Birthday Girl

Ellie turned one recently and for her big day we had a party with some friends and cousins. I felt bad because she didn't really love her birthday experience. She has a hard time with crowds and having too much attention on her. Here she is waiting for her guests to arrive. Her cousin, Brayden is in the background.
This was her cake. Just a white cake mix with jello and whipped topping. She didn't love it. She wouldn't pick any up herself and eat it. Ellie gags on anything new, and the cake was no exception.Here she is getting nervous about all of these people looking at her.

Oh Mom!! You didn't put on the party hat!?!?!!
This was the best picture we had of some of the decorations.
Opening presents is hard too.
She calmed down okay though. This is an awesome quiet book that some friends made for Ellie. It is so amazing!
Family picture after all of the drama. Ellie didn't want to cooperate, but I guess hands in the face is better than crying.
We love you, sweet girl! It has been such a blessing to have you in our lives!!!

Jazz Game

Merry Christmas to us! We used the tickets my sister gave to John for Christmas and went on a real date (dinner out without the baby and an event that takes a ticket to go to). It was great! The Jazz played the Denver Nuggets and beat them quite handily. It had been a long time since I attended a Jazz game. I have to say that there is something much more fun about going to a sporting event than just watching it on TV.
We ate at the Crown Burger. In our opinion it was yummy but too greasy. Then we climbed up to the tippy top of the Energy Solutions Arena. Yes, we were on the top row. However, it didn't seem nearly as high as it did when I was a kid. I felt like I was able to see really well and enjoy being that close to the game.
My cousin, William, and his wife, Camille, came with us. We had a good time chatting and hanging out.
We sat right behind the retired jerseys of the players that I loved as an early teen. I was going to marry John Stockton some day. (At least I got the John right.) :)
Thank you so much to the Guinns who took care of Ellie and got her to bed without a hitch! We owe you big! Also, of course, thanks to my sister for the great Christmas present! So fun!

Slap happy

I re-posted the video. Hopefully it says that it is available now.