HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELLA!

Today, our "baby" Ella is growing up. Ella has left the world of "Terrible 2-half" (Yes, we really taught her to say that when people asked her age), and she is now THREE. THREE! Holy cow! She can count to three! Heck, she can count to ten! She can tie her own shoes (in a very non-traditional wrapping/twisting type of way), send herself to her room (if she accidentally hurts you, she gets very upset, and sends herself to her room...moping all the way), and tell you just what you should be doing at every moment of the day(dancing, running, or playing "catches"). In fact, today she will tell you she is NOT three! She is stuck on her favorite age, of "Terrible-2-Half."

So, our tribute goes out to the cutest, funniest, wildest, most stubborn red-head on the planet:

ELLA

Extremely
Loud, and
Lovable,
Always.Here is a list of some of her favorites:

Favorite Movie: The Wizard of Oz (aka "A-widge-a-Bob" said in a sing-song voice over and over)
Favorite Home: Alaska ("Alak-sa"...try saying that one!)
Favorite Kisses: Butterfly Kisses ("Futter-fy Kisses")
Favorite Quote: "But I LOVE you!" (defending the right to torture her baby sister, or you...)
Favorite Complaint: "I don't want to go home!"
Favorite Food: Apple Bars (Breakfast Bars)
Favorite Drink: Chocolate Milk (oh, and she'll spot it if you don't add the chocolate)
Favorite Activity: Dancing
Favorite Song: Anything she makes up at the moment...
Favorite Hair-do: None at all...haven't you noticed?

Who knew a kid could drive you SOOOO crazy, make you angry, make you feel guilty, make you feel exasperated, and make you feel exhausted...?

And at the same time make you feel joyful, thrilled, astonished, giggly, excited to share the world, proud, and so meaningful?

If someone would have told me I'd love a kid this much, I never would have believed them.

There is nothing more amazing in this world than having a wonderful spouse, and being part of this extraordinary creation of life.

Thank you for the three craziest years of our lives, Ella!