I do it myself

Elli and I put up a christmas tree today while Brent was practicing for the church christmas program. We had a great time with the christmas music, lights, and ornaments. Elli was determined to help me carry some of the boxes with the ornaments in them. This box gave her a little trouble, so she ended up pushing it all the way over to me. I think it took me longer to decorate this tree than any other I have done. One ornament on, two ornaments off with, "Mommy, look at this one. Is it pretty?"

While I was unloading groceries...

Elli was taking her baby for a car ride. Note the sunglasses, hands on wheel, baby in car seat, and Elli checking the road:) Who taught her to act like this?

Elli's own Christmas tree

Gonga bought Elli a little Chirtmas Tree for her room. She was so very excited about it and kept carrying it around like it was toy. We took it up to her room and plugged it in. She loves it! When we put her to bed, she cried when we turned it off. How do you explain to a little girl that this tiny little tree could catch on fire in the middle of the night? Well, you don't. She eventually stopped crying after several verses of "her" song, "Amazing Grace." Sleep well baby girl.

The Spirit of Giving/Keeping?

This year we let Elli pick out some toys for a little girl for the Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes. We went to the store and she helped pick some toys. She picked out a baby first, then some head bands, and a toy kaleidascope(sp?) We filled in some other items and then went home to pack the box. Elli started filling the box, but as you can see, the baby is still clutched in her hands. She was very reluctant to give up the doll, so we had to explain several times that this was for a little girl that doesn't have any babies at all. Elli finally relented and put the baby in the box as well. She keeps wanting to look at the pictures we have at church of the kids getting boxes. She says, "We give toys to the girl? It's her birthday present?" Hopefully she will begin to grasp the meaning of giving and remember this special time.

Raking Leaves

What a beautiful afternoon to rake leaves in early Nov. Elli loved using the rake, but was unsure about jumping in the leaves. She didn't like getting dirty I guess. She is a princess you know:) Anyway, she did help rake with the one tree we have in our yard now. It took all of ten minutes, but it was fun all the same. Maybe next year we'll have two trees again. Our front tree fell down when the hurricane came to Ohio!

Science Experiments with Uncle Kyle

The first weekend in Nov. Uncle Kyle and Aunt Meg came over and did some fun science experiments with Elli. He did this huge bubble with dry ice and dish soap, he made small bubbles that she could hold in gloved hands, and he did worms under the black light so they glowed neon green. It was great and Elli loved it!!!

Christmas already

Elli is already very excited about Christmas. She likes the Christmas music, the few lights we have seen, thinking about presents, and baby Jesus. I am getting more and more excited about this year and seeing Elli learn all about it. On the way to church this morning we were listening to Christmas music and Elli says to me, "Mommy this is my favorite song. I love Christmas. I want to hug Christmas. I want to hug Christmas with my Gonga." (Gonga is Grandma) So as you can see, I am excited to see Elli learn about Christmas this year!!!

God Bless America

Today at Bible Study, Elli decided to sing a song. I make the announcements in the large group before we all break up into our smaller groups. When I was done, Elli walked up to me and asked if it was her turn. I asked her if she wanted the microphone and she said yes. I handed it to her and she said she was going to sing God Bless America. She then proceeded to sing the song into the microphone for all to hear. Talk about melting my heart! Also, how appropriate for voting day!

Elli's First Day of School!

Elli taking a baby to another little boy who was crying.

Elli started preschool at the Presbyterian Church in Cedarville this week. Wed Oct 29 was her first day. She was so excited. She wanted to walk up there by herself. She got really excited looking in the windows and said, "I see kids! I see a lady!" I cried while Elli helped another little boy who was crying by saying to him, "Hey boy, you want a baby?" She had a great time and will tell you all about it if you have the chance to ask.

Halloween Parade

The Raymond kids, Lily, Caroline, and Andrew with Elli, the princess mouse aka...Angelina Ballerina.

Elli getting ready to walk in the parade. She didn't know quite what to think. She was so serious most of the day, but did at least smile and wave to the judges.

Vacation Continued

Last night at the pier.

So sleepy. She had to be held for our whole beach walk because she was sleepy.

Elli was continually trying to get the birds to come to her. She was saying, "Birds come here. Come back here birds," as they tried to escape.

Elli's first ride on a ferris wheel. The mechanism was so loud though she rode it with her ears covered. Still, how cute is she?!

She wanted to ride the carousel twice. Once on a horse, next on a giraffe. We found this miniature sized amusement park one night in Destin and Elli thought it was great, so did we. She handed her tickets to the ride operators and didn't even wave good-bye to us as they strapped her in. Our brave litle girl.