Making up for lost time...

First off let me apologize but I have finally figured out the "glitch" on her blog and I am working on fixing it. It may take a while but please know that I am working on it... Oh, by the way, my computer skills and I are the "glitch", oops! It is amazing what happens when you change from "Edit Html" to "Compose" but enough of that. The important thing is that we are back on track!

That being said, these are a bit out of order and these go back to Ellie's birthday (yes, all the way back to October) and again... I am sorry!! Anyway, enjoy!

Ellie, Andrew, and Erica visit with Santa and the trains Ellie admiring the train garden at Kenilworth Mall.
Andrew was the bravest of them all, he jumped right up onto Santa's lap. Ellie and Erica took the more reserved approach on the bench off to the side.
In line waiting to see Santa. I was surprised that Ell even wanted to see Santa after she prepped me on Thanksgiving by repeatedly telling me, "I do not want to see Santa, Mommy!"
Ell admiring her snow globe.
Ellie and Papoo playing with princess stickers.

Margie's 28th Birthday

For Margie's 28th birthday Mom, Julie and I took her down to Hampden to do a little bar hopping.

Marg and her pretty blue drink, it wasn't very tasty but it did match her jacket... Always accessorize!
Mom, Margie, and I at Cafe Hon
Ellie and Kiley at Beth's Ravens/ Bengals football party... Go Ravens, Go Princesses!!
Ellie was thrilled with her snow globe!

Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving... Julie attacked Andrew with kisses and tickles!!
Erica and her daddy, Brendan.
Mmmm, pie!!!
Gobble, Gobble, Gobble!!!
Camped out watching Christmas movies after dinner.
Ellie and I on our way to thanksgiving dinner.
Ellie with her Thanksgiving braids!
Someone looks like she is on a mission for snacks!!
Ellie and Andrew
Attack of Julie the Tickle Monster
Getting ready to play some music.
Riding on the Hot Dog Truck at the mall on a rainy Saturday morning.
Two princesses
Striking a pose with her sassy new boots.
Julie and I in Federal Hill catching the Raven's Game.
Wasting a few minutes on our way to go see Carey and Genny we stopped to watch the "riber".
Ell and Genny playing with princesses and watching a movie.
Two buddies holding hands and walking upstairs, probably for more snacks!!
Ellie on Election Day.
Ellie and I outside of the polls... She helped me out by casting my ballot.

Halloween with the Marrs

Erica as a little devil... how fitting!!

Ellie, Erica, and Andrew

Robert as a monkey... How stinkin' adorable!!!

Eating Birthday cupcakes... Happy birthday you two!!

Digging in the candy dish.

Ellie and her pumpkins

Happy Halloween kitty cat... Ellie and Schatzie assessing the candy situation.
Papoo and Ellie
Ellie and I on our way out to go trick-or-treating.
Meow!!

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...