Happy Birthday, Ellie and Caity!

February 28, was Ellie's 5th birthday and the 18th birthday of her cousin, Caity. It's a very special connection for these two. When Ellie was born at 6:52 am, Caity was the first person we called. We caught her just as she was heading off for school and were happy to tell her that we were able to give her just what she had asked for on her 13th birthday! She came to visit in the hospital later that night...


Caity is a very popular cousin, as she is just so fun and playful! We are always happy to have her around at family gatherings, because the kids pester Caity and Matt and I have more time to visit with other adults. Of course, when Caity isn't entertaining kids, the grown-ups also enjoy having someone around whose fun and playful! We send her lots of belated birthday love!

Ellie's birthday party was last weekend and was a very nice time. She had chosen a "pink poodle" theme, which made for some lovely pink and lavender decorations. Her big present was her own two-wheeler, which she is more than ready for. She is anxiously anticipating the first day warm enough to get out and ride! She also got lots of clothes to put on bears and dolls. She's such a sweet little mother!



Ellie took us by surprise five years ago by being the happiest, most content baby I could have imagined! (Actually, after Joe, I would have never thought a baby could be so easy!) I guess the Lord knew we needed one like that as we were in the process of moving and doing our first round of major repairs on our house. She continues to be such a mild-mannered, peaceful child. She's got a wacky side, but she doesn't expect everybody to notice it all the time. She's a great little sister and a great big sister...just delightful. My favorite things about her this year have been reading her stories about "adventurey" girls and singing with her at bedtime until she has the songs memorized and we can sing together. I also love her sense of humor. She often will challenge us to a race after she gets to the finish line. For example, she'll get to the top of the steps, then say, with a smile, "I'll race you to the top!" What a blessing she is to us!