...how does she think of that.

So Ella is showing that tendency to remember peculiar things at some interesting times.

...this past weekend, I went for my first long run in quite some time and came back really winded. Ella asked what was wrong and I said "I'm just a fatso, Ella, and can't run very far any more."

fast forward a few days....

....I'm putting Ella to bed last night and she's being extra whiny and emotional. So I tell her I'm sorry she's feeling bad, but its time to stop whining.....

DAD: ...if you want to read a book tonight or sing a song, you're going to have to stop whining and demanding everything. It's not kind to mommy and daddy and I'm not going to respond to you if you continue.

....pause....

...pause....

ELLA: You're a fatso.

I wasn't really sure what to say....I just sucked in my gut and sang a song.

Feathers, Rocks and Leaves

Ella said this morning that she wanted to go on a "nature hunt". So, after lunch and before naps this afternoon, we went over to the pond to feed the ducks and explore along the creek. On the way over, Ella saw a school and kids playing on the playground. She related to me that she does not like school...She said she was afraid kids would push her down. I am not sure where this came from....Then I heard her talking to herself and this is what she said... "Think, think, think" (this is what Winnie the Pooh says). "God, would I like to go to school?" She waits for a moment and then says, "No, okay". That was it.

We had a great time on our nature hunt. We fed ducks, well, Ella fed the ducks and Caleb just ate the old bread, and we then played along the creek finding treasures, walking sticks and throwing things into the creek to see what would float or sink and what it sounded like when it plunked into the water. Great fun! These are a few things Ella collected on her nature hunt.

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving here in Austin with Jeremy's dad, Greg, who was visiting from Montana and his sister, Trinity, who lives here. We did not do a whole lot, but we had a nice, restful time. Here are a few pictures.

Playing horsey with daddy!

Aunt Trinity

Our spread! We are so blessed. God supplies so much more then we truly need!

Caleb reading with Grandpa Greg.

Recent picture of Ella with a ponytail.