Tag: Ellie

Christmas In Montana Part One

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Well after a day of wanting to throw my washing machine out of the window, shopping, packing and cleaning we made it out of the door bright and early on Monday morning. The girls, still snuggled in their jammies, were packed into the car and we were on our way before the sun was even up.

The drive was pretty uneventful and the girls were real troopers. I feel very lucky to have two little girls that can behave so well and travel long distances in the car and our first day of travel was a long day. We drove from Los Angeles to Brigham City Utah just north of Salt Lake City. We made pretty decent time with two kids in the car and even had the chance to listen to the Kings game!

After a nights sleep, we woke up a little on the late side and made the last stretch to Bozeman. The weather was good to us on our second day of travel, hitting only a few issues north of Idaho Falls with some icy roads. The rest was smooth sailing! When we arrived in Bozeman we quickly checked into the hotel and then headed to my parents house. After we settled in and caught up with one another, we had a belated Christmas together as a family. My mom sent some gifts out to us to open on Christmas Day, just to keep the secret going, but the rest she saved for our arrival.

Abby and Ellie had a blast. I think Abby is beginning to get the idea that presents happen all the time! I guess thats not quite the idea we want her to have. The girls got puzzles, toys and clothes and Shaun and I were given a collectors print for the Glacier National Park Centennial that was framed and matted. Its a beautiful print and I cannot wait to get it up on our wall at home.




We decided to have the girls stay with Grandma and Grandpa Taylor that night so we could get some much needed rest. I don’t think Abby was too thrilled at first, but in the end she was more then ok. Ellie fell asleep with Grandpa before we could even get her crib set up! What a precious moment.


The following morning we headed back to Grandma and Grandpa’s house to check on the girls before we left. As part of my present, Shaun decided to take 2 days away for just the two of us while my mom, dad and sister watched the girls for us. We were scheduled to stay in Gardiner, Montana just outside the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park. If the weather held up and the road conditions stayed favorable, we would travel through the parks only open road to wheeled traffic. There were several big storms heading our way with frigid temperatures, but we kept our fingers crossed and hoped for the best.

After running a few errands and making sure we had our proper tire chains, we took off for Gardiner. The highways were decent, mostly blowing slow. Luckily, on our way from Livingston to Gardiner through Paradise Valley, we followed the snow plow and de-icing truck through Yankee Jims canyon which can get pretty icy. On our way through the canyon we happened to catch five to six Bald Eagles flying in a row. It was a pretty amazing site and just gave me a reminder why I love this place so much. The scenery along the Yellowstone River was spectacular despite the storm rolling in.




After checking into the hotel Shaun and I headed out to dinner and to the local Food Farm in town. We decided that since we had a fridge in the room we would pick up some supplies and assuming we could travel through Yellowstone over the next few days, we could make sandwiches and have snacks in the car. After that we went to one of the few places open, Outlaw Pizza and Pasta, for dinner and then headed back to the room for some much needed sleep. So far this trip couldn’t be anymore perfect, although I do miss the girls already!

Christmas with The Whartons in 2010

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Christmas is a busy time for the Wharton Family, as I am sure it is for many families. We are still making our own family traditions, but there are a few that we already have. For our family, everything starts in full force on Christmas Eve.

Abby was primping and getting ready for the festivities of the night.

For the last several years, on Christmas Eve, we would head on over to The Oliver home for some Christmas festivities and then head over to Grandpa and Nana’s house for the remainder of the evening. This year we were unable to attend the festivities at the Oliver home, but we still had the chance to spend the evening with Grandpa, Nana, Auntie Brittany and Uncle James for some dinner, presents and of course a lot of laughs.

The girls had a lot of fun opening presents. Ellie made out like a bandit with some adorable outfits from everyone. She also got a sleeping bag with a matching pillow just like Abby’s. Now she has something to snuggle into when she is at Grandpa and Nana’s house. Abby also came home with a few new outfits but the two hits were her Cash Register and her Art Easel. Abby just had to open the cash register right away and play with it. Between that and all of the ripped up wrapping paper to roll around in, Abby kept herself very busy.




After a fun evening we headed home so that the girls could go to bed and sleep. Abby knew about Santa but at this point she still doesn’t understand the whole concept. This made it very easy to get her to bed on Christmas Eve. I know that will change by next year. Once they were in bed and sound asleep, Shaun and I brought out all of our presents and decorated the tree. Yes, the tree stood there completely bare until Christmas Eve. I knew Abby would be all over the ornaments so I left it alone until Christmas Eve. I was kind of nice to have everything completely decorated as a surprise for the morning, so much that I thought about making it a tradition. But then I realized that meant going through most of the Christmas season without a decorated tree and I didn’t like that idea.


The next morning everyone was up bright and early and very excited to see the tree and all of the presents that Santa brought. Abby was amazed at the tree and kept saying “Oh Christmas!” and “Presents!”. That sparkle in her eye as she stared at the tree with all of its ornaments and the presents underneath was priceless. I love Christmas for all of the wonders that it brings, but now to see it through my daughters eyes, I have a whole new love for it.

This year Abby was pretty good about opening presents. She would get distracted from time to time by the ornaments on the tree but for the most part she was excited to open things. Santa brought her quite a bit from clothes, to movies, toys and a few dolls. Ellie also did a great job too. If I tore a little piece to start she would grab it right away and pull hard. Although once unwrapped, Ellie’s toys were secondary to the crinkling and rustling of wrapping paper.





Generally I would not talk about the Christmas gifts I received, but this year was different. Shaun once again out did himself. Through out all of the holiday craziness, I was getting things together for trip out of town after Christmas. We had decided to take a trip up to Mammoth for a few days and then over to San Francisco. It was going to be a much needed getaway.

When it came time to open my present I found a very cute scarf, gloves and a book that after first glance was an itinerary that was approved by Shaun, Santa and some of the North Pole staff. It was extremely cute and clever. Then I had to look through it again and realized that the itinerary wasn’t for our supposed trip to Mammoth and San Francisco, it was for something else. Shaun had tricked me and had quite a few people in on it as well. Instead we were heading to Montana to spend time with my parents and sister! It was the best surprise I could have asked for and made my Christmas. No present would have been better! I do have video of by reaction, but I refuse to post it in a public forum. Sorry! After this surprise I was floating on cloud nine and I couldn’t stop thinking about everything I needed to do. We are leaving for Montana in a day and a half!

In the afternoon, Grandma Zoe came over to open presents and have dinner with us. She brought lots of goodies for all of us and boy were we lucky! Shaun and I loved watching Abby open everything from new clothes, most of which would be very useful in the snow up in Montana, to toys. Grandma Zoe got Abby a cute Monkey backpack for traveling. Better yet was a cleaning set that included a mop, broom, bucket, vacuum and caddy. Now Abby can help mommy clean up her messes around the house! Grandma also got Abby a tricycle, bike helmet and pads. While she doesn’t quite know how to use it , Abby was very excited just to sit on it and ring the bike bell. I know she will be zooming around outside on it in no time!




After dinner it was time to make an appearance at a friends house for a Christmas party and then it was off to bed. We had a lot to do in one day to get ready for our trip!

Snuggles With Ellie

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Shaun and I try to get Abby and Ellie to nap in the afternoon together, so that we have time to spend with one another and just get some things done. Today that didn’t happen, so Ellie spent time in our room, snuggling with daddy and taking some stabs at sitting up on her own. The bed is nice and soft, so if she tips over and doesn’t catch herself, the landing wont be so tough. She did well! Its amazing to me how quickly she has grown and the big changes that have occurred. She has such a personality and her facial expressions are priceless. Although, I never seem to catch the best ones on camera! Who wouldn’t want to just sit in bed and snuggle with this little face. Almost made me want to wake Abby up and snuggle with her too! Almost, but not quite! 🙂






Candy Cane Lane

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Since the holiday season began, each of our trips down Candy Cane Lane has been a rainy one. Tonight was no different, but luckily because we are so close to Christmas, most of the homes participating had their displays up and running. When Shaun came home from work, we spent some time getting the girls ready (and having fun doing so) and then took off to get some dinner and enjoy the sights of Candy Cane Lane.





You can tell that the current economic times of our country play out even in special places such as Candy Cane Lane. The amount of homes participating have noticeably dropped but when you stop and listen to your little two year old laughing and pointing out all of the fun displays that she sees, you stop thinking like an adult and start looking at things through the eyes of your child. Abby loved everything she saw, especially the house that had nothing but original Disney characters displayed like Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Even though she is still little, I can tell that she is starting to see, understand and enjoy the fun and excitement of Christmas. It became apparent that Abby loves Christmas lights, which means that next year we will have to put them up. But lets not think about next Christmas just yet.





A Quick Trip to Disneyland… Ellie’s First!

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Today was one of those “fly by the seat of your pants” kind of days. After running some errands and taking a drive we decided to pack up and head to Disneyland. The main reason being that it was a gorgeous day, in the 80’s, and our dear friends Byron, Erika and their son Harrison would be heading there as well after a party.

Our time spent there was brief but special. It was Ellie’s first trip to Disneyland and she seemed to enjoy all of the colors and characters of both parks. The parks were also decorated for Christmas, giving Ellie even more sparkly lights to look at and keep her attention. She also went on her first ride and Abby rode Toy Story Midway Mania for the first time. The wait for Toy Story was long but she had her friend Harrison there to keep her company. They played, talked and definitely enjoyed watching Mr. Potato Head talk to them. It was definitely a memorable and special sight to see as the two of them got along so well.



Abby sat with daddy on Toy Story Mania, and because of the way things were set up, I couldn’t see the two of them. Ellie giggled and laughed as we took some of the sharp corners and spun around. When the ride stopped, Abby asked daddy if she could go again. A sure sign that it was a hit and she had a great time. Abby even wore the 3D glasses that go along with the ride, something I never thought she would do. You know life is good when your toddler surprises you.




After our fun time spent on Toy Story Midway Mania, we parted ways with Harrison and the crew and headed over to Disneyland for the remainder of the night. Abby enjoyed the lights of the castle. We checked out the line for Small World, which is also done up for the holidays, but it was just too much for two little girls who were already tired. Luckily we caught the light show that it presented every 15 minutes on the facade of the building. Abby was completely in love it and was glued to it, all while sitting on her daddy’s shoulders. It was a sight I loved seeing. Nothing melts your heart more then the bonding between your daughter and her daddy.


Ellie is a Rolling Stone!

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Ellie is a little Rolly Polly! She is rolling from tummy to back and from her back to her tummy. I have yet to get video of it but when I do I will post it for all to see! Now it means crawling is next on the list. I am not sure I am ready for two little movers and shakers around the house, I dont have enough hands!

Visiting with Friends

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Kelli came out to California for a visit… a long visit. Now that she has finished with PA school and will be starting her new job at the beginning of the year, she decided to take a trip back home for a month. Abby, Ellie and myself had the chance to spend some time with her when she first arrived and Abby was a happy camper. Today we spent the day hanging out at home, watching movies and just enjoying each others company. As you can see, these two make a great pair! Now we just need to see Mackenzie and Abby will be set!


First Sweet Potatoes!

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Ellie has officially moved on to her last food in the orange and yellow category! Squash was a success! Not only did she love it, it loved her! Today we started with Sweet Potatoes and while it was a messy venture, Ellie loved them. She ate the entire container in one sitting and had I not given her a bottle afterward, she would have had more. So far so good! I can say that at this point I have another easy eater, no picky eaters here! (I Hope)


Ellie is 5 Months Old!

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Ellie is now 5 months old! Wow she is growing and changing every day. I say it every time but I cant believe we are already at 5 months now. Ellie does not have a doctors appointment this month, as her check-ups are no longer as frequent as they used to be. We wont see Dr. Calig until after the first of the new year. Therefore I don’t have any height or weight stats to share.

Over the last month, Ellie has really started to grow both physically and in her physical and mental development. Ellie smiles a lot and giggles even more. I have found several of her ticklish spots and when you hit those at the right time, she giggles and gives me the biggest smile ever. She also loves to play half a game of peak a boo. Yes, I said half. I don’t have to hide behind my hands and pop out at her, all I have to do is say boo in a silly way and she giggles. The best part is that she will giggle and then stop, like she is waiting for me to do it again. I have come to realize that she actually is waiting for me to do it again! You can kind of see that in the giggle video several posts back.

Ellie is also starting to reach and grab for things like crazy. She has branched out from grabbing just her feet and toes, to grabbing lots of things in front of her and around her. Of course, all that she grabs ends up in her mouth!

Ellie’s tummy time is coming along too! She can easily roll from her tummy to her back and is pushing herself up very well. Her little legs kick a lot and she uses them to scoot in little circles. When she is laying on her back, she is getting the movements of trying to roll on to her tummy, but cant quite do it yet. Im sure she will get there soon! Here’s to a happy and healthy month leading up to the half way point!

Thanksgiving 2010

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Happy Thanksgiving!

This year was Ellie’s first Thanksgiving and while it was important because it was her first, it was also a quiet and low key weekend. This year Shaun and I decided not to cook the traditional Turkey Dinner and instead opted for a BBQ dinner from Famous Dave’s. While I am sure we missed the turkey dinner we normally have, I cant say I was disappointed with their brisket. I did keep a little tradition and cooked two pies, pumpkin and apple, which were both a hit with the family.


Grandma Zoe came over on Thanksgiving day to enjoy dinner with us. Afterward we hung out, letting all of that yummy BBQ settle and watched a movie of Abby’s choice… Toy Story 3. It was an excellent movie for Thanksgiving! The rest of the weekend was spent enjoying the four days that Shaun had off. We visited with Grandpa Pat, Nana Fiona, Uncles James and Aunt Brittany. We also tried to hit some of the sales on Black Friday. We did find some great deals and took advantage of them as best we cook. Merry early Christmas to Shaun who found a few new shirts and a couple other items that he was in need of.


The Thanksgiving holiday was a great weekend and I hated to see it end. I feel spoiled when I have Shaun home for more then just the weekend. It was hard to let him go back to work but I know we have another big holiday coming up and more time off to spend together!

First Squash…

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Ellie has eaten her carrots with flying colors, no allergies that we can see. Now its on to another food! To stay within the orange and yellow colored foods we moved on to Squash. They were an even bigger hit then the carrots. Ellie loved them and in her first try, ate the entire container in one sitting! She has been a very hungry girl, I guess it means that despite mommy and daddy’s requests she continues to grow.



First Carrots…

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Ellie had her first carrots and despite some of the faces below… she loved them! You could tell she needed some to adjust to the new flavor, but when she realized it wasn’t bland like the rice cereal that she usually eats, Ellie was happy. I do think she was tired of me taking pictures of her. Oh well, just like I tell Abby… “When you are this cute, you just have to get used to the attention.” Im hoping that doesn’t create a complex later on in life!