Happy Days

Today is a good day. Our running goal this week was to hit 3 miles, and we did it! My time wasn't great because I'm still having to walk a little but I'll take a 12:50 pace for now. So to celebrate this small victory, I thought I'd share some happy memories from the last month. I'm so glad God gives us reminders of how sweet His love is even in the midst of dark days.

On July 18, just ten days before her actual birthday, we got together to celebrate Ella's first year on this earth. The party was at a park in Rose Hill, and it turned out to be a great day. The wind was a little strong but that cooled us all down as we watched the kids have a BLAST playing outside.

Ella's first birthday really snuck up on me. It doesn't seem possible that she's already a year old and starting to walk! Where did the baby of the family go? She is a pretty sober little girl most of the time, and she makes you earn her giggles and smiles, but she had plenty of those for us on her special day. No matter how many nieces and nephews we have, I'll always be happy to celebrate their milestones and watch them grow.

Happy birthday, Miss Ella. We love you so much and we can't wait to see what the future holds for you!

Stacie went all out for Ella's party. She made all kinds of brunch treats, including the beautiful cake, of course.



 The birthday girl is ready to party!

 The kids had a great time playing on the jungle gym before Brad and Tasha got there.

 Then, it was all about the bubbles!


 They played and played until all the bubbles ran out.

 Fun with Uncle Brad.

 Uncle Kyle couldn't be there because of work, but that didn't stop him from entertaining us...

 Then it was time for presents!

Ella had fun opening and she especially liked the gifts that played music. She loves to dance.


 She had quite the audience to entertain.



Ella loves her momma!

She may still be learning to walk, but watch out world, we have a driver on our hands!


Ella tolerated the cake business for a little bit, but after a while, she got tired of being dirty.

So everyone headed to the swings.

Conner is such a cutie!

Even Brand and Tasha got in on the fun.


Henry had a big ole spider attacking his swing.

I thought this was such a cute idea. I'm sure she'll have fun looking at it some day and laughing at all of our guesses.

All that partying can really make a girl thirsty!

Thanks to Nana and Papa for letting me carpool with them!

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