Mud Diggers

Dylan and our neighbors decided to play with mud.  Ellison wanted nothing to do with it and headed home.

Weekend Fun

We started the weekend off right... and ended it with a lazy Sunday. 

Ellison's BFF, Tiana, came over for a sleepover.  Ellison had the grand idea of a shaving cream fight.

Once again, Dylan finds the hose!  Watch out girls!

Ellison and Dylan decided to have their own slumber party the next night. Pillow fight!

Ellison dressed up as "Graham".  Dylan wanted Graham's visor back.

Good Morning

Ellison swore the other day that Graham and I only had videos of Dylan.  So I found this gem.  Enjoy!

Skinny Girl

It's a common topic... Ellison's advanced language skills.  I don't mean advanced in the sense of using inappropriate or bad words.  I mean in her ability to talk as if she was an adult.  Not only an adult, but a well-educated adult. 

I was out to dinner tonight and one of the topics of conversation was Ellison and the interesting / hilarious / ridiculous discussion we have had with her.  Several of the ladies had never met Ellison, so the rest of us shared stories. 

There is one story, I have been meaning to share:

A few weeks ago, a neighbor threw a party that included smores and a bonfire.  At the end of the night, Ellison stated to me, "I only had 2 bites of my marshmallow. If I had more, I was going to get a fat butt."  I was shocked, appalled, and concerned. 

1. I never discuss my body negatively or anybody else's body in front of Ellison.
2. I have always told her to not judge others because God made us all special and different.
3. I only talk about healthy and non healthy foods from the standpoint of "fuel for your body, no cavities, sugar bugs, etc."

Ellison observes everything around her.  Not only does she observe, but she absorbs it.  If you say it, she will hear it and process it.  If there is glitter on the floor (even just one piece), she will stop and admire its beauty. 

Last week, a commercial for Skinny Girl Margaritas came on the TV.  Ellison called me into the room and said, "Mom, you need to buy some of this Skinny Girl drink.  Then you can be really skinny." 

I responded with, "I don't really think I need to drink that.  I think my body is great the way it is."

To which she replied, "Mom, you are not skinny."  She rattled off names of a few moms from school that in her opinion were skinny and to her credit she was right. 

At this point, Ellison had stated her case, made a good point, hit on my own personal insecurity, and so the only thing I felt I could counter with was "well I think I look great and God made everyone different."

Then point blankly, Ellison replies, "You don't need to be so uptight about it, Mom."

All I could do was walk away with a slight smile.  After all, I have to give Ellison credit - she's one smart cookie.  And since she is so smart, I think Ellison will figure out that if she eats that second marshmallow it will be OK.  

Quack, Quack

This may be the longest period of time I have gone without posting a blog update. Life has been crazy.  However, among all of the crazy, we have been able to take some time out and have fun.

Last weekend, we met up with my parents at the Maitland Art Festival for a quick stroll.  While Ellison and her Grandmother bought out the hair bow lady, Dylan was in love with chasing the Lake Lily ducks. 

In order to leave the festival in a peaceful manner, I bribed Dylan with a promise to return after school on Monday for a picnic. Always one to keep a promise (and it helps to have children that never forget), we ran home after school. While Ellison properly accessorized for the occasion, I packed a picnic with an extra loaf of bread. 

The family time was lovely and I am happy to report that Dylan loves the ducks.  In fact, the child has no fear of throwing bread directly in the duck's face...

 petting the wild and sometimes agressive duck...

and when all else fails, roaring at the ducks!

Afterall, the kid had the cards stacked against him when it comes to ducks...

Remember this guy?

He's the duck / goose that still haunts Graham in his dreams... I mean I have never seen Graham move so fast. Or this classic, throw the loaf and run for your lives...

 

This is one time, its good to be like his Mamma. 

 

On a side note, I do realize that payback for this blog post is coming my way.  I just can't resist posting that goose every chance I get. 

First Pool Dip 2013

Strike a Pose.
Needing me to open door = Willing participants.

 

Dylan said, "Brrrr... freezing"... and then ran right back in.

 

The chilly water did not phase Olivia.
 

Ashley and Andy, sitting in a tree...

Although Ashley and Andy have been engaged since July, it was not until 2 weeks ago that the wedding planning was amped up and the celebrations really began.  This past weekend, Mrs. Layden threw Ashley a beautiful tea to celebrate her engagement. 

I have two things to say about the whole thing..

1.  I am super excited that my sister found Andy - we love Ashley, we love Andy, but most importantly we love them together!

2. I am even more thrilled that with Andy comes his wonderful family. 

Let the celebrations begin! Ashley's getting married!