Two of Ellis' Top Loves:

Drawing and animal statues.  I love watching Ellis get lost in a project.  She drew food and drink for each animal and barely said a word the entire time I quietly looked on.

When she ran out of traditional animals for her dinner party, she invited some rocks, which were also assigned animal identities.

Zoo: Part 2

Creeping toward the peacock...

How the carousel ride began:

Notice they are no longer on a horse.

Samantha rode twice, and would have kept riding all day I think.

This half-smile is all Ellis could muster toward the end of her first and final ride.

Ellis grabbing a few parting gifts on her way out:

Sam's Birthday & The Zoo: Part 1

Welcome to the three-year-old club secret handshake (dainty knuckles):

The first animal Ellis fed the day we visited the zoo:

She put on her own headband that day.  Can you tell?  Is anyone else reminded of Bruce Springsteen?

I love this photo.  That is pure joy you see on her face:

Giraffes tongues are rough like cats' tongues.  I did not know that and thought maybe you wouldn't be aware of that either.  Now you are and you're welcome.

Also, giraffes like to lick wooden posts.  At least this guy did.

Is that a wallaby?  Seriously, though.  Is that what it was?  I can't remember now.  At this point Ellis' headband had moved into position for her audition as 'doctor in 1950'.

I call this one, "Bird on Camera" for obvious reasons.

See that popsickle stick in E's hand?  It has half a teaspoon of bird seed on the end.  It cost a dollar.  BUUUT, Ellis thoroughly enjoyed feeding her second type of animal of the day, which is worth at least a dollar.  More, probably.

Fun day at the zoo with Grammy and Grandpa, Tim and Kristi, and all of the girls (and Gabe and me).

Friends and Cousins

As it was for Gabe's grandfather's memorial, it was wonderful to see so much family as we all came together to celebrate the life of our grandfather, Frank Torrens. 

It is not difficult for me to remember holding this now-22-year-old, Emma, when she was a rolly baby herself.

Jessica, Max, and Lauren.  Ellis was a big fan of them all.  (So am I.)

My cousin, Alyssa, all the way from Scotland.  Our time together was far too short!

The Baby (and 3-year-old) Whisperer, my cousin, Lauren.

Cousin Abby, entertaining the crazy lady.

At the Science Station.  I'm pretty sure this is the same coin funnel I wasted money on when I was little.

Father's Day

And while we're at it, here's Mother's Day. Maybe I already posted M's Day?  Too lazy to check.