A Day with Thomas

A few Sunday's ago we made a last minute decision to drive up to Snoqualmie to visit Thomas the Tank Engine. All the tickets were sold out that day to ride on the train but we watched from the gate and it was just as exciting for Ella. She was thrilled to see Thomas but she really wanted to know why Percy didn't come too. Next year we will plan better and get tickets early so we can check out the train ride. After leaving all Ella could talk about was getting to see Thomas, it was very cute. Even the next day she wore her Thomas shirt and matching bow thanks to Aunt Laura.

Minnesota 2011

Our trip to Minnesota started off a little rough due to the airlines but after a full 8 hrs in the airport, 3 hrs of flying and 2 hrs of driving we finally made it to the cabin. The girls did awesome the entire day while waiting for a flight out. We stayed at the cabin for 4 nights. It was great because all of Jake's brothers and sister and her family took the same vacation so we could all hang out and catch up. The weather was beautiful and sunny each day! Just what we ordered. We got to swim, boat, drink and eat good food, what could be better or more relaxing. I think the best part for me was watching Ella and Bridgette interact with their cousins: Isaac and Aidan. The boys were so sweet and gentle to the girls. Ella had a great time keeping up with them. At the lake we had a huge firework show put on by Uncle Tim and Pierre. Bridgette slept through the whole thing and every time a loud firework would start she would hand me her smore and cover her ears. By the end she didn't have to cover her ears and wanted to dance with them. That night she impressed me by eating two smores and doing three sparklers all by herself. To this day I am still nervous about holding my own sparkler. Overall, we had a wonderful time visiting with everyone and are looking forward to doing it again.

Marjie and Bridgette

Captain Ella


Ready for a cruise on the lake.

Ella's Godparents and Aunt and Uncle: Tim and Renee.

Cousin Isaac and Ella: He would read to Ella and was very impressed by how smart she was when he would ask her questions about the book they were reading.

Snack time with cousin Aidan.

Ella rubbing sunscreen on daddy.

Holding her own Sparkler!!

Auntie Lindsey and Ella eating smores.

Uncle Tim and Ella

Ella got her first Mickey Mouse fishing pole from Grandma ( who loves to fish). Ella was very excited.

Patiently waiting at the airport for our plane in their 4th of July outfits.