Hold on tight!

Ella trying out the 3D sidewalk chalk and 3D glasses.

Get ready for a whirlwind of photos and updates on the last two weeks.

Remember that sweet fishbowl with five plump gold fish? Well, that didn't last long. Thankfully, Ella took it in stride. We will pick out a few new 'pets' when the summer winds down and give it another try.

Ella and Roz finished up their summer dance class. Thing 1 and Thing 2 appeared to be ready to dance like fools that last day.

Waiting for....

...batons! Ella was beside herself with excitement that she was not only permitted but encouraged to wield around a pink metal bar. She wasn't half bad at twirling it either.

Roz was not as excited about this portion of dance class. And truth is, we spent four weeks trying to figure out what triggered each of our girls to break down into tears, refuse to participate and huddle into our laps.

But when circle time came? Roz was on fire - in the middle of the action. Ella on the other hand, never once participated in circle time but became quite adept in following along OUTSIDE the circle doing all the motions with enthusiasm. Our Ella, marching to her own beat for sure.

There was even after dinner dancing as seen here. Ella and her jumping, man is she good at it.

We had a little patio time at our favorite neighborhood restaurant in the past week, too. Ella and the ENTIRE staff are on a first-name basis. And when she eats well enough to earn her reward, they are more than willing to spoil her.

She's quite serious about her ice cream - complete with hot fudge war paint on her face.

One of Ella's fans from church surprised her with 3D sidewalk chalk, such a big hit with my two artists!

For the first time in Ella's life, she met my "Mama Katie" except her name is Doris and she lives too far away. My lifelong BFF Kelly and her parents live way south of us here in Ella-land. I don't get to see them enough. If I got to see them every week, it still wouldn't be enough. Doris and Bennie headed north for a visit last week and at long last, they met Ella in the flesh. It was too short but I'll take it.

Ella was the perfect little pip and pretty full of herself before the visit was over.

Roz returned from a long vacation last night. Balance will be restored tomorrow as the girls see each other for the first time in nearly two weeks. We are gearing up for a vacation ourselves - a rather lengthy road trip in the car. We made this trek two years ago with Ella before she found her legs so this year might prove to be a bit more challenging. Fingers are crossed the journey is fun for everyone. I'm just excited to squeeze a little bit more out of this summer as we find ourselves staring summer's end straight in the eyes. Boo.

Later this week we will be gathering downtown for the monthly Art Walk, only this time, it will be MY photographs hanging on the walls of a restaurant/gallery. Yes, because of a persistent husband and a few even more persuasive friends, I agreed to showcase some of my photos. The collection is one very near to my heart: photographs from Ella's homeland. Larry's band will be playing, family and friends and a whole bunch of kids will be there too. And although I'm not entirely comfortable with the stage, it has been an exhilirating challenge for me. Above all, it is an excuse to celebrate!

Enjoy your week, Ella-land.

~H