2nd Birthday Part 2: Celebrating 2 at the Zoo!

Ella Turns 2 at the Zoo!

We took our animal and train-loving girl to the Oakland Zoo for her 2nd birthday, and it was a blast! Considering her brother could come any day now, we thought going to one of Ella's favorite places made more sense that hosting a big party. We saw many animals on the way to and from her favorite elephants, took a family train ride, rode on the carousel, had a picnic lunch, sang and enjoyed cake, and opened presents... what could be better? Oh yeah, silly hats :) 

2nd Birthday Part 1: Ella's Special Day

Happy Birthday to our adorable two-year-old! This sweet and spunky girl has brought so much joy to our lives. I cannot believe two years have gone by so quickly, but she's made each and every day better. I hope you enjoy every birthday this much, Ella! You're the most fun, and we love to you the moon and back. You are our sunshine!

Rainbow Pancakes to Start off Her Special Day

Birthday Lunch with Grandma 

Cupcakes & Dance Party

Dinner, Cupcakes, and Presents with Daddy

Ella loved singing the birthday song so many times during the day, including at Little Hands with her preschool friends. Here's a clip from our cupcakes with Grandma:

Summer Ends, Fall Begins!

This just happened:

Our baby girl all of the sudden became a little girl... Ella and I went to our first day of Little Hands, the co-op school we both loved so much last year. She was so grown up. I stood there in awe as she held the sign for a picture by herself, played confidently all around the "big kid" classroom, sang all the songs and did/copied the moves during circle time, and followed the teacher's directions. I can only imagine what she'll be able to do at the end of the year! Two years flashed before my eyes, and I have to say it's made me emotional and reflective today. This is one of the first of so many parenting experiences like this, I'm sure. I'm so happy to be her Mom and share this parenting ride with Chris. Counting my many blessings today! 

Picture Evidence of the Paint that Was All Over Her
within 5 Minutes of Getting There

So since the new school year has begun (for Ella and not me strangely enough), I wanted to post pictures to tell the story of the rest of our summer. We're currently anxiously awaiting Baby Boy Garber's arrival as our remodel is finishing up. We'll be preparing Ella's new room and the baby's room, becoming Godparents to our nephew Joshua, moving back into our bedroom and bathroom, and celebrating Ella's 2nd birthday in the next few weeks before his planned birthday of October 1st... if he decides to stay in there that long! It's nice Ella will be able to start some of her routines before we shake them all up with a new brother :)

Family Lunch with the Bradley Side When Shelley and Hailey Came to Town

I was so happy to decorate Josh's helmet. He couldn't be any cuter in it!!

LOVE

Brielle and Ella loved dressing up in Brooke's Frozen costumes.

Cousin Love

These three had their last summer date at CuriOdyssey and had so much fun.

She held hands with Dillon all day. So cute!

My girl gets as dirty as possible and loves it. I kinda love it, too.

Fun at Gymboree with Cousin Jack!

Ella Wearing All of the Necklaces at Grandma's on "Neigh"

Coffee and Oatmeal Date with Daddy

Ella's First Haircut
In the Bath, By Mommy

The outfit really says it all...
except Best Little Cousin, Most Adorable Nephew, Happiest Baby, Most Precious Godson...

Big Sister Practice

Family Fun on a Sunday Morning
Pancakes at the Train Station +
CalTrain Ride to Burlingame & Back with Shopping Downtown In Between!

Did we mention this little girl LOVES trains?

Date Night in Half Moon Bay

Riding in the Car "Big Girl Style"
We switched her to front-facing, and she's loving it.

Breakfast Park Date with My Love
Soaking Up These Last Mornings as a Duo!

Watching Frozen with the "Big Kids" at Auntie Dora's (aka Sierra's) 30th Birthday

Playing the "How-Many-Bows-Can-I-Fit-on-My-Head-at-One-Time" Game 

Splashing with Auntie Katelyn at the Bay Club
While Mom Could Sit Down