Ellie is 8!

And just like that Ellie turned 8. She is growing into a beautiful young lady - full of happiness, curiosity, boundless energy, whip sharp, and strong willed. 

I do this every year - here she is through each of her birthdays followed-up by some pictures from this year.  


Newborn: 

One 

Two: 

Three: 

Four

Five: 

Six: 

Seven: 

Eight: 

This year she had a Spa-themed party with just a handful of her close friends. I wasn't invited but Ellie and her friends were pampered with hair styling, nails, spa robes, and karaoke. 

Tonight we celebrated as a family. Dinner at chilis with lava cake for desert. Then home to open family presents. Thanks everyone for all the gifts. She was so excited. 

Chanukah 2018

In celebration of Judah Maccabee's victory over the Seleucids! The victorious Maccabee's could only find a small jug of oil that had remained uncontaminated and although it only continued enough oil to sustain the Menorah for one day, it miraculously lasted for Eight days. 

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tsivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. 

Thanksgiving 2018

Enjoyed a great week in Phoenix for Thanksgiving 2018. Lots to recap so not sure I will get to everything but here it goes dat-by-day: 


Saturday: Ellie made sure we were on the road early so that we could maximize our time. We made great time and drove straight to Minnie's for dinner and some intense badminton, including a night game! 

Sunday: We enjoyed a relaxing day up in Anthem with Bob and Jamie + Stacy and the kids. Emily played on her scooter and got some practice on the balance bike and Ellie really enjoyed playing with Ayden. Later we celebrated Bobpa's B-day. 

Monday: D and I were up and at it attending GJ's strength training class at 6:30am and we then ran back to the house! GJ and Bobpa took the kids to the Butterfly garden and D and I hit the road for Tucson. 

Tuesday: D and I relaxed at the El Conquistador about 30 mins. north of Tucson and explored Catalina State Park. The girls explored the PHX children's museum and enjoyed a cousin sleep over complete with matching PJs. 

Wednesday:  D and I got another quick hike in before heading back to PHX later in the morning. Check out Darcy next to this huge saguaro cactus we came across. When we returned Ellie was not feeling good (sore throat, fever, cough). 

Thursday (Thanksgiving): With Ellie sick, D and I soldiered on and completed the Anthem Turkey Trot in 40 minutes. Bummed Ellie was too sick to run since we had been training for the past month. Turns out the run is 3.9 miles, I had always thought it to be 3.1 miles. Makes me feel better about my 40 mins. 

2018 - D and I  - 40 minutes  (19th and 20th place!)
2017 - Ellie and I  - 47 minutes 

The rest of the day we cooked, ate and drank with the entire clan and celebrated Minnie's 89th Birthday!! 

Friday:  we relaxed, played some games, digested, ate leftovers and the kids got driving lessons from GJ!

Saturday: we drove back leaving at 8:00 CA time and arriving back home around 3:45pm.