On Wednesday, we took a family outing to the Sacramento Zoo. Brian had the day off so he was able to join us in the fun along with his mother Chris. As usual, Ella enjoyed looking at the different animals walking around. Today was a treat as we got to see the orangutan's out and about.
Picture: Ella and Daddy walking to the Zoo (July 25, 2012).
Video: Ella watching the Orangutan (July 25, 2012).
Sharing is Caring
Ella typically does not like to share her toys. This afternoon, the Adair kids came over for a play date and Ella was so kind and sweet. She shared her toys, watched the kids play with her toys and even sat next to them playing with the blocks. Love how her personality is coming out!
Video: Ella enjoying the toys next to Jack (July 25, 2012).
Picture: Ella, Isaac, Paige and Jack playing (July 25, 2012).
Picture: Ella, Paige and Jack playing with the mega blocks (July 25, 2012).
We took Ella to Fairytale Town for the first time this past Tuesday, July 24th. Where was this when I was a kid?? Tien and Claire joined us and the girls had a good time walking around. It was so cute to watch Ella's reaction when she see's Claire - my friend is here! As much as she enjoy Claire's company she still resists being touched or being too close. E sure likes her personal space.
Video: Ella and Claire enjoying Bubbles (July 24, 2012). Picture: Ella going down on the slide (July 24, 2012).
Picture: Ella saying cheese in the cheese hole (July 24, 2012).
I think I won't get a membership pass until Ella is about 3 as most of the amusement park is designed more for older toddlers. For now, we'll enjoy our membership at the Zoo.
This past Monday, July 23rd, we took Ella to Johnny's Incredible Pizza (same concept as Chuck E Cheese) and she didn't enjoy it as much as I thought she would. Will have to wait until she's 3 before we try it again. She did like the bright lights and the games that she can touch and stomp on. If anything, she probably enjoyed being with the other kids while they had fun.
Picture: Ella and Genna walking into Johnny's (July 23, 2012).
Video: Ella on a ride (July 23, 2012).
Video: Ella going down the slide (July 23, 2012).
The buffet (to my surprise) was pretty good - even the pizza! I was expecting the worst but overall the experience was good. I like how the food area was completely separate from the games which makes taking kids more enjoyable for the parents as you have more control.
Ella is learning how to run - bumps, falls and cries along the adventure but well worth the effort! It's pretty fun to watch her getting a better handle at running as well as maneuvering around obstacles in her way.
On Thursday, July 19, 2012, we had a nice day at the park, storytime with friends and visited great grandpa. Lots of fun things to do and people we love to visit.
McKinley Park with Cameron and Andrew:
By far I think this is Ella's favorite spot to go. All the ducks, geese and squirrels running around keeps her entertained and she loves to feed them. Today was pretty funny as Uncle Johnston put her on his shoulder and chased a lot of the animals around.
Video: Ella feeding the ducks while sitting in her stroller (July 19, 2012).
Video: Ella walking with ducks - Part 1 (July 19, 2012).
Video: Ella walking with ducks - Part 2 (July 19, 2012).
Video: Ella chasing ducks with Uncle Johnston (July 19, 2012).
Picture: Ella, Cameron and Andrew sitting on the bench (July 19, 2012).
Picture: Cameron pushing Ella around in the stroller (July 19, 2012).
Carmichael Public Library Storytime with Lily and Wyatt: After the park, we met up with Lily and Wyatt at the Carmichael Public Library Storytime. We haven't been here in a while so it was nice to see the kids we did know and have E socialize with new ones. Lily and Wyatt are so much fun to watch. I hope E and W are good siblings.
Video: Ella doesn't want to share her drum (July 19, 2012).
Video: Ella running around the chairs (July 19, 2012).
Visiting Great Grandpa Steele: Ella was awake after Storytime so we made a quick stop and visited Great Grandpa Steele. Ella was pretty well behaved (i.e. friendly) and even allowed him to kiss her and sit on his lap.
Video: Ella loves looking outside Great Grandpa's window (July 19, 20212).
Picture: Ella giving Grandpa kisses (July 19, 2012).
After a long morning nap (three hours long), while Brian went rafting we spent our Saturday afternoon going to lunch at Wayside Noodles, McKinley park with Olivia, Lily and Wyatt, and then Big Spoon for an afternoon treat. It was a lovely day with Ella.
McKinley Park
Ducks go quack, quack, quack. . . . Ella could sit by the pond and watch the ducks all day long if I let her. She loves to watch them swim, flap their wings, and quack.
Video: Ella loves to watch the ducks (June 30, 2012).
Video: Ella walking around by the pond (June 30, 2012).
Picture: Ella watching the ducks (June 30, 2012).
Big Spoon Yogurt
While at Big Spoon Yogurt, the kids decided it was more fun to be on the ground and chase each other underneath the table. I miss the beginning where in which Ella was laughing. Sigh, I only caught the end where Ella started to want her person space.
Video: Ella, Wyatt and Lily enjoy themselves underneath the table (June 30, 2012).
Picture: Ella, Lily and Wyatt laughing at each other (June 30, 2012).
;) Ella is now back to her 7pm bedtime. So long 8pm bedtime, sorry it didn't work out.
Ella loves story time in her chair. She'll get on her chair, sit, grab a book, and want to flip through the books. It's so cute! I'm so glad she's enjoying the chair and continues to enjoy her books. We spent the afternoon with Isaac, Paige and Jack - playing with E's toys, story time, and going to the pool.
Video: Ella enjoying story time with Paige and Jack (June 30, 2012).
Video: Ella gets tickled by Paige (June 29, 2012).
So Ella is a little possessive with her toys and her chair. It's pretty funny to watch her show other kids that she doesn't want them touching her things or sitting in her chair. Tien, Tom and Claire came over for dinner so the kids got to spend some time with each other. Ella did not want Claire to go anywhere near her chair. Pretty funny to watch her push her away.
Video: Ella doesn't want to share her chair with Claire (June 30, 2012).
Picture: Claire gets on Ella's chair and is very excited (June 30, 2012).
This past Tuesday, June 26th, we went on a play date with Tien and Claire at Miwok Playground and Park in Elk Grove. Ella loved playing in the bark - way too cute to watch her throw it up in the air as if it was snow.
Video: Ella and Claire greet one another (June 26, 2012).
Video: Ella and Claire enjoying the bark (June 26, 2012).
Overall, I think Ella's personality is bursting out and she's letting more people hold her. It's wonderful to see her give hugs, laughs, smiles and kisses to our friends.
McKinley Park:
We had a fun day on Monday, June 25th - the park and swimming. After we completed our morning errands, Ella napped on the car ride to pick up the Adair kids. She loves having them in the car with her (and so do I!). We love McKinley park and all of its creatures roaming around. We spent a couple hours playing by the pond, chasing squirrels, and having a small picnic. It was a fun lunch with the kids at the park.
Videos: Ella, Paige and Jack feeding the ducks (June 25, 2012).
Video: Ella wants to touch the ducks (June 25, 2012).
Video: Ella walking around the play ground (June 25, 2012).
Video: Ella chasing the squirrels (June 25, 2012).
Pictures: Ella at McKinley Park (June 25, 2012).
When we got home, Ella was thrilled to have the kids over and she loves to play with Isaac. He has a certain charm that gets her laughing. I love it!
Video: Ella loves playing with Isaac (June 25, 2012).
After everyone took their afternoon nap, we joined McKenzie and Ethan at the Recreation Center for a swim. Ella scraped her left knee while walking to the pool. Sigh, now both of her knees are scraped up. She had a good time in the bench entrance splashing around.
Picture: McKenzie feeding Ella grapes (June 25, 2012).
We hosted our first kids swimming party with Ella this past Saturday, June 23rd for our congregation. We had about 30 kids varying different ages come and everyone seemed to have a great time despite the breeze and semi-warm weather. We were hoping for a hot sunny day, but it all worked out! Ella was her usual clingy self at the beginning of the party but was more sociable towards the end.
Video: Ella eating with the rest of the kids (June 23, 2012).
Video: Ella at the recreation pool (June 23, 2012).
Picture: Ella sitting and eating with the kids (June 23, 2012).
Picture: Ella joining the kids playing with the punching balls (June 23, 2012).
Picture: Ella with the big purple ball (June 23, 2012).
Picture: Ella watching Wyatt playing with the ball (June 23, 2012).
Overall, we had a fun time with all the kids and their folks. Ella behaved for most of it which was great especially since she didn't get her afternoon nap. When we got home, I notice she got her first knee scrape ;( Doesn't seem to bother her but still breaks my heart to see her get hurt.
Picture: Ella's first scrape on her right knee (June 24, 2012).
Ella woke up from her morning nap to a lovely surprise - Gabriella and Sophia! She just loves having her friends over to play with. We eventually ended up going outside and Sophia blew bubbles for Ella. I am always so amazed at how good her vision is. She can pick up the tiniest speck on the floor!
Picture: Sophia blowing bubbles for Ella (June 22, 2012).
Video: Ella enjoying the front yard with Sophia and Gabriella (June 22, 2012).
After we had lunch, Ella played a little more with Sophia and Gabriella while the dogs kept trying to join the fun. I love how friendly Ella is with the friends when she is at home. She lets them hold her, hug her, and even chase her. It's wonderful.
On Thursday, June 21st, Ella spent the afternoon with Isaac, Paige and Jack. As always, she loves having them around (as much as I do if not more). It's nice to see her following them, playing next to them, screaming to have her toys back, and at times chase them.
Video: Ella singing to Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes (June 21, 2012).
Video: Ella and Paige playing with the toys (June 21, 2012).
Picture: Ella and Paige playing with the music toys (June 21, 2012).
The kids watched a movie while Ella went down for her nap. But when she woke up, we went to Sam Combs Park in West Sacramento. It wasn't the best park day as it was super windy however we still managed to have a good time
Picture: Ella with Jack at the Sam Combs park (June 21, 2012).
We love our play dates with Isaac, Paige and Jack!
On Wednesday, June 20th, we went on a wonderful play date with Tien and Claire. We met downtown in front of the library, went to the farmers market, had lunch at Wayside Noodles, and then enjoyed the library. Fun morning with the girls ;)
Video: Ella and Claire playing on the sidewalk (June 20, 2012).
Video: Ella and Claire at Wayside Noodles (June 20, 2012).
Video: Ella and Claire walking around the library (June 20, 2012).
After Tien and Claire left, we decided to stay a little longer until Brian was done with his errands. Ella made a few new friends and just loves being around books! I hope she continues her love for books as she gets older.
Video: Ella making new friends at the library (June 20, 2012).
Pictures: Ella making friends and enjoying the library (June 20, 2012).
We made it home just as Brian got home! Spent the afternoon hanging out together as a family, went to the recreation center for a swim, and relaxed the rest of the evening.
Video: Ella eating a snack after going in for a swim (June 20, 2012).
On Monday, June 18th, we met up with Alicia and the twins at the Sacramento Zoo. Oh boy, did Ella have fun with Andrew and Cameron! I can't wait until William is at this age and they can both enjoy being pushed around in a wagon.
Video: Ella enjoying the Anteaters walking around (June 18, 2012).
Video: Ella enjoying the Zebras out and about (June 18, 2012).
It was nice to see Ella being more social as she gets older. She still has her moments (especially in large groups) but she does really well when we have friends over (probably because she's in her own environment and isn't scared). She didn't seem bothered sitting with Andrew, walking around the twins or giving hugs to Alicia. Woohoo!
Picture: Ella and Andrew looking at the Zebra (June 18, 2012).
Can't wait to have Ella see the monkeys on our next zoo adventure with the twins.
Costco & Play Date:
We spent last Friday, June 15th at Costco, with the Adair kids and an 8th grade graduation pool party. While at Costco, we bumped into Isaac, Paige and Jack and Ella had a blast with the kids. Ella especially loved having Isaac entertain her while I was paying for our items. Afterward, we were able to take the Adair kids home with us and spent the afternoon playing before the going to the pool party.
Video: Isaac entertaining Ella at Costco (June 15, 2012).
Picture: Paige feeding Ella her lunch (June 15, 2012).
8th Grade Graduation Pool Party for Genna and Olivia
Ella got invited to her first pool party to celebrate Genna and Olivia's 8th grade graduation. We didn't go into the pool as she doesn't like the pool (but she sure does love the beach entrance at the rec center). However, she loved eating watermelon and dancing in front of the friends. Good times as always.
Video: Ella relaxing on Sabrina's swing next to the pool (June 15, 2012).
Picture: Ella chilling by the pool watching the kids (June 15, 2012).
This past Tuesday, after Ella took her morning nap we had a play date at Claire's house. Claire learned to jump in her crib and she showed Ella how to do it too. The video of them both jumping is so adorable. Since then, she has not jumped in her crib.
Picture: Ella and Claire in the crib (June 12, 2012).
Videos: Claire teaches Ella to jump in the crib (June 12, 2012) - Part 1 and 2.
Lunch at Leatherby's
Did you know Leatherby's open a new shop in Elk Grove? It opened this past May and has been drumming up a crowd. After our play date, we took the girls to Leatherby's for lunch and boy did they have a blast! Ella sure does love the taste of ice cream.
Picture: Ella sucking on her finger she touched the ice cream with (June 12, 2012).
Morning play date with Andrew and Cameron
Ella refused her morning nap but managed to be pleasant when the twins came over for a play date. She shared her toys, watched them chase each other, and learned how to walk around other kids. I find it most interesting how possessive she is with her toys. Initially, she cringed when the boys played with lion, alligator or drums. Toward the end of the play date, she just played along side them.
Pictures: Ella playing with Cameron. Andrew pushing Ella on the lion. Playing in her room.
Video: Ella playing with Cameron (June 11, 2012).
Video: Ella playing with Andrew and Cameron (June 11, 2012).
Afternoon play date with Paige and Jack
After her short afternoon nap (man, I wanted her to sleep longer), Ella was able to spend a few minutes with Paige and Jack. Looking back, she wouldn't dare follow them or even leave my side. Nowadays, as long as she knows where I am she's perfectly content to follow the kids around and see what they're up to.
Picture: Ella, Paige and Jack playing with the drums.
Video: Ella playing her drums with Paige and Jack (June 11, 2012).
We had a nice morning getting ready for meeting. Decided to have Ella wear her blue dress for the first time and she totally rocked it now that she walks.
Picture: Ella with her blue dress (June 10, 2012)
Video: Ella playing with the iPad (June 10, 2012).
Lunch at Olive Garden
Ella's first trip to Olive Garden was a success! I love being free to have lunch with our friends after meeting. Ella was able to have a nice meal with the Adairs, Williams, and Claypools. Can't say too much about the food (it is a chain restaurant after all) but Ella sat in the high chair for almost two hours. Impressed? We sure are! She got fussy towards the end since it was past her afternoon nap time but we survived.
Picture: Ella says "let me out of this chair!" (June 10, 2012).
Video: Ella starting to show how tired she is (June 10, 2012).
Ella was not happy the rest of the afternoon since she refused her afternoon nap and was over-stimulated. Sigh, I hate pushing her to stay awake. I always ended up with a cranky baby.
This past week, we were able to get in lots of play dates with Ella's favorite friends. Socializing Ella with other kids is getting more entertaining as she continues to master walking.
Monday (June 4, 2012) - Play date with Isaac, Paige and Jack.
Who loves watching kids run around, play board games and dance? Ella does! She thoroughly enjoyed her afternoon with Isaac, Paige and Jack.
Picture: Ella sharing her books and toys.
Picture: Ella wants to play Hungry Hungry Hippos.
Picture: Ella trying to join in on a game of Twister.
Tuesday (June 5, 2012) - Play date with Kingston at McKinley Park.
McKinley Park has a great playground next to a pond filled with ducks, geese, and turtles.
Picture: Ella and Kingston sitting on a bench watching the animals.
Video: Ella and Kingston trying to feed the animals.
Thursday (June 7, 2012) - Play date with Claire.
Ella and Claire had a fun play date at the Sacramento Downtown Library on I street for story time. Story time wasn't all that great but the play mat was pretty cool.
Picture: Ella and Claire playing in the library.
Video: Ella and Claire playing on the playmate at the library.
Friday (June 8, 2012) - Play date with Sophia and Gabriella. Play date with Isaac, Paige & Jack.
Ella got to spend quality time with Sophia and Gabriella after her morning nap.
Picture: Ella enjoying Sophia and Gabriella's visit.
Video: Ella watching the girls play a board game.
After the girls left, Ella went down for her afternoon nap. But to her surprise, she woke up and got to play with Isaac, Paige & Jack. What a wonderful Friday for Ella!
Video: Ella playing with Jack and Isaac.
Can't wait for more adventures with Ella and her friends.
