Trip to Erie, PA

The end of August we drove up to Erie to visit my family and David's Dad and step-mom. We are trying to take advantage of being so close now (only 4 1/2 hours away). Ella and I were able to spend 10 days at my parent's house while David had to go back to Ohio for the week to attend his classes. We had a great time seeing family and just hanging it. I love that Ella is able to spend more time with her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

This is a picture of all the grandkids on my side of the family.....12 and counting!

Ella spent hours going up and down this step at my parent's house. It is so funny how the simplest things can entertain a child for a long time.

My little "Cool Baby". She loved those sunglasses and kept trying to put them on, although usually when she did it she just got a poked eye or mouth.

Ella's 1st Birthday!!!

Ella is now 1 year old and to celebrate we had a big Luau birthday party for her. Actually it was a dual party to Ella and Cole (my sister Lori's son, who turned 1 just a few days before Ella). The celebration was held at Lori's house and it was the perfect day. It has been raining the day before and earleir the day of the party, but about an hour or so before the celebration the sun came out and it turned out to be a great day. Below are some pictures of the events:

Ella's cake that came with a "smash cake" as well, which is in the next couple pictures.

Ella getting ready for the party!


Here is Ella tasting cake for the first time. She started off pretty timid, but as you'll see in the next couple of pictures, she go the idea.



After awhile, she was really having fun smashing into that cake.

Family picture!

Our friend, Kristen, drove up from the other side of PA to see us and celebrate Ella's birthday with us. It was great seeing her, since we had not seen her in awhile.


Here is Ella opening presents, actually she was not that interested in opening them, so David and I did most of that. She was too busy playing with the other kids and toys around the house.