Ladybug Birthday!

We just finished the weekend long 3rd birthday celebration for Miss Ella. Can I start off by saying that I am still in complete shock that I have a 3 year old? I really cannot believe that 3 years have gone by so fast. It seems like in the past couple of weeks Ella really grew up. She talks in complete sentences all the time instead of just once in awhile and she understands me so much better. Of course that is hard for anyone that knows me because I talk so stinkin' fast. Oh, and alot. Anyway, she gets me! :) I love how everytime Mark leaves she says "I lub you Daddy", without having us spur her on. It means more for some reason because she is coming up with it on her own. I love my sweet girl and I am thankful every day for being blessed with such a terrific kid. She definitely makes my world better everytime I think about or see her.

As far as her birthday, we had the ladybug theme. Thanks to my friend Dana from Midland that used the idea when her oldest had a birthday. We ended up having a family birthday on Sunday night at Mark's parents house. I made taco pile ups for the family and then we ate Ladybug cake for dessert. Afterwards Ella opened birthday presents and then the kids did slip and slide and played in the sprinklers. Water is always a great idea in Ella's world. We then celebrated again with our playgroup on Monday. Yes, I was in some crazy baking mood because I made 2 Ladybug cakes, ladybug brownies and ladybug cupcakes that by the way, are still hanging out in my fridge as I type. We swam with our friends on Monday, did gifts and played give the ladybug her spots, my throw the black beanbags onto the ladybug game. It was fun and then we had to pack up really quick because the kids went to my inlaws and Mark and I headed back to San Antonio. Mark had a bankers meeting there and so we got a kid free, mini vacation out of it. Wonderful, except for the horrible cold I had while we traveled down there and the first day and a half. Ugh. I thought it was allergies, but then it turned into a head cold which Ella has now had and Hayden woke up with a runny nose this morning. Great. On to the pictures.....

Getting ready to blow out her candles
Her new scooter from Gig and Mur
Ella with her new bike from Mommy and Daddy
Big Lukers hug!

I tried to be creative with wrapping Ella's gifts from us

Our Ladybug beanbag toss

Cake #1
Cake #2

Ladybug BrowniesLadybug Cupcakes



Playgroup Birthday Party

Mark and I enjoyed our trip and had fun eating out and going down to the River Walk. I feel like we've been there so much this year. While Mark was in his meeting I drove to New Braunfels and hung out with my child hood friend Carrie and her son Corbin. We had a great time catching up. We've known each other since kindergarten and have stayed in touch ever since we graduated high school. It is amazing to me that out of the over 500 people that I graduated high school with or grew up with for that matter, that I only remain in touch with one. Amazing. We have our 10 year reunion in October and I debate about whether or not to go. It is back in Dallas and since my family doesn't live there anymore it would be a bigger trip. We will see. Anywho, the day I left we went to see her grandmother who lives on the river. We just sat out on the back porch and enjoyed the quietness as others floated down the river. I miss trees by the way. Goodness, I've forgotten how great they are!!!

Mimi, Corbin and Carrie

The best yard of the year award!! I wish I lived there!!

Well, that is enough rambling for now. I'll leave you with pictures. Oh, I forgot to mention in the midst of all the Ella celebration I also turned another year older. I had a great date with Mark and got some fun things for my birthday.

Don't worry he really did get "me" a gift, this was just a gift to himself for putting up with me for another year. :) Well, I have to admit I have had fun playing it too.