Ella's Birthday x 2!

     Our dear Ella is 11!  Having a June birthday, we often do something exciting or are in a unique place on her special day.  This year was maybe unusual in the sense that we all had covid and were quarantined at home, but it wasn't so exciting.  Ella, in her very Ella-way, was very sweet about our little home celebration and expressed much appreciation and joy.   

     We had a little surprise party for her on Nettie's side of the house (as Nettie had covid, too).  

     Then we had a little picnic lunch on the floor and watched a movie.  

     In the evening, Leif made barbequed hamburgers outside.  It was so cold!!  My sense of smell had come back, and I couldn't handle the smell of cooking food, so everyone was very sweet to agree to eating outside!

     Ella and Leif's normal tradition is to make apple pies together, but we didn't have the strength or the ingredients, so they decided to do it together when we were all feeling better.  So ice cream cake it was for her birthday.  ;)

Getting the decorations and food ready before Ella arrived.

     Several weeks after we were all recovered from covid, we had a real surprise party for Ella at the sauna/swimming pool!

Anneka made a bunch of fun shapes out of balloons.

Waiting with baited breath for Ella's arrival.

Ella was truly surprised!

She's always wanted a surprise party.

 

     Ella's friend, Esther, came with us.  Ella was very happy to see her.

     We all swam, played, ate good food, and enjoyed a fun three hours together.

I'm so thankful for this sweet daughter!

     Martina and Matty made an apple pie for Ella (her favorite).  She and Leif still made pies together after the suprise party, too.

     We love you, sweet Ella joy!  You are kind, thoughtful, wise, fun, beautiful, and we are so proud of you!!