My little-big girl turns 3...

Introducing Ellis Ryan

On the day you were born you took my breath away and put tears on my eyes. Ellie, that was the first of many surprises you had in store for me!

1 year milestone...

You were growing like a weed and changing every day. There were smiles and giggles, new foods and footsteps. It was a first year of firsts and there are still many more to come.

We made it 2 years...

You tested my patience with temper tantrum and fits. You even made my face go red a few times be it from embarrassment, frustration, or laughter! Though, through all of the changes the one thing that never changed was your loving heart.

Happy 3rd birthday princess...

You are a princess and a diva, some have even called you a drama queen! You are cautious and reserved, silly and outspoken. You cuddle in the mornings and want to be left alone in the evenings and like nothing more than a bedtime story and a hug.

We put kisses on each other's hearts and I tell you as many times as I can every day how much I love you. You have a tender heart and I pray that this world never hardens it. And always know that no matter how big you get you will forever be my little girl. I love you.

Other pictures from Ellie's 3rd Birthday Weekend 2008!! Blowing out her candle! Way to go Big 3! We sang to her one last time on Sunday night, we shared a bit more cake, and opened a couple more gifts... a good way to end a Big 3 Birthday Weekend!
Look even her pumpkins are ready to party!!
Beating on her new drum. And before you ask... I was the one who got that for her and yes, I know what I am getting myself into!
Opening birthday presents at home... in our panties. Well, at least she is comfy!
37.5 inches tall on her 3rd birthday! That is 1 inch taller since July 31st!
Crashed out after the last minute party and weekend full of fun, sugar, and birthdays!! Then it was home for a three hour nap!
Erica, laid back and enjoying the party!
Playing with E's new barbie.
Look, it is the Birthday Buddies! After we (Lisa, Julie, Aunt Angela, Janice, Andrew, Erica, and I) finished the Race for the Cure we took the kids up to the hotel where Bill, Deb, and Jer were staying and playing with Ellie so that we could all sing Happy Birthday to Ellie and Andrew together. Thank you Aunt Angela for bringing cupcakes!!
Happy birthday Andrew!
Andrew, this is my new barbie, Ariel.
Miss Independent had to pull her own luggage and gifts to the car. She made the rest of us look like schmucks while we stood back and didn't carry anything at all!
Ellie and Daddy horsing around... Silly Daddy!
Jer in Ellie's birthday tiara
Ellie and I
Grandma and Ellie in the hotel lobby looking at the fish... Look, there is another one!
Eskimo kisses with Grandpa and his cow nose!

Wow! A suitcase full of fun!!
Hiding her eyes and waiting for her presents.

And below are some clips of Ellie just being Ellie...

Ellie's 3rd Birthday Party

Ellie's party was Saturday, October 18th at North Run Farm. The weather was cool and sunny, actually, a perfect day for a farm party! We fed the pigs, ate cake and snacks (and avoided the bees), played in the hay and corn 'sand'box, and took a hay ride. It was fun for everyone!

I will apologize now, these photos are in reverse order... oops!

Playing the drums on the pumpkins.
Thank you Evie for coming!
Sophie, Leigh, and MB
Grant... laid back!
Ellie and Ellie perched up on the hay pales.
Ellie feeding the pigs a split pumpkin.
Ellie and Joelle ran up ahead of the group to the pigs and fed the pigs a handful of their own snacks! Too cute!
Running along the top of the hay maze.
Ellie is 3!! (or 'E' in this case!)
Ellie's farm cake.
Here comes another tractor on the hay ride!
Joelle on the hayride.
Evie seems to be having a great time too!
Sophie was all smiles and bouncing along for the entire ride!
Ellie and Ellie sitting in the back of the tractor trailer.
Ellie and I waiting for our turn on the hay ride just outside of the corn maze.
Happy Birthday Big Girl!!
Ellie, Ellie, Joelle, and Evie waiting patiently!
Sophie and Leigh on the farm.
Joelle, Ellie, and Ellie running around... is that like Larry, Daryl, and Daryl? Hmm...
Here they are, the three stooges, perched up on a tall hay bale. Joelle, Ellie, and Ellie.
Papoo, Angie, and Louie watching Evie and Grant play in the tractor tire corn box.
Sophie in the hay maze.
Ellie in the corn box. Dressed in pink from head to toe and here she is rolling in the hay and dirt... that's my girl!
On our way to the party... someone looks excited!
Ellie and her new birthday tiara... Thanks Mike and Jess!