They Call Her Ella Bella: Finally an update!

After several busy, busy months, I am finally getting around to updating. We have had a wonderful summer which has included buying and moving into a new house in the small community of Holcomb. Tim has taken a new job as a middle school reading teacher here, and I will continue to work in Garden City which is only about 6 miles away. We are all enjoying the new house, especially Ella, who has lots more room to run and play. Her calling in life may be an activities director, as she has engaged Tim and I in many activities over the last couple of weeks, including games of Hide and Seek and hopping, knee-walking, and running races in the basement. She delights much more in standing between Tim and I and telling us to "GO!" than she does in participating! Ella's vocabulary continues to grow, and she constantly amazes us with the things she says. She uses several 2 and 3 word phrases, and on Sunday said, "Mama, read to me." She loves to eat (for the time being-this status may change tomorrow...) and is enthusiastic about her food. "Mmm! Chocolate!" were the words that came out of her mouth when I asked her if she wanted to make brownies this weekend. She LOVES to be outside. If there were a stronger word than love to describe how she feels about being outside, I would use it. Rain or 100+ degree temperatures can't keep her inside. She especially loves to be out at Grammy and Papa's house where she can see the cows, kitties, and Gus the dog. Here are several pictures from our summer thus far--hopefully I will update again soon!