Weekend

We have had a fun, busy weekend! Friday night Adam and I were able to go out to eat by ourselves. That is always a treat, because it is our one peaceful meal of the week. We went to my favorite restaurant, Dilegges! 

Saturday morning I got up bright and early to meet Sarah downtown for a run. Sarah and I have been running together once or twice a week for the past few weeks. We are running a 5K together next Saturday in preparation for the half-marathon in October. I am not sure if we will attempt that or not, but even if we don't we have been having fun running together! 

After nap time the three of us headed over to Aaron and Sarah's to grill out and swim. They had not seen Ella since she was 7 months old. She had the best time at their house. It's amazing how well she took to them. It was like she had known them forever. She made herself right at home and had the best time. I think they really enjoyed her company as well. Sarah was so nice and got Ella a Dora chair, blow up turtle for the pool, a beach ball, and goggles. They even had her favorite foods. We had the best time and can't wait to do it again soon! 

She loves to jump off the side of the pool!

She also loved the diving board!

Isn't she the cutest!?

She has it made!

Just like old times!

Cooper, Aaron and Sarah's big baby! 

The Ice Family

Ella had such a good time with Sarah! Sarah chased her around and even changed her diaper for me:) 

Ella was pretty infatuated with Aaron. It was "Aaron's house" and "Aaron's pool." She also had to know where he was at all times and make sure he was coming back outside. It was entertaining. 

Ella loved swimming at night. She was up way past her bedtime, but I hate to see her fun end. When she was getting out of the pool she looked up and said, "what's that!?" I looked up, and she was looking at stars. She is usually never up when it's dark so she had never seen them. 

Summer nights

I love summer! 

Now you see why!

Little swimmer

We are lucky enough to have friends that just moved into a house that has an in ground pool in the backyard. Aaron and Sarah are nice enough to let Ella and I go over and swim whenever we want while they are at work. Today was the first time we went over, and Ella had the best time. I am so proud of how far she has come in the past month. 

She was ready to get right in the water when we got there. She even let go of me as soon as we got in the water. She liked floating around by herself for a little bit until her face went in the water. She panicked until I grabbed her. She was a little scared, but it didn't stop her for long. She decided she wanted to jump in the water from the side of the pool. While holding my hands she jumped in the water. She thought that was so much fun. She is doing so well, and I hope to keep her in the water as much as I can until our Florida trip in September. 

Not a very good picture, but that is Ella floating by herself! It's a miracle. 

Homemade water slide

Our Wednesday....

In Instagram photos (taken with my phone)...

Ella and Autumn holding hands on the way to ride the choo choo train at the mall

Ella and Autumn on the bus

Ella riding the carousel. Her favorite thing!

Relaxing with Brody while Ella was napping...

Out to eat with Leslie and Olivia

Cooling off with the water table and water ball

Ending the night with a bubbleberry shaved ice! 

31 months

Ella is 31 months old today. She is getting so big and looking so much older these days. I used to wish time away, but now days I wish time would slow down. I am trying to soak up every minute I have with her, because I know this stage will not last forever!

 I decided yesterday would be a good day to start potty training Ella. It's definitely not going to be easy. She is a stubborn little girl. She sat on the potty, but she would pee just as soon as she got her panties back on. I became pretty frustrated and decided to wrap it up until tomorrow. I know someday I will look back on this and laugh. 

Ella is very independent. She likes to do everything herself. She tries to dress herself, but she still needs a little help. She knows what clothes she likes to wear and what clothes she doesn't like to wear. She also likes to pick out her own shoes and puts them on. 

Ella is talking up a storm. She still says one and two word phrases, but she is talking in sentences more often. She has come a long way in the last six months. She also remembers everything. If you tell her something you better stick to your word, because she will not forget it. 

Ella is such a fun little girl. She finds enjoyment in the smallest things. I honestly live vicariously through her. We have had so much fun this summer doing simple things. She loves going to play grounds, swimming, Holiday World, riding on the four-wheeler with daddy, riding putt putt, riding on the toy horse at Ma and Papaw's house, riding in the boat's at Poppy and Nana's house,  riding the carousel at the mall, riding her tricycle, jumping on the trampoline, and playing outside. She lives a fun little life! 

Ella you make life so much fun! I am not quite sure what we did before we had you. I hope you know how loved you are by so many people. I am thankful for you, and the time I spend with you ever day! I wish you could stay little forever:) 

Potty Training

Ella was 0 for 6 this morning. If anyone wants to come over and potty train Ella please let me know. I will pay you... haha:) 

Splishin' and Splashin'

Yesterday, Ella and Autumn got together for a little fun in the sun. My sister in law, Penny, brought over a new water thing (as Ella called it) for the girls to run through. It was a huge hit! My favorite part was when Ella decided she wanted to run through it naked. I am pretty sure she thought that was one of the funnest moments of her life. :) 

My favorite picture of the day! 

Popsicles and push up pops to end a fun day!