Friends

The other day we went to the botanical gardens here in St. Louis, I really love the botanical gardens here. We have a yearly membership and go frequently! This day we went to check out the Christmas train exhibit with our friends Walker & Jen and Erin, Stella & Charlotte. I just thought this was cute. This is Ellie and her good friend Stella, who is 3. They were watching the trains together holding hands. So sweet!

Our little artist...

Ellie has been sick off and on this winter already. Mostly colds nothing too big. But she has not been quite herself playing and laughing. SO I figured maybe she could enjoy some of her down time coloring. Now if I can only keep her from eating the crayons!

Trimming the tree

We had a great time trimming our Christmas tree this year. I actually got help doing it which was enjoyable for me. Nate put on the lights. He really does do a better job of it than I do probably because I don't like doing it! Ellie helped too!

She found the ornament boxes,

...got in

...got out some cool ornaments

...hung them on the tree

then she took an ornament break(good thing they are unbreakable!)

Tickle Lexi

Ellie has become fascinated with our dogs tails. She seems to think she is tickling them when she grabs it. SHE thinks it is funny. Some how Lexi and Gershwin do not agree. They usually give me a dirty look while they are draging their buts on the ground to escape her.

 

 

Turtle Park

Before our Thanksgiving guests left we burned some energy off at Turtle Park. Turtle Park is a park of concrete turtles that kids (and those who wish they were still kids) can climb all over. It is one of the fun interesting places we enjoy in St. Louis and of course my nephew, Austin, loves it. He want to go here and out on the boats every time he comes. Luckily this place is free!
Ellie enjoyed it here with her cousins and loved spending some time with Papa and Grandma too.
Luckily we got this good (or good enough) shot of Ellie and Papa.He is getting it on a cup for Christmas!

All the cousins got in line for a photo. From top Austin, Taylor, McKenna and Ellie.

Ellie also took a stroll with Grandma over to the swings.

Enjoying her ride while watching her cousins jumping on and off their swings.

Quality time with Taylor!

Elyse enjoyed spending time with her cousins. She really took to Taylor as you can see.

At the zoo

No shopping for us on the Friday after Thanksgiving! We took advantage of the nice weather and headed to the zoo. This time we were dressed for the penguin house!

Ellie loves the penguins. Probably because you can get right up next to them. Usually my niece Taylor love them too. But this time she was a bit scared. So Ellie posed alone.

All the cousins did pose on the bug though. Ellie got a little help from Papa.

Of course she was off and running once let out of her stroller.