Raindrops on Roses

Singing with Baylee

Happy 4th of July!

More...

This one's better of Ella.

Ella and Mia

We went to a great playground with a splash pad this morning. All Ella did was fill up her bucket and dump it out. 

St. Patty's Day Art

The kiddos were stamping potatoes to make shamrocks and having fun with green paint, thanks to Jana, a very creative and motivated mom in our play group.

Ella and Mom

Here we are "driving" in the Little People play area.

Pretty Peacock

We went to the zoo Sunday and saw this peacock just hanging out on the path. I have no idea why it wasn't in a cage!

Play group at the Park

Here are Ella and her friend, Santiago, playing in the sand. Santiago is a very sweet, quiet boy like Ella, so maybe they'll grow to be good friends:)

Swimming!

Ella is in her bathing suit ready to go to the pool and reading her Christmas book. (Dugan girls-recognize the bathing suit?)

Ella loved being in the pool and kept saying, "I swimming!"

BFFs

I already posted this on FB, but I couldn't resist. These two are so cute together! They love to play with each other and give each other hugs. I hope they are our neighbors for a long time!

Playing at Cave Creek

Phil's parents came to babysit Ella Saturday night while we went to Phil's awards dinner. This morning, we all went to our new favorite hiking place that we went to with my parents last weekend. Ella loves playing with the rocks in the water and seeing the "horsies" go by. Cousin Grace would love to ride a horse on these trails!

Crossing Cave Creek

This is actually Cave Creek! We went hiking here this morning. These trails are a new discovery for us. One trail was really nice and lush with grasses, huge cacti, and butterflies.

Our Cowgirl

We visited this place called "The Town Dump" in Old Town Cave Creek yesterday with Mom and Dad. We had fun looking at all the strange things they sold there. (I will be cropped out of this photo later-please ignore.)

Feeding "Turtee"

Ella got this stuffed animal/blanket from Greg and Lorena. She gives him "big hugs" and likes to put him in her high chair and feed him.

Happy Hour

Ella enjoys her milk while Papa relaxes with his martini.

Fun at the Zoo

We had a nice morning at the zoo today with Mimi and Papa. Mom and Dad still have a little more than a week here so hopefully, it will soon warm up for them. The temperatures have been in the 60s, but are expected to get into the low 70s by the end of the week.

Watching the Hoops

Ella loved the show and bounced around and clapped to the beat.

Hoop Dancing Competition

We met the Kims at this event at the Heard Museum (a Native American museum) in Phoenix today. They dance and throw around these hoops and wear these really colorful outfits. These girls are waiting for the competition to begin.

Making Dinner

Ella likes to keep herself busy while I'm making dinner. I think she actually said she was making blueberry pie. Her favorite ingredient to use seems to be orange extract.

What's wrong with this picture?

Aunt Elin gave Ella this camera when it broke while they were visiting us last month. 

A Froggy Potty!

We've been practicing! The froggy has seen no action so far, but hopefully, one of these days.

Picking Nose

I just couldn't resist posting this! This was taken at the children's museum last weekend. In other news, Elin and Madhu arrive tonight. It will be fun to have visitors!

A bow!

Ella finally let me put a bow in her hair! Of course, I didn't have a matching one on hand, but it did the job.

Future Soccer Player

Ella loves running. It's a little deceptive, though, since she doesn't go that fast but enjoys pumping her arms.