It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

We'd been planning to take Ella to see Santa and while shopping at Walmart on Saturday, we overheard an announcement that the big guy was in the Garden Center! I would've thought that THE Santa Clause would have something better to do on a Saturday afternoon than to hang out at Walmart, but hey - we're not complaining! 

Of course we rushed out there to find there wasn't even a line - good thing because Ella inherited her father's patience.  We were really curious to see how she would react to seeing him and sitting in his lap.  Well, the pictures speak for themselves. :) 

On Sunday night we attended our Sunday School class Christmas party in Hendersonville.  Ella had a great time seeing all of her friends there. Unfortunately, while attempting a picture of just some of the babies born this year, Ella wanted no part of it...

Fortunately she did manage to look during this group shot...

She smiles in every picture taken - except when we want her to.

Girl, You Need a Bath!

We've been bathing Ella in the sink because…well…it's just easier! We don't have to fill up the tub and waste a bunch of water.  Plus, I think she enjoys it! Though it probably won't last much longer...

Thanksgiving!

Dinner at Adam's Mom's house on Sunday with Lance, Tanya, and all the kids

Dinner @ the Proffitt's - they all want to see Grandma!

9 Months Old

Despite our best efforts, Ella continues to grow! This week we celebrated her 9-months by going to the park for probably the last nice day of the year.  We had a great time and Ella got to explore some.  Unfortunately, even though she can stand very well, she refused to.  So these might look similar to her 7 & 8 month pics. 

A November to Remember

It was a fun month for the Wray's and the beginning of the "holiday season".  But before we could think about Thanksgiving, we rejoiced in the news that Adam's Brother Lance would be returning home from his 5-month deployment in Afghanistan!  It was a great homecoming and we were so honored to be a part of it!

Tired of sitting any longer, Ella has found her legs!  When Julia walked in to get Ella up from a nap, this is what she found:

She wasn't finished there - this was only the beginning:

Ella's also getting tired of just liquids and pureed food and was ready for more…solids?  While shopping at Target through the baby isle, she spotted some Puffs and just had to have them.  Obviously Julia was scared for her to try them, but quickly got over it…

Ella also got her first experience at Chuck E. Cheese with our good friends Brent, Rachel, & Lilli.  After we enjoyed some pizza and a show, Lilli took Ella out for a ride.  They were both pretty excited about it.

Halloween!

We took Ella to Madison C of C's Fall Festival on Wednesday and she got to debut her UT Cheerleading outfit.  Though she was a little young to participate in all the fun, she still enjoyed seeing all of her friends.  I'm not sure she knew what to think of this clown though...

 

On Saturday night, we went to our friends the Goostrees and Hawkins for a costume party.  Though Ella stuck with her UT outfit, Mom & Dad went with the Insurance look: Mayhem from the Allstate commercials and Flo from Progressive.

I think Ella's going to like Mustard

 

Will saying hello

On Halloween night we took Ella to see her Grandmas and cousins, wearing - what do you know - the cheerleading outfit!  This was more strategic since we would also be surprising Nan & DJ.

8 Months Old!

Ella is 8-months old! It was such a beautiful day so we decided to have a little photo shoot in the park.  Of course, Ella was excited about it :)

Ok I'm ready…what are we doing?

Hooray for getting older!

Can you see me?

What's Out There?

Ella is beginning to pull up in her bed to see over the bumper pad.  Clearly her next move is to stand all the way up! We've already had to move her mattress down 2 notches...