Monday, December 29, 2008

Busy, Busy, Busy!

I haven't been blogging much lately... I must confess... facebook takes up more of my cyber time! I also launched a meetup group for riding with my horse buddies in November and it has been going gangbusters. We now have 114 members and have held 22 meetups. A very busy group that I am very proud of. The snow here has been amazing. Ella has had lots of fun sledding. Just before Christmas she got the flu so we have been taking it easy since then (well trying to). Christmas was full of wonderful time spent with loved ones. I had a prime rib dinner at our house Christmas eve and it was a great time with neighbors and family. A very full house. We had to delay our Christmas day at the Wilton's to the 26th as Ella was feeling really rough. I think it was more enjoyable just hanging out on Christmas day while Ella napped and we snoozed. It was pretty rough going on the roads to Dale's parents. We were pushing snow with the Tahoe. Super Tahoe was amazing in its snow prowess! We have new tires that are siped that helps as well. Now it is back to the daily grind of clean up... our house is a MESS!!! I am looking forward to my annual clean up of clutter and crap. Each year I go through the house and donate whatever needs to go and isn't being used. Right now there are a lot of piles waiting for donation and EBAY! As you can see... it's life as usual.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Sunriver Holiday Kick Off!


We went to Sunriver for the Thanksgiving Traditions Festival. We do this every year and enjoy a meal at our house there, the black friday shopping and lighting ceremony on Friday night. We have been doing this for about 5 years now and love spending time there! This year we didn't have snow, as we have in previous years, but it was fun just the same and that days of sunshine made it a wonderful change from our weather at home. Kalee and Michael came to enjoy Sunriver first then the following day Mike and Jen came. So we had "spirits", friends, and plenty of HOLIDAY fun!!!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Remember the fall and November!




We have gotten through a busy October with Halloween toddler parties, visits to the pumpkin patch, Diane's birthday, a costume horse ride and our Squash Surgery party. It was a fun month full of activities for Ella and I while Daddy was at work. Having fun things planned with the Puddin is great to get into the different seasons. We have had a lot of fun just playing in the leaves and enjoying the harvest weather. I have been riding a little bit again which has been wonderful for my soul. Duke is remembering what life was like (well kinda) before there were kids. Forutnately the weather has been cooperative in allowing me to get out and enjoy some miles in the saddle. Heading into November there is lots to do also. We are taking a couple of trips to Sunriver. Our place is getting some new windows and siding that we will be going down to check in on. Then there is always Thanksgiving and the Christmas season kick off that we enjoy there. I will try to post more often throughout the holidays!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Fall is here and we are havin' fun!


So much has happened since the last blog! We have been taking swimming lessons, have almost finished the garage at the cabin, got a new kitty and momma has been horsey riding! Swimming lessons are once a week. Ella is taking the perch class for 2-3 year olds. She likes the water and is a very big help, telling all the kids "you can do it... good job!" It is a 6 week series that we are over half way through. Maybe we will continue or move on to tumbling class. To see the change of seasons through a toddler is pretty fun. She really wants outside to pick up leaves and is obsessed with the pumpkin patch. We have been a couple times thus far and I am sure we will be going quite a few more times before Halloween. We now have a new kitty that followed Dale and Ella home on a wagon pull. We have named her Meko. She is part calico and part siamese. She looks like a siamese with orange blush! She followed them home and hasn't left since. No one has come looking for her and we figured she was from the neighbors house that has lots of kittens, regularly. She is a very sweet kitty and Woodrow loves playing with her. She is good with Ella and puts up with her harrasment. My mom is finished with chemo and starts radiation next week. Her hair is starting to grow back and soon this will be a distant memory. She has 7 weeks of radiation to go and then she is finished with her treatments just in time for enjoying the holidays! We have been trying to get in as much riding as possible before the weather turns. The weather was beautiful today and we spent it going to the pumpkin patch!

Monday, September 8, 2008

Cabin Fun in Plain


We have spent the last 2 weekends at the cabin in Plain. The manly men (Mick and Dale) are working hard at building a garage. While they sweat, pound and toil, Granny Diane and I hang with Ella, pick up pine cones, improve the "landscaping" and tell tall tales! It is so relaxing and a great deal of fun to hang out and listen to the river. Ella has decided that her favorite thing to do is cover herself in dirt. There is not a crevice left pristine. Eating it, putting it down her pants and throwing it are all highly enjoyed occurrences! The leaves are starting to change and it is obvious that fall is peaking around the corner. The vine maple are fiery red in spots of color on the mountainside and along the river. Right now the river is really low and we can see the bottom of the HUGE rock the cabin rests on. The smells of pine and woods are something that calls to me and I eagerly anticipate each time we are able to go back. I love the way the wind travels through the ponderosas making a quiet whooshing sound like the boughs are applauding. My mom had her last chemo and is healing up! HORRAH! She is feeling more spunky and can't wait to get back on her horse. Bear has been very patiently waiting for her to take him for a ride. Ella and I have been visiting her and checking up on the flowers in her garden. Soon this chapter of our lives will be over and she will start growing new hair! As, for now... I will see what I can get for the cabin pine cones I "harvested" on Ebay!

Friday, August 29, 2008

Ella's First Pony Ride!


Well, we waited until she was 2 to have her first pony ride. We went with Mickey and Diane to the fair and Grandpa paid for her to ride Honey (coincidentally my first pony's name was Honey). Ella had a blast saying YeeHaw! the whole ride. Very cute. Certainly in her genetics. Sorry, Daddy!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Summer's Tail into Fall's Avail


We find ourselves on the tail end of summer and I am glad things will be slowing down a little. Looking back at the blog and all the pictures, I think, ANY WONDER WE ARE TIRED! I love the fall time and the quietness it brings with the changing season. I am not a fan of the rain but usually it is an excuse to turn on the fire and enjoy a warm cup of joe. We have been trying to get in as much family park and outside time as possible, knowing that will be changing soon. Dale had a big event at the Smokey Point store (also the corporate offices where he and his dad work). This is where the picture came from. That was the last scheduled function of the summer. This time of year I usually make a list of things I want to get accomplished and start working on those "inside" chores. Ella and I have been going on a lot of playdates with friends (Eva/MacKenzie and Heather/Stella) and Meetup groups. Breaking up the daily routine with different activities is great (and necessary) for us! We got to visit with Crystal, who was here from NY, and is expecting a baby early December. She looks beautiful and I see her with a different light now, knowing what she will experience in the upcoming months. I am excited for her and Anthony. Ella enjoyed seeing her. She calls her Aunty "TT". Soon Ella will start swimming lessons at the YMCA. It's called the "perch" class. How cute is that? As we settle into fall, I find myself wanting to cuddle with my family.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

From One to TWO!

Check out Ella's year of growin'. Click on "Ella... One to Two!" It was a very busy year of new adventures!

Monday, August 4, 2008

Guess Who is TWO!


Yesterday we celebrated Ella's 2nd birthday. Today is her actual birthday August 4th but we kicked it off in style yesterday with "Cake on the Lake!" Friday we met Mackenzie and Eva at Jennings Park for a play date. The girls ran around in the garden and Ella enjoyed going down the BIG slide. Dale and I went out for a date on Saturday, night for what turned out to be, a celebration of making it to TWO! We had a very enjoyable dinner and movie. We started out the day on Sunday going to Forest Park and the petting zoo. It was mayhem on the toys at the park and she really enjoyed the goats. We are looking forward to the fair this year! Ella's party was really fun. As she gets older she is more curious and able to participate in what is happening. Very cute. She daintily ate her cake with a spoon and was interested in unwrapping her gifts. Such an amazing difference between one and two! We enjoyed a beautiful day, good food, great friends and carrot cake. What a perfect birthday.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Mommy and Daddy wanta nappy!

Aquafest is officially over! The Lake Stevens Festival of Aquafest is always a hoot. We throw a party and enjoy the company of family and friends. It was lots of fun and we are now especially tired having only one full day home last week to prepare for the festivities. Sunday we went to a friends 30th birthday (such a youngun Michael Larson is!). Happy Birthday MICHAEL! Our busy schedule has caught up with us and we are tired. However, Ella, is ready to go and getting into everything, which is very annoying. Currently I am parenting via cartoons and strapped down high chair time! Anything to stop the running and movement! Gotta love Wonder Pets, Little Einsteins, and Mickey Mouse Club House! I am grateful that we have a week until Ella's birthday and any additional scheduled events. Following that is Dale's CWS company picnic and a grand opening event for the new CWS store in Smokey Point. Oh, and my work... yeah, I guess I need to squeeze that in too! For now... I think the hammock might be calling my name!

Friday, July 25, 2008

Back from Skamania Lodge!


Dale's yearly convention was this week in Stevenson, WA at Skamania Lodge. Almost 11 years to the day we were there previously for our honeymoon. Was fun returning and enjoying the beautiful scenery. I met up with a galpal (Tonia) and visited at her parent's house (Rick and Mary Williams) in White Salmon which is about 25 minutes east of Stevenson. It was fun to see their house and to take a little touristy trip to Hood River for lunch and the cute shops. Hood River is a place I would like to go back to and play a little more. Our time at Skamania was fun and relaxing... all except one part that is. Ella got an ambulance ride to Hood River ER after choking at dinner. Being the choking went on for so long before we were able to get the food out the EMT crew thought it was best to have her checked out. Nothing like being a parent and being kept on your toes! We are trying not to relive the experience being that it is over but it was very scary and we are glad she is ok. Definitely the talk of Dale's convention. I enjoyed nap time and being able to read on the balcony overlooking the River and watching the trains go by below. We are home now and getting ready for Aquafest that is tomorrow!!!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Just Plain Fun!


We had a great weekend at the cabin in Plain (by Lake Wenatchee) doing projects and enjoying the scenery. Diane, Mickey, Andrew, Dale, Ella and I all went over on Friday and stayed until Sunday. While Ella and I worked inside cleaning like gangbusters, the "outside crew" put in walkways, accent river rock and some fencing. It is starting to look really nice over there. We always enjoy going and the sounds of the river while sitting by the nightly camp fire. Ella loves it because she can play in the dirt, eat as much as she likes and run around experiencing new things. It is good fun for all! I snapped this picture of Ella and Mick taking a little work break. Following, She took to rock eating and saying "icky poo!" As always, whenever we go... I can't wait to go back!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Banks Lake, friends partake...


We went camping with a group of friends to Steamboat State Park on Banks Lake (by Coulee City). It is an annual camping trip we take each year which has turned into a slight version of camping... we are pretty much taking RVs now. Those of us with little kids are deciding it is much easier to nap children (and ourselves) in an air conditioned environment. However, evening fires and smores with conversations focused around worldly topics are still part of the experience! We brought the seadoos and everyone enjoyed taking them out for cruizes on the lake. All in all we had a great time. Our only complaint... fargin mosquintos! We will be working on getting a propane skeeter eliminator!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Boobie squeeze, would you please?

Since returning from Hawaii lots have happened in our family. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent some surgery before we left for Hawaii. Today was her first day of chemotherapy. Although the chemo is just preventative (it had not spread to any other tissues or lymph nodes), it has still been a very scary thing for her to undergo. Over the last few weeks we have taken some time to enjoy the horses and getting out together. Her and Dean were married and she has moved out to the farm and now lives with the horses (well not WITH the horses but at Dean's were the horses have been for a while now!). She is now Marilyn Segle. They have been getting situated and moved into their new master bedroom. Dean (aka Pops) is glad to have her home and for both of them to be under the same roof. We are working at getting her house ready to sell. All is well with our family otherwise. Ella has learned to identify herself as an individual person which has been very cute when she is telling stories about what she did or is doing. We will be going camping here soon which should make for some good photo ops!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Gray sky, for goodness sakes it's JULY!

Back to the daily grind and Maui has become a distant memory! I am looking forward to my next opportunity to get some sun. We are beginning to wonder if the sun will EVER come out! Father's Day was wonderful. We went to the cabin in Plain (by Leavenworth) and did some projects there with Dale's parents. It was great fun to be in 75 degree and sunny weather for the weekend. We had a delicious brunch at Mountain Springs Lodge (www.mtsprings.com) for Father's Day. The food was amazing and I took away a great brunch idea for these scrumptious little pancakes the chef made. Ella had tons of fun outside playing in the dirt and thoroughly enjoyed herself. She came home with black fingernails and a few slivers but couldn't have been happier. She sleeps well in her playpen there so it is a nice place to visit and have a little change of scenery. This weekend is the Central Welding Supply Annual Golf Tournament. Dale will do that while I hold an open house. Should be a pretty busy weekend!

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Finally back... hittin the sack!

We are officially home from Maui and had a wonderful time! Our flight was mellow and the Puddin did wonderfully. In the car on the way home Kalee, Dale and I laughed and reminisced about the trip. Dale and Kalee will be detoxing from toffee and chocolate covered macadamia nuts, and myself from guava juice. If we could only have a "patch" to help us through each of our vice with drawls. Guava patch... just like nicotine but sweeter! We had to leave our vices in Maui or you may find us in the gutter with nut residue or guava splatter on our person! We were all very close to needing a 12 step program. This morning we had a great time at the beach as you can see in the pic! Our toes tried to squeeze in as much time with the sand as possible. It was a fantastic way to end our journey. Both Dale and I are looking forward to the next time we are together on vacation. It was very enjoyable and Ella made it overwhelmingly heartwarming. We have some marvelous memories! We are all tired but the family consensus is that all was worth it! Staying in Elua Village was the key to our relaxation. Walking everywhere was perfect. Shipping out luggage and having www.akamaimothers.com handle our baby needs made travel almost effortless. We are looking forward to our next excursion... but for now... it's back to reality!!!

Monday, June 2, 2008

Last full day of play!


We are all in agreement that this was the best day of Maui thus far. The morning beach time was excellent as there was some cloud cover and the beach temperature was perfect. Ella decided that she liked the ocean today and enjoyed playing in the surf with Daddy and climbing rocks. We actually got to sit and play with her in the sand without chasing her. She enjoyed sitting in a big sand pool daddy dug out for her between his legs. She ate her fair share of sand by dipping a rock into the sand and water and sucking it off. After a busy morning at the beach she took a 3.5 hour nap. Kalee hung out while we sat in a beach cabanna soaking up the last bit of afternoon rays while the tradewinds blew and the surf kept us cool with sea spray. Following her nap we went to the pool, cleaned up and out for a final dinner amongst a beautiful sunset. It really was an amazing day! Micheal left today, so did Gary and Judy... tomorrow we will do the same.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

One day to go... hit the plateau!


Another day in paradise yesterday. Ella and I went walking in the morning for almost 2 hours while Dale caught a few extra winks. We hit the beach in the afternoon instead of the morning which was a nice change. The weather was really windy and the waves were crashing. We watched a turtle travel down the shoreline. Ella busied herself with eating sand and running on the beach! She has just gotten in to the beach groove and we are headed home. Just lets us know that it will be fun for next time when we come! Dale and I had dinner last night at Freds (Mexican) while Kalee and Michael were shopping in Lahina. We all met for dessert and coconut drinks with Gary and Judy at HumuHumu. We walked along the night boardwalk among the tiki torches while the surf crashed along the shoreline rocks. It was a great night. Ella slept like a champ (test drove some benedryl for the plane ride home). We have all woken up refreshed and ready to hit the beach. Michael, Gary and Judy leave today. We are headed out to get in the sand before he has to head to the airport.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Three more days... need more rays!


We were awoken this morning by a screaming puddin at 5:30. Needless to say... we are all a little tired. Only an hour of nappy and it will be an early bed time for all tonight. Dale, Ella and I walked this morning for coffee and did a stroll along the boardwalk. Fun family walk it was beautiful. We headed to the beach for some cool morning beach time while Kalee and Michael headed out towards Hana to see some rubber trees and take some photos. Ella is really getting used to the beach and enjoying the water. She took Daddy on a long walk down the beach exploring everything with her toes in the sand. The first day we were here we couldn't hardly put her down by herself. She is also enjoying her pool time more and getting more adventurous jumping and splashing. There were a couple of times today that she dipped her face in the water which is a huge step for her as usually she inhales with a gasp when water trickles down her face! Tonight we had Gary and Judy over for dinner to work on finishing up leftovers. Kind of a community meal of bring what you have and we put together a spread. It was a beautiful sunset and the weather was nice with a warm breeze. A perfect evening. The puddin went off to an early bedtime and we are soon to follow!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

An end is near... must perservere!


We had another low key day today. Last night Ella got too hot and cried a few times during the night which broke up mommy and daddy's sleep. We were a little tired today and the Puddin woke up kinda whiny. I went for my morning walk and then Kalee and I headed out for some errands to give Daddy and the puddin a break... Daddy some alone time and the Puddin some car seat time. We came home the Pud went down for her afternoon nappy a little early. Everyone else had hit the beach while she napped. I visited with the Hansens on the beach and went to Honolulu Coffee Comany for our favorite iced drink (a nutty Hawaiian Latte with coconut and macadamia nut syrup). Later we went to the pool and out for a no Puddin dinner for Dale and I. Tomorrow... we are going back to the beach routine and make sure we come home with as much tan in the final stretch as possible!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Not thinking twice... it is paradise!


Another fabulous day in Wailea. Kalee and Micheal went diving today from Lahina while Dale, Ella and I had a quiet day at the condo. We boxed up lots of our extra stuff that we aren't using (going to pack MUCH LESS next time) and took it to Kihei to ship it home UPS. It was a good thing we did that early because we learned that not all UPS pick-up locations will handle heavy packages. So, we found a store that would ship and one box on its way home. We will drop the other box off the day we go home. Dale was able to get work done while Ella and I napped. Bout the time I woke up Kalee and Micheal came home from their dive. Once Ella woke up we headed to the pool for some late afternoon splash time. We made dinner in (great steaks and asparagas with Hawaiian sweet rolls) and chatted over margaritas while the sun went down. The temp was a little hotter today than it has been but the trade winds kicked up this afternoon and gave us some relief. Tomorrow we will have to go back to our normal schedule and hit the beach!

Mommy and daddy get a night out!


Yesterday we did go to the aquarium. It was pretty fun. The Maui Ocean Center is a neat place to go. We did have limited time with the Puddin clock ticking but it was still pretty fun for the 2 hours we were there. We finished our tour with lunch at the Seascape restaurant at the ocean center which had a view of the Marina. It was a very nice lunch and afternoon. Following a Puddin nap we hit the pool for our daily afternoon pool time. Then mommy and daddy headed out for a dinner ALONE! We went to a restaurant at the Grand Wailea that is nestled in the middle of a tropical fish lake that they pump in ocean water to. We had a very nice dinner complete with coconut drinks! They were wonderful. Today we met the Hansen clan at Five Palms for breakfast. It was fun visiting with all of them. They had a wedding to attend today and were trying to get ready for that. We napped and played a game of bocce ball during the afternoon and hit the pool after Ella's nap. We had dinner at a nice restaurant in the Mariott and watched the sunset. Following dinner we did a little shopping at the Wailea shopping center and called it a night!

Monday, May 26, 2008

Sand and shovel... out of trouble!


We have all gotten our fair share of sun. Yesterday our bunch was pretty laid back. Lots of naps were taken and shade was coveted! I think today we will be looking for some activities that don't involve a whole day of sun! Maybe the aquarium today??? Ella is doing well. Her troubles from a few days ago seem to have passed. Yesterday she napped for 3.5 hours! She definitely needed some rest. We hung out on the beach with Hailey, Mimi and Papa for a while which Ella thought was very cool. Hailey and her played in the sand for a long time then Kalee and Daddy took the girls out for a swim. It was a great day at the beach! Later we hit the pool and met some fun families there vacationing from various places. Hopefully Ella won't try to mimic the little girl who was jumping into the pool from the side!!! Swimming lessons when we get home!!! UUUGH! We ate at Lu Lu's last night, which is an open air bar on the 3rd story of a building. The food was great and it has a great view. We all had a hard time keeping our eyes open after dinner (could have been our dinner drinks!) while on the couch watching the "Deadliest Catch." How funny to be sitting in Maui watching a fishing show based in Alaska on the freezing Baring Sea.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Sometimes rest is best!


We aren't sure if the Puddin is getting her second year molars or if she is not feeling good. Last night she didn't sleep very well and we are all tired. Where else would you want to rest than in the sun of Maui! Probably a low key day today and limiting Puddin activities. Give her a day off from vacation. An hour at the beach or the pool is a big deal for her and she tires out. With beach, pool and dining out every day she is wearing out. So, some down time and relaxation will hopefully do the trick. We spent a lot of time at the beach yesterday and Ella, for the first time, enjoyed hanging with daddy in the ocean. She considers him her personal transport device... like a little cling on! Gary and Judy came yesterday and we went to Friday night fajitas with them. With the swap out of Crystal for Kalee we are still having a 3rd set of helping hands. Today Kalee's husband Michael arrives which will be fun. Kalee and I went to the swap meet today (a place where locals bring fresh fruit and crafts for sale... kinda like a farmer's market). It was fun and we ran into Gary and Judy there. Daddy and the puddin stayed home and rested. Not much on the agenda today... maybe a moi!

Friday, May 23, 2008

New friends arrive and we survive!


Today Crystal left to go home and Kalee arrived. Out with the sunburned and in with the fresh to burn! Ella has had a couple of great days... today... not so much. Who stole my child and left this whiny thing??? No nap in the crib and lots of screaming. It is almost 10:00 right now and she is still racing round the condo. We had a great dinner at the PU PU Lounge and some wonderfully stiff drinks! Yahoo Rum Runner! Yesterday the weather was amazing but today brought in some fog and cooler temps. It was a nice day to do a little shopping while Daddy drove around getting in some freeway fathering while our puddin napped in the pud wagon. We are hoping tonight she sleeps and that the crib is no longer her unhappy place! Although we had a trying day... yesterday was perfection which makes today's tribulations worth it!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Beach, sleep and Mary's stiff drink!


We are settled in to our daily routine. I get up and walk along the boardwalk at 6am. Dale and Ella wake up at about 7am (we stretch this as long as possible by letting her play in her crib). When the Puddin is up she wants to go outside and explore with Daddy. Crystal is up then, I am back from my walk and the day starts. Sometimes we walk for coffee or we head to the beach. Morning is a great time for Puddin beaching it. The sun is lower and there is shade to build sand castles in. This morning we did some crab hunting and fish watching to change it up a little! Crystal (Ella calls her Te Te) hung out in the sun while we combed the beach. Now we are back at the condo ready for our noon time nappy that lasts about 3 hours. Tonia, Kevin, Rick and Mary are at the beach and we will join them this afternoon for more beach fun. Last night they made us dinner and we visited with them at Gary and Judy's Luana Kai condo. After a few drinks (way to make them Mary!) we headed home and pretty much hit our 9pm bedtime! We are such vacationer fogies! Lots of naps and early to bed. Lots of rest being had here!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Sand in your toes... good for the soul!


The last 2 days have been great! We have gotten in beach time or, pool time and are enjoying the 3 hours of nappyville that Miss Ella is taking each afternoon. This morning I got up early and went for a cool walk along the boardwalk and enjoyed the birds chirping and the morning blue of the ocean before it got too hot. Today, while Crystal and Ella were taking a moi, Dale and I got to go and hang out ocean side in a beach chaise with canopy. It was a little slice of heaven! It has been a long time since we have hung out in the sun, beach side without chasing a Puddin! The waves were crashing and we watched a sea turtle wondering about the surf. We got in our walk for Honolulu coffee and went to Kaanapali for dinner at the Hula Grill and walked along the boardwalk as the sun magnificently set. It was another day in paradise!

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Ahhhh Aloha!


We are here and finally have settled in. Ella is doing great and has her own little room that is the master bed's walk-in closet. We had a full sized crib delivered and she is napping and sleeping at night like a champ (even had a huge fireworks display last night that Ella slept through)! We hit the beach today and got to play in the sand. A very different, active, beach experience for us. As soon as the newness rubs off maybe we will be able to sit and sunbathe. As of now it is all about the play! We did our morning walk to the Wailea shopping center for Honolulu Coffee and then strolled along the water back to the condo for a moi (nappy). The condo is great and it has been a real treat to be able to walk out the door to the beach. So far, all is well and we are looking forward to a good night's sleep... for all!

Monday, May 12, 2008

Momma Mia... watcha me swinga!


It has been a very eventful last few weeks. I celebrated my 34th birthday, my mom got married (now Marilyn Segle!), my mom had surgery (have you had a mammogram lately?), real estate business as usual and it was Mother's Day! It was a very nice day with our Puddin at Jennings Park in Marysville. We are getting ourselves ready to leave for Maui on May 14th. I have most everything ready and am counting the hours to nice HOT weather! So, following our arrival in Wailea, Maui... I will post every other day about our family adventures. Granny Diane... better check in for your Puddin fix!

Sunday, May 4, 2008

The sauce make ichy...

So Miss Puddin was running a fever (104) and it was under control with Motrin until that wore off every 4 hours. So to the doctor we went. Another ear infection (only 2 so far). Amoxacillin. Last infection she was on a different antibiotic, so this time we have found out she is allergic to amoxy. Everything about kids you learn the hard way. Little Puddin rash and unhappy girl. The good news is... she wants to cuddle. HORRAH! Ella doesn't really have much use for cuddling when she feels good. It gets in the way of being busy. A quick hug and kiss is all she requires. The cuddle time has been nice but we are hoping she feels better soon (things are looking up) and is ready to go to Maui by the 14th. I am optimistic! We are pulling out all her beach wear and getting things ready to ship UPS. Dale decided that it would be very nice to have it there ready for us in the condo when we arrived. Smart Daddy that has a company UPS account! LOVE THAT! No baggage claim for us! We also have arranged for our friends at www.akamaimothers.com to deliver our Puddin' needs so that we don't have to ship a playpen etc. That is a great service. It is ready in your room when you arrive and we ship our baggage to them UPS which is also in our room when we arrive! It's all about who you know! We are getting excited as we get closer to departure. With beautiful days like today it is a little more bearable!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Firing up the blog again!

Well, I last STOPPED blogging about what was happening in our lives at the end of 2006. Mainly due to the length of time it took to upload photos on our babywilton.info website (feel free to relive the past by visiting there). I started a blog for my real estate website and decided it would be fun to get back in to posting our life's adventures for family and friends. It is so hard to keep tabs on everyone and what they are doing... just a little way to connect again and share with those we love!

It has been a busy year (2007 to now) I will post Ella's first year Youtube video for your enjoyment and to catch up to August 2007. Then I will post a few photos and notes until now. Shouldn't take too long right???

In general we are doing well as a family! I never remember teeth coming in as being soooo painful... but as an adult, we have re-lived our own baby pains! Ella has all her teeth now (sigh) but I am sure the 2nd year molars are not far off. She is very tall and takes most after Dale. We are not sure where her vicarious personality came from but she is busy, busy, busy! She is a climber and also, seems to be, training as a gymnast. Hanging from things and balancing on things (look mommy at what I can do... no hands!) which proved to be a little ouchy when she took a header off the end of the deck last weekend! I am grateful our neighbors are a paramedic and a nurse... just in case!!

She is amazing and creates a love we never knew possible. She thinks her Daddy is the cat's meow and he is great to rough house and hang out with (mauling beings when he comes home from work)! She is sweet and caring with a sensitive side that is game for anything OUTSIDE! She has quite the vocabulary and can tell you exactly what she wants (then answers herself saying "okay" as if her request has been heard and shall be delivered shortly). Soon we will be leaving for Maui and I wanted to catch you all up so that you could enjoy Ella's exploration in Wailea. We have learned that we ARE cool people but no one really wants to know what we are up to... just what Ella is doing. So, back by popular demand... I give you Ella "the Puddin' Wilton"!!!