Haircuts and Taxidermy

Slideshow (Click Here)

We took Ellie for her first hair cut last week. It was supposed to be to shape up the sides, but now our sweet little girl looks like a little boy instead. The curls are gone and she's already rebelling with threats to grow a mohawk!

Ellie also went to her first basketball game....Wyoming vs. San Diego St. She had lots of fun with the all the rest of the pokes fans, dancing to the fight song, clapping, and whoopin' it up. She got to hang out with some of our old friends and we all took turns passing her around. It was great to be back in Laramie. There was alot we didn't fit in during that trip so you can be sure that we'll be going back soon!

We also took Ellie to the Bass Pro Shop in Denver. She loves it there. She enjoyed watching the fish, mostly trout, and looking at the "stuffed animals." Her favorites were the grizzlies, the turkeys, and oddly enough, the skunk! We bought her a pink camo peacoat for the spring. I can't wait until she can wear it! Grandpa L will be so proud.

Ellie continues to motor around the house and is becoming a more stable pedestrian. She has also taken a liking to hanging out on the stairs. I guess she likes to have a better view of the toys strung out across the living room. Mommy and Daddy don't like this much so the gates are going to have to be more of a priority than they were previously. She has also been especially cuddly lately- THAT we do like....alot.

"You lookin' at me?"

Slideshow (Click Here)

Here are some pictures from a few recent outings to the park, a sushi restaurant, and the Butterfly Pavilion. ......

We were happy for the opportunity to introduce Ellie to some old friends at a sushi gathering in Ft. Collins. Bob-O and Gabby met her for the first time, while Mr. Boomhauer got his second visit. Ellie is a big fan of edamame and tofu, but she stays away from the sashimi for now. It was nice to hang out with the old crowd again.

Aunt Lori and Uncle Roger gave us an annual membership to the Butterfly Pavilion for Ellie's birthday. It's a pretty cool place with lots of invertebrates and bugs. Ellie had a close encounter with one of the butterflies (the one she's pointing to in the picture), but we think the little fella is going to make it. One of the caretakers showed us a box turtle that was 70 yrs old! He had been ill with a respiratory infection so they had to put a "chest tube" in to drain off some of the fluid. He was checking the turtle's drain site in the shell when we met up with him.

Speaking of medical exams- Ellie had her 1 yr physical. She was a trooper with her shots, as always. Height: 29 .5 inches Weight: 20.0 lbs
She is walking more and her steps are more confident. She continues to jibber-jabber and makes the sweetest sounds. She likes spending part of the afternoon watching the squirrels play in the tree and squeals with excitement as they chase each other.

Oh yeah....Happy (belated) Valentine's Day!

Ellie's Big Birthday Bash!

It's hard to believe, but another year has passed... and rather quickly. We celebrated Ellie's first birthday twice last week (she has a Birthday Season, just like Mommy)! We had a small celebration for her on Feb 1st and then a bigger gathering at her Birthday Bash last Saturday. We all had a great time. Grandma and Grandpa Luskin came with Custer and spent the weekend. Ellie was able to meet some of our old friends as well. There was quite a mix, from high school to grad school! Ellie had fabulous time playing with Anna and Josie and is looking forward to seeing more of them. She really likes being around other kids.

As far as baby accomplishments, she has been walking more and more and she still loves dancing quite a bit (especially with Daddy). Her 6 teeth make her look like Evel Knievel when she smiles. (Actually, as a younger man, he was pretty handsome, but it doesn't sound like he has been very nice at times....I just like to say his name)! There are two more trying to come through, too! She has also been doing this weird thing where she brings her arms up by her sides with elbows bent and fists clenched and grunts, while smiling and thrusting her chest and belly forward. You can see something similar in the slideshow where she is holding onto the railing. She does this alot in her high chair and occasionally in her car seat. We're not sure if she's trying to tell us something or if she just likes the confused look we give her when she does it. Can anyone explain this one to us?

Ellie has been a great joy in our lives this year. We have enjoyed every step of her developement and growth. She continues to amaze us daily and is truly our greatest gift.

Slideshow (click here)

Some of Ellie's first steps (video)