I wish I knew what this big, blue-eyed boy was thinking!!

Last night we attended a birthday party for Ellery's best friend next door. It was an Elmo theme, which always seems to be attractive to toddlers. Ellery had a wonderful time and as always especially enjoyed the cupcakes--this girl is DEFINITELY my daughter!!!!

Darin's mother purchased this "Elf on the Shelf" for Ellery and Dane this year. For those of you who don't know about this genius creation, I will explain. The premise is that the Elf was sent to you by Santa to watch you and report back to Santa if you have been naughty or nice. The Elf will periodically move throughout your home and "show-up" in different locations to make sure you are being nice. He flies back to the North Pole each evening and gives Santa a detailed report on the behavior he has observed. I remember Casey talking about hers last year and I must say that this is a must-have for all parents!!! Ellery is COMPLETELY fascinated by the Elf and each time he "shows up" in a different location, she is beside herself. We are TRULY enjoying this new tradition and are hoping that it will help with "nice" behavior until Christmas!!

Although I have never been to Paris, I have a strange attraction to berets. I don't wear them myself, but have purchased several for Ellery and she is always willing to wear them. I also love the fact that she wanted to paint while wearing the beret. . .perhaps we should be planning a trip overseas for our little artist!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at our home with Darin's extended family--grandparents, aunt and uncle, and cousin/family. Darin's cousin, Denise, has a son close to Ellery's age, so they helped to entertain one another at the "kids table" while the adults(and Dane) enjoyed our own turkey feast. Darin fried our turkey for the first time and it turned out DELICIOUS! I was a bit skeptical about how a fried turkey might taste and I assumed it would be greasy. I was pleasantly surprised at how tender and flavorful it tasted(not to mention the fact that I did not have to cook it). We hope you and your family had a pleasant and relaxing day with your loved ones!!! I think the picture of grandpa says it all!

Here are a few pictures of Dane with his great-grandfather, Marvin. Ellery has always adored him and now Dane seems equally fascinated by him. I LOVE these pictures of them together and feel fortunate that my children will have these special relationships with multiple generations.

Ellery's birthday party was a success and so sweet to watch all the little ones eating their tiny food and drinking their "tea"(pink lemonade). The "tea party" theme was a fun one to prepare. . . .we had many small versions of food,but all the children really seemed interested in were the pink m&m's and the cupcakes. Ellery's lunch consisted of a strawberry, pink lemonade, a handful of m&m's, and 2 cupcakes. . . .no wonder she was cranky late in the day!!!

Our sweet Ellery turns 3 today! We are off to Chuck-e-Cheese this evening, followed by a princess tea party tomorrow. By tomorrow afternoon we may be in need of a stiff drink!! We will have MANY more pics to post after the weekend, but here is one for now. With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, I would like to say I am thankful for Ellery allowing me to put hats and bows on her head!!

Here are just a few more pictures from the "feast" at school today. Ellery insisted upon putting her feather hat on her brother. Second and third children have to deal with such harassment!!

Today we enjoyed a "Thanksgiving Feast" at Ellery's school. The meal included "friendship soup", cornbread and pumpkin pie. The children recited a few songs/poems that they had learned and of course, they shared what they were thankful for. Ellery said she was thankful for mommy and daddy. Poor Dane was somehow overlooked--maybe next year.

Why is it that babies/toddlers always seem to find the most dangerous places in your home and gravitate towards them? Ellery has always loved the stairs and we frequently find her lying down in this position. Dane has just discovered the stairs and squeals with excitement when he watches Ellery go up and down. He has yet to figure out how to climb them, but it is just a matter of time--we are back to the baby gate phase!!! Why don't they have more single story homes in California??

Nothing terribly exciting happening in the Libby household. We are just getting ready for Ellery's birthday next weekend. Anyone have ideas for a princess tea party? The children both look THRILLED to be photographed in these pictures.

Two reasons for these two pictures. 1. Ellery looks so mature and SKINNY!! This is the child who had the juiciest thighs as a little one. She has always been full of squishy places to love. Now, Darin and I look at her and wonder where that chubby baby has gone! 2. The bow Ellery is wearing. I LOVE this bow! It is quite large in size and it has her name personalized on the side--what could be more precious for a little girl? My husband happens to disagree strongly with this point. He informed me that it is obnoxious and it makes him sick to his stomach. I realize that he will never understand this, but I feel the need to have Ellery in a bow each and everyday regardless of the agenda or outfit. She is sugar and spice and everything nice and I will relish the ability to dress her as long as she will allow me to do so!!! Sorry, Darin, but you must indulge me with this one. You can put Dane in board shorts and surfer t-shirts soon enough!!!

My sister, Melody, dropped her entire life this past week to come help me and my family during and after my surgery. She has two daughters and is pregnant, so flying across the country at the last minute was certainly not an easy nor cheap ordeal for her. I realize this will embarass her to no end, but I have to brag on her for just a moment. To look at her, you have a difficult time believing that someone this beautiful could also be so gracious, kind, caring, compassionate, generous and sincere. She gives of herself with absolute patience and grace and never asks for anything in return. She cares for all of those around her and never seems to tire, although I know she just does not complain. I am eternally grateful for her and know that I am ABSOLUTELY blessed to have her as my big sister. I love you, Melody!

Well, it has been one of the more difficult and interesting weeks at the Libby household. After my surgery on Monday, we have had a house full of sick people. Ellery was the first with a stomach bug, followed by Dane with a fever and unhappy disposition. Darin, mommy, and aunt Melody all were sick with different versions of the stomach flu, fever, and chills. I am TRULY grateful for the support group around me, including my supportive husband, my saint of a sister, and caring neighbors and friends. We have survived this week and are SURE to only have a healthy household for the next few months--cross your fingers! I am just adding a few more pictures from Halloween, due to the craziness of this week. Thanks to you all for your phone calls, e-mails, flowers, and well wishes. We are so appreciate of your support!!!!

On Halloween, we were fortunate to have two special visitors. My beautiful sister, Muezetta, and her darling son, Kofi, came and spent the weekend with us. The children and adults had a blast attending a pre-Halloween party, followed by trick-or-treating, and ending with a post-Halloween party at a neighbor's home. Ellery LOVED trick-or-treating and RAN from house to house showing me what she had gotten at each. We only lasted for about 10 houses, but mission candy was accomplished!!!