Potato Stamped Aprons

Cookie Decorating

Making a Wish with her Cookie Cake

The Whole Crew

Ella,

Today you turn seven.  And at 6:20 this morning you proclaimed it at the top of your lungs.  Always excited to greet the day, that's my girl.  You stand proudly at forty-six inches, (you insisted that we measure you this morning).  You are still our passionate, big hearted girl that continues to look out for your sister's best interests.  You look to the future and have decided that you want to be a veterinarian (despite your allergies to fur) and that you will make your home in Paris.  You are certain that this will be a year filled with luck as seven is your favorite number.  So far, it hasn't gotten off to a bad start.  As you have every birthday since you could talk, you reported that today was the "best birthday party ever".   And you my dear are the best seven year old ever.

We love you.

Mom and Dad  

A Pre-Birthday Party

Celebrating a birthday a week early.

Metra ride to Wheaton

Goody bags at the Popcorn Shop

Pizza and cake with Lolo, Lola, Tito, Tita and Mimi

Our take-away from yesterday's $60 excursion to the largest building in the United States?  993 toilets.

It is 6:00 a.m. on a Tuesday morning and I hear our neighbor's shovel scraping against the sidewalk.  I know it snowed quite a bit last night but am relishing these last few minutes in bed before you kiddos wake up, the day starts and I inevitably have a shovel in hand.  School started back yesterday.  Ella, you came home with your weekly spelling list and Vivian with a backpack full of stencil drawings (a favorite of yours).  It's hard to believe it's a new year already.  2014 ended on a high note.  The holidays this year were full of activity all of which you guys really seemed to connect with.  Skating at  Millennium Park and a dinner over looking Michigan Avenue holiday lights, dancing the Nutcracker, cookie baking with Mimi, a meaningful visit with Santa (didn't detect any fear or hesitation this year), and ringing in the New Year until the wee hours (with no tears, no meltdowns, just fun with friends).  Girls, you are getting older and I'm loving where we are at.  The last few nights, high on New Year energy, I've begun putting the final details on our California road trip.  We will be traveling down the coast with your aunt, uncle and your baby cuz, Madelyn.  And an itinerary has started to firm up as we look toward Portugal this summer.  There is even a surprise trip to Disney World one month away.  Life as parents has certainly been rewarding as of late and I can't wait to share these new adventures with the two of you.  The clock keeps ticking and am realizing it is time for me to face reality.  The meteorologist forecasted six inches last night...wish me luck.