In the spring Ella went through a short phase of testing me. Just misbehaving, terrible two stuff that was short lived. I even warned Erin that Ella had gotten really bad when we were talking about visiting her in Victoria. Because the phase didn't last very long, I had totally forgotten about my warning until were in Victoria and Erin said how good Ella was, that she wasn't "bad" at all. I felt so guilty because in comparison to some kids... Ella really is very well-behaved - even in her testing phase.
Yesterday, while Christina was over, Ella refused to pick up her toys after I asked her to ("No, Mommy"). So I told her in a stern voice: "Ella, help clean up your toys, or you're going to your room." The little stinker replied: "No, Mommy. I not scared you." What???? Christina burst out laughing and I was somewhat shocked.
(I know Ella knows the correct use of "scared" as sometimes when she's playing and Ron chases her, she'll run to me laughing and say "Daddy scare me" and then giggle when Ron catches her and tickles her. It's her favorite game.)
Ella refused to pick up her toys and again said, "I not scared you Mommy." I put her in time out with a warning: "you don't speak back to mommy like that." Geez kiddo, you'd think I torture you. Just another test, but in the words of all parents everywhere at some point: "You may not be scared of me now, but if you keep it up, you will be." :)
After Ella's bath I used my straightening blow dryer to blow out Ella's curls. I was just bored and curious. I'm also totally jealous! :) Her hair has so much volume and the big curls would take me hours in rollers...Ella only 5 minutes. She's also become quite the poser... :)
I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving back home. We won't be celebrating until the end of November but I am looking forward to a big turkey dinner as usual... hope you all enjoyed yours! :) 
We headed out to the North Shore to see some waves... you can't tell in the photos but there were tons of surfers out riding some huge waves.
Ella and I spent the night at Emmi and Christina's house last Wednesday. Manny is out of town on business so we thought it would be fun to have a sleep over. For the kids, an opportunity to run themselves ragged and for us a chance to enjoy a few pina coladas without having to drive home. We made pizza, put the kids to bed, and watched chick flicks over pina coladas. Ron says I'm too old for sleep overs, but if they involve alcohol, one's never too old. :)
We went to a wedding today for one of Ron's co-workers. Of course Ella was excited to see a "princess" and though we only met the bride today, we couldn't keep Ella away from her! 
We've always read Ella bedtime stories and she has her favorites, but at bedtime lately, I've been letting Ella snuggle up in our bed and we spend a good half hour reading. I've gotten back into reading and will read a book instead of watching TV (always a good thing!). I often read outside while Ella is on the playground, or will read on the couch while Ella is playing contentedly with all her toys. She's picked up on it because now, whenever I have a book, she will get hers and sit with me to read. 
