Ellie @ 5 months

One dose of antibiotics {of 20} in him, and he's a new kid, ready to work on "tines" {Valentine's cards}.

And, since I'm late in mailing this off...

...I figured I ought to post a picture. The Sisterhood of the Traveling OU Shirt will soon be on it's way to the Birthday Girl. ;)

And, the star of the day, Miss Ellie, turned 5 months old today.

Happy Five Months Ellie-Belly!

Things Ellie loves @ 5 Months:

• Watching Big Brother play and attempting to play with him
• Smiling and laughing at the baby in the mirror
• Smiling and laughing at Brother when he tries to give her the pacifier
• Eating and sleeping {most of the time}
• Tummy Time on the playmat when she can try to pick up the cheetah off the mat
• Sitting in the bumbo with us while we eat our meals
• Chewing on things to help alleviate the teething pain
• When Daddy tickles her in just the right spot
• Reading stories with Mommy and Big Brother
  
  Little Dear One, Mommy, Daddy, and Brother love you - more than you could ever know. We can't imagine our lives without you and are simply amazed at the little woman you are already becoming.

Brewing, Fall, and Friends

This morning, the guys from small group all came over so that they could brew a new batch of beer.


I've no clue the "technicalities" beer brewing... all I know is that I'm glad that Ben has a fun hobby now and even happier that they didn't have to brew in the house {in the words of "Big" Noah, "It's stinky."}.

While Ellie was down for a nap, I brought "Little" Noah out to spend some time with the rest of the guys.

And, boys can't play outside without finding the biggest leaf pile to play in.

After the boys finished brewing, my good friends Michelle and Craig, came out to meet Miss Ellie, spoil Noah, and to spend some quality time with us.

{We're so glad you came out... and next time, you simply HAVE to stay longer!}

On Our Way

Normally, for our anniversary, Ben and I {and now, along with Noah} take a little get-away trip. Last year we were a little delayed in taking that trip {though we did go to a great restaurant once he got to Oklahoma City}, and this year we were as well. We had been planning on going to San Antonio since March, but due to a series of events that were beyond our control, the first weekend that we had available to go on our anniversary trip was this weekend.

We started our trip early this morning and instead of driving directly to San Antonio, we decided to make a stop in Ft. Worth to visit our friends Michelle and Craig. And even though we were an hour late getting to their place {again, I'm SO sorry Michelley!}, we had a great time visiting, eating, and watching Noah run around their house.

Noah even wore his OBU shirt in honor of Mommy and Michelle! :)

***

After we left Michelle and Craig's place {thanks again for the pizza... so tasty!!}, we headed for Waco to stay the night and to take Noah on a tour of Baylor. It was dreadfully hot, but it was so neat to walk around the campus and see all the different places where Ben had spent so much time.



Baylor AFROTC detachment - many hours spent there!

Go Baylor!

The lot where the Phi Chi fraternity house used to be... we've no clue where it might be now!

The school where all of Ben's Mom and Chris' money went to... and where Ben spent quite a bit of time. :)

Once we got back to the hotel, Noah was very ready to take a bath in the fun Jacuzzi-style tub and was so excited when Ben started running the water.

Michelley!

Noah was feeling a little better today, which was a good thing since one of my dear friends from college, Michelle, came out for a visit. We were so excited to get to see her, to show her around Abilene {okay, so really all we saw was Chili's}, and to just spend some quality time together getting caught up on what's been going on in each other's lives.

Noah got in some extra play time with Michelle just before his afternoon nap.

Michelley, we can't wait for you to come back and visit again! Bring Craig with you next time! :)

Meeting The Weston's

Noah and I left Wichita Falls this morning so that we could drive into Ft. Worth to meet up with one of my college girlfriends {and bridesmaid!} and her new husband. It had been FAR too long since I had seen Michelle in person and I hadn't yet been able to meet Craig. {I think the last time we saw each other, Michelle, was at mine and Ben's wedding??} Ben and I really wanted to go to their Maui wedding, but since I was on travel restriction because of Noah, well, we didn't. So, all that to say, I was really looking forward to this afternoon!

Michelley and Noah

So happy to finally meet Noah!

Craig, here's your proof that not all babies cry when you hold them. Some cry when YOU put them down! ;)

We had such a great time getting caught up and can't wait until our next visit!