Go Steelers!

Elliana loved cheering on her favorite football team - the Steelers! Go Pittsburgh! (Daddy says he does not endorse the taking or publishing of these pictures.)
Doing a forward roll. I see a cheerleader in our future!

Yum-o!

Such a messy eater!
Blueberry pancakes made by mommy - yummy!
Spaghetti and cheese ravioli. Yes she is naked - and for a good reason!

Build-a-Bear

Friday we had a girl's day. Elliana enjoyed lunch and shopping with Grandma and mommy. Grandma decided it was time for Ellie to have her first Build-a-Bear experience. She had a great time! She built, what else, a lady bug! She named (ok so mommy named) her little friend Dottie. Ellie has taken a liking to her Dottie!

Our Book Worm

One of Elliana's favorite things to do is to read books with mommy and daddy. I guess this day mommy didn't read enough books (only about 10 that morning). Ellie climbed up on the couch in the play room and started reading her book all by herself! She actually turned the pages and babbled as she went. Such a book worm already!

Little Monkey Girl

I think we are in trouble soon! She really wants over the gate, and she is trying so hard to get over it.

Little Gym

Today was the last week of the semester at the Little Gym. Elliana has had so much fun over the last few months, and watching her grow so much has been amazing. Things she wouldn't do 3 months ago (like walking on the balance beam) she is now doing quite well. She also has come to love doing forward rolls and can almost do one on her own. Here are a few shots of some of Ellie's favorite activities.
She loves the parachute!
Doing a forward roll over the big wheel onto the "cheese".
She loves bubble time. She beams with excitement when the bubble machine comes out and yells, "bubba". (That is Ellie-speak for bubble!)
Today was also awards day. Each child got to go up to the podium to get their medal.
We attempted a group picture of all the kids and their teacher, Miss Chase. Started out ok...
Didn't go so well! What did we expect from a group of 1 year olds!

Next week the new semester begins, and Ellie will be in the starting the next level of class with older kids. We can't wait to see what else she learns!

Elliana and Miles

Our neighbors came over with their son for dinner Sunday night. Miles is only 8 days younger than Elliana. They had a great time playing together, though neither of them likes to share much. Their favorite activity was being pulled around in the wagon. Ellie was enjoying herself so much Miles decided to join in!

Honk if you love mommy!

Elliana still loves her car. Pete has been teaching her to honk the horn whenever he says, "Honk if you love mommy!" The best part: she always honks!

Chow Time!

Such a grown-up little girl -- eating grilled salmon and steamed broccoli! Two of her favorite foods!

Shopping with Grandma

Elliana and Grandma had fun shopping at the Greene! Grandma is trying very hard to teach Ellie to say, "Charge it!" Sadly, Ellie almost has it down! I think we are in trouble.