Vacation Time!

There will be no postings for about 10 days because tomorrow we are heading here:

We are really looking forward to some time away. I am sure I will have lots of pictures to post when we return!

Like a kid in a candy store

Actually, Ben would probably tell you it was BETTER than a candy store!

On Saturday, we went to our friends' Sam and Amy's house for a cookout. There were a ton of families and kids. The fun part about Sam and Amy's is that they have a TON of really cool toys for kids (like every electric ride-on toy you could ever imagine). Well Ben hopped right on and acted like he had been driving these vehicles his entire life. We couldn't get him off -- not even when the battery died. Ella also seemed to find the whole thing very exciting. I think we will be making a trip to the toy store sometime soon...

On Sunday, Ella and I went to a bridal shower for Matt's friend from law school, Sarah. I had to post this picture because Ella looked SO CUTE for the shower.

New Do

Ben was starting to look a little shaggy, so we thought it would be a good time for a haircut, especially since we leave for vacation next week. He got it chopped!! I love it! He seriously looks like he is 5 years old now! What happened to my little baby???


Ben thought he would introduce Ella to the sport of wrestling today. As you can tell from the pictures, she didn't seem to mind!

Max's Birthday Weekend

So, we headed home to Canton last weekend for Max's First Birthday Party! After the hail storm that damaged everyone's cars (seriously), we were able to party! Max has become such a big boy!






Ella thought that she would get into the party spirit too!



We ate great BBQ and enjoyed watching Max dig into his cake.




Ella was pretty tired, so she made sure that her zazzy, kaka (bunny) and blankey were with her at all time. Here she is with Gigi and Grandma Joyce



After things started to dry up a little after the terrible storm, the kids were able to run around outside and play



Here is McKenna and Ben with Ava, having the ever-popular fruit snacks and Capri Sun


One last picture of our Birthday Boy at bedtime. (he really looks so much like Ben here!)


On Sunday, we went to Erin and Josh's church and then all met up at my parents so that the kids to play some more. Ben and McKenna are DEFINITELY the BEST OF FRIENDS! You can just tell by the pictures how much they enjoy being with each other...





Seeing them together makes me wish we lived closer so that they could play all the time. But maybe because they don't get to see each other all the time, the times they are together are extra special!

I wonder if Max and Ella will be the same way....

Guess who's getting married?

We want to say CONGRATS to our friends, Meredith and Jeremy, who just got engaged! We are so happy for you! Love you both!!

Mr. Max

Happy 1st Birthday, Max!!!

Sorry, big guy. I should have posted this yesterday, on your actual birthday! I'm a bad aunt....

We LOVE YOU SO MUCH and are looking forward to your big party this weekend!

Ella's new buddy

My mother-in-law, Patty, has been working super hard watching the kids every day. We thought she could use a few days off, so today, while Ben was at school, my friend April watched Ella. April and Jeff have a golden-doodle named Montgomery, who is the biggest, cutest, sweetest dog. Ella seemed to really take a liking to him (and his toys!)

Thanks for the playdate today, April. Ella is already looking forward to spending the day with you again next Thursday!