Party Time - Princess Style

After a week of all teen, all of the time, it was refreshing to attend Chloe's Princess Party.  Ellison enjoyed dressing up, dancing, and acting like a four year old.  Although Ellison talks about her boyfriend, dressing like a teenager, and is constantly telling us the do's and don'ts of being a teenager, in the end, she still runs behind a tree at the sight of her "boyfriend" and loves a good princess party. Afterall, she is FOUR! (Just happens to be 4 with a big personality - which is awesome if you ask me)

Ellison's Pre-Party model pose.

 

Hair + Nails + Make-up = Pretty Princess

Ellison checking herself out.

Princess Chloe and Princess Ellison.

It's Over...

The Bar Exam is over (hopefully forever).  I almost don't know what to do with myself now that I don't have law school or bar studying on the brain.  Nevermind, I know exactly what to do with myself--- get to work!  I have a family that is excited to welcome me back, a house that is in desparate need of TLC, and an office that has missed me.  It's good to be back!

Dylan running after Graham. Yes, that is a bucket of water.

Got him!

Really got him!

Got me!

Yes, it's good to be back! And the best news, Ashley and Andy are engaged!!!! Now I have time to help A & A plan their big day!

Imagination Gone Wild!

Four year olds don't mean to lie.  Ok, well sometimes they do.  However, the outrageous stories filled with crazy tales are just their imaginations on overdrive.

I have been in Tampa since Friday for my last few days before the big exam.  Ellison caught me up tonight on what I have missed...

1. A gigantic lizard lives in our kitchen.  They found it on top of an avocado.  He took a really big bite.  Likes the color pink.  Oh yes, and if I want him gone I better call "animal control".

2. There was an alligator on our street.  The alligator was about to attack Mr. Jose.  I shouldn't worry though because Ellison went right up to it and saved Mr. Jose.  It was actually a sweet and little alligator.  She cuddled it in her arms.  As she walked it back to the lake, Mr. Steve came out and freaked out. He calmed down. She returned the cute little gator back to the lake.

3. Last night, Ellison partied all night long.  Daddy slept the entire time.  She ate fruit snacks all night long.  Dylan partied with her.

I am not 100% sure that #3 is a figment of her imagination.  I do know one thing, #1 better be a figment... or she better be calling animal control!

Dill Pickle and Barbie get MARRIED!

Ellison is obsessed with weddings right now.

It was no surprise to arrive home a few weeks ago and discover that Ellison was deep into her imagination dreaming up a wedding. Lucky for Ellison, Amanda was a willing participant in the wedding plans...

Meet Dill Pickle:

Meet Barbie Ariel:

The invitations:

 The Groom on the Big Day:

 The Bride ready to walk down the aisle:

The happy imaginary couple:

For All the Single Ladies...

Forget fashion designer, I think we may have found Ellison's true calling, relationship counselor. Today, she gave a few tips to Amanda on how to find a Prince. 

Listen closely single gals, I think she is on to something...

Haphazard 4th!

Our Fourth celebration was a little off this year. First, I can't remember the last time we stayed in town to celebrate ( I really can not recall a Fourth in Central Florida). However, with the Bar looming we chose to stay put.

Second, on the evening before, Dylan came down with the stomach bug... not good.

So on the Fourth, Graham and Ellison went fishing with Uncle Tim, enjoyed the pool, and Dylan and I cuddled on the couch (as he recovered).  In the evening, we lit a few fireworks and called it a night.

The festivities continued on the 5th at summer camp with a Fourth of July parade led by a father who was home from service for the week.  It was very touching to watch the father with his daughter.  It was wonderful to see Ellison march in the parade (Dylan was still sick and out for the day).  It was not fun to start throwing up during the parade in front of everyone.  Yep, I caught the stomach bug.

By that evening, Ellison had also caught the bug.  Graham followed the next day, which meant everyone stayed home and had a movie day.  The great news, time spent together... the bad news, well the stomach bug.  I am already booking the condo for the Fourth next year!

They may be sick, but they sure are happy!

Advice not Taken...

Study around the clock, say good bye to your family, lock yourself in a room, and focus for the next few months was the advice given as I began to study for the Bar Exam. I have tried to take it, use it, follow it, and maintain a positive attitude.

However, there is one piece of the advice that I am not listening to... I have not said good bye to my family.  I refuse.  Just as I think I am having a nervous breakdown, Ellison will belt out a tune, Dylan will start a fit of giggles, or Graham will say something ridiculous. They keep me grounded. So for now, I will lock myself away to study, but take some much deserved breaks with the ones I love.

A few photos from Friday night at Landon's Birthday Party: