Free time

Price's physical therapist is out of town this week so we took the week completely off from therapy. I was determined to make the most of it, and so today I took the kids to the zoo. The weather was gorgeous and we had a great time. We even rode the train for the first time.

Unfortunately, this is all I have to show from it.

Princess and Superman

A couple of months ago Ellery told me she wanted to be the Little Mermaid for Halloween. It sounded great to me, so I purchased a mermaid costume and a cute little crab costume for Price. Then, about a month ago she changed her mind and said she wanted to dress up like Aurora. She has been a little obsessed with Sleeping Beauty so we went to the Disney store and found an Aurora costume, complete with shoes and matching crown. I asked her if she needed a wand, but Ellery was adamant that Aurora did not carry a wand. The girl knows her princesses.

Friday at school Ellery wore her Aurora costume and the kids had a little parade. They waved at all the cars that were honking as they passed by. It was cute.

On Saturday, Ellery was still sleeping when Madi Kate came over with her family. I let Madi wake up Ellery. She was wearing her Cinderella costume and I guess Ellery decided that she wanted to match, because she came downstairs with her Cinderella dress in-hand. She also picked a wand and tiara out of her dress up chest to go with it.

Our new neighborhood is famous for it's Halloween. When we moved in, it was one of the first things our neighbors talked to us about, saying it was a lot like Mardi Gras. They barricade the streets so that is a pretty safe place to be. Honestly, I was excited because after living in a gated community with no trick-or-treaters, I was ready for some action! We were not disappointed. It was definitely a fun night of meeting new neighbors. It was Ellery's first time to trick or treat and although she seemed to enjoy herself, I think she had more fun handing out candy to the hundreds of kids who came to our door. Tiffany, Emery, Price, Madi Kate, and I all set out on the porch most of the night. I bought 4 big bags of candy at Costco and still ran out! I will know to buy some more next year. At one point, a little boy came to the door with a scary mask on and Tiffany caught Ellery saying under her breath, "I'm not scared, I'm not scared."

I am pretty sure this is the cutest Superman I have ever seen. Check him out in his new ride.

Oh, and to top of the weekend, Nathan took Ellery to see the muscial Mary Poppins on Sunday night. This makes me so happy because I so clearly remember doing the same thing with my sister and dad growing up. Ellery told me this morning that she liked Mary Poppins better than the Wiggles or Dora - pretty big statement! They had to leave at intermission because Ellery was falling asleep in her chair. Sweet thing.

Moving on up

...to a queen size bed that is! Ellery went from a toddler bed with a crib mattress to this huge queen bed that my mom and I fell in love with on a shopping trip in Austin! She loves her bed and is probably so relieved to not be hitting rails everytime she tosses and turns, which is often. She actually rolled off this bed once already, which just proves what a wild and crazy sleeper she is!

A spring in his step

We are still alive! Tired, but still alive! We finally have all of the boxes unpacked (thanks to a lot of help), and I am actually sitting down at my computer for the first time in almost two weeks.

Everyone seems to be really loving and adjusting well to the new house and new rooms. Ellery is exploring her new surroundings and Price must have whip-lash from constantly watching all of the "workers" going in and out of the house. Colby is in doggy heaven with a new and upgraded backyard. He seriously looks like he is skipping through the grass, chasing butterflies and squirrels. He really does seem to have a new spring in his step.

What a blessing.

Packing Up

Stay tuned...we are MOVING on Monday. I am trying my hardest to purge the house of all it's junk...room by room...and it's taking up most of my nights. Back to blogging soon.

A year ago today...it will be bittersweet leaving our first home.

Race for the Cure 2009

Above pictures by Ellery...and then the camera went dead! I managed to get one of the actual race.

We spent the morning with thousands of other people "racing" for a cure for breast cancer. This year was extra special for our family as we walked to support Aunt Meredith, who will begin her chemo treatments this week. We know that next year we will be walking it again with her wearing the "survivor" pink shirt. What a day of celebration that will be!

Ba!

Price said his first real "ba" today! How exciting! See, he's very vocal and holds conversations with screams, grunts, and ga's, but not much else. He is really trying to figure this speaking thing out. Our speech therapist said it is most likely a motor planning issue. He will watch us speak and you can see the wheels turning in his head, but he has a difficult time mimicking.

For about a week he has been putting his lips together but not saying anything while doing it. While we were in speech today, a "ba" slipped out loud and clear. I was so excited, and I could see the excitement in his eyes as well. I hope I hear some more sometime soon. A "ma" would be really great too!

We WILL get there!