Ella's Blessing

I asked Dad and Wendy what excuse they would use for a visit next since the pattern has been limited to baby blessings and Ella is likely our last. We'll have to see what occasion will draw them up once more! It was splendid to have them here! They took the children off my/our hands on multiple occasions enabling naps and housework. They also took on the long-needed chore of washing the windows, inside and out, as well as the screens. Many thanks!!!

Ella wore the blessing gown that I had used as an infant. I was going to use it for Averi and my sister, Eva's, gown for Ella (she offered) but a friend had given Avi a beautiful christening gown as a gift and I was happy to let her wear it. I guess Eva can pass her beautiful dress on to her granddaughter! My gown was slightly yellowed with age but still lovely. Who could've guessed it would cost $28 to dry clean!?!

We had a family luncheon at our home after the blessing. It turned out amazingly well! Thanks to all who contributed food!!

My favorite pic of just Ella

Ella with Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Kyle

Ella and Mommy

Avi folding arms for blessing on the food

Avi showing some leg!

Beautiful, sweet little Avi

Omi's cake for Ella

Uncle Kyle playing with the kids:

Ella Progresses

Our darling number three has progressed to smiling and cooing! We haven't caught it on camera yet, though Daddy got some footage. She's so adorable!

Here are a few pics, courtesy of Auntie Ariel:

Military Museum

Went to the Military Museum with Norm, Ariel, Rebecca, Mark, Jace and Aiden. It was surprisingly well done!

The Many Faces of Taylor

Went to the Somerset spray park with Aunt D. Caught a few cute pics of Taylor:

GQ Debonair

"Come here, Mommy!"

Hungry!

Best Calgary Water Park

It's gruelingly far but the Prairie Winds water park in NE Calgary is terrific! There's a spray area for little kids and a deep "wading" pool for older kids. I went with my neighbor, who has her own little one to deal with, and so had a hard time keeping tab on 3 kiddies. The only pics I got aren't very good, but you get the idea.

Sleeping Avi

Avi's famous for this:

Biker Babe!

It doesn't get cuter than this!
(July 17)

Cutest. Kids. Ever.

Taylor

Taylor and I were listening to the pouring rain today while Avi was napping. I told Taylor that I loved the sound of the rain and Taylor commented that the rain was making music. How amazing is that?

Avi

I tripped over a toy in our wreck of a playroom while Avi was present. Since she couldn't ask if I was okay, she came right over and gave me a hug. How sweet!

Boating Weekend

Lindsay's in-laws, the Bullocks, kindly invited the Nelsons to camp out at their lake plot and enjoy the use of their boat. They specifically allowed us to stay at their home 5 minutes away in deference to the baby which was so sweet of them! (July 10-11)

The late night and then the day's activities had Averi sleeping in until 8 am two days in a row!! A total miracle given her ritual of getting up at quarter after 6 every morning.

Taylor was mortified of tubing. Hopefully next year will be better!

Avi loved the boat. She just stared at the wake and wasn't afraid to try and touch the water with Mommy.

Ella and her namesake, Aunt Lizzy

More Baby Pics

My Baby Boy's Growing Up

Taylor started helping out more often. When I asked him to help me pick up blocks in the basement, he did so immediately and followed through to the end!

He's also been performing considerate acts like getting cups or bowls for Averi without being asked to at all! He sees the need and acts!

He asks Averi if it's alright if he rides the trike in the basement first instead of just racing for it.

He rocks baby Ella in her carseat if I'm busy elsewhere. He's been so sweet with her!

Bandana Girl

I love this pic (even though it is evidence of Avi's lazy eye)!

Baby Name

We finally decided to go with Ella Lindsay for baby girl. It's not my favorite name but it's the only one Shawn and I could agree on that seemed to suit her. It got rave reviews from my neighbor, though terrible reviews from Aunt Lindsay's best friend, Sara. She prefers the name Sara Lindsay... Of course. (Incidentally, she DID like my favorite name of Mara because it rhymes with Sara.) ;)

A Chicken By Any Other Name

Don't know where he picked it up, but Taylor will on occasion pretend to nibble on Averi's arm (or something) and comment that she tastes like chicken!

Taylor and the Sacrament

Taylor insisted on singing "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam" during the Sacrament last Sunday. When we tried to shush him, he would reply that he WAS singing quietly. It was more cute than mortifying.