Elmo Extravaganza

We just got back from Bush Gardens - a.k.a Elmo Extravaganza. As we were driving out of the park, Brian commented - "Wow, we were at Busch Gardens for two days, and we didn't go on a single roller coaster." Yep, times have changed :) It was an absolutely beautiful weekend. And it was especially fun to see the park through Ella's eyes! I remember amusement parks seemed huge and so impressive as a child. It was fun to relive it as we watched Ella explore! The park is great for toddlers. So much to do and see!

Woah - a little afraid of the big neigh.

Watching Elmo and the rest of the crew intently.

Getting braver.

First of a zillion photos in front of costumed characters.

Riding with Daddy.

Riding the choo-choo. The park was beautiful and Ella loved the train!

Cheese!

This is Ella's face when we tell her to make her "happy face." (I'm not sure what kind of face mommy is making).

A boy getting a little too close!

Climbing the tree house with Daddy!

Up up mommy!

Riding the ferris wheel with Daddy.

Driving the boat all by herself :)

Airplane! Horses, choo-choos, swings -- all of Ella's favorite things in one place.

We get to go and see Elmo again!?! (Breakfast - day 2)

I don't care how pretty the scenery is - I'm not smiling!

We'll get a smile out of you yet!

Very serious driver.

Whoosh!

Lunch with Elmo!!!

More photo ops!

This is Ella's reaction to cookie monster. Needless to say - not a fan.

Dessert!

A little shy at the dance party...

Big hug from Elmo.

Love you Elmo! Until next time. Kiss!

Go Navy!

This weekend was Dada's 10th anniversary from the Naval Academy! So on Saturday, we spent the day at Annapolis and at a tailgate with lots of Dada's classmates.

Hanging out with the other Navy kiddos.

They had facepainting! I got a butterfly on my cheek.

Riley and Baby Morgan were there too!

Go Navy!

Riley liked my butterfly.

Helping Baby Morgan with her ba.

It's a Bird...

It's a plane!

Ella loves airplanes, so on Labor Day we had a picnic at the park right next to the airport. Ella loved watching the planes go right above our heads and land behind us. Zoom!

Airplane!

Daddy pointing out the next airplane on the horizon.

More more airplanes!

Labor Day = Play Day!

What a fun weekend! Daddy was home from a long trip to China, the weather was beautiful, and it was a three day weekend!

I kicked off the weekend by trying on the qipao Dada brought back from China.

We had dinner at Nana and Baba's neighbor's house.

They have three kids. This is me with Kelly and baby Caroline. Caroline is the most smiley baby ever!

We went to Burke Lake to ride the neighs and the choo-choo.

On the choo-choo!

Ice cream at the park!

Then we went to feed the ducks.

Tickle-monster!

The next day, we went to the zoo!

I saw a panda!

Can't take my eyes off the panda.

Checking out the elephants. Thanks for the cute outfit Uncle Bob and Aunt Bonnie!

Monkey!

Trying to get a better view :)

We went to see the airplanes too! More pics to come!

Baseball!

Mama and Dada had a rehearsal dinner and wedding to go to this weekend, so I got to spend Friday night with Nana and Baba, and Sunday night with Mimi and Poppa! Nana and Baba discovered that I love baseball. Here is a quick clip -- including my funny expression everytime they throw the ball :)

More video and pics from the weekend are on the way!