Corpus Christi

We went to Corpus Christi last week. Justin had a training down there so we figured we would take advantage of the free hotel room and meet him. 

It was great seeing the ocean again but the weather was even hotter down there. The water was so warm. It was almost miserable being outside during the day with the humidity and heat. We had a lot of fun at the Texas state aquarium. 

Nana came to have fun!

Looking at sting rays

Then we went to mustang island and padre island. Both the girls loved getting their feet in the sand and ocean. The water was pretty brown for being so warm but the temperature made up for it. Back home you couldn't put your feet in the water for more than a few seconds without being absolutely freezing! 

Last day to be one

Today was Ella's last day as a one year old! I just tried to soak it up and enjoy it as much as possible. It is so surreal that she has been in our lives for two years already. Two years ago I was in labor (and it was Labor Day haha!) so much has happened in two years, I couldn't be more in love with my big girl. 

She is just so darn cute and smart. She loves swinging at the park, school buses, water, quesadillas, reading, reading, and reading! She loves her dad and sister so so much! As soon as she sees Clara when she wakes up from her nap she says "hi sissy, bug a boo!" It melts my heart. 

Here are a few pictures from today, I am so emotional for her big day tomorrow!

 I love you Ella Simmone!

Ella is two!

Ella turned two on the 3rd. I can't believe my sweet baby is already two years old. It almost seems like there has been a shift already. She is becoming more defiant and starting to push buttons and test mom especially. I know this part of life is just a phase so I need to keep positive and try not to get too frustrated (easier said than done.) 

We borrowed a book called "moon cake" from the library so Ella really wanted a moon cake for her birthday. I made carrot cake cupcakes and made grey frosting to make it look more moon cake like. She loved them. We just had a super fun day at two playgrounds, the splash pad and opening gifts. We got her a water table which she loves. I made homemade mac and cheese for dinner which she was a big fan of. I officially have a big girl at home!!

Splash pad fun

We just love our two year old!

Due date

Two years ago today was my due date with Ella. So much has happened in two years I almost can't believe it! Two years ago I was waiting patiently for her to come, terrified of labor. It's funny how quickly one forgets pain. I am just trying to soak up these last few days of my big girl being one. Being a mom is indescribable and the best thing I have ever done. I wouldn't trade my girls for the world! 

Ella at almost two years old

Ella at 9 months. 

Fruit picking

Yesterday we headed out to a local fruit farm to go apple picking. The farm is about 30 mins away so we just enjoyed the drive while Clara napped. When we got there we learned that apple season here in south Texas is during the summer and all the apples were already gone! Boy were we disappointed! They did have figs ripe and ready to pick so we did that instead. Ella had a blast picking (and mostly eating) figs right off the tree. Clara even tried a bite! They are so sweet! We picked about 3 lbs and are just snacking on them. It was not enough to really make anything with.

They have a huge pumpkin patch in October with hay rides, a corn maze, pumpkin painting, and a petting zoo so that will be fun to take Ella to this year. It's starting to become so much fun taking her places since she understands a lot more. 

After we picked figs we ate lunch at their little cafe and then had Apple ice cream straight out of a machine, it was delish!

Here is a sweet video of Ella picking a fig for Nana. She loves her Nana and knows she likes figs.

Enjoy :)

 

Long days

Justin has been working 9 hour days in order to have a full day off every pay period. It's awesome that he can have a day off without using vacation time but it does make for long days, especially with the weather being so hot here. We really don't go anywhere in the afternoons because it's just too darn hot to load/unload the baby in the car. I am looking forward to the weather cooling down a little. I do love warm weather but over 100 is too hot! 

I can't believe this was exactly one year ago! We sure have had a lot happen in this year. Another baby, college graduation, moving half way across the country, starting a new career. 

I just can't get over how small Ella was! 

Excuse me

Ella is so amazing. She is a very smart not even two year old. She says "excuse me" but pronounces it "coo-mas." She will say, "coo-mas dada." When she wants him to move or get by him or something. It is the cutest thing and I even want to start pronouncing it the way she does because it is so darn sweet. 

We had a good last few days. Saturday my mom was suppose to fly back to visit from Ecuador. Her flight ended up getting changed so she came Sunday instead. We were already on the road by the time we heard from her so we just made a day of it in San Antonio. We went shopping, had chipotle for lunch (love it!), and then went to Costco which was a ZOO. 

She ended up coming Sunday and leaves tomorrow. It was a quick visit but a good one. Justin took yesterday off so my mom and I could go to lunch and I could have a few hour break from the girls. It was much needed and enjoyed even though I missed them the whole

Time! Here is a picture from the splash pad today 

 This little bug will be crawling any day, something I am not quite ready for!