Under the Weather Thanksgiving & Milestones

We had all been looking forward to Thanksgiving, as Ella has been learning all kinds of traditions, the history, and meaning of the day.  Unfortanatly, Ella was hit with a terrible bug and ended up sick the last week of school prior to Thanksgiving break.  

We had baked a pumpkin pie, hoping she would be ready for school/feast the next day.  However, she spiked a fever that night and although her fever broke in the morning I kept her home from school just in case.She really wanted to attend her Thanksgiving feast at school and since her fever was gone, we bundled her up and made a short prescence at the feast. She managed a smile and didn't visit much, but she was happy that she was able to go and share the pumpkin pie that we made. 

Hoping and thinking Ella was on the mend after her Thanksgiving feast, we decided to go ahead with our Thanksgiving plans and headed out to visit Ken's family in Florida.  Grandma and Granpa Swift were happy to see everyone, but we were all surprised when Ella's fever returned the same evening we arrived.  We decided a trip to the ER was in order Thanksgiving day, since her fever wasn't coming down.  Ella was diagnosed with a mild case of Pnemonia and it landed her in bed for the rest of our stay in Florida. 

While Ella spent Thanksgiving day in bed and recuperating (sleeping), we did enjoy a nice visit with Great Grandma & Grandpa Swift and Ken's parents.  Eric loved turkey dinner and thoroughly enjoyed all the undivided attention.  Eric downed the homemade applesauce and sweet potatoes! Grandma Swift outdid herself with a wonderful meal for everyone.  We only wish Ella could of enjoyed it as well, her prescence was definitely missed (as you can see, we set a place for her just in case she decided to join us).

Late in the evening, Ella finally left her room to open a couple birthday presents from Great Grandma Swift.  Check out Ella's new Electric guitar!

Grandma Swift even baked Ella's favorite cupcakes with sprinkles, since they will not be able to join us for Ella's birthday party back in South Carolina.

While Ella was celebrating another milestone birthday, Eric was marking a milestone as well.  He took his first steps on Friday, taking four monumental steps toward Mommy and Daddy!

Our baby is now a full fledged toddler!

Ella received this cute indian headband from school, when we visited for the Thanksgiving feast.  She decided to make one for Eric as well.  Here's our two little indians!

Since Ella didn't get to see Great Grandma and Grandpa for Thanksgiving, we took a trip to see them on Friday.  Ella still wasn't in the best of spirits, but she was a real trooper. 

Ella was finally feeling a bit better on the way home, but the rest of us started to take a turn for the worse. We were glad to finally be heading home to spend a day to recuperate.  On the way, we stopped at the Ikea store in Orlando.  This was my first experience at an Ikea and it was a match made in heaven!  Great fun and inventive products at great prices!  Ella found a desk she liked, but decided we didn't have room for this one in the car, but what a steal at $50!

Not to mention, the most kid friendly store you'll ever experience.  Children's play areas, cafeteria with awesome food ($6.99 for a stuffed salmon, $1.99 breakfast and kids eat for $.99).  We didn't leave empty handed and were very pleased with the value of the products we purchased!  We can't wait to set it all up (see Swift Schoolhouse to see what we purchased).  We loved Ikea and can't wait for one to open up in Denver!

We are happy to be home and are slowly recuperating. Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Swift for making our Thanksgiving as enjoyable as it could be, putting up with us while we were sick!  We are so blessed to have such wonderful family!  We are thankful everyday for our children, our health, and the love we have in our lives.  Nothing matters more than family!