elle's in onederland..."the decor"

This Saturday was Elle's first birthday. It was absolutely insane. Let's just say, next year, I'm picking a simpler theme. I think what made it so crazy was having only two people to set everything up, having to host, play photographer the whole day, and simultaneously make sure my baby was safe and having a great time. It was a bit of a blur to be honest; however, looking back at all the photos, I think it was such a success!

Here's what I could capture in between all the fun...

happy birthday sissy

For the first time Elle got to bring flowers to her auntie on her birthday. Last year, we had just got home from the hospital with our little pie, so we weren't able to make it out, but we made sure she got to say Happy Birthday this year. (I was originally hoping that they would share the same birthday, but two days apart is not bad.)

She picked out some of her favorite flowers from her own birthday celebration and loved being able to share them...

Happy Birthday Sissy! We love you very much!

life at eleven months

Baby Elle,

Your eleven month stats are going to be short and sweet this month. I love you so much sweet girl. You make me smile everyday. You are my heart.

You already know how busy we've all been around here, and I have to say you may have been the busiest of us all...

You are waving hello and goodbye.

Every time you pick something up you say "Is it?"  it's actually one word, more of an "issit", and I figured out it's because every time you pick something up and show Mama, I reply "What is it?"  I guess I should watch my grammar now that you are a squishy little sponge picking up on everything we do.

You have picked up a new favorite dance move, ask us to see this, we have it on film.

You like to sing every time Mama hums. I can already tell you will love music just as much as your family, but Elvis is your eighth cousin, it was inevitable. 

You shake your head No.

You think it is hysterical to put anything and everything on your head and walk around. Don't worry it is.

You recently discovered baby yogurt and it's hard to get you to eat anything else.

You can point to noses and mouths when asked, and we're now working on eyes, but those little fingers in my eye can be quite painful.

You don't like when people leave the room.

You climb on and off the couch.

You are in a big girl car seat.

You prefer to be walking next to me while shopping, so the stroller has been pretty much discontinued.

You are officially sleeping in your crib! I have to say you were way too comfortable with this way too quickly. I think Mommy was the one with all the sleepless nights because her cuddle bug was sleeping the night away without her. You slept 13.5 straight hours in your crib last night, making it possible for Mommy to get this post done...

And...

You are our perfect little eleven-month-old.

partying like a princess

Little miss Bella celebrated her third birthday today and although I would have loved to capture more of the  lovely festivities on film, (especially a group photos of all the sweet girls, I mean princesses) the weather wasn't feeling very cooperative today. Shame on you rain for visiting us in June!

Once the raindrops let up for a bit, the pinata's came out and Elle had the first crack at it. Why oh Why did I forget the camera in the car down the street? 

When I finally got my act together, here's what I managed to salvage...

The indoors...

  The underexposed...

And the overexposed...

My fair skinned beauty was just one of many adorable little tots running around, including the Bella of the ball herself. I promise to get photos of all the girls at the next bash, and I'll try my darndest to get the exposure right. 

Please shine down on us soon Mr. Golden Sun, two weeks and counting...

on the grind

Last weekend we had the pleasure of visiting the world's largest Native American grinding rock. Shawn and I both have a ton of Cherokee/Blackfoot blood pumping through our veins, which by the laws of nature means our little lady does as well.

It was the perfect way to inform her of her roots, while still having fun in the process.  Elle loved the outdoors and quality time with Grandpa doing what he does best...

 But wait there's more...

 

And that actually wasn't even all of it!

More fun stuff...

 

where Grandpa used to teach the Native American ways...

 

Elle loved the bird-calling

 

ginormous mural

 

 And our personal favorite of all the artifacts, the authentic Native American cradlebaskets...

Maybe that should be on my next craft to-do list...

 I'm sure Grandpa Raye will have some tips!