Ella turns 3!

We celebrated Ella's birthday on March 3rd with a delicious dinner of homemade clam chowder, bread and salad at Jon and Allison's home.  Then the family and cousins arrived for cake and homemade ice cream (3 flavors to choose from - thanks Allison and Jon!)  Ella was so excited!  She is our little character and has the most delightful personality, expressions and actions.

Ella loves this old dance costume that belongs to Lillian and will put it on and wear it everyday - so of course she had to change into it for her birthday party.  Here she is doing one of her happy dances.

Our birthday girl waiting for her cake



                                                                     She loved her "Princess Merida" cake - good job Allison!

Party guests - Treygan, Alex and Preston

The birthday girl changed back into her other clothes to open her gifts which were enjoyed by her cousins as well - especially the Dora tent and tea set.  Ruby loves watching all the action.

A very happy Ella sings a little song

More happy party guests

 

 

 

 

Veggie Feast

After the holidays and cruise indulgence, Hal and I decided that we were going to get very serious about losing weight.  We have been exercising regularly and eating SO healthy!  Lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, a little chicken and fish and not much meat.  We have given up going out to eat except for a Subway sandwich or a turkey burger at Carl's Jr.  We are losing weight - YEA!!  But of course Hal is losing twice as much as I am - (where is the justice?)  Anyway, I have been roasting, steaming, boiling, pan frying, and preparing fresh vegetables of every kind!  I had to take a picture of  the dinner we enjoyed last week.  We are still eating the leftovers from that meal!