Little Ella is 2!!

Our little Ella is two! And what a birthday she had! The evening before her special day, we went to the circus with the Brubachers. The kids loved seeing the animals (bears, monkeys, dogs) do tricks and the acrobats and trapeze artists swing. And they perhaps loved jumping in the jumping castle out front the very best! I have no idea where our circus pictures are. It's a big mystery. So maybe someday they will turn up and you'll see them!



Then on Ella's special morning, Leif made waffles and we went for a walk to the pet store where we bought a hamster!! (more on this in another post) Both girls were elated.



In the afternoon, we went on a picnic at the river, again with the Brubachers. It was a HOT day, and we pulled out the kiddie pool. Ella liked being in the van. The kids pretended they were on a safari and there was a driver and then others acted out different animals out the window. They were pretty cute. Ella liked being the driver best.





What a great day for a picnic! (roasted hot dogs and shashleek)





And a two-year-old's birthday would never be complete without digging in dirt!!



Ella's ladybug cake turned out to be quite yummy. The wind kept blowing out the flames before Ella had a chance to blow the candles out.





We tucked the girls into bed and Masha came home with a beautiful cake (Ella is holding it) and this adorable dress. We got the girls out of bed to come and see Masha and these nice gifts, and Ella was happy to put the dress on over her jammies. Masha is staying with us for a couple of months and both girls love her! Happy Birthday, sweet Ella! You are such a funny, sweet, smart, independent, kissable girl!! You bring so much joy and richness to our lives. We love you!!