Washington DC Visit

Thanks to our hosts Sean & Tonya and Tom & Susan for making our trip to DC so amazing. It was Mark's 1st visit to our nations capitol and we all had a blast. Because of the marathon, we weren't able to do as much family sightseeing as we would have liked... but I'm sure we'll be back for another visit.

Marine Corps Marathon

I completed my 2nd marathon on Sunday with a time of 6:08:20. While it wasn't quite the time I hoped for, nothing can compare to the experience of crossing the finish line with one of my best friends, Jen Bailey. Jen was running through major knee injuries to finish her 1st marathon.

We had the best cheering section anyone could ask for... Tom & Susan Bailey, Andy Paul, Jen & Eli Veenendaal, Tonya & Sean Lawson, and (of course!) Mark & Ella!

Thanks to all of you who sent us support in the form of phone calls, text messages, and thoughts and prayers. It meant a lot to know that we had our own private cheering section all over the US!! :)

Ella visits the Pumpkin Patch

We made our 1st Annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch this afternoon! Not only was this Ella's 1st trip, but Mark tells me that this was also his 1st ever visit to a REAL pumpkin patch (I have a feeling that his Mom will disagree).

I don't know who enjoyed it most! None of us had ever seen so many pumpkins in the same place!

Mom and Ella think they've found the perfect pumpkin!

Ella and Dad pose for a quick pic before we leave.

More Photos From Patti's Wedding

To check out more pics from my sister's wedding, go to
http://www.paulvphotoevents.com/pickpic/gallery/splash.php?gallery_id=308
Password: Walker

Standing!

Well... not totally standing on her own. I had to help her up, but once she holds on- she can stand up on her own for quite bit!

Moving and Shaking

Ella has been our little mover this past week. She is still not OFFICIALLY crawling forward, but boy is she moving. She maneuvers herself all over the floor: rolling, scooting, backwards crawling and the occasional shimmy, but still no forward crawling.



New this week as well, she can stand on her own by holding onto tables, chairs and the side of her playpen. We've had a few brushes with gravity as a result, but she's been pretty tough (and Mom is always putting pillows around her).



Now that she has dipped her toe in this whole moving thing, she is rarely satisfied sitting still!!

Also a new development... but not as exciting... Ella is really showing some "personality". She certainly knows what she wants and makes sure everyone else knows it. This girl is going to be STUBBORN- just like her Mommy!

I'm going to try and see if I can figure out how to upload some videos so you can see our little mover and shaker!

Ella moving!

Check out Ella trying to get the cordless phone in the pic below. Her legs kick around like crazy! Hilarious!

Doctor's Visit

Ella has a bad cold! We headed to the doctor today to make sure it's nothing to worry about... it isn't. Just a common cold that needs to run it's course. Lot's of fluids, rest and TLC. Ella is not quite old enough for chicken soup yet.

We did get an official weigh in at 23lbs and 3oz!!! (That's 3.5lbs gained in 2 months!)

Race for the Cure

Mark, Ella and I participated in Race for the Cure this weekend. It's always amazing to see so many people decked out in pink in support of Breast Cancer. Woo hoo!

I'm growing up fast!!

Ella is on her way! 8 months and counting! Still no crawling or (gasp!) walking... but she is almost there. She will be moving just as soon as she decides she is ready.





Don't I look funny in Mom's glasses!!!