Ella is 3!

     Our sweet little Ella is three!  We took a Monday (our normal family/rest day) to fully celebrate her.  She awoke to decorations and balloons throughout the apartment and opened presents from Anneka first thing while skyping with her grandparents.  She was so happy all day and could hardly believe that everything we did was all for her.  There was a reptile and monkey exhibit that came to town, so we went to check it out.  It was fun for the kids to see the animals up-close.

Some of the animals they could even touch.  These turtles' shells had a fun texture.

     We didn't get a picture of it because of the scariness of the moment, but Isaac fully opened the cage to a python!  It was on the floor, and the workers had recently opened it for cleaning.  We are so thankful that the python was sleeping in the far end of the cage and that Leif saw Ike right away... before he walked all the way in!  Leif told the workers that the cage wasn't locked and they didn't seem too concerned.  They just explained that it was cleaning time.

     One of the workers opened the cage to this type of porcupine for our kids to pet.  He felt SO strange!  I kept thinking that he was going to bite, but he just kind of sniffed the girls.

     After the exhibit, we all went to a new toy store and let Ella pick out her birthday present.  She picked out a little stroller and baby doll.  Normally these two items here would be very expensive, but she happened to like and choose the least expensive of the strollers and the babies.  And while we were there, Leif spotted this little bike that was on a super-sale.  So we got her a bike, too. She tried it out that evening on a family trip to the playground and liked it very much!

     After the toy store, the girls rode on this carousel.  Ella was simply delighted!  We ate out for lunch and then went to a newer European grocery store and let Ella choose the elements of our dinner (chicken nuggets, fruit, chips).  Since our oven is broken and I couldn't bake her a cake, she also picked out her very own cake!

     

          And here she is, blowing out her 3 candle!  Ella, you make us smile many, many times each day.  You are so affectionate with your words and with your hugs and kisses.  We love your grateful heart and how you appreciate so much- and tell us, too!  You are so aware of everything around you.  It is fun to watch you as you watch everyone else.  You are funny and fun and smart and sweet, and we love you so much!  Happy birthday!