Grand Lake Family Reunion

We had a fabulous weekend at Grand Lake spending time with family. The Littles and the Harders came in from out of town and introduced cousin Hal to his first ever boat ride.





Hal got to play with Elle and Dakota and us grown ups got to sample an assortment of beers. On Saturday, the Zahns and the Gernhardts came into town for a wonderful family luncheon. I applaud my mom for organizing such an event; we had a blast.

Kindergarten Mom

It's official. I'm a sucker. They've already got me making homemade play doh. Primary colors only...red, green, yellow and blue. Something tells me there is a lesson on blending colors coming up soon. Don't you remember? Yellow and blue make green and red and yellow make orange, etc. Dakota helped stir and Elle bit the tube of blue food coloring and wiped it all over her dress. Typical.

1st Day of School

Today was a success. Dakota is officially a Westwood Wrangler. His transition was smooth and much easier on him than on mom & dad. We're very proud of our brave little guy.

Elle's Three Year Update

Dear Friends and Family,

Another year has gone by and now I’m 3 years old. Actually, I was 3 years old back in June but who’s counting? What a great six months it has been!

I’ve had a fabulous summer. I’ve spent time at the lake (both Nana & Papa Ellis and also a weekend with Gammy Sandy & Papa Herman). And one of our friends gave us a water slide for the back yard and I’ve spent a lot of time on it. In fact, we played on it during my birthday party and had a blast!

I also took my first airplane ride ever! My Aunt Kara’s soccer team made it to the regional championship and my whole family went to Florida to watch her play and also so we could play in Florida. It was a fun vacation. I got to stay in hotel, swim in the swimming pool and even play in the sand on the beach. I came back brown as a little bean! And all of Kara’s friends just loved me and gave me tons of attention (and Dakota really liked Kara’s friend Lauren but that’s another story).

A few friends of ours had babies so now I have more friends to play with. Hank Boomershine, Kate Brannon and Isabella LeCrone are some of my newest friends. There are so many babies that I’ll have lots of practice with helping and with bossing. I’m really good at bossing.

Oh, and yes I did learn to potty train. I was fully trained by January or maybe early February. And I even got a big girl bed. It’s so pretty and it has flowers all over it. I just love it!

I weigh 34 pounds I measure 39 and ¼ inches. Mom was shocked that I ranted 80th percentile and 92nd percentile in both my measurements. That’s quite contrary to my brother. Maybe that means I’ll be able to kick his butt if I want to.

Love, Elle

A New Leaf

The summer is drawing to a close and that means a fresh start on lots of fronts. For one, this blog. I've had such a difficult time keeping our family website up to date and this seems simpler for now. Secondly, Dakota is starting Kindergarten on Monday. Miss Smith is his teacher. Both she and Dakota are handling it better than I. Imagine that. And Elle will now be one of the oldest kids at her daycare. I have a feeling her independence will continue to grow. And lastly, Jason will begin his new role as Assistant Athletic Director for Booker T. Washington H.S. Go Hornets!