Family Portrait

A big part of this trip to the states was for all of us to be together for my Mom’s birthday and for a family portrait.  The plan was for the whole family, including 5 kids, to go to a specific beach before sunset and get a picture taken.

We all were very lucky that the kids and adults all stayed clean and dry and the family portrait looks great.  These pictures of Ellie were taken after the portrait shoot with all the hard work complete.

Doughnuts

The doughnuts we have in New Zealand are just not the same as in the states.  There aren’t any doughnut stores, so Ellie was in for a treat when Granddad took her and Andrew (after his sleepover) for doughnuts in the morning.

Showing Off

Ellie loved all the attention she received from family and she found that her Grandparents knew how give her more attention than anyone else.  Ellis was ecstatic and responded by showing off!

Back with the Family

This is Ellie’s second time back with all her family and she just fit right in.

Hedgehog

For some time Ellie has been spotting hedgehog poo in the grass around the house, but we had not seen a hedgehog since last year and were beginning to wonder if we were going to see one again.  Then as we were making our way outside we noticed something moving in the grass by the steps. It was our poo-ing Hedgehog.  At first, Ellie scared it and it wouldn’t move.  We left it alone for a few minutes while she went for a swing and then came back to it and then it was happy to move and eat with her looking on.

People Figures

Ellie has left me behind with her people drawing skills, no more stick figures for her.   It is now Victoria, Ellie and then me when it comes to art.

Praying Mantis

Ellie has been finding praying Mantis around the house.  Victoria and Ellie found one that had an egg sac on its belly.  A few days later she found another one by the front door but forgot what they were called.  She came to us and said there was a Mantaosaurs at the front door.

Plasters

Ellie is fascinated with plasters (Band aids).  She can have a scratch so small you can hardly see it and still require a plaster or at least Boo Boo Bunny (more information on him in a later post).