Tonight we had a farewell dinner at my Dad's. It was nice to sit in and relax. Tomorrow we head back to the US and onto Washington for a couple of days. Here's Ella with her new Baby Einstein book from my Dad's friend, Marilyn. It's been a nice visit up here and the weather has been comfortable with a nice breeze... it feels like fall and I love it! Up before the sun tomorrow... bien nuit, Toronto.
Amina is so small, I can't believe how big Ella is now. I always think of Ella as such a little baby, but now that I see Amina, I realize Ella is getting to be such a little personality. It was a wonderful night and a great visit. I didn't get any pictures but here's one of all of us from Sunday at Ella's Christening.
Today was Ella's Christening at the All Saint's Anglican Church in King City. The church is part of Ella's maternal great-grandfather's family history. Some members of the family donated land and helped co-found the church and settled in the area around it, known as Richmond Hill. The history is long and rich, and it was an honor to have Ella become a part of it. The Reverend was wonderful and performed a beautiful ceremony. Ella was so good! She sat quietly in her dress, well, eating it actually but didn't fuss at all.
We all went to brunch and got a chance to visit with my Aunt Susan, my brother, my cousin, her husband and new baby, Amina, as well as my Grandfather and family friend, Michelle. It was such a lovely day. The congregation was very welcoming and we enjoyed the service. Tomorrow is a day at the spa and then spending some time with Ella's great-grandfather.
We left Philadelphia this morning at 4:45am...we only had about 3-4 hours of sleep last night and we're exhausted!! It was really sad to say goodbye to Karen, Robert and Maddison. We'll be seeing them in Hawaii soon enough, and we'll go see Karen and Maddison in Korea when they make a visit to see Robert. It's always bittersweet to see my girlfriends...at one point it's always goodbye.
Ella is sleeping according to her schedule and seems to be totally unscathed at the miles she's stuck in her car seat. Ron slept a bit while I drove and eventually finished the last 4 hours as I was too tired. We made really good time and arrived in Niagara Falls around 1:30. 
I'm so exhausted I'm just going to hit the pillow, dirty feet and all.
An angel indeed!!! 
Ron and I found a cute little coffee shop down from Karen's with wireless internet so we came down for some coffee (and I get to get a blog in...take a seat, it's a long one!). We left Saturday morning at 3am for Roanoke, VA and arrived around 11am. We stayed the night at Ron's family, Aunt Gloria and Uncle James (here with Ella) and made a quick visit to Shirley, Denise and Gene. We really enjoyed the visit and it was wonderful to finally meet them.
We left Roanoke on Sunday morning at around 9:30 drove up here to Philadelphia. We got into Pennsylvania and decided to avoid the interstates (as they were all tolls and Ron is great at saving money). :) It was soooo beautiful! We drove through Gettysburg and took rural highways all the way to Philly. We went through gorgeous Amish county and saw a few horse and buggies on the highways. It didn't take us any longer and we arrived at Karen and Robert's at 5:30. 
I just want everyone to note, I drove the WHOLE way and didn't feel sleepy or bored at all! I'm great at driving to a holiday...not so great driving home from one. I'm building my drive hours so Ron can't complain on the way back. :) 
Yesterday, she loved the photographer and giggled and laughed even when he wasn't doing anything! I was in shock! Maddison was a little shy and so we didn't get a portrait of her and Ella together. (Maddison is 2 and I think she's feeling a little overlooked with a baby in the house. She looks as if she is wondering why everyone has to hold and pay attention to Ella.) She has been so good with Ella and is being very nurturing to "Baby El". 
Last night we gave them a bath and Ella loved it. She is totally in love with Maddison! She follows Maddison with her eyes and has the biggest grin on her face. When Maddison plays with her, Ella just starts giggling and shrieking with joy. Ooh! I love babies! Hopefully I can get another chance to blog before we head to Niagara Falls on Friday.
I'm not sure if I'll get any blogs in while we're away but with all the pictures we're bound to take, I'll try to get a post in as much as I can. Ron and Ella are in bed and I need to finish packing and hit the pillow. Ron's plan is to leave by 3am so that we're in Roanoke, VA around noon or shortly after. By Sunday, we'll be in Philadelphia, Friday in Niagara Falls, and Saturday in Toronto for 5 days. I can't wait!!!!! Good thing Ron is doing the driving tomorrow, I'm too excited to sleep.
Note to doctors and vets: when it comes to babies and pets, extra doses are necessary! Giving Ella medicine is about as easy as getting a cat to swallow a pill! It takes a lot of skill to get it down and not have her spit it out til it drips down her chin. And how do cats manage to eat the food you disguise the pill in but spit out the pill? This is my cat, Abu, I got in college. Now he lives with my brother in Toronto. Isn't he cute!!!
