Mel wrote: Happy Mothers Day! We took Miss Ella to the beach today. She started out in an adorable swimsuit from Grandma Tutu but as you can see it didn't make it all the way to the beach......We had fun playing in the sand, although Ella's not sure if she likes the water yet.

Mel wrote: We had some friends over to dinner tonight - six adults and three babies! Luckily, we had just enough play stations to entertain the kids while the parents were eating. They were all perfect!

Since Ella has learned to use her hands, all of her onsies are stretched out on the front since she pulls on them with one hand. As you can see from the first photo, you can usually find the other hand in her mouth . The other pictures are of her playing with her doll from her great-aunt Jo and great-uncle Wayne.

From Mel: Ella and I made it back from Alaska safe and sound. <1st picture> is of Ella at an Alaskan zoo for rescued animals (there are a couple bears in the background). My cousin's wife Niki took us there. <next> is Ella helping the flight attendants greet passengers as they got on the plane. <next picture> Ella got her own seat! <next picture> - later in the flight, Ella helped a flight attendant check to make sure everyone had their seat belt on. Last three are from today - she's happy to be home!