Today was Ella's first "Bird Class" at The Little Gym. Ella is a busy body so we thought this would be a good way for her to "express" herself and get rid of some extra energy. Cory bet she wouldn't participate because she is going through a bashful stage around strangers. I know everyone that knows a Bolick is having a hard time believing that she could possibly be bashful! Haha!! So I'm happy to report that Cory was wrong AND she LOVED it! We played with bells, bubbles, a parachute, and balls. We also got to play on the different stations including the balance beam and the bars. Ella enjoyed getting to interact with the other kids her age. The only part Ella didn't like was having to put all the toys up after they finished. She wanted to keep her bell :) We have to set goals so this is something I think we definately need improvement on! We had so much fun and Mommy definately got a work-out too! We are very excited about this semester at The Little Gym and can't wait to go back next week!

Today we got out to the beach early and didn't come in until time for supper. Ella discovered the ocean and finally started walking in the sand. At first, she wasn't sure about the sand...especially when it was between her toes! I can't really blame her because I'm not crazy about the sand between my toes either! Now, we're having a hard time keeping her out of the sand and water. We had to take turns chasing her up and down the beach. When we would go under the tents to reapply sunscreen or take a break from the sun, she would cry and beg to go back out to the water. Ella took her bikini top off earlier in the day and spent most of the day topless. I hope she out grows this! Here are some pictures from our day on the beach...

Sunset Beach is a small island off the coast of NC. You usually think of sea turtles, sea gulls, fish, etc... being the types of wildlife you normally see at the beach. The last couple of years we've seen deer. This morning on the way to the beach, we saw 5 deer. The biggest was a 9 point buck and there were two fawns. Last night, Matt and Ashley saw a fox while they were riding their bicycles. It's amazing to see these types of animals at the beach especially on an island!

Greetings from Sunset Beach, NC! Today was our first day of vacation and we're having a blast already! We've spent most of the day getting all of our things unpacked and "moved in" for the week. We literally brought everything with us except our kitchen sink. We wanted to make sure we had everything we would need for Ella. Finally this afternoon, we made it out to the beach. It was a beautiful day...the temperature was perfect! Ella was extremely tired and unsure if she liked the water and sand. She LOVED the sea gulls, though! She would point at them and yell "DUCK!" (All birds are ducks right now.) We fed the sea gulls some of Ella's Goldfish. I think they LOVED her too! After dinner, we took Ella for a ride in her little pink car. She waved at everyone we passed. She was so funny!

We're looking forward to another day on the beach tomorrow...

Here are some pictures of the hair-do Uncle Matt helped Ella to create today. Ella was playing with her hairbows and she kept handing them to us to put in her hair. She's so funny! Once she had all the bows in her hair, she picked up her little cell phone and walked around the house talking up a storm. She was sharing some good beauty shop gossip with someone! She keeps us laughing!

Today I decided to try putting ALL of Ella's food on a plate and let her eat from the plate. Normally, we help feed her (from a plate she can't reach) or we just put the food she can pick up on her high chair tray. Thank you to whoever created the non-slip plates that actually stay put and don't slide around. Ella actually ate from the plate without trying to throw it off into the floor at the dogs! I fixed her chicken nuggets with ketchup, diced peaches, and green beans. She looked it all over and immediately went for the sweets! She ate every last bite of peaches before she even attempted the green stuff. Half of the green beans and chicken ended up in her lap. The funniest thing was how she would lick the ketchup off the chicken nuggets then spit the chicken back out. I don't think she can live off of fruit alone!!

Checking everything out

Going for the sweet stuff

Yummy

I think I'm done now!

Saturday

We kicked off the weekend by celebrating Jackson's first birthday. He had lots of yummy food, cake, and homemade ice cream. Out of all the toys there, Ella & Jackson had more fun playing with the balloons! Jackson was so sweet and hugged and kissed on Ella, but she was more interested in the balloon. I have a feeling she'll change her mind about boys one day, but hopefully that will be a long time away :) Happy 1st birthday, Jackson! Thanks for letting us share in all your birthday fun! I wish I had more pictures from the party, but I couldn't keep up with Ella and a camera :)


Ella & Jackson

After the party, we went to visit Ella's Great-Grandma Johnson at Brighton Gardens Assisted Living Center. She just moved there from the hospital last week. This has been a hard, but necessary change for her. She seems to be adjusting well and the facility is amazing! Ella showed off her new walking skills to Grandma & Grandpa. They couldn't believe how good she is walking around. She explored the entire room checking out every square inch! It definately met Ella's approval!



We finally got home around 6:30pm after driving through several terrible storms! Ella went to spend the night with Nana & Paw-Paw to give Mommy & Daddy a date night. Thanks Nana & Paw-Paw!


Sunday

On Sunday, we went to the Cleary Family Reunion in North Wilkesboro. Ella was fussy at first because we had to wake her up from her nap, but she quickly woke up to see what was going on! Ella is extremely nosey so we've nicknamed her "Nose-Ella." We had lots of yummy food and ate way too much (at least I did!) Last year, Ella was the youngest family member present and Grandma Grace was the oldest. This year, there were lots of new little ones, but Grandma Grace kept her title. (I must say she definately doesn't look her age!) Ella and Jackson got to play together 2 days in a row! Ella managed to steal his balloon that he brought from his party. He would chase her trying to get it back and she would scream and yell. He finally gave up and let her keep it. Smart boy...a woman will always get what she wants :) Haha! Ella held on to that balloon for over an hour just walking around and kicking it. When I took it away from her to take a family picture, she cried so hard! You would have thought I was beating her! Cory said we were going to have to keep a stash of balloons in the car when everything else fails to soothe her.


Ella piggin' out on lots of good food


John & Jackson


Ella after she stole Jackson's balloon


Cory & Ella (before I took her balloon)


The Grace Cleary Taylor Family


The Taylor Family

Ella went to bed at 8:30 tonight! This is unusually early for her. She was SO tired! It was a fun, but exhausting weekend! This week is going to be just as busy trying to get everything ready for the beach! This time next week I'll be on the beach relaxing...who am I joking...I'll actually be chasing a 1 year old around :) We can't wait!