We're into band aids

Lucy has entered the "I love band aids" stage. For the past week, she has wanted one on her lip. I finally gave her one. Here's some pics of our little Hitler. :)

Ella went back to school yesterday. She was so excited...and exhausted. She was actually more tired today but hit serious meltdown mode last night.
They found a special desk for her and the kids draw straws to see who gets to ride up in the elevator with her. She was also a "hit" at recess, so she wasn't sad about not being able to play on anything. She told us today, however, that in PE she just had to sit here which wasn't fun at all. :)

Mom and Dad just gave us their old van today. We are thrilled! It's so nice. And their new one is really nice. Dad doesn't mess around. I'm glad he decided to splurge. He deserves it. They both do. Mom loves it too. We are incredibly lucky, and thankful for their generosity.

Thank goodness for AFLAC

The one thing we did do right this past year is buy an AFLAC policy because let me tell you, we are racking up the accidental and hospital claims left and right.

Just found out not only is my foot/toe still broken, it's actually displaced more than it was four weeks ago, so they are sending me to a specialist. Probably going to need surgery and a pin.
Seriously, can you really do anything but laugh at this point? :)

Ella's last day home is tomorrow. We're going up to school to practice getting around.

Lucy and Pete had good days at school. Pete was asleep when I got there to pick him up, of course. And Lucy was waiting at the bottom of the stairs for me. Is there anything sweeter?

I finally just went for a run with kids in the jogger tonight because I figure, why not at this point. I've stayed off of it for a month and it's worse than it was, and the mental "release" of the run is worth it. I was gimpy but man it felt good. :)

Things are looking up

Ella got her second cast put on today. It's neon pink and half the diameter of the old one. Her leg was really swollen before, and now it's so skinny it looks like an arm cast. Ella was a amazing. She couldn't eat until almost 4:00 and she never even complained. She surprises me every day.

Tonight, we were all on the deck when some motorized parasailers flew over our house. One of the three came back, slowed down right over our deck, and threw down a huge, stuffed dog! We were so thrilled. Then, he circled around, came back even closer, and threw out an armload of stuffed animals that rained down on our back yard. The kids just shrieked with glee, as did I. Grandpa Phil and Grandma Nancy were here too. It was an amazing moment. Pure joy raining down from heaven blessing us all. I wish I could have captured it on video.

Maybe things are finally looking up. :)

Chuck E Cheese

We had a great night! Grandpa Phil and Grandma Nancy came too, which really helped since Ella needed a helping hand and Pete just wanted to throw all the balls. And he loved riding the big horse.
Lucy had a blast. We took lots of pictures and she made some baskets all on her own shooting with Daddy.
We followed up with a quick trip through McDonalds, presents at home, and cupcakes before bed. It was a fabulous day.

Lucy is 3!!

Today is Lucy's birthday! She brought pretty sprinkle cupcakes for treats to both daycare and preschool, and we made big ones to enjoy at home. We'll have those tonight then head over to Chuck E Cheese! The first thing she said this morning when we talked about her birthday is "It's open? Chuck E Cheese?!" She's VERY excited. Poor Ella won't have much fun, but we'll get her on as many games as we can. She had her first follow up appointment today, and she will have her leg reset in a week. They'll take her back into surgery, move it back into place, and put on a pretty pink cast this time. :)
I can't believe you were born three years ago Lulu Belle...
They are all growing up just so fast. Too fast.
I love you Lucy!!
Mommy

Go Hawks

Today we went to Phil and Jama's and watch UNI and Iowa play. It was a close game, which is good because we really only saw the last few minutes. All the kids had a great time, and it was good for Ella to get out of the house and have some fun.
Tonight Paiton and Hailey came over and decorated brownies with us that we cut out into shapes and loaded up with sprinkles and colored frosting. The weather was beautiful and it was a fun day.