DeeDee's Visit, Concert and Wine Tasting

I feel like I write this on every blog entry but what a busy week we had last week. DeeDee came up to Charlotte to see Miss Ella. Originally we were going to go down to Seabrook for a couple of days but Ella was feeling a little under the weather and we thought it would be best to stay home so DeeDee came here. We had a blast shopping (of course), taking walks and DeeDee watching Ella so I could do some exercising. DeeDee's knee is healing great and is getting around so well after her surgery. She wanted to come see Ella and Dakota one last time before their big cruise next week.

After DeeDee left, at the very last minute I decided to go to the Bon Jovi concert with some girlfriends while Mike stayed home to babysit. The concert was great despite our seats but I guess that's what you expect when you buy them right before the concert. He put on an amazing show and all of us girls had a great time.

The next night, Mike surprised me and took me out for a wine tasting event. We got to sample some amazing wines from all over, have a great meal and listen to a fun band. They had a silent and live auction which was fun to watch and observe but I don't think we will be spending a couple thousand dollars on a bottle of wine yet! And the best part is that Ella did great with our babysitter and didn't have a meltdown like last week when we left so hopefully she is getting better.

DeeDee and Ella admiring all of DeeDee's great painting in the nursery.

Hanging out before bedtime. She really needs a headband to hold all of that hair out of her eyes:)

Happy girl! You can't tell in these pictures but Ella is getting 4 of her top teeth in right now so we have had some long nights. I also think that's what the not feeling well was related to as well. Now with her new teeth, she loves chewing and eating lots of new food. The other night, she ate asparagus, rice and Naan (Indian bread) for dinner and last night had snap peas and potatoes. She wasn't a huge fan of the potatoes so she must take after her Papa! But she does love her food, check out that double chin!!

Higher Higher

We have been enjoying every minute of the warm sunshine we have been getting here in Charlotte and spending lots of time outside. Last weekend, we grilled out with some of our neighbors and Ella loved swinging on their swing set. She was much more comfortable on this one then the one at the park. As you can see, she was holding on for dear life in the beginning but then realized how fun it could be.

Wait, how do I hold onto this? Oh, much better now!

Push faster and higher please! I am pretty sure, that's what she was telling us with her babbling! And of course, playing in the grass with her best buddy Wesley. Those two just can't get enough of each other, it's so cute how excited they get when they see each other!

Happy Birthday Mike and Masters weekend

Well, I think last weekend was just about Mike's perfect weekend! He celebrated his birthday (I won't say how old he is but a lot older than me:) on Thursday and it was the first day of his favorite sporting event, the Masters! On Friday night, we had a big birthday party with the neighbors as 2 of our other neighbors had birthdays around the same time as Mike. It was a Mexican Fiesta theme and we all had a great time. I forgot to take any pictures though so you will just have to imagine Mike and the other birthday friends in a big sombreros!

It was such a beautiful weekend, tons of sunshine and mid 70 to low 80 degree temps so we took advantage and spent a lot of time outside enjoying the sunshine. On Sunday, the day was devoted to watching the final round of the Masters and we all wore our Masters gear, even Ella. When I was pregnant last year, Papa got the baby a Masters onesie and it fit her perfectly this year. Always stylish of course!

Dakota was upset she was the only one without something from the Master's. Maybe next year, she will get a collar. Sitting with Daddy, cheering on Phil!

Probably the most expensive onesie ever but she sure looked cute and like a future golfer! Ella and I decided to take a break from the hours and hours and golf and enjoy some time out on the deck!

Happy Easter...

and happy 80 degree weather at the beach! We had a blast at Seabrook last week celebrating Easter and had beautiful weather in the mid 80's!! It was so nice to soak in some rays and play on the beach. The water was freezing and Ella didn't like her toes being dipped in the water but loved to sit outside under the tent and on the sand playing with her toys. Dakota had the best time of all, she is definitely a beach dog and slept the entire way home and all day today recovering. In fact, all 4 of us were very tired after the beach and slept great last night.

We got to spend time with family and Ella got to meet my Aunt Jeanne, Uncle Steve and cousins Sean and Annie for the first time and also got to see Great Grandma who flew down from Rochester for the week along with DeeDee, Papa, Uncle Court and Jennifer. She loved the attention but she is going through a phase right now where she only wants to be held by me or Mike so she wasn't too sure about being passed around but got a little more comfortable as the weekend went on. It was so great seeing everyone!


Enjoying the beach and playing together, Ella and her doggie!

Got her bathing suit on and is ready to go! As always, the sunsets did not disappoint.

On Saturday,Ella got to go to her first Easter Egg Hunt (after the one in Charlotte was cancelled last week) and got to see some animals at the petting zoo.The baby chicks has just hatched and were so cute.

Daddy and Ella checking out the pony.

Check out the baby rabbits that were just born, they were so tiny. And Ella got her first Easter Egg, a pink one to match her outfit of course! They were real hard boiled eggs and Ella immediately tried to put it in her mouth, not yet!

After hunting, we came home to enjoy the sunset on the back deck. Ella loves her Daddy and his kisses.

Another beautiful night!

Check out those big blue eyes and big smile!

Grandma and Mike peeled shrimp for dinner and complained the entire time but they sure were tasty. Nothing better than fresh shrimp just caught:) Ella didn't complain though, she was happy with her cheerios.