It has been a rough week and it's only Tuesday. Sunday, after blissfully sleeping in, I spilled an entire cup of coffee on my laptop while listening to Ella tell me all about her morning with Daddy. In full panic mode I may have accidentally taught Ella her first swear word. I think we may be okay though as she only said it once and has never said it again... but it is only Tuesday.
I'm not sure how, but my laptop survived and after drying it out upside down and removing all the keys, it booted up and is unfazed. The keyboard, however, is shot and I'm now using an external keyboard with the laptop. It's been irritating but spending $12 on a keyboard is much better than $800 on a new laptop.
I spent most of the day yesterday screening in our back lanai. The amount of rain these past 2 months have resulted in an insane amount of mosquitoes - so much so that we are thinking they have mutated and are becoming immune to the repellent yard spray. Ella and I are covered in bites despite using OFF lotion and I couldn't take it anymore. I bought bulk screening and did the entire back lanai so that it is pleasant again to sit outside. It seems to be doing the trick so far but it is only Tuesday and the next wind storm may take it all down.
And finally, I took Sara and Wyatt to the airport today. I have known Sara for the past two years and as neighbors spent many a morning conversing over coffee. Ella can't pass a Starbucks without asking to go for coffee with Aunt Sara. They are all off to Mississippi and we will miss them terribly. I am heartbroken to see her go, she is a great friend and confidant. On a lighter note, my girlfriend, Katie called to say she will be coming back sometime next month which means Eric will be soon behind her, returning from Iraq after 16 months. Goodbye Sara, Hello Katie - such is military life...
Here are some pics of Ella painting in the back yard...
More pictures of Ella with some of her dress up. Sara gave her a shopping cart before they left and it has replaced everything else. Ella will load up the shopping cart with dress up items, purses, toy food, books and toys. When you ask her what she is doing she will reply: "I shopping, Mommy." She walks around the house in her princess dress up heals pushing the shopping cart all day. I'm having flashes of Ella at 16...18...20... :(
And finally, I took Sara and Wyatt to the airport today. I have known Sara for the past two years and as neighbors spent many a morning conversing over coffee. Ella can't pass a Starbucks without asking to go for coffee with Aunt Sara. They are all off to Mississippi and we will miss them terribly. I am heartbroken to see her go, she is a great friend and confidant. On a lighter note, my girlfriend, Katie called to say she will be coming back sometime next month which means Eric will be soon behind her, returning from Iraq after 16 months. Goodbye Sara, Hello Katie - such is military life...
The day after Christmas, in all it's sale and discount glory, I ordered the digital SLR camera I've been pining after - the Canon Rebel. It's been at least 5 years since I last used my manual camera so I'm reading up on it and may try to find a photography class to sharpen my skills. Here are some pics to try it out, I can't wait to see what I can do once I've actually had time to play around with it...
This past Tuesday Ella had her follow-up ultrasound to check the development of her right kidney. (At 7 months Ella was diagnosed with a bladder reflux disease that had her on meds for a year to prevent infection. At 1 year 7 months, the reflux cured itself as it usually does in infants, but an ultrasound showed Ella's right kidney to be slightly swollen. The specialist wanted a follow-up ultrasound in a year to see how her kidneys were developing.) 
And finally, gymnastics started up again and Ella got to wear her new leotard from Grandma...
We headed into Honolulu for the city of lights tour. The giant Santa and Mrs. Claus basking with their feet in the fountain were a big hit with Ella. We walked around the Iolani Palace and through city hall where they have a Christmas tree display.
