Vin and I took Ella to the Santa Barbara Zoo on Sunday. We love this zoo because it is small enough to get through the entire zoo in about 2 hours and it has all of the main animals that Ella wants to see. Another nice thing about this zoo is the beach is right across the street and the downtown is less than 5 minutes away which has amazing shopping and delicious restaurants. One day I WILL make it to the downtown shops to have a little fun of my own!

We had a wonderful family day at the zoo and ended it with dinner at our favorite mexican restaurant, Los Arroyos.

Vincent and Ella have started a regular father/daughter outing to the mall. They go every weekend and ride the carousal; ride the machines that rock back and forth; play in the toy store with the choo-choo trains and the critter house and of course end it all with a yummy ice cream!

Ella was eating dinner the other night and I was watching her thinking to myself what an amazing young girl Vincent and I have been blessed with. I just can't get over what a beautiful, incredible, adorable, loving, sweet, precious child we have.

Ella is always asking us if we can go back to Disneyland - on Friday she got a big suprise...she was going back to Disneyland! Unfortunately daddy wasn't able to join us this time, but we look forward to going back again with him next time.
We went with our friends Nicole and Keane and ofcourse had a WONDERFUL time!!! Ella and Keane waiting in line to get a picture with Minnie Mouse and walk to through her house.
The one, the only... Minnie Mouse! Ella LOVES to see all of the disney characters, but I think Minnie Mouse is definitely her favorite.Inside Minnie's house.
Ella with her smoothie & lollipop face.
Ella couldn't wait to tell daddy all about her day at disneyland when we got home. And right before bed she asked if we could go back to disneyland tomorrow ;)

Ella and I went over to Nicole and Keane's house on Thursday and enjoyed the beautiful weather outside.

I love this little girl so much!!!

I love that she LOVES to have "pink piggies"....
I love that she HAD to have these flip flops because they had princess's on them and they light up when she walks!

I love her with all of my heart and I am forever grateful to have her as my daughter.

I love you Ella bean!

XOXO,

mommy

This is one of Ella & my favorite songs to sing together...

Ella enjoyed her 1st swim lesson of the year. It was on a Saturday so daddy was able to come and watch!

Stacy, one of my best friends was married over the weekend. Congratulations Stacy and Joe - you make a perfect couple!
I was honored to be a bridesmaid in their wedding and to be part of such a special day! Stacy & Joe
The bridesmaids (unfortunately Shannon is missing from this picture and I don't have one of all of us yet to post).
My beautiful sister & I.

Tabitha, my best friend who I met in college, Christi and I.

Last weekend I stood up in one of my best friends wedding. I was gone most of friday and all of saturday attending events for the wedding. Grandma, Grandpa, Nani, Uncle Stephen, Aunt Christi and her boyfriend David all stepped in and babysat Ella while I was gone. I have to admit, it was very hard for me to imagine being away from Ella for 2 days since this would be the longest I have been away from her since she was born (and because I am so hormonal from being pregnant). But, I couldn't have picked better babysitters for Ella while I was gone! She had a wonderful time with everyone and I don't even think she knew I was gone! :) The next day when we woke up, Ella told me all about her exciting time... there were milkshakes, a trip to ToysRUs, green ice-cream, the Wiggles...the list went on and on. Thank you guys for being such amazing babysitters! I LOVE you all so very much! (Now if I can only find a way to convince everyone to move near us!) ;)

We have had non-stop fun all week. There is a park right next to my parents house that we take Ella to in the mornings.

Ella and I have been enjoying a WONDERFUL week with our family. Ella loves all the attention! She has been showered with lots of love and affection as well as cupcakes, suckers, toys, books, balloons and so much more! The only thing missing is Vincent.