just doesn't seem to take the antibiotic. Hopefully she gets well soon.

This picture was taken earlier this week in the evening. I like to watch Wheel of Fortune (thank you Grandma Eleanor) and Ella came down by me and when the contestants would clap, so would she. Ella just thought that was the best thing ever.

New Family Picture

This picture was taken at Brian & Sarah's wedding. One month from today, Ella will turn 1 Where does the time go?

Sarah and "The Pink One"

Here is Sarah and "The Pink One", aka Ella at the wedding. They both look so beautiful.

THE WEDDING!

Yes, they really got married. My brother Brian and his wife Sarah -- boy that's weird to say! They tied the knot on Oct 7th at the Sheraton Hotel. Here are some pictures of the happy couple. Congrats again!

They have been honeymooning in Hawaii. They not only got to visit a beautiful destination (I only know from pictures), but they also got to experience an earthquake. I think it was about 6.6 on the Richter scale.

Their son, Logan, got to spend some quality time with our parents. He had quite the fun time farming with Grandpa and riding his bicycle and visiting all of the relatives.

Wheeee!

Ella has really enjoyed being able to be pushed around on her tricycle and this weekend was no exception. With the beautiful weather here in Des Moines, Ella got to ride on the tricycle again and enjoy the fresh air. As usual, Charles is pushing her around and I am taking pictures.

Our leaves have really started to change colors and our neighbor's tree has lost almost all of its leaves. Our trees are just starting to lose their leaves, but the colors are beautiful.

New Tricks

I can't believe how fast Ella is growing up. 10 1/2 months already. Her 1st birthday is next month. Wow! Here she is in the bathtub playing with her fish. She started sticking the fish in her mouth, so I'd fill them with water and she'd bite down and squirt out the water. So glad we could capture the water squirting out. Great photography Chuck!

She is really starting to boogie around the house. She continues to pull her Cheerios out of the cupboard and is really enjoying supper, since she usually gets a bit of whatever we are eating, plus her own "baby food". She enjoys being outside and playing with her toys. Anything that has wheels on it that she can push around -- either while standing or sitting, it doesn't really matter.

Ella has 4 teeth on the top and 2 teeth on the bottom -- no new ones in a few weeks now.

This weekend was a busy one around our house. My mom and niece, Paige, came to visit on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Paige hasn't been to our house and so she was a little confused as to where Ella lives. So, she got to spend some time with us and had a fun time at the park meeting some new friends. Girls that we recognize from the neighborhood, but don't know personally. Paige just jumped right in and started playing. Good natured kid she is. Then on Sunday afternoon, we watched our nephews, Logan and Dylan. Again, we all had a fun time playing and Ella really enjoys playing with people more "her size".