California, Texas, and Libby Lu

OK I thought summertime was for being lazy and doing nothing, but we had a busy summer. Thankfully it was filled with FUN busy activities, but it was still really busy. So that's my excuse for being a blogging slacker (that and my new addiction to facebook). So here is our summer in one long post. Feel free to just scroll though the pics. Sorry it's so long.

Ella had a blast at Disneyland. She could have cared less about the rides. All she wanted to do was see the characters. She just loved them. It was like all her dreams had come true.

Ella got some money for her birthday that she wanted to spend at Disneyland. I suggested a stuffed animal that she could sleep with at the hotel since it was late and she was cranky by the end of the day. Out of the thousands of stuffed animals there she wanted Bride and Groom Minnie and Mickey. It was a good 2 for one deal since they came attached, but really a 3 year old who loves weddings. My sister-in-law saw what she picked and said, "Have fun with her wedding!" She's probably planning it now.

Also while we were in California we went to the beach. Ella loved the beach especially when her uncle would dip her in the water when the waves would crash onto the beach. We asked her to say cheese every time a wave came so we could get a good picture. After we were done taking pictures she would still say "Ah Cheese" every time a wave came.
I think she has sand on her tongue in this picture.

Although she loved the waves of the Pacific Ocean, Ella's favorite part of the beach was the sand. She played with it for hours one day.

Her favorite part was just running it through her hands. Ahh the gritty look of being at the beach all day. She had sand everywhere when we got back. I was even digging it out of her ears!

She really played hard at the beach.

About a week and half after we returned from Disneyland, we went to visit my husband's family in Texas. Ella loved playing with her grandparents, aunt, and cousins. We went to a little carnival one day. Ella would only ride the pink rides because that was the color she was wearing. When her cousin jumped in the pink one first, Ella decided that she would rather not ride then have to sit in an unmatching color. Sometimes I don't know what to do with her. :-)



Ok she actully chickended out of the spaceship ride before it even started.

She loved the little boat ride though. I don't think it could go any slower. The bell was a huge hit.

Grandma Hill wore a sparkle headband one day. Ella told her how much she loved her crown.

My mom promised Ella that she would take her to Libby Lu's after she was potty trained as a special prize for being a big girl. Ella was a little shy at first, but as soon as they let her put on a costume she was a whole different child. She loved it when the Libby Lu girl did her make up and hair. It was really fun to watch her have such a great time. Plus I thought it was a pretty good deal. She got her hair and makeup done, a princess crown, a sash, a bag pack, and 5 hair goodies all for $25. Plus she had a fabulous time. Why didn't they have cool stores like this when I was a kid.



OK that was our fun summer. I love that Ella is 3 now and we can do so many more things with her. Everything is new and she has no expectations, so she's always surprised and greatful for whatever we've done together.