Belle and the Beast

The kids met Belle when we were visiting Disney World and had no idea who she was because we had never watched Beauty and the Beast. That, however, did not stop them from being excited to meet this pretty Princess.

I checked out Beauty and the Beast from the library to watch for our family movie night this week. It was a HIT. Addy and Jack played Belle and the Beast by growing like the beast and dancing like princesses. Addy wore her princess dress and danced with Ryan during the ballroom scene. (melted my heart to watch) Addy has requested to watch Belle and the Beast every day. (she told me that is what she calls it)

Highlight of our current Beauty and the Beast obsession was on Monday when Jack and Addy had some friends over to play. Beauty and the Beast was on in the background as they played and when Belle appeared at the top of the stairs in her yellow dress, Jack silenced the room with a "Guys, Guys, it's the yellow dress. That's what she was wearing when I met her in Disney World." He made everyone stop what they were doing and watch Belle walk down the stairs. He even chastised me for walking in front of him because he could not see.

Needless to say, we are in high Princess adoration this week.

The Happy Birthday Girl!!!

She started her day with a cute new outfit and a trip to Jack's school to have lunch.

(Jack said he was pretending to be me. I guess I always look REALLY happy)

Ella loved all the attention from the girls in Jack's class, while Addy and Jack ran around the playground for recess.

The butterfly cupcakes were a hit with everyone except

Eleanor was not sure what to do with it at first.

She eventually just mashed it into her tray without really eating it.

How can you not love this little girl?
She is full of smiles, giggles, lovey hugs and joy.

except when being forced to wear a party hat.

Independence

Happy 4th of July from a little girl who is discovering the joy of crawling, sitting and even climbing the stairs.

Swinging in the Park

This IS Eleanor.

She is a smiley, happy, chubby little cherub of a baby.

These pictures capture it all!

Just add water

We are so ready for our vacation to Florida.


We may wear our swimsuits all day just to remind ourselves that it is warm and sunny somewhere.

pants are not an option

Although pants always seem to be optional at our house, they are not really even a remote possibility for this little girl. Stuffing my baby into a pair of pants seems cruel. Especially when you take the pants off and you can see the pocket and stitching imprinted in her skin.

So we are all about dresses, skirts, tights and leggings at our house.
(I know, doesn't she look exactly like her dad if he were to wear a denim dress with turquoise leggings? The Shelton genes are strong in this kid.)

Speaking of her dad, look at the love she's sending him in the form of her smile and bright eyes. It's nice of her to do that once in a while since I am her clear favorite most of the time.

Looking forward to a summer of sundresses for this little one.

Good Morning

Lovely Day

Our day started early.


We made heart shaped pancakes.


Ella joined us in her festive sleeper.


Jack and I made these cute airplane valentines to take to school.



Addy, Ella and I went to Wegmans to get a treat while Jack partied it up.


Jack received an amazing amount of candy that he gladly shared with Addy.


This one made me laugh.


It's been a lovely day with the kiddos.

Good night.

It's about time. . .

that's what my mom and sister will say when they see these photos.

I think they are worth the wait.

Ella is a smiley, bright-eyed, fuzzy haired girl.

8 Weeks

Can you believe that she is 2 months old?

She had a major blow out while taking this picture so it is the only one we got measuring her growth in the chair. Compare to this. She's getting bigger.

She is sleeping really great right now. IF she gets up at night it isn't until about 5 a.m. and then sleeps until 8 a.m. It is quite wonderful. We're really getting into a good routine and I am even able to get some things done around the house, do my calling and I even finished the book club book. But now that I've said that, she will be up all night tonight. :)

Life is good.

First Thanksgiving

was a success!!!

She traveled well, was loved by all and no one got sick.

More pictures of our family filled weekend of good food and good company to come.

Blessed Day

Saturday was a day full of family and friends coming together to celebrate Baby Ella.

It is tradition in the Mormon Church to give a child and name and a blessing.

We decided to bless her in our home instead of at church.
Something,I now wish, I had done with all of our children.

I got a little teary-eyed when I looked at the circle of family and friends gathered to help Ryan perform the blessing.

Family of Five.

Ella wore a dress made by her Grandma Peggy with cute pink shoes from Grandma Shirlene and was wrapped in a blanket made by her only living great-grandparent, Great Grandma Matthews.

Ryan's sister Stephanie, brothers-in-law Mike and Jay and his mom, Shirlene, all joined us for the weekend.

Grandma Peggy and Grandpa Jim were able to stay to participate too.

Dad and Daughter.

Team Shelton

Sure glad these three joined our team.

The giggling is contagious.

Guess who is a whole month old?
She was nice enough to share her cupcake with me.

She is too sweet.