"Of all sound of all bells...

most solemn and touching is the peal which rings out the Old Year."*

And even though we were all tucked away when the bells rang (and fireworks shot off) on New Year's Eve, we had a great time getting there.

We met my parents at our favorite Chinese restaurant for an early dinner. Ella ate her entire meal with her panda chopsticks leaving all of us in the dust with her dexterity. She rocked her outfit, all the way down to her sparkle boots.

Then we joined our friends for their annual New Year's celebration. It is quite possible that Ella was one of the most popular guests - she certainly was the youngest. She was loads of fun. And we never grow weary of being amazed by her ability to gain footing and comfort in social gatherings.

Comfortable, Ella? No shoes OR socks within moments of arriving.

What an amazing year with our girl. Each time I post to the blog, I try to take time to scroll back through posts from one year prior. She's changing and growing so quickly. Her hair has doubled in length, I'm certain. Her vocabulary causes me to forget she is only 2 1/2 years old. And her giggle, oh her giggle...

2012 is off to a nice, gentle start with a little dusting of snow this morning stirring all kinds of excitement in Ella! There is also a bit more 'balance' with the return of Roz from her holiday travels. I think this picture is worth a thousand words. More than anything, it shows the level of comfort they have with one another.

Here's hoping your new year starts out comfortable, too.

H, L & EML
 




*~ Charles Lamb