Destin, FL

I LOVE DESTIN! I love Florida. I love warm, clear water and waves on the shore. I love soft, white sand beaches and sunny, beautiful days. I spent a week vacationing with my parents and grandparents and it was my favorite week of the whole summer, so far! ;)




When I wasn't exploring the ocean, I enjoyed exploring the condo. Here I've found Pop's shoes and am clapping them together while I run up and down the hall and say "clap, clap, clap". Yes, Grandma and Pop were sleeping, but not anymore! They said I was the best alarm clock they've ever had.




I LOVE the water!!! Just call me Ella "the FISH" Vaughan. Almost every morning we went to the beach and then after my nap we went to the pool. The water was warm and clear and I literally cried every time they changed me out of my swim suit and back into play clothes. I just couldn't get enough!

I took lots of walks on the beach with Daddy and Mommy. I liked the view, but got bored being stuck in the backpack when I really wanted to be in the water!

We went on a boat ride to see dolphins one day. Again I was stuck in the backpack and couldn't run all over the boat. First Daddy carried me around and then Mommy. I just wanted to explore, people! Let me out!

What a beautiful family!

Some recent pictures taken around the yard. Being outside is still one of my favorite things.

I hope you're all having as good a summer as I am.

Lots of love,

Ella

Daddy & Me

I love my Daddy. Here are some great pictures of us at my Aunt Heather's wedding.
Hope you like them. This post is for you, Dad. Happy Father's Day!

Here are a few more adorable photos of yours truly! Enjoy.

Outside

Hello friends. I am SO happy when we have a warm, sunny day and mom lets me play outside! Here are a few pics of me enjoying the back yard and a video where I tell you how happy I am in my own words.

I walk everywhere now and it has helped me to be a better explorer. The house is finally baby-proofed with cabinet locks and everything. Oh, well.

My new favorite TV show is Go, Diego, Go! The music on that show is awesome. Just for you I've included a video of me rocking out and dancing all over the living room. Enjoy!








Pulling up grass one strand at a time - who needs a lawn mower?!










Let me tell you what I think about playing outside on a sunny, warm day...

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I love to dance! Go, Ella, Go!!!

Walking!!!

Hello friends! I have very exciting news for you... I can walk all by myself!
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For your viewing pleasure I've attached a video of this amazing feat. And do keep in mind - this was my first day of walking - I'll only be getting faster and better at it. It is so fun to be an independent girl! :)
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I've also included a few recent pics. Enjoy!
Love, Ella



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Finally enjoying my very own private swing in the warm(er) basement!
Be sure to check out my teeth in the second shot...



One year old photo session...

Birthday Girl!

Hello party people!!! This last week I celebrated my very first birthday and YES - I really did celebrate ALL week! :) Here are some great photos to prove it.

But first, just a little update about me... Being 1 year old is great. I have four teeth now - front top and bottom. I am cruising all over the house and can walk across the room with my lion walker all by myself. I love to stand up, especially right in front of the TV (even though it is way above my head). I love to play with all of my toys and I LOVE to read my books. And YES, I did get a swing for my birthday, but its not hung up yet, so no photos of that today.

I went to the doctors office for my one year check-up and I am very healthy. I have been teething and that led to another ear infection, but it is already almost gone. I weigh 24 lbs, 1 oz (94%) and am 30.25 inches tall (80%). Plus, I got 3 more immunizations, for which I was very brave. Growing up is tough work, but I'm up for the challenge. One year down, 99 left to go. :)

Birthday girl



Okay people - let's get this party started already!!


Wait a second - this tiara doesn't "go" with this bib! Need a quick wardrobe update...



THE CUPCAKE SAGA - A Play-by-Play documentary
Okay, now that I have my birthday bib on, let's check out the birthday cupcake.


I've never had a cupcake before - are they as good as they look? I'm just not sure.


Okay, I'm downright scared! Will this go straight to my hips?! Please, don't make me eat it!


What? Just a taste? You want me to lick that off of your finger? I don't think so...


I've had enough! I'm taking my tiara and we're leaving. I don't like chocolate and you can't make me eat it! (Blaspheme, I know!)

My lips are sealed. No matter how you try to force the cake in, I will never open my mouth. Smear cake on my face if you want, I will NOT eat it!!!

I'm serious about this.

Inspecting the wreckage. It's finally over!

I know, I'm quirky, but at least I'm cute. Here are some photos of me in my beautiful birthday dress and tiara. My cheeks are a little extra red from teething, but you can imagine it's my rosy birthday glow!

Neehner, neehner, neehner!

We had some great snow recently and here are a couple of photos of me and Dad playing in the backyard. We tried to build a snow fort, but only got a little tiny tower built when I got cold and had to go in. But you already know how I feel about snow - the whole cold and wet part is SO overrated. Give me a beach any day... :)

Hope you all enjoyed my stories. I wish you could have been here to celebrate with me, but maybe next year. Until next time...

Hugs and kisses,

Ella