Ellie-isims

Ellie has been on one lately with some of the things she says. One of my favorite things she says is "lasterday."  This word means any day previous to today. Ellie says it all the time, until recently when she started using last year or last month. Although she isn't great about time lines and usually says it when she means the other day or last week.

While riding in the car and listening to Christmas music, the "Little Drummer Boy" came on. This particular version was not my favorite so I changed the song. From the back seat I hear, "Hey changed it back. I like 'da-bum, bum, da-bum' song."

As I was putting her down for bed, she was being a typical toddler and doing everything to delay it and stay awake. Finally I gave her a stern "Good night Ellie" to which she responds, "Why are you so ornery?" Really? We must have been saying that to her a lot recently.

She told Stefanie to not worry about being alone because Grandpa would be home soon.

Everyday it is something new with her and I love it.

Fall in Utah (part 2)

I love my girls. They love each other and love playing together. Ellie is such a great big sister.  

 

Fall in Utah

It's been nice living in a place with a yard. Ellie has really enjoyed everything that comes with it. Although you have got to love Utah weather. These pictures were taken only a few days apart.

 

Ellie asked to rake leaves about once a week while the weather was good. 

 

Of course she had to jump in them.

Sammi just wanted to eat the leaves.

Sophie didn't like being in the leaves

Ellie even went next door with me to help a neighbor rack leaves. She was such a big help.

Of course, later that week I was out building snowmen at least 2 times because of the amount of snow we got.

Yes that's a real carrot nose.

Yes, we love having a yard, although Ellie wants more snow.

Season of Giving

Lately I have felt a great desire to give and donate towards a good cause. I'm not sure what the trigger was but I have really just wanted to buy stuff to give away for those in true need. So I did a little research and found some websites with good information about donations they accept or ways to volunteers. Most of these even go on year round.

Candy Cane Corner and their wish list this season. I hear this place is great because you tour the facility when you drop off your donation.
Primary Children's Hospital is always looking for items to help children and their families who have extended stays.
The Road Home takes care of homeless families.
United Way has tons of resources for volunteering throughout the community.
Utah Food Bank
Also, many hospitals and first responders accept new or gently used stuffed animals to give to children involved in a trauma.

I like these because they are simple for an individual or great for larger groups.

Please let me know of any other places or ideas you know of or like to donate to.

"A Utah Fan am I"

If you can't tell, we are University of Utah fans. Jake and I have each been able to attend a football game with my dad. Each time, Ellie has asked if she could go. Finally came the game my dad could attend, Utah vs. Washington State. When we told Ellie we were going to a game, she was so excited. Although the game was a blow out, the girls really enjoyed being at the game.

 

The family that sits around us really loved the girls. We had such a good time.

 

I had Jake and the girls pose for this picture and apparently the TV camera guy behind us thought the picture was cute because he snapped one too and used it at the end of the game. They were on TV. Luckily fellow Utah fans from Denver were watching the game and told us.  



 

Proud daddy, happy Sammi, and cheeser Ellie.

 The family behind us took this shot.

The next week, we went to a Utah basketball game with Poppy DeVon. Again, the girls had a blast. Ellie ran every where and danced to ever song. Poppy DeVon, along with help from my Uncle Russ, was able to catch a ball thrown into the stands. Ellie loved it.

Maybe soon Ellie will be able to sing the Utah man song. Go Utes!

Little Crazy People

We have some little crazy people. Ellie even took a class through Sandy City called Little Crazy People. It was a fun class where she could play and meet new people. If you are looking for something fun for a little crazy person, look into this class.

We took a trip to the new Scheels store here. Of course, with athletic gear and outdoor gear, it is a good combination for our family.

They have these fun photo op spots around the top level.

Bears don't scare me.

Caught my fish.

We love Elk rides.

Here was the scariest part of the evening, letting Ellie hold Sammi for the following picture.

Loving sisters.

Ellie loves yelling and screaming with family.

Ellie, wearing Kelsey's dress, and doing lifts with Uncle Devin.

She is mischievous and loves getting into things. It doesn't always turn out the way she likes.

Daddy, help me out. I'm stuck.

One day she tried jumping from the couch to the chair and missed. Later that day, she pulled the piano bench over on her. I guess one day, she'll learn.

Sammi is just as funny. She loves holding things in her mouth. She rolls everywhere and does the funniest crawl. It starts with her lifting onto her elbows and knees and rocking. She then tips forward onto her chest. At which point she has to roll onto her back because her arms are pinned under her.

Yummy lion. GGRRR!

I love my little crazy people.

Sammi is 6 months

Sammi is 6 months old. Sometimes I can't believe it. She weighs 16.5 lbs (58th percentile) and around 28 inches (above 95th percentile). She has mastered rolling. She can roll to any location she wants. So far, any other movement is just backwards.

GGRRR!!!

 Sammi has started eating cereals, fruits and veggies. It took us a little while to figure out how she wanted to the cereal. Since day one, she has liked mashed potato consistency cereal. If you try to feed her something she doesn't like, she gags on it. Not to the point of throwing up but exactly the way a pouting child would. As annoying as it is, it still made me laugh.

 

Sammi loves her sister. Whenever Ellie is around, she giggles and smiles. If she is crying, Ellie can sing (ABCs, Twinkle Twinkle, or any primary song she knows) and Sammi stops. She is still a little finicky about taking naps.

She is a very loving child. She still likes to cuddle and give kisses. I believe baby kisses keep you looking young.

Love you lots baby girl.