South Dakota - Part 1

This past week we took a much needed vacation. As most of you know Matt and I got engaged at the top of Harney Peak in the Black Hills of South Dakota. So for Elli's 1st Birthday, we wanted to take her to visit that very spot. Last week we headed out to spend a few days and visit a place that is very special to us and spend some time visiting Jim and Sally. The first day of our trip was our travel day. Our flight left at 7a.m. so we had to get up at a little before 4 to head out to the airport. It was an exhausting day of travel but we made it to SD early enough to get settled in and relax a bit. Elli did really well flying for the first time, she got a little antsy at times but overall was very good. Elli made a new friend on our trip too.  Jim and Sally have a new Leinberger puppy named "Kona"  Elli LOVES dogs so you can imagine her excitement when she saw Kona.  Other than a little mishap with Elli and Kona playing and Elli getting a fat lip they were the best of friends on the trip.  Here are a few pictures of Jim and Sally's beautiful property and Elli's new friend.

Swimming in early May?

Yep that is right, we went swimming this weekend! I can't remember the last time that I could say that we went swimming this early in Ohio. But yesterday at Pa & T's house we did! The last time Elli was in the pool she was 5 weeks old-how time flies! She still wasn't sure about it but I imagine by the end of the summer she will love it!

11 Months

It is so hard to believe that in another month Elli will be a year old. This past month Elli has been signing more and more.  In addition to signing "more" she has also picked up signs for "fan" ,"please", "milk" and has even made up her own signs for "sleep" and "all done"  It so amazing how quickly she has started to pick up on things.  We believe she has her own language and is constantly jabbering away to everything and everyone. She blows kisses and waves "hi" and "bye." She still listens pretty well but has started to shake her little finger back at us when we tell her "no."  She hasn't really shown an interest in walking yet but did take her first steps this month.  Of course it was when Mommy wasn't home but at least Daddy got to see it.  She hasn't taken any more steps since then so we kind of think it was an accident!    

Future Bulldog?

Our little Monkey

Leadership Forum

As an early birthday present for "T", we bought tickets to the annual Leadership Forum at Ohio Christian University in Circleville where John Maxwell always presents as the headline speaker.  This year was a bit different.  Maxwell had a special guest speaker this year - Tim Tebow!!!! It was a very inspirational, touching and spiritual experience that left tears in my eyes after listening to Tim Tebow speak.

2012 March of Dimes

Today we walked in the 2012 March of Dimes in Downtown Chillicothe.  We walked in memory of Ava & Ella Burke and for Simi & Libby Anderson. Despite the cold weather putting a bit of a damper on the morning, it was a great time.  It is always such an amazing thing to be part of.  Wasn't able to get many pictures but here are a few.

Elli bundled up in her stroller.

The "Anderson Girls" crew waiting to walk

Ethan with his Uncle Joe

Emily bundled up in her stroller too

Cozy with Uncle Canon

Bad Dogs

Poor Elli only got to enjoy a part of her Easter gift from the Easter Bunny for a couple of hours.  Part of Elli's gift was a puzzle that had over sized pieces and the one below was one of them.  On Easter Sunday she had it in her hand when we went outside to let her get Easter Eggs and we put it on the front porch.  Well Mommy and Daddy forgot to pick it up when we let the dogs out and this is what we found in our yard later that week.  Just when we thought the dogs had gotten out of their puppy stage and chewing everything up..........I guess we were terribly wrong! 

Easter Weekend

We had a very eventful Easter weekend.  On Saturday, Grandpa Duckworth and Grandma Tammy came over to visit with Elli.  Pa & T also came over and had dinner with us and helped us color eggs.  T & Elli had fun getting into all the colors.  Sunday, we went to church, back home to hunt Easter eggs, out to Grandpa Propers and then to Pa & T's for some more Easter Egg hunts and fun. We were a bit exhausted by the end of the weekend but had a great time with Elli on her first Easter and with Family.  We really missed you Sikora's and can't wait to have you back home for next year.

Elli had Smurf hands by the end of the night!

 Waking up on Easter morning!  All Smiles as usual.

 The Easter Bunny hid Elli's basket in her favorite cabinet. 

 Elli was more interested in tearing the grass out of her basket than finding the eggs.

 Sophie enjoyed rolling around in this new contraption.

We took Elli mushroom hunting for the first time.  We didn't come up empty handed but only found 3.