November 9th, 2018

Sure, Hot Wheels are fun for racing. But it’s the whole-house engineering that really makes it a hit

Having actually finished all of her bites, “Hey Ella, want do you want for a treat tonight?” “Halloween basket!”

November 7th, 2018

The rare morning breakfast bar, with Max

Donning her chef hat for a cookie baking session

Few gifts have seen maintained the attention span like the tea set, cookie set and birthday cake

November 4th, 2018

The morning Daniel Tiger crew

Ella finding endless entertainment sitting in Big Bear’s lap

Hummus everywhere, but apparently she’ll “pass” on the carrots

Reading to Margaret Tiger

DJ “Dr. Ella” prepping for tonight’s rave

What could imaginably be almost any mammal, Des explains this is a sea turtle

After dinner dance party ends with a dip

A Very Butterfly Birthday

Eleanor riding the birthday whale into her second birthday

Up close and personal with SO many butterflies, it was a magical birthday morning

Birthday hugs…

…followed by mom’s famous (birthday) blueberry muffins

Yeah, they’re that good.

Naturally.

It wouldn’t surprise anyone that she got up there all by herself.

Can you say “birthday envy?”

Aptly making a cake for sister

Exchanging family gifts, Des’ card

Pure joy upon opening her own Margaret Tiger stuffy

Combining two of her current passions- Margaret Tiger and putting any object to sleep with a blanket

She pretty much has stethoscopes figured out

New Daniel Tiger story book, and brother isn’t complaining

Let the wild, pink-spangled butterfly rumpus begin!

Reading with ma

…followed by asking grandma to read the exact same book again.

Grandma cheerleading taking bites with the slow/distracted eating crew

Weeks candle-blowing training comes down to one moment…

Nailed it!

Cake!

Saying good-bye to Ol’ Monkey Butt

The many faces of cake euphoria (during)

After cake, as you’d expect

All clean

Silly goose [mouseover/tap]

“Oh look,” the monsters shout. “It’s 6:08! Your present opening cannot wait!”

Cookie baking as a companion set to the much beloved tea set

Ella takes the same creative liberties to opening cards as she does bucking convention while eating sandwiches layer-wise

The birthday Hug of Thanks tour starting with grandpa

Kisses with ma

Cousin Cal, one of the finest huggers known east of 72nd st.

Dr. Des and Dr. Cal checking up on the llama patient

“It’s ok, her throat beat is strong!”

November 2nd, 2018

What may have been Desmond’s first Snickers bar

But definitely Ella’s first taste of the rainbow

Max being a good sport (the birthday 🐳 shall rise again…)

As dad later described- if you looked at a map of North American butterfly migratory paths, there’d be a big dot on Omaha. Mom doesn’t skimp on the butterflies.

November 1st, 2018

A new autumn tradition- piling leaves in the recycling bins. Every Wednesday evening after preschool/daycare.

When mom’s out for a work obligation, the tables turn. Or at least the seating switches up.