Related or what?

There have been several times as of late that a little facial expression has come over Elli's face and I've thought "she looks a lot like her cousin." Now there is no doubt that she has the beautiful bald little Amershek head! I wish I had digital pictures to show you how similar she looks to Emily, Lauren and especially her Daddy. But I thought this little grin was fun, as I remember seeing it on Malia's face when she was just a little bit older than Elli is now. A lot more hair, I realize, but do you see the resemblance?

Jammin' at the Music table

Ethan and Elli singing and dancing their hearts out at the new music table. Ethan has already found his favorite song and loves to belt it out into the microphone. Elli loves to sway and dance along with the music. May they grow to sing His praise!

Happy Birthday!

Even though we have celebrated her birthday 2 other times, while we were on our trip, it didn't feel right as a mama not to make her cake or birthday dinner. And we had waited to do her birthday presents until we were in our "home" (more loosely defined now than ever before).

This was my attempt at a bunch of balloons. Being in a temporary housing situation, meant that I borrowed cupcake pans from 3 different locations to make the cake.

But Elli was excited! After sampling 2 other cakes, she new what to expect.

This was Elli's little visitor for her birthday. All the other guests were 5 and older. This little gal is 2 months younger than Elli and was staying next door. We did their baby dedication together in July and got to celebrate a birthday together. A fun gift!

Ethan found a fun beauty set for Elli including sunglasses, a compact and lipstick all to go in her little purse. We found her a little interactive music table that big brother is as equally interested in playing with.


But the winner gift was her baby doll and stroller. Mommy helped put baby in the stroller and soon Elli was determined to figure it out on her own.

Best Buds

Our lives have been far from normal. The groups of friends that are around us seem to frequently change, as we go from city to city. But we continue to praise God for the blessing of our family and that we get to do this process together. I have been especially grateful for how well Ethan and Elli play together. They really are good friends and love each other!

Snuggling under the blankets in the apartment we stayed at on our trip, they watched some videos before the power went off each day. Elli doesn't get into the videos like Ethan does, but she loves to sit with him.


This is in our new temp apartment. They love to play this game through the hallway. Ethan has also taught her how to push it on her own, and loves to have her show off her new skill to any visitor that comes to our home.

Our Artwork

Ethan LOVES to draw and his portraits have taken on a new style as of late. He gets a kick out of drawing silly pictures. I think they are great and wanted to share some with you.

This is "Superhero Ethan." In his right hand is his gun and in his left hand is his sword.


This is his airplane. I thought it was pretty impressive; complete with propeller, wings, windows and engines.

This one is my favorite. This is Ethan and Elli ("when she's a big girl and talks like me"). Elli's on the right and Ethan's on the left. He made sure to give her long hair and a dress.

The making of a big boy

As of late, Ethan has taken a new interest in being a "big boy" and doing it all on his own. And it has been mainly at bath time. I think a lot of it has to do with having spent a week with a home of 3 very responsible little boys. And he wants to be like them.

His independent process has included washing his own hair and suds-ing his body down.

Rinsing himself off (toes included) with the blue cup is an important part of the process. And as you can see, Elli is fascinated and observing the entire process.

And here he is, the squeaky clean big boy!

Greated with flowers

This morning Elli woke up to receive a little flower from big brother. He sure loves her! She wore her prize proudly for much of the morning, turning to display it to anyone she encountered.

"Puppy" is featured with Elli. He was an emergency purchase in Heathrow Airport, when we realized we had left our first puppy behind. Just like her older brother with his lion, she loves to snuggle with "Puppy." And in all the different beds, he's been a life saver!