Habitot

We journeyed across the Bay to Berkley's Children's Habitot Museum.

Ella enjoyed fishing in the magnet river. And of course, there is more than one way to catch a fish, as Ella was quick to discover. The water station was a hit.

And we discovered Wall Art,

something ever kid friendly basement should be equipped with we think. Apple picking and the make-up counter were also fun stations.

De Young

Enjoying the view from the observatory atop the De Young Museum of Modern Art in Golden Gate Park.

Ella and Emma were really excited to find this "temple." Ella observing the "art." My favorite part is the Chihuly glass work.
Ella's favorite part was being in GGPark on a "gorgeous" day.

Around the house

Over the last week, Anne began sitting, has 4 teeth on top and can stand-up .

Ella loves to help Anne get dressed. Eventually we got the right pants on the right girl. Now if we could just pick a hairpiece and clothes out for Ella, we'd be set!

Enjoying new foods:

What Ella may lack in hairstyling, she more than makes up for in other areas ... like last Friday when she said, "look Mommy, a match" for the diamond shape card and the diamond shape of light coming through the window.

Or how she arranges and color-codes her window stickers.
Ella keeps us organized!

Too Cute

I'm in the kitchen and I realize the house is unusually quiet.

So, I peek into the living room to see what Ella is up to, and I find her re-stacking the books.

Some kids rip books off of shelves, Ella just likes to re-arrange ... trying to find a more useful method to access them, I'd say.

Thinking outside the box? I like that style.

Shelves are over-rated anyway.

28 and feeling GR8T

Benj took the morning off, made great German pancakes, decorated the table and had a spread of gifts for me to open first thing: very thoughtful.

Then, per my birthday "we can do whatever you like" request, we went to the mall to have a family picture and lunch (what can I say, I LOVE the vegetable rolls at Hanna Grille). Ella sang "Happy Birthday" all day long, which was really fun and super sweet. We ended the day with another great meal and lots of delicious treats. I'd say it was the best birthday ever!

We had a Birthday Bunco Party (I know, birthday party? 28 - Grow up already, right:)), which ended up being a lot of fun. I've only ever played once before, but Bunco is a great mindless game that doesn't require any skill or strategy, plus you get to spend time with everyone. Debbie created a fabulous Italian Soda Bar that was the hit of the evening.

We had a church talent show and pie auction to help raise money for the young women to attend EFY in Provo. Yes, we participated in the talent show - a family recitation of Dr. Seuss's "oh the thinks you can think." Ella was darling.

Earlier in the week we went to the Pez Museum (if you are interested in going, take a look at this picture and consider it a virtual tour ... a small room with vintage toys). Since that outing lasted all of five minutes, we spent the rest of the morning watching the trains come and go: now that is exciting!