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.