Today Ellie and I came down to Vegas for our monthly trip. Kellie had dropped Ryker off at my Mom's by the time we got there, so Ellie had someone to play with. Here is how we have spent the afternoon already.
Then a little Madagascar 2 which we got at CVS for $4.99!!!
Kellie has been trying to teach Ryker how to say Ellie for awhile, but he just can't manage all the L's and E's. So on our trip to San Fran he started calling her LaLa. He sort of sings it too, which is so cute:) So as I was surfing some of my fave blogs I came across this, so here is LaLa's shout out to Rykie!
So Ellie is not the greatest child during church. She doesn't sit well and I am sure many of you remember her escape into the other ward's sacrament meeting. Yesterday, she finally turned 18 months and entered the nursery. When we got their they were eating a snack (animal crackers & goldfish) which are 2 favorites, so she sat right down and started eating and didnt really mind that we left. Brady went to check on her after Sunday School and she had fallen asleep! I think the last time she slept at church was 9 months ago!!! They did have to bring her in the middle of RS, but only to get a new diaper, but then she went right back in to play!! It was rather nice to actually spend time in class and somewhat pay attention. I just hope it lasts!!
Ellie practicing her blogging:)
This last week Ellie and I took a trip with my parents, Kellie, and Ryker to visit my sister Kim in Northern Cali. We left bright and early on Thursday morning for the 9 hour drive. The kids did pretty well and slept most of the way to Bakersfield. After a stop at McDonalds for breakfast and a little running around we got back in the car for the second half. The kids were a little more restless this half, but finally fell asleep for awhile. Then it was peaceful until the last 15 minutes. Ellie was done and screaming her complaints from the back and Ryker was just glaring at us.
Once we got to Kim's the kids were so excited to run around in the backyard and chase Polo (the family dog). They both loved Polo and would give him hugs and kisses all the time.
While we were there we went to Alex's and Ritchie's basketball games, ate a lot of great food, took a trip to the pier in San Fran, went shopping, and just hung out. 
We also celebrated x-mas with the Fishers opening their gifts. Ellie and Ryker were quite helpful and loved the hat that Alex got!
We had such a great time until it was time to think about the drive home. It seemed to take forever and the kids were not as great, but still really pretty good. Ellie loved having Ryker around and is going through some withdraws without him 24/7!
Friday the Brinkerhoff girls came over while their Mom went to the dentist. Since they came in the afternoon Ellie missed her nap, so that she could play instead. They had a great time,however, this is how I found Ellie after they left!
We are having a BOY!!!!
Ellie woke up bright and early Christmas morning, even after staying up late! Santa must have decided she was a good girl, because she did pretty well. Our morning started off a little slow she was not to sure of anything. She didn't really want anything to do with the Santa toys, but went after the things in her stocking. Her favorite a toothbrush:) Once we started opening the gifts she got a little more excited. However, once she opened her Leap Frog Magnetic Farm toy, she wanted no more toys, she was HAPPY:) We let her play with her toys while we got ready to go out visiting.
Our first stop was Ryker's house where he was still opening presents, so Ellie sat down and started helping and playing:) We also went past my brother's for breakfast, and my sister to check out their gifts. We got back to my Mom's around one and put Ellie down for a nap, were she stayed until 5!! She has never slept that long, but it sure was nice. Then everyone came over for dinner again and more present opening. Overall we had a great Christmas season:)
