Last Day with Cousins

A few photos from the day, before we had to bid farewell to Uncle Josh, Aunt Andrea, and her cousins. Ellison sure had fun with her playmates.

Uncle Josh helping Ell do one of her new puzzles.

The kids were making "marshmallow snowmen". I think several snowmen made their way into Ellison's mouth.

Such a great pic of the cousins! How rare to get them to all look at the camera (and look happy) all at the same time. I think Ell looks like such a big kid here.

Trying to recreate the photo we all have of the kids from exactly 2 years ago.

Could Ellison look any more miserable here?

With Grandma Yvonne

Kissin' Grandma

[November 29, 2009]

Hair and McD's

After I got to have a great lengthy breakfast with one of my best friends, Stacey, (we drive waiters crazy with how long we chat when we get together), and Daddy went shopping with Uncle Josh, Aunt Andrea, and Olivia, I came home to hair day in Grandma's shop. Ellison enjoyed helping wash Emma's hair in the sink, then decided it was okay to be the customer, though a little reluctantly.

Sweet Lucas held Ellison's hand for moral support. I think that is the sweetest thing ever!

Emma and her lovely locks.

E getting another hair trim from Gram. She loves sitting up in the seat.

Off to McDonald's for lunch and playtime. I happened to run into a couple of girls I went to school with and got to catch up.

[November 28, 2009]

Thanksgiving in Buffalo

So we got to spend Thanksgiving in Buff. Not everyone, but a lot of the fam comes over to Abuela and Abuelo's house throughout the day, so it was good to get to see some of them since it was such a brief visit for us. And I was thrilled to be havin' me some of that Puerto Rican food!

Before the festivities and company began that day, Ellison got surprised with some birthday gifts from Abuelo & Abuela and her aunts.

Ellison, Marcos, and Abuela

Opening Tinkerbell - this has been a fave.

Her beautiful little shawl that Abuela made for her!

And her new doggie, whom she calls "Doggie". I'm considering giving him up for adoption, though, because he sheds just as bad as a real one. He sniffs, he barks, he walks, but thankfully he doesn't mess, which would be a deal breaker.

Presents from Titi, Uncle Andy, and Melissa.

Marcos, Titi, Ellison, and Melissa

With Uncle Andy thrown into the mix

The children's Thanksgiving table.

The newest little Soto, Nikko, with his Great Aunt Ana

Ellison asked to hold Nikko, too.

Yes, we really just went away to have a baby. ;-)

Titi Marie holding the kiddos

Look at that little pouty lip - too sweet.

After the Thanksgiving meal and some Domino playing, the 3 of us headed over to Ellison's Uncle Bing and Aunt Denise's house, where they had held Thanksgiving for Denise's family. Adorable little Izen (?sp) was there, too. Ellison had so much fun playing around with Izen and the big kids.

More birthday surprises from Uncle Bing, Aunt Denise, and her cousins.

Squeezing with Aunt Denise

She immediately had to change into the new dress and tights as soon as she opened them. With Uncle Bing:

And her cousin, Kaitlyn

Hangin' with the big girls (Nicole, Kaitlyn, and Ell)

But happy with the boys, too (cousin Brandon, and Izen).

Watching a movie with Titis Marie and Ana before bed.

[November 26, 2009]

Road Trip

"Look, Mom, a hat!"

We took a couple of days' hiatus from MI to visit quickly with our Soto family in Buffalo. The three of us strapped into the car, and off through Canada we went. We only had to stop for potty breaks about every hour. I don't get it - she'll go 6 hours during the day without needing to ever go, but the second we go on a road trip all bets are off. But she did great on the ride.

Unfortunately, when we got there we were told Abuela and Ellison's cousin, Marcos, were sick. We tried our best to keep them a little bit distanced since we were anticipating an airplane trip a few days later, but it's not easy with toddlers, and it's not easy when they never get to see each other and play. By the grace of God we all stayed healthy. Oops, scratch that - Ellison and Jonathan stayed healthy. But that was fine - as long as Ellison was good I could deal with it.

Marcos (2 1/2) and Ellison

Mookie with her Abuela

Kisses for Abuela

Ell and her Abuelo

And Titi Ana

[November 25, 2009]