Finally...a video

I am excited that I finally figured out how to get a video from our camera to here. This first one is of her saying what she says every time you change her diaper. It seems that her vocabulary is growing each day so I will get more videos of her on here. Enjoy!

~Sidenote...the camera lens is fine even though Graham was concerned. ;o)


El eating and talking from Andrea Trenda on

A big day

El turned two on July 6, but due to the crazy 4th of July weekend and our 10 year high school reunion, we postponed the party until yesterday. We had about 25 of our friends and neighbors come over for a BBQ to help with the celebration. There were many highlights, including the large Elmo bouquet of balloons and tricycle, a beautiful quilt made by Grammy Wendy, dress up clothes and accessories including a fancy skirt that has plays the chicken dance song...what more could you ask for? Puzzles, books, shape sorter, blocks that make animal noises, a chariot of little people and blocks, a baby doll, chalk, Target gift card, and a pink boa.

It is truly an incredible thing to watch her grow, increase in her vocabulary every day, and develop a two year old personality seemingly overnight. She still is sweet, mind you, she just has stronger opinions about things and isn't afraid to let you know about them. I am trying to figure out how to get videos on here so hopefully in the next couple of days you will be able to see those!

Father's Day Weekend

The past few months have been crazy and this week is the 10th week that Graham has been out of town for training, therefore, El and I have been by ourselves for quite some time. This past weekend, Graham was able to come home for the weekend and we had a great time together. Saturday was spent at home with ice cream cones and just hanging out. We then drove down to my parent's, dropped off El and continued on to Ouray where we ate at one of our favorite restaurants, the Bon Ton (courtesy of dear friends, John and Aleta!). We celebrated our 6th Anniversary which will officially be this Sunday...my how time flies! Sunday was fun because we were able to spend it with my parents and brother and his family. We had a big bbq together and played in the new kayak that my parents bought. El loved sitting in it and singing 'row your boat' while doing the motions too. So for lack of time and creativity, I am just posting some pictures from our time together.

Let's dance

Ok, I must make a confession...I absolutely LOVE to watch So You Think You Can Dance on Fox! I don't know why I enjoy watching people dance so much, probably because I am not a good dancer. I enjoy dancing but only in the privacy of my own home or at weddings here and there. For those of you who have not watched this show, I just had to share this audition that was amazing! This is a popper from Cali and he is unbelievable at what he does...what an entertainer! ENJOY!

Random pix

I haven't shared many pictures very recently so I thought it time to do so. I look at these pictures and am amazed at how Ellie has somehow morphed from baby to little girl so quickly. She is now talking up a storm, and able to communicate fairly well and understand us even better. (Even though she doesn't always want to hear what we are saying) She is such a joy and blessing!

On a hike in Colorado National Monument:
Playing with her cousins- this just cracks me up
you have to click on the pic to make it bigger:

Playing in the water on our hike:

The Fam:

Yesterday was her first time in piggy tails
"Moo" the cow, courtesy of Diddy and Nana!

Restoration

I have been convicted lately of how much time I spend consumed by what is going on in my life, my family, and my job. I love it when you find something that touches you and is so much bigger and deeper that opens your heart up to more. For those of you who have heard about the genocide in Rwanda, this is an amazing story of restoration, hope and healing that can only take place because of God's power in the lives of His people. I found this article through a friend's blog and just had to share it here. Read it, find out what Macy's and Rwandan basket weavers have in common...and be blessed!

My desire

I felt compelled to share this song as it speaks what is on my heart right now. Aren't we called, as Jesus' hands and feet with the power and authority of the Holy Spirit working in and through us to set the world on fire??? My heart is that if we really took the Lord at His Word, nothing less than this will happen. What dreams has He given you?