BFF

Missionaries were over for dinner last night. Ella's energy level rose significantly upon their arrival. We had his conversation with them.

Elder: where in Portland are you moving to?

Me: Beaverton area.

Ella: I have a friend named Justin Beaver!!!!!


-- Post From My iPhone

Portland

We had a good time with the Bennions in Portland. Ella, Claire, William and Henry played while the big kids were in school.


Ella and William finally found some common ground. Although Ella's interest in "swording" was primarily focused on using them as picture props. She tried and tried to convince him to raise his sword, assuring him how "adorable" it would be. A true male, William remained unmotivated by the thought of an adorable picture of himself.


Claire wears this necklace everywhere. She might have to get used to the coat...


-- Post From My iPhone

Talking Tom

We play with Talking Tom a lot.

Sometimes he gets on our nerves.

-- Post From My iPhone

Public dancing

The breakfast crowd at Starbucks this morning got more than they bargained for.

-- Post From My iPhone

Dinner With Friends

I'm starting to understand why my parents only took us out to dinner once or twice a year. I looked over tonight to see Claire eating her chow mein without the use of "the middlemen" (read: hands).





Sometimes the hands were employed.





At least Claire was happy.





Ironically, that wasn't the most embarrassing part of the evening. The most embarrassing part was when Ella spit her chicken out of her mouth and declared in a loud voice, "Don't worry. I'm not throwing up. I'm just spitting out my chicken because it's too chewy."

-- Post From My iPhone

Christmas morning

I hope the fact that we just took down our Christmas decorations today means we can still post some Christmas morning pictures.

Maryann encouraged Ella to smile as big as she could.


Notice Claire in the background, trying to get whatever Tessa has.





-- Post From My iPhone

Small triumphs

Claire selected some beautiful sunglasses to coordinate with her outfit at Costco.


Ella was bugged that Claire wasn't forced to surrender them on her older sibling's demand. Fortunately the feelings calmed inside.


-- Post From My iPhone

Getting Ready

Even if you're only leaving the house to go to Costco, it's always important to look your best. At least one person in the family believes this.

Christmas pageant

As soon as we announced it was time for the pageant Ella shouted "paper rock zizzers for Mary!!" Later she settled on being the angel.


The cast. Eliza is Mary, Nate is Joseph, Ben and Tessa are shepherds, Nord was the donkey.


Grandpa provided the music. Ella stayed in character.


-- Post From My iPhone

Sunday dinner round 1

B money flexing



Claire fishing.


-- Post From My iPhone