Ella's 6!

Ella's birthday was a three day event!  Her birthday fell on a Thursday, which made it a bit more difficult to bring family and friends together.  So we had a quiet morning at home as we waited for Ken to wrap up work.

Ella received the Draw, Write, Now series of books for her birthday and was absolutely thrilled!  

She has not stopped drawing and writing, for the last week (Never mind, that we started our school break that week).  It's so nice to see her really excited to write.

Ken wrapped up by lunch time, so we took the kids on the much anticipated Light Rail Train ride downtown.  It was much longer than I remembered, but the kids had a blast and were excited to finally ride the train they always see passing by on the interstate.

We had a quick lunch at a cafe downtown, then hopped the train back.  The kids were real troopers, as the train ride was much longer than we anticipated (45 minutes each way).  They really enjoyed it and can't wait to do it again.

Friday, Mimi and Pa had a small party at their house for Ella.  We made cupcakes for the occasion and Ella opened gifts from everyone.  She received a pair of Pink Minnetonka Fringed boots and has worn them almost every day since.  The Taylor's (Maria's Sister  & family), gave Ella a pottery wheel.  Immediately, she wanted to break it open (even though it was past her bedtime).  We managed to have her wait until morning, 7am in the morning.  She jumped out of bed insisting she had to get at least one pot done, before she could do anything else that day.  We obliged and she has been spinning out pots for the last week! 

 I'm thinking she's going to have to run out of clay eventually. :)  If that wasn't enough, her birthday party was to be held at Monart, her old art school.

Ella's official brithday party was the following Saturday with friends from her piano class, church, and of  course Cousin Seth and Eric.  Ella really wanted a horse party and although; she would of loved to share her love of riding with her friends, we had to take into consideration the unpredictable Colorado weather in December.  So, we decided to combine her love of art and horses and had her party at the Monart Art Studio, where Ella has taken drawing and clay classes.  Her past teachers were more than happy to accommodate a horse themed party.

Ken did a great job making the barn out of fondant and Rice Krispie treats, he even made sure to include the silo.  We used graham crackers for the dirt and found some horses, riders, and jumps at Dover Saddlery.  We were in a pinch for a fence, but Ken and the kids came through hot gluing some flat toothpicks together.  Ken can be really crafty too!

I made sure to include some healthy treats of bananas and pretzels, before the cake.  The kids seemed to like that, as they were starving after they finished their project.

We were able to arrange for the kids to do a clay horse sculpture (The owners were more than happy to accommodate).  I had lots of fun seeing the kids in action, as usually we don't get to watch them make their pieces.  I learned quite a lot!

 Ella had a great time, as did all her friends (some who had never touched clay before).  She exclaimed that she could stay and do it all day!  I really think she would.  She just seemed so comfortable and sure of herself in class.   A budding artist, I have no doubt!

Eric really enjoyed getting his hands dirty.  He really wanted to work by himself, "I want to do it!" Something about our son wielding a 12 inch stick (supposed to be used for a sculpting stick), just made us nervous.  We would let him try to do as instructed and then step in when needed!  He did a great job for his first clay class!

The project took up the majority of our time, but we definitely saved just enough time for cake and presents.  The kids allowed me to grab one quick picture of the guests (minus one, who had to leave early).  They were all anxious for cake!

Two quick blows and the candles were out!
She really liked her cake and I think really just enjoyed having all her friends and family help celebrate.

Happy 6th Birthday, Ella!!

We can't wait to see what the new year holds for her and are so blessed to have the privilege to experience it all with her !

Giving Thanks!

A little late on our Thanksgiving post, just realizing the holiday flew right by me! We had our annual Turkey dinner at Mimi and Pa's house.  A bit untraditional this year, was that half the table had gone vegetarian and almost vegan (no eggs, dairy, or meat).  Regardless, Ella helped me bake a pumpkin pie for everyone else.

Bunny and Ella helping with the Pie.

Ella and Eric made these adorable Indian headbands, before heading over to Mimi and Pa's house.  Ella was so sweet to think of her Cousin Seth, as she remembered that he brought her a Pilgrim hat last year and wanted to make sure Seth had an Indian hat this year.  She brought him an orange (Seth's favorite color) hat and all the "feathers" for him to decorate his very own headpiece.  However, the kids ended up getting side tracked with an impromptu performance of music and dancing (a frequent occurrence).

This was a rare year, as everyone was able to make it this year to turkey dinner.  Angela and Lauren had the day off and The Taylor's (Maria's Sister) arrived back in time from a reunion dinner in Loveland with my brother-in-law's family.  

A healthy spread!

The kids always know how to have a good time and so enjoy their time together.  

 We are so thankful to have part of our extended family within arms reach.  We couldn't be more thankful this year for all that God has provided, we are truly blessed! 

A Beautiful Performance!

Eric has really become quite the talker lately.  It is so nice to be able to communicate with him in full sentences now and not have to guess what he's saying.  He is constantly impressing me with the things he says and he can be pretty funny too.

I was talking to Eric last night at dinner about Sunday School, when the topic of going to public school came up.  I asked him if he would like to go to school and be with more kids.  Here is a recap of that conversation:

Me: "Would you like to go to a school?"

Eric: "Would there be girls there?"

Me: "Yes.  Would you want other boys to be there too?"

Eric: "No."

Me: "Why would you not want boys there?"

Eric: "Boys don't share with me, girls share."

I couldn't really argue with that logic.  I have noticed that he is always leaving Sunday School disappointed that he didn't get to play with one of the toys (usually a truck or car).  I ask him why and he always tells me that the boys didn't want to share, even when he asked politely.  I remember Ella having this same issue at this age.  I'm just glad that they know sharing is important and still handle themselves well when the other kids don't share (at least with other kids - siblings are a totally different playing field :).  

Ella was so excited to participate in her first horse show.  She appeared at my bedside at 6am announcing she was ready!  We didn't have to leave, until 7:30.  When we arrived, we had to wait for the horses to show up with the trainer, but Ella jumped right in as soon as they showed up.  She helped get "Brenner" all ready and brushed up for the show.

She was in the lead-line class for her 1st show, although her trainer thought she could have done the next class up (walk-trot).  We all wanted to be sure Ella's first show experience was a good one, so we took it easy this show.  She had three other little girls she was competing against.  Ella was the only one who actually did a trot and it paid off. We all thought Ella was still warming up, when they called the girls to the center of the arena for ribbons.  

Ella took home 1st place!

She did an awesome job and we are so proud of her!  Even Eric gave Ella a hug of encouragement and told her, "Good Job, Ella!"  He can't wait to start riding too and said it was the highlight of his day to be able to go see Ella's horse show.

This was a nice small show to get her feet wet in the competition arena and she impressed everyone.

Ella can't wait for the next show and she gave a beautiful performance!

Ella and Eric have been having lots of fun with all their activities this fall.  They both received their level ribbons in swim class.  Ella completed her 2B level and is now moving on to side breathing and big arm strokes.

Eric was like a fish to water, as soon as he started lessons.  So, he received his 1st level ribbon with just a few lessons.  He's blowing bubbles well and loves to jump right in! His only complaint is getting out of the pool!

The kids also have their weekly gym classes.  Eric is loving his Monday class at the Little Gym, learning how to tumble and balance.  I'm always amazed at how well he can pull himself up on the uneven bars, rings, and pummel horse.  The kid has some arm strength!

Ella has met a few girls at her weekly homeschool PE Class, which she always looks forward to.  There are over 35 kids in the class from 4 - 10 years old, but it doesn't seem to faze her.

She jumps right in and loves all the games the kids get to play.

Speaking of performances, we were all delighted to watch Ella's first performance with her new dance school.  The school is a Christian Worship & Ballet dance school, primarily for home schoolers.  Ella has really enjoyed her classes and with only 6 weeks to practice her routine, we were delighted with how well the girls did.

Ready to Dance to "You Knit Me Together"

(Ella is in the Center)

The entire recital was very moving and inspirational.  We are so happy we found such a wonderful group of ladies to mentor/teach Ella the art of dance, for the glory of God.  

Another beautiful performance!

Happy Happenings!

We were hit with our first real snow of the season this past week and the kids couldn't be more thrilled! Ella was most excited to be able to take her riding lesson outdoors and in the snow for the first time.

We had anticipated the snow arriving, so purchased some new riding gloves and pants.  Her teacher doesn't have an indoor arena, so we expect this will be the first of many cold and snowy lessons.

We couldn't have our first real snow fall go by, without building our little snow bunny.  

The snow came and went fast, but looks like we'll get another change to build a bigger and better snow bunny as we expect another storm front this week.

Ella was very excited and nervous about her first belt test this past weekend.  She practiced hard and was thinking about all her techniques the night before.  She was definitely ready and focused with one goal in mind, her new white/yellow stripe belt.  

She did very well and kept up with the bigger kids.  I could tell she was really concentrating hard and kept her focus.  Ella even insisted she watch Cousin Seth finish his testing.  He did awesome on his belt test as well, as he advanced to orange belt.  It's so nice that the kids have something in common that they can practice together. 

Ella wore her new belt home and was so excited to show it off to everyone.

Ella was also very excited to carve pumpkins for Halloween.  We decided to wait to carve pumpkins this year, until Hallow's Eve as the deer tend to gobble them up rather quickly.  I was not anticipating having such a difficult time finding carving pumpkins; however, most stores were sold out or were left with rotten pumpkins.  Finally, after driving around town all afternoon we tracked down a couple nice carving pumpkins.

Ella insisted she wanted the biggest pumpkin ever.  My only stipulation was that we had to be able to carry it. :)  She was happy with the pumpkins we found and couldn't wait to get home and carve the big orange beauties.  

Pumpkin carving was a bit easier this year, as the kids were happy to do much of the work themselves. They had no problem getting right to business and emptying the "guts" out of the pumpkins.  

Eric wanted a happy face on his pumpkin and had fun watching his pumpkin take shape.

Ella finally settled on a witch with a cauldron on her pumpkin.

What a fun night of carving!

We have been studying Egypt in our history lessons and when Ella saw this Cleopatra costume she knew immediately that's what she wanted to dress up as for Halloween.

Ella even made bunny his own Cleopatra costume.  

Eric wanted to be a John Deere tractor of course, so we put on his farmer best and Daddy went to work.  We searched for tractor costumes and found some great examples online.  We all worked hard to get the tractor done in time for Halloween.  

Eric was a "real" farmer with his John Deere tractor.  Everyone loved his costume and most of all Eric loved it!  While putting the finishing touches on his tractor he turned to Ken and said, "thank you for my tractor." 

Ella was sure to correct anyone who said her little brother was a cowboy.  She would immediately tell them he was a farmer and show them his tractor.  

Ella ran to each house, as Eric lighted her way.  She was so excited to show her little brother just what to do.  Two kids who seem to always tire just taking a short walk around the block, had no problem walking up and down the neighborhood streets.  After each house, Eric would say, "Let's go to another house!"  The had a blast trick or treating!  

Fall Fun!

We awoke about a week ago to find our grass covered in leaves and our trees just bare as a bone. It seems to happen overnight! Fall has definitely arrived and it's one of our favorite times of year. Watching the leaves change colors, the leaves fall and the welcomed cooler weather all signal changes not only in the season.

The kids have changed so much in the last year. They are both so much more independent and free spririted. They each have very distinct and unique personalities. I think even in pictures you can see their personalities come to life.

Aunt Teresa took some great pictures of the kids, for our Mom to take back to Taiwan. Can you guess who's the life of the party? How about who is the introspective one? Which is the quiet leader? These three cousins couldn't be more different, but when they come together they all love each other and enjoy each others company.

After the official photo shoot, the kids had so much fun playing in the leaves!

They even helped rake them up, when they were done. 

 They each made their own leaf house and jumped right in!  Ella decided to take a little nap in her, "house."

We headed to the Pumpkin Patch this weekend and the kids had more fall fun picking pumpkins.  The highlight for Eric was the tractor hay ride.  He would describe it as, "bumpy."  We managed to grab the last tractor ride of the day and made it just in time.

While we were waiting for the tractor ride,  Eric picked the cutest little baby pumpkin.

Ella found this GIANT pumpkin and wanted to take it home, but I'm pretty sure we couldn't haul this one home!  So, we opted for a picture instead.

Eric saw this little miniature pony at the petting zoo and wanted to, "take him."  I have to admit, he was pretty cute!

Ella had fun leading Eric through the hay bale and snake maze. 

The kids had a great time and it was definitely the highlight of their day!  It was so much fun and we can't wait to carve pumpkins later this week.

Gotta Be a "Deere"

I am always surprised by how time speeds up after having children.  The kids birthday's seem to be coming faster and the years are just flying by.  My little baby boy is no longer a baby!

Eric had his 3rd birthday and he was very adamant about having a John Deere birthday party.  He absolutely loves watching and spying tractors as we're driving around town.  He is just mesmerized by them. 

I was a little nervous the party supplies wouldn't arrive in time, as the online company I ordered from seemed to have missed my order and I had to request expedited shipping with it arriving on Eric's birthday.  

Prayers were answered when our shipment arrived by noon on Saturday, just in time for his party that evening.  Ella was right on the ball and so excited to help set up for the party.  I almost think she was more excited than Eric at times.

We had a small family gathering and certainly enjoy the smaller gatherings, for events like these.  We  enjoy the quality time everyone gets to spend with each other, rather than putting on a big show for the kids.  We know it will only be a matter of time, before these small gatherings, become a BIG bash!

The kids had a blast with the John Deere Pinata!  Cousin Seth looked like a pro baseball hitter 

and looks like Eric was taking notes!

Ella had a pretty mean arm as well!

A birthday isn't quite complete without a cake of course and Eric requested carrot cake this year, but it had to be a Deere of course.

I am happy to report that he loved it!  It's always priceless to see your child's face just light up when you bring out the cake (especially, one that you made).  He was all a glow and so excited to see the tractor and animals on the cake. It's worth all those late night hours in the kitchen! 

Eric knew just what to do with the candle and blew it out all by himself this year!  What a BIG boy!  He couldn't help but drive the tractor around the cake, once the candle was blown out.  

He received quite the collection of large vehicles, that the kids had so much fun playing with.

Eric enjoys flying this Coast Guard Helicopter around the house, saving people!  

Ella and Seth were saving vehicles that were stranded, with Eric's new Bruder Crane!

The kids played for over an hour, before we noticed how late it was getting. The kids were completely wired at bedtime.  We finally got the kids to bed and when I asked Eric what he enjoyed most about his birthday; he said, "my cake!"

Happy Birthday, Eric! 

We can't wait to see what the new year brings!

You are such a gift and a blessing!