Just funny

Ella is becoming quite the independent kid, for the most part. Today, I went into the formal living room to find her reading books and then once she saw me with the camera, it was, "Mom, take a picture of me and Penny". Here you go Ella....

Happy Birthday Ella - Big #3

Ella had her 3rd birthday this past week. We celebrated by going out to dinner at Stella's - a 50s type of diner. My aunt and Godmother, Renae, happened to be in town, so she joined us. We had a great time!

Stella's is known for pouring malts/shakes on people's heads while they hold their glasses. While we were there, they would also pour it right in your mouth, so Charles and Ella both did the first part, while Charles did the 2nd part. They also brought Ella a birthday crown, so Charles had the 'Viking' hat as one of the other options. Charles also had a John Wayne burger, so he also got to wear that hat. Not sure who had more fun!

And finally, our waiter was great. So we took a picture of Ella and him (Jeff). The whole restaurant also sang Ella, 'Happy Birthday'.

Denver, round 2

The first weekend of November, Charles and I headed to Denver for the 2nd Broncos game of the year. The outcome of the game wasn't what we hoped for, but the weather was amazing - 80 degrees in November in Denver. We had a wonderful weekend together, but were glad to be home. Right before we left, Ella started having a terrible cough - like a seal. While we were gone, she spent time with Grandma and Grandpa Hohensee and Grandma and Grandpa Anliker, so she wasn't lacking TLC, but did experience some low grade fevers, which for Ella, is no big deal.

Charles and I went to The Aquarium Restaurant on Saturday evening to celebrate my birthday and our 7 year wedding anniversary. The restaurant is part of the actual aquarium. Great food and an expensive bill. I will say that it was quite weird eating fish, while watching fish swim in front of you. Our table was right next to the tank that had the sharks in it. Interesting experience.

Sunday, we went to the Broncos game. Then out to dinner downtown on the 16th Street Mall - ESPNZone was our choice for dinner. Good food, great experience. Then we headed to the bar, yes, the bar. I think it's the first time we've been to a bar to drink since we've been married. Coyote Ugly Saloon, also on the 16th Street Mall. We had a great time - and a wonderful bartender who took great care of us - Gia.

Monday, we toured Invesco Field at Mile High. Lots of fun and many interesting fun facts - like they waste 40 kegs of beer that they waste each game because that's how much beer it takes just to get from the keg refridgerators to the 500 taps throughout the stadium. We got to see inside United Airlines suites - nice! And hear about the owner, Pat Bowlen's private suite, which has its own elevator to the field. We went shopping for the rest of Monday and then drove back to Iowa on Tuesday.

Beggar's Night - aka Halloween

In our area, trick or treating is held on Beggar's Night, or October 30th. Ella got home for the evening and decided that she no longer wanted to be a lion, but rather a butterfly.

Fall Festival at daycare

Almost a month late - oh well. Last month before Halloween, our daycare had a Fall Festival. All of the teachers decorate the rooms, have games and treats. It's a good time. Ella is getting her face painted - more patient that what I gave her credit for.

Race for the Cure - Hohensee Halloween Bash

My mom and I have done Race for the Cure (1 mile walk) for the past 2 years. This year, we added #3 to our belt. Ella has always joined us.

My brother and sister in law always put on a Halloween gig - usually in sync with my nephews birthday. This year we had the Halloween gig, but no birthday party. Ella was a lion, Charles was a Denver Bronco and I was a girl from the 70s - however everyone liked my dress, so they were more complimentary than laughing right along. Funny thing is that the dress belonged to my Great Grandmother Thelma. Too funny!

So I'm a little behind...

In the past month, Charles was gone for a week for work to Oklahoma. Ella went to a number of Halloween parties and really liked most of them. She's really starting to copy-cat everything we say. When we ask her a question, we always say Yes or No. Guess what's we're getting back when she asks us for something; yep, you're right Yes or No. Mom, can we go outside? Yes or No.
We're also working on what we should and shouldn't be saying. For instance, poppy butt is not something we should be saying; neither is stupid. Do you have any idea how many songs on the radio have the word 'Stupid' in them? Let me tell you first hand - way to many. Whenever Ella hears the word stupid, immediately it's --- the radio said stupid, grandma said stupid, daddy said stupid.... and then "We don't say those words do we? Those are bad words." My goodness - at least she's learning...and being quite humorous all at the same time.

1. Here is Ella reading a book with Charles.
2. At the Haunted Tower in 801 Grand - put on by our Marketing area to raise money for Toys for Tots. Ella even decided to give her lion costume a little jazz with a clown nose she got at the event.
3. Playing tug of war with the dogs.
4. Aerating the law with Daddy.
5. At Night Eyes at the Blank Park Zoo with Charles and a REAL lion. Playing on the inflatables at the zoo.