The Gang

Allie & Ellison being silly

Ellison loved looking out Grammy & Pappy's picture window. She thought it was kinda cool when I went outside and played with her through the window.

Grammy was in heaven when Ellison fell asleep in her arms. Ellison was still as could be watching the birds out the window while Grammy rocked her and held her hand until she feel asleep.

Ellison felt like one of the big kids here. This is Andy, Isaac, and Allie - my cousin Shawn's kids. Allie and Ellison share the same birthday, just one year apart. We're hoping to have a joint party for them this year.

Kissy, Kissy

Ellison's trip to Michigan involved lots of little milestones. She had her first swing ride, she walked barefoot in the grass for the first time, and here is a photo of her giving kisses to Grammy. (The other photo is of Aunt Carrie. Ellison got her evening bottle outside 'cause it was so nice out.) Grammy taught her how to give kisses while we were there. Ellison would only do it for Grammy (much to Grammy's pleasure). But now she gives kisses a lot more and includes Mommy & Daddy. Ellison also broke through with tooth #4 and learned how to crawl while we were in MI. We got to celebrate Pappy's 60th birthday, too, though Ellison was asleep for the low-key festivities. Whew!

Strolling Along

Pappy took Ellison on a little walk down to her Great Aunt Geri & Uncle Dick's house. She loves to go on walks.

Playing in the Grass

Ellison went barefoot in the grass at Grammy & Pappy's, which she was unsure about. She has recently started noticing her tummy more and more, which is too cute, especially when she does it in the bathtub. And our ever-teething girl kept trying to bite the swing rope while swinging. The things this girl puts in her mouth...

Hangin' Out with Family

Here's Ellison playing with her cousins Lucas & Emma. She cracked us up - she dug right into the bucket of toy tractors and played like the big kids. The photo on the left is with her Aunt Andrea (my sister-in-law), the one on the right is with her Aunt Carrie (my sister), and below is with cousin Olivia and her Uncle Josh (my brother). Uncle Jeff somehow managed to escape getting his photo taken. We'll have to take extra next time!

First Swing Ride

Believe it or not, this was Ellison's first time on a swing. As you can see, she LOVED it! She enjoyed swing rides many times while we stayed with Grammy & Pappy.

Mommy's Looking Different These Days...

Jonathan swears it isn't his...

This is my cousin Meghan, who gave birth to her second baby girl, Mia, on August 14. This photo is from our family gathering the evening of Carl's funeral. We were all grateful baby Mia held off until then. I hope Ellison isn't getting any ideas here...

My Hero

I think this is one of my most favorite photos of Ellison and her Daddy. It was a beautiful evening after her Papa Carl's funeral, so our 2 families hung out in the 2 yards. The way Ellison is looking at her Daddy is the epitome of their relationship. She adores him and thinks he hung the moon. He would, of course, for her. :)

Our Future Singer

Ellison had been at the funeral home ALL day and was an absolute angel! Jonathan & I ran back to my parents' house quick in the evening, long enough to give her a bath and put her jammies on, then we all headed back up to the funeral home for the memorial service for Carl. Here, Ellison stumbled upon the toy microphone (which happened to be left on) while we were running her bathwater. She quickly realized how cool it made her voice sound, and started 'singing' into it. She thought it was the greatest.

Trip to Michigan

Sadly, Ellison's Papa Carl (my Uncle Carl) passed away the night of August 8. Ellison and I flew to Michigan Aug. 9 and stayed for 8 days. Jonathan was able to fly in for a couple short days too. Here, Ellison's cousins Olivia & Emma are reading to her at Grammy & Pappy's house. She never sits this still for me when I read to her. :)