Future chef or recording artist?

It's so interesting to me to see pieces of Ellie's personality start to emerge.

Will a new preference be just a passing phase or will it be a permanent part of her personality?

Ellie has always loved food. She was a great nurser from the start, eats every type of table food we put in front of her, loves veggies and even spicy food, especially Auntie Theresa's spicy dilly beans.

Lately, her absolute favorite activity is baking. She asks every day "Bake, Mommy?"

When we're unable to do the real thing she plays at her 'party kitchen' and makes delicious meals like eggs with butter, toast with butter or anything else . . . with butter.

Butter seems to be her favorite ingredient!

She even made up a song called "Butter on my Finger!" Sure to be a number 1 hit!

I realized I don't have any photos of her baking or a video of her singing 'Butter on my Finger'

So I will post this cutie of Ellie and her cousin Quade who we visited last week.

Finger Families

I can't imagine what life would be like with Ellie's preschool every week.

She absolutely loves going and talks about it all week.

And I learn all kinds of cute songs and games to play with her.

Ellie loves her teacher, Eecher Betseee

Gumboots and candy canes

With the feasting complete we have moved on to tree trimming and carolling.

Yesterday, we headed out the country (aka: a farm 1/2 hour north of Bothell) and picked out the perfect tree.

3 generations!

Ellie's favorite part was the candy cane treat.

Christmas Preview

Only 31 days 'till Christmas! Yes, the countdown has begun.

And I can't believe it's Ellie's 3rd Christmas!

This year will certainly be the best one yet though.

Here is a little preview of the excitment that will ensue over opening presents.

Thank you Aunty Michelle, Uncle Paul and cousin Jules for Ellie's birthday baby and a wonderful preview of Christmas!

Fantastic Number Four

Ellie is certainly starting to make her preferences and tastes known.

And her favorite number is definitely

F O U R ! !

Sit and . . .

look like a toddler!

Actually, I feel like Ellie is on her way to first grade in this photo! She looks like such a big kid!

The training wheels Drew put on the bike didn't fit so the back wheel doesn't touch the ground. It actually works out perfectly because Ellie sits on her bike and peddles like crazy but doesn't move. Great for an indoor bike ride on a rainy winter day!

2

Ellie is officially a 2 year old!!

When you asked her how old she is today she says "2 old". Too cute is more like it

First order of business for the birthday girl was preschool. She was very excited when the entire class sung her Happy Birthday! Teach Betsy is one of Ellie's very favorite people!

The day continued with lots of treats and party hats at Ma-Mop's house.

Happy Birthday baby girl . . . I mean BIG girl!