Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Everyday Photozzzzzzzzz

"Let her sleep, for when she wakes - she will move mountains."




Feelin the Wind in our Hair

Ella has graduated from the slow speed to the medium speed on her four-wheeler. I could tell she was ready for a little more adventure now that she's getting use to the breaks and steering.

Last night, I sent Ella running up to Derek to say, "Hey Dad! Let's amp this thing up!" After a good laugh, he agreed. Shortly after that, I saw her hair blowing in the wind across the yard and Erin was giggling hysterically watching her try to get use to the new speed.


Saturday, May 25, 2013

Ella vs. Erin

There are a handful of people who don't believe that sweet, squishy little Erin has a very curious, determined little mind. Her and Ella have VERY different personalities. Although Erin absolutely adores her big sissy, she will not let age decide who leads our pack. Here are some examples:

Erin started crawling into other rooms at 8 months.
Ella...10 months.

Erin started walking at 12 mos.
Ella....14 mos.

Erin has climbed into the dishwasher.
Ella has never wanted to.

Erin jumps into a pool, regardless of the temperature.
Ella will only swim if its 110 degrees and the water is 85 degrees.

Erin has definitely eaten cat food.
Ella hasn't.

Erin shoves Ella out of the way when its treat time.
Ella has never even had a desire to push her little sister out of the way. 

Erin goes STRAIGHT for the sharp knives when the dishwasher is open.
Ella...never.

We think Erin has eaten a small rock.
Ella hasn't.

Erin has tried to figure out how to pull outlet covers off.
We went through all of Ella's first years without even needing them.

Erin has stuck her hand in the toilet.
Ella hasn't.

*Important Note:
Erin has had 373 days of life to figure this out.
Ella has had 1362.

This is not a coincidence, people.
 
I dont know why this picture makes me laugh so much, but it seemed appropriate.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Everyday Photo

"Will my dimple get me out of jail?"


Stage 3 - The Deck

Stage 2 is wrapping up...
Time to dig some holes!


The deck has arrived!


Of COURSE a cop would show up. Of course. 
Scolded for "blocking traffic" for approximately 5 minutes. 



Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Under Construction

Our construction project is getting pretty intense. We are trying to stay composed while the chaos is going on around us. Here is a conversation between Derek and I mid-workday.



Derek: “There are two large holes in the house, they took the windows out. I’ll cover those tonight.”

Hether: “Why? Do you think the kids will climb through it?”

Derek: “……Yes. The cat already did it."

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Erin Turns 1!

This weekend was SUCH a blast! On Friday, we spent the day prepping for Erin's birthday party! Other than some uncertain weather conditions, it went great! We then enjoyed a little campfire in our backyard until 1am. Saturday morning, we packed up our things and headed south. We went to the Blank Park Zoo, Jordan Creek Mall, Gray's Lake, Cheesecake Factory, swam at the hotel, enjoyed a nice breakfast together, and swung through Story City for a little play time and shopping. The weather was so awesome and I really enjoyed having both girls all to ourselves.

I still can't believe my little Peanut is one. This is one of my favorite pictures from when she was born, simply because I can still smell this moment. We could not get over how much Erin smelled like funnel cake the first week she was born. =)


1 mo old vs 1 year old


 Some things never change...like Ella's love for the carousel (2012 vs 2013)



Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Cat Scratch Fever

Holly (our kitty) made her way to the vet's office today. She was in desperate need of getting spayed and declawed. The vet reported she is doing well. In the eyes of a 3 year old:

1) Every time our cats have gone to "the kitty doctor," they haven't come home. Which is probably why Ella asked if we are getting a new cat once this one goes to the doctor.

2) When asked why Holly is at the doctor, her reply is "She's getting her butt fixed." Thanks Derek.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Tiny Boss

Ella: "After supper, we're gonna go on a walk. OKAY? Make sense?"

When did my 3 year old get so bossy???

Monday, May 13, 2013

Mother's Day

What a wonderful weekend we had with our mommies! Our girls love their grandmas. :)

No fancy gift could ever top waking up to the beautiful handwriting of my little Ellers.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

A Breath of Fresh Air

We spent a lot of time outside this past weekend. We got new mulch, planted some flowers, weeded my corner fence, got the garden ready, and played in the dirt! Ella and I also created a rainbow garden to place on our deck (yet to be built).













We recently purchased a new tree to replace the one we cut down. Ella is putting a lot of TLC into caring for our little guy!


Things that Make Us Smile

Our little concerned citizen showing off her solid legs for summer!




Thursday, May 2, 2013

A Shout-Out to Rebecca Black Fans

(An excerpt from my pillow talk with Ella tonight)

Ella: "We have to go to bed and go to Jenise's and go home and then Dad'll be home, right?"
Me: "Yep. He's gone one night."
Ella: "Yep. But He'll be home Friday."
Me: "Yep, tomorrow's Friday."
Ella: "Hey, do you remember that song? We have to get down because its Friday, right?"




Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Milestones

It's a big week in the Gustafson house for both girls!

ELLA: is going cold-turkey with her pull-ups at night. It's something we've needed to do for awhile, and it just seems like the right time. So far, it hasn't been a total disaster. She is trying really hard and has earned two stickers for dry nights. Another thing I've been trying to teach her is how to distinguish left from right.

ERIN: is beginning to transition from formula to whole milk. She loves it, as long as its warm. Erin has also latched on to a new favorite toy this week: an Elmo stethoscope. She loves to take it on walks and giggles while dragging it on the ground behind the stroller. She is constantly playing with it in the house, too. Maybe she will become a nurse like a few of her family members. :)