Ella came along so fast, we were lucky to have the crib put together before we left for Alabama (actually it was up for just 3 days before we left.. whew!). So decorating was kind of last on our list. But I finally have it all put together. Here are a few pictures of Ella’s room.

Before I go back to work I wanted to take Ella to get some nice photos done. Our friend Robyn has offered to do a whole photo shoot – but I wanted to save that for when she’s a little older and can take direction. I didn’t have very high hopes for this mall photo experience, but it was fun. And she is so adorable. I can’t believe she’s ours.

Well, we finally ventured out for our first family vacation. Just after the new year we packed up (a lot more bags than usual) and flew out to Utah to visit with Alex’s family. Everyone was instantly in love with Ella, as expected. Here are some highlights:

We had to buy her a parka. It’s COLD there!

Here is the family portrait. Unfortunately it doesn’t include Taylor and Meg, who now reside in hell, um, I mean Phoenix. Same thing.
Alecia was so anxious to hold Ella that she didn’t even get her coat off….

Spencer wasn’t far behind!

And Gray was liberal with his kisses. Maybe too much so?

Chris and Amanda made a special trip down from Logan to visit. They couldn’t get enough. So they made two visits!

We took her over to visit her great-grandpa (the only one she has). He was excited because grandma wasn’t there, so he got to her first!

But don’t worry, she got her turn too.

Gray’s favorite game now is to push Grandpa around in the wheelchair. Or anyone else who will let him…

I made matching t-shirts for the cousins. Gray’s said “SALT” and Ella’s said “PEPPER.” This is the best picture we could get, as they’re both squirmy-worms.

And finally right before we had to leave to come home my brother Steve stopped by for a quick visit and photo.

It was a great visit all-in-all.  Grandma threw Baby Ella a shower, and she got even more clothes and shoes.  This girl has more shoes than I do.  I have to say that her Converse All-Stars are a hit wherever we go.  We got back home safely and are now getting back to normal life — a life that doesn’t include a million free babysitters.  Ahh, vacation.