As Promised...

...here is a belly pic taken today at 35 weeks. :)

As you can see, with this picture-taking crazed family, even our pug knows how to pose for a picture. I had no idea he was standing beside me. It's as if he knew Aaron was taking my picture and he had to get in it. :)

"Miracles Happen"

Ella's ballet instructor has repeatedly told us parents that "miracles happen." She's, of course, referring to tomorrow's recital. Having 3-year olds follow any sort of instructions, let alone an entire dance routine in front of an audience, is terrifying to think about. There is no predictability in what will happen! But, Ella's instructor, who has been teaching ballet for many, many years, is hopeful and confident. She said that even if the dancers forget the entire routine and simply twirl around in circles or skip from left to right, it is still an exciting time. I am definitely excited to see how well Ella does tomorrow, but as a mom, I'm nervous too!

Today was her dress rehearsal. Ella's costume is the best kind...free! She and her fellow dancers are to wear yellow sundresses and, luckily, we had one hanging in her closet.

Got an itch there, Ella? :)

All lined up for their routine. Ella is the back leader! (The young lady standing with them is the instructor's assistant).

Such form!

"It's the truth! It's actual! Everything is satisfactual!"

Swaying.

"Plenty of sunshine heading my way!"

Ella's dance partner, Alyssa. They are so cute together!

With all the painting we've been doing with our kitchen cabinet remodel, Ella naturally wanted to feel included. So, I went to Michael's and bought her some new paint and paint brushes. She's painted some beautiful paintings, all of which she's wanted to give to Grandma and Grandpa. Hopefully she'll make me one. :)

That's her "I'm a ham" smile! Love it!

This painting is now hanging above Grandma's desk at her work.

What would a post be without a picture of our beloved Bob? This shot was taken tonight. I was in the bathroom giving Ella a bath. I look down the hall and I see these big brown eyes spying on me.

Tomorrow is Friday, everybody! T.G.I.F.!!!

Cabinet Update

What a weekend! We were busy, busy, busy working on our cabinets.

Aaron's hands and arms are probably still vibrating from sanding so much! I don't even want to say how long it took him to get it all done, but I can say that all the sanding is done!

That is A LOT of doors!

This is what our kitchen looks like right now. Thankfully I was able to put all our food, etc. back in the cupboards. Making meals with everything sprawled around everywhere was a bit tricky. Plus, having everything on the floor brought the best (or should I say worst?) out of Ella and Bob's curiosity.

Look at all those cookbooks. I need to put them to good use!

Yesterday, we put a coat of primer on the cabinets and figured that was enough. And I just finished up the first coat of "Dove White" Valspar Premium High Gloss paint. We're thinking two coats of the paint will seal the deal.

Aaron spent the entire day today (seriously) coating the cabinet doors with primer. Poor guy. He told me he's done now. He did a lot for me, and with this being "my" project, I understand him wanting to enjoy the remainder of his summer vacation and spend some time with Ella. So the rest of the work is all on me, which means the progress updates will not be as frequent. I just hope Aaron can manage to have the house be in a chaotic state for awhile longer. Aaron and messes don't mesh well. :)

This picture was just too cute to not post. Aaron was about to head out and meet his friend for coffee and this is what he saw. Apparently Bob didn't want him to go!

Finally Broke 100 Degrees

Church was good this morning. Ella insisted on going to "Mommy and Daddy's church," rather than "her church" (a.k.a. Sunday School), so we let her join us. She enjoys the worship time, but come time for the message, her 3-year-old-ness kicks in. It was distracting, to say the least, so hopefully next week she'll be okay with going back to "her church."

With it being 100+ degrees today, going outside was not something we wanted to do. So, what better way to spend the day than in a huge air-conditioned store! My parents watched Ella while Aaron and I did some much-needed clothes shopping. We bought an accumulated 5 pairs of shorts, 14 shirts and 2 pairs of shoes (for Ella). Sounds like a lot, but with the amount we spent, you wouldn't have guessed we walked out the store with that much. Gotta love the sales!

When we got home, it was late enough in the afternoon that our pool was covered in the shade provided by our orange tree. So, in we went!

Bob jumped in a few times. He literally flew in the air, dove right in and completely submerged himself. But of course, once we got the camera, he stopped. We tried to get him to jump in by enticing him with his favorite toy, but no such luck.

Poor guy. He tried so hard to get his toy without falling in. Don't worry, we eventually let him have his toy back. We're not that mean.

Watching us play while somehow balancing on the inflated ring.

Ella mimicking Bob's panting.

Pre-wet, slobbering kiss from Bob.

Ella brought in the flower hat we got her when we saw Disney on Ice a few months ago.

Yup, definitely our lovable, loony daughter!

Smothering her with kisses.

We were laughing so hard in this picture. I have so much fun with Ella.

And, of course, Aaron makes his own fun. Haha! "Diving" into the pool, while Ella braces herself on the side.

I don't know if Ella loves being thrown around more or if Aaron loves throwing Ella around more. Either way, it's so much fun to watch!

Look at how high he threw her!

Giggle, giggle.

Aaron wanting to show off his strength and Ella being a willing contestant.

Forecast for tomorrow is another 100-degree day. I'm sure we'll manage to have some more fun in the sun!