The Alsups

May and June 2010

2010-11-09T13:37:00.021-06:00

I am trying to get 2010 all caught up...here is May and June.

The weekend of the flood in Nashville, Hunter, Ella Tate and I went to Chattanooga for a couple's shower that was being thrown for my friend Brooke and her fiance, Daniel. On Saturday morning, we got up and went to the aquarium. Ella Tate loved it!

Daddy and Ella Tate

Ella Tate and Mommy

The Ones (minus Lauren) at Brooke and Daniel's couples shower

We celebrated Mother's Day at Tommy and Katherine's house with all of the Turner family.

Sweet cousins...Mary Elizabeth, Hilary and Ella Tate

I celebrated my 30th birthday on May 10th. Hunter threw a party for me at Boscos. We had such a great time and I was so happy to have all of my friends there with me!
Lauren, Me, Carrie

Courtney,Katie and I

Hayley graduated from Oakland High School in May and before graduation we went out to eat to celebrate with her.

Olivia, Hayely, Ella Tate and Anna

Uncle Stephen and Ella Tate after graduation

Phillip, Zach, Hayley, Aubrey and Truitt

Nana and Pop with the new graduate, Hayley

All of the grandkids...Ella Tate, Anna, Zach, Hayley, Olivia, Aubrey and Truitt

Hayley and Phillip

Grandmother's 99th birthday celebration in Moulton. This was the last time we were all together as a family with her before she passed away in August. It was a sweet memory!

Ella Tate, GranGran, Hunter and I went to Sparta to see NaNa and PaPa on Memorial Day. Ella Tate loved sitting outside with PaPa and looking for the kitty.
Brooke and Daniel got married in June in Huntsville. It was beautiful and HOT wedding, but all had a great time!
The husbands and the babies hanging out at the hotel

Brooke, the beautiful bride

The Ones-Bridesmaids...Lauren, Carrie, Andrea, Laura and Bethany

Ella Tate's first beach trip to Navarre Beach, FL

We went with Nana, Aunt RayRay, Hayley, Anna and Olivia. We had so much fun and the weather was perfect!

Ella Tate and Mommy

I LOVE this picture!

Ella Tate loves her Aunt RayRay...

...and her cousins!

Showing off her "panties"

All the grand-girls (minus Aubrey) with their Nana
Hayley, Nana, Ella Tate, Olivia and Anna. We missed you, Aubrey!

Struttin' her stuff!

Mary Elizabeth and Ella Tate enjoyed playing together this summer at GranGran and Poppa's.

Ella Tate got a lot of swimming in this summer and LOVED it!

2 Year Pictures

2010-10-01T11:46:00.008-05:00

Here are a few of Ella Tate's 2 year pictures! These are the first pictures of her that I have looked at and thought she looks like a little girl, not a baby! She is growing so fast...

Where we've been!

2010-09-22T15:38:00.019-05:00

As most of you know, our home was flooded on May 2nd, and we moved in with GranGran and Poppa while it was being repaired. We moved back into our "new" house on August 29th and are trying to get settled in and caught up on all the things that didn't get done this summer.

We are so thankful to all of our family and friends for the support given to us during this time!

Here are the highlights from July through the beginning of September and I'll try to get the rest of the summer and Ella Tate's birthday up soon! Enjoy!

July 2010

Hunter and I took Ella Tate to a sounds game at the beginning of July and the famous San Diego (I think) chicken was there and she loved him and talked about him for months!

Lipscomb fireworks with the Watson's

(I don't know what's up with these first for pictures!)

Look at those long legs

Ella Tate and Mommy being silly Playing outside and GranGran and Poppa's house Playing with GranGran's headband and sunglasses!

Ella Tate loved all of time she got to spend with her GranGran and Poppa while we were there this summer!

Eating some of Nana's good pancakes on Saturday morning

My parents had the youth group from their church over for fishing and a cookout. Ella Tate was right in the middle of all of it, including the crickets! YUCK!

Spending the night with Rachel, Jeff and Olivia. Olivia made a tent our of kitchen chairs and blankets and Ella Tate thought it was so neat!

My grandmother passed away on August the 5th. This was our last real visit with her (July 21st) and Ella Tate was so sweet holding her hand.

Ella Tate's first time at VBS. She LOVED it and came home every night WIRED up and singing all of the songs she learned!

Grayson, Nolen, Ella Tate, Ford and Sophia

The Three Amigos (or Stooges) one night after VBS

Ella Tate was SO excited to have Kenzie as her VBS teacher. We LOVE Mark and Kenzie and can't wait until their wedding in November!

August 2010

Sounds Game with the Young Families from church.

Ella Tate's first funnel cake. I think she'll be as big of a fan of it as her daddy is!

Three hot and tired kids

Olivia, Anna and Luke with Ella Tate at Guthrie's in Moulton, AL

Pop found my old riding horse in the barn. Ella Tate LOVED riding on it!

Drinking out of a big girl cup at Nana and Pop's

Hannah and Ella Tate at Lauren's baby shower

The "Ones" and our Schrimps (we missed you Bethany and Camille)

Delta Sigma "Sisters" (we missed you Shelley and Christy)

Mary Elizabeth's 4th Birthday

Turner's 6th Birthday

Nothing like eating lunch in your diapers with one of your best buddies!

Ella Tate loves her cousin, Mary Elizabeth

Ella Tate loved this sitting at this table and coloring at GranGran and Poppa's, but one day I found her sitting on top of it watching tv

I caught Pop napping while Ella Tate watched Sesame Street

September 2010
Daddy and Ella Tate watching football (I finally broke down and "let" Hunter get a recliner!

They both love it!)

The Greek Festival

I'm so glad that Ella Tate didn't realize that you could go inside the fence b/c petting zoos FREAK me out!

(I just realized that Ella Tate has the same bow in her hair in just about all of the pictures...she does have other bows, but this one goes with everything!)

Eating some yummy food under the big tent

I thought about this for Ella Tate's Halloween costume, but took it back because Aunt Rachel and Olivia found something SO much better...you'll have to wait and see what it is!

Easter 2010

2010-04-16T09:36:00.008-05:00

We had an Easter Egg Hunt at the Guthrie's house this year, but since it was so cold and rainy the kids had to hunt inside. We still had a good time, though.

Ella Tate and Nolen look like they can hardley wait for the hunt to begin!

Caroline, Ella Tate and Nolen
Ford barely made it in to this picture

Ready, set, hunt!

Allie was proud of her eggs

Ella Tate wasn't really into hunting this year

This picture really has nothing to do with Easter except her basket is in the picture. She loves playing in her new room. It is SO much bigger than her room at our old house and she will play in there with her books and puzzles for a long time...which I love!

Easter morning~look at that bed head!

Her new sunglasses

She got so excited over everything in her basket

Her first set of pom-poms

Stickers!!!

We went to Gran Gran and Poppa's after church for lunch and an egg hunt and had a great time!

Ella Tate and Mary Elizabeth watching Turner and Hunter blow bubbles.

"I found a flower"

The most exciting thing from her basket full of goodies...fruit snacks!

Gran Gran got Ella Tate an Easter Bunny that sings and dances, which she loves!

Daddy and Ella Tate

Ella Tate and Mommy

Bunny ears from Aunt Katherine

Mary Elizabeth and Turner hunting for eggs

Mommy helping Ella Tate open up her eggs

Mary Elizabeth seems to be saying "hands off my basket"

Turner found some trains in his eggs

It's a golden egg!

Daddy, Ella Tate and Poppa

Sporting her new sunglasses

This is the best picture we got, so it will have to do!

We heart our friends and family!

2010-04-07T08:37:00.010-05:00

Ella Tate and Nolen waiting for a treat from Julia's BakeryCourtney and I at the church Valentine's dinner

Grady and Ella Tate~all smiles!

Ella Tate, Grady and Nolen playing at the Cool Springs Mall
Ford taught Ella Tate how to climb up on the high chair at Cheesburger Charley's

Grayson came over to play and Ella Tate showed him how to make a lot of noise on the piano!
Ford, Nolen and Ella Tate playing at Ford's house
We went to see cousin Hayley play basketball...she was so good.
Aubrey, Truitt and Ella Tate enjoying Hayley's ballgame!

Ella Tate and Truitt at another one of Hayley's basketball games with NanaNana, Ella Tate and I visiting Grandmother

Campbell and Ella Tate eating lunch at Nana and Pop's

The Randolph Clan

Truitt's 1st Birthday Party

Some of my favorite pics of Ella Tate

Outside at the new house

2010-03-31T16:49:00.003-05:00

We have officially moved and are so excited about our new home! Robin came over on Saturday to take some pictures of Ella Tate for a school project and I thought they were so cute! Eric tagged along with her and took some, too, of Ella Tate playing in her "cah" (car). Hopefully, soon, I will be able to get the pictures I have taken over the past 2 months off of my camera and post them. (All I have left to say is, moving is for the birds! )

Winter Days

2010-02-01T11:31:00.009-06:00

We headed to my parent's house around the first of January b/c my mom was put in the hospital with pneumonia. Ella Tate and I went down to help out when she got home. Even though Nana wasn't feeling well, Ella Tate still had a great time playing with Pop!

Getting some much need sunshine I found these on my camera, but since Alabama won the National Championship I wasn't too threatened!
I took Ella Tate to the circus for the first time this year and she was truly amazed. We went with the Courtney, Grady, Nolen, Katie and Ford and had a great time!

Getting ready to head out to the circus. Thanks Katie for driving us all!

Ella Tate, Nolen and Ford WOW!

We tried to let Ella Tate play out in the snow, but she did not enjoy it as much as Hunter and I did. She looked awfully cute all bundled up, though.
The view from our front door

We had some friends over for pizza the other night and it was so nice to see new faces since we had all been stuck at home for 2 days.

Grady, Ella Tate and Grayson looking at the snow

December and January fun...a little late!

2010-02-01T08:48:00.014-06:00

It has been a little crazy around here and I am just now getting around to posting my Christmas pictures! (My excuse is that we have bought a new house and are in the process of painting, packing and slowly moving...but more to come on that later!) Hang on b/c this is a lot of pictures...

December 2009

Ella Tate and I stayed with Pop and Nana the week after Thanksgiving and had a great time. One afternoon, we went to ACA (my old high school) and watched a basketball game with Aunt Rachel, Uncle Jeff, Anna and Olivia. Ella Tate had a blast!

Ella Tate got her hair cut by Miss Billie one day, which was very special to me b/c she has been cutting our family's hair for over 30 years!Then we went to Vernon, AL to celebrate Christmas with my dad's family. Hunter met us there and brought Ella Tate and I back home.
My daddy with his sister's...Aunt Peggy, Aunt Virginia and Aunt LindaElla Tate relaxing at homeGetting ready to see Santa Claus, who she was TERRIFIED of Mary Elizabeth came over to play with us one day and we had a great time!
Lunch with Carrie and Lauren at J. AlexandersCelebrating Lauren's 30th Birthday at La Paz Christmas in Sparta

Ella Tate opening her gifts from Nana and PaPa Turner We went to John and Brenda's new house to celebrate Christmas with the Turner's. It was beautiful there! Ella Tate loved playing with this real-like puppy of Madison's

Amanda, Hilary and Sandra getting ready for the Ornament Swap

GranGran and Nana Turner

Ella Tate in a dress that "Aunt" Joyce made for her niece 30 years ago. Isn't it adorable? Thanks for sharing it with us!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Morning

Pop and Nana came up earlier in the week and were here on Christmas morning. GranGran and Poppa came over and watched Ella Tate open her presents and ate breakfast with us. We had a great time!

We went to Uncle Stephen's house on Christmas night to celebrate with my family. We had a great time with lots of great gifts and wonderful food!
Nana with her little reindeer

Olivia, Ella Tate, Anna, Campbell, Hayley and Colin building a gingerbread house.

Pop and Colin ready to open gifts

Then on Saturday, we went to Jackson, TN to celebrate Christmas with the Johnson's, but I didn't take any pictures...oops! We had a great time, though!

January 2010

On New Year's Day, we went to GranGran and Poppa's house to celebrate Christmas. It was another wonderful day with lots of fun gifts and delicious food.

YIKES...what happened to November!?

2009-12-18T10:12:00.008-06:00

Once again I am playing catch up! I just hate it when I do this, but here it goes...

My friend's from college got together in Chattanooga to celebrate two very special events, the engagement of Mary Brooke and Hannah Ruth's first "Ones" weekend. We shopped and ate all day Saturday (Hannah did WONDERFUL) and that night we had a special "candle passing" for Brooke. It was so much fun to be with everyone and celebrate happy times!

Sweet Hannah

Lauren and Carrie playing dress-up at TargetCousin Eddie...I mean, Andrea!

Getting ready for the candle passing

Who will blow out the candle?

The bride-to-be!

We celebrated Thanksgiving with my mom's family in Moulton, AL the weekend before Thanksgiving this year. We had a great time and most everyone was able to be there. Thanks to Kristi and Lance for hosting at your home!

Nana and TruittElla Tate roaming around outside
Ella Tate with her Great-Grandmother The Randolph familyThe "second cousins" have so much fun together! We spent Thanksgiving Day at GranGran and Poppa's with all of Linda's family. We had more delicious food and fun!

Ella Tate chillin' out before the crowd arrived! (Katie made this sweet little turkey dress for Ella Tate.)

Ella Tate and Hilary
The Turner cousins and spouses
Mary Elizabeth and Ella Tate

The day after Thanksgiving Hunter, Ella Tate and I went to Nana and Pop's house for even more food and fun! Ella Tate and I stayed that next week and had a great time!

Aunt Rachel and Ella Tate

Olivia and Anna

Thomas, Phillip, Aubrey and Truitt

Ella Tate helped me clean the house so we could get ready to put the Christmas decorations out! She thinks she is big stuff.

Ella Tate woke up from her nap and was so excited to see the pink Christmas tree in her room!

Playtime

2009-11-18T09:55:00.006-06:00

We have 2 huge oak trees that haven't lost their leaves yet, but somehow our entire yard is FULL of leaves. Ella Tate loves to play in them and hear them crunch! Now this is how you spend a Sunday afternoon!

We went over to play with Turner and Mary Elizabeth one day last week. Ella Tate loves playing in their big playroom with all of their toys!

Playing on the patio is one of Ella Tate's most favorite ways to spend the afternoon!

Trick-or-Treat, give me something good to eat!

2009-11-02T10:37:00.011-06:00

This year we made several stops at friend's and family's houses for Ella Tate to "trick-or-treat"! She got lots of goodies including, candy, a teddy bear, a Halloween balloon, books and even money! We started the festivities around 2 at GranGran and Poppa's and ended the evening at the Guthrie's about 9. Ella Tate was exhausted by the time we got home, but she had a great Halloween! Showing GranGran her costume Playing peek-a-boo with Poppa

Betty Ikeda's granddaughter, Olive, was visiting her, so Ella Tate and Olive got to play for a little while

with Mrs. Julia and Mr. Wavell and the cute little teddy bear they gave herTurner, Ella Tate and Mary ElizabethTurner showing Ella Tate his cars

Aunt Joyce gave Ella Tate some yummy mini Oreos that she LOVED!

Ella Tate had fun playing at Mr. Ted and Mrs. Jane's house

Ella Tate and Mommy posing on the front porch
starting to wind down...

playing with all of her goodies that Mrs. Bobbie and Miss Danitta gave her

Grady, Nolen and Ella Tate, a.k.k, Charlie Brown, Linus and Pink Poodle

We didn't get to see Uncle Stephen or Uncle Phillip Halloween night, so Ella Tate got dressed up for them to see how cute she looked!

Ella Tate rocking in Uncle Stephen's rocking chair

Playing the piano...one of her favorite pasttimes!

Reading with Uncle Phillip

We are thankful for our FRIENDS!

2009-10-30T13:17:00.009-05:00

This week some of the mommies and kids that came to the New Mommies Brunch at Courtney's last year got together for brunch at Katie's house this year. It is was so neat (and a little sad) to see all the "babies" growing up and developing little personalities. We had a great time and missed Caroline and Tate and their mommies, but hope they can come next year!

This year (Grayson, Allie, Nolen, Ella Tate, Ford and Clay) Last year (Allie, Tate, Ella Tate, Grayson, Clay, Nolen, Caroline, Ford)

they all loved playing with Katie's dog, Izzy
Ella Tate can't focus on anything or anyone when Izzy is in the room
Nolen came over to spend a couple of hours with us while Courtney went to Grady's Halloween party at school. Courtney left her double stroller and I took Ella Tate and Nolen down the street to the playground. (I guess this is what it would be like to have twins!) It was a perfect day and they had a wonderful time playing and enjoyed a little snack at Ella Tate's table afterwards. Come back soon, Nolen!

We Have a Rat in the House...

2009-10-30T12:09:00.003-05:00

and her name is Ella Tate! She eats her books, literally! I used to put them in bed with her because she would read before and after she woke up, but now it is only plastic and soft books for her. I am hoping she does it because of teething and not that she is deficient in some nutrient.

These are just a few...Any suggestions?

Trunk or Treat

2009-10-30T09:30:00.006-05:00

Last Saturday night was Trunk or Treat at church. Ella Tate was a pink poddle and had a great time walking around the parking lot and checking out everyone's candy. She had her first Tootsie Roll Pop and LOVED it! Now everyday since then she gets a sucker out of the candy bowl here at home and puts it in her mouth, paper and all...I have started something that I think is going to be hard to break!

Happy Fall, Y'all!

2009-10-28T16:54:00.004-05:00

Last week we went to the Walden Pumpkin Farm with the Guthrie's, Watson's and Hannah (Grayson was at his grandparent's house, so Hannah tagged along as our photographer). It was perfect weather and Ella Tate had a great time! We're already looking forward to next year.

Birthday and Wedding Weekend Extravaganza

2009-10-26T12:25:00.008-05:00

All of my family came into town last weekend for my niece, Aubrey's, wedding and also to celebrate my brother, Stephen's, birthday. We all (except for those that were getting ready for the wedding) ate a birthday lunch together and then headed to Thomas and Aubrey's wedding. The wedding was in a tent on the front lawn of a historic home in Christiana, TN. Everything was gorgeous with lots of fall decorations and colors and Aubrey was a beautiful bride!

Ella Tate loves to play with her cousin Olivia! Happy Birthday, StephenMe, Hunter and Ella Tate before Aubrey's weddingMom and DaddyPhillip, Father of the Bride, and AubreyThe beautiful decorations and delicious food

Ella Tate LOVED the meatballs!

Uncle Stephen and Ella Tate

Shannon and Phillip

Aunt Rachel, Ella Tate and Olivia
Hayley, Thomas, Aubrey, Campbell, Phillip, Shannon, Colin, Zach

My Little Helper

2009-10-26T12:13:00.003-05:00

Ella Tate loves to "help" me with the laundry and I can't wait for her to really help me with it!

Train Day 2009

2009-10-12T16:31:00.004-05:00

This past Saturday was Train Day at the Gaddes' house. Mr. Gaddes has 2 trains~1 steam locomotive and 1 diesel~and a track that he built around his backyard. He and his wife invite all of the kids from church over every fall to take a ride on the trains and enjoy good food and fellowship. We all had a great time!

First Haircut

2009-10-12T15:27:00.005-05:00

Ella Tate had her first haircut on October 1st. She has been needing it for a while, but I was determined to wait until she turned 1! It was getting pretty shaggy, so I decided to get her a trim the day that I was getting a trim. She did great and sat very still. Thank you, Lauren, for coming along with us and enertaining Ella Tate while I got my hair cut.

One motivator for getting haircuts was Sara and Ryan's wedding! It was in the courtyeard at the Schemerhorn Symphony Hall and was absolutly GORGEOUS! The weather was perfect, the bride was beautiful and Ella Tate made it through the entire ceremony without any major meltdowns! (I didn't get many pictures, but here are a few.)

Ella Tate couldn't take her eyes off of Sara...I think she was thinking about how pretty she looked!

My dad did the ceremony, so my mom was there, too.

And A Happy Birthday It Was!

2009-09-30T08:11:00.024-05:00

We began the birthday festivities on Friday morning by waking up Ella Tate with a birthday banana! She was not real sure what to think of her mommy and daddy walking in her room singing "Happy Birthday", as you can see in the picture! Then, Hunter, Ella Tate and I went to eat breakfast at the Pancake Pantry. Ella Tate loved watching all of the people and Hunter and I loved the food!

Our family trio. (We took this picture ourselves, so that is one reason why Mommy looks so scarey...we don't need to discuss any of the other reasons!)

Nana and Pop came into town on Friday morning and brought Ella Tate this sweet table and chairs from the family for her birthday!Opening presents from Mommy and Daddy

"Happy birthday to you"

Eating the first of MANY birthday cakes!
On Saturday we celebrated with all of my family. We had a really fun time, but we missed Aunt Rachel, Uncle Jeff, Anna, Olivia, Shannon, Campbell and Colin

My sweet 1 year old!

Uncle Stephen with Ella Tate and Truitt Nana, Ella Tate and PopStephen, Ella Tate and Hayley playing the piano.
"Happy Birthday to you" againDaddy, Ella Tate and Mommy

Trying to get Ella Tate to try her cupcake
and it didn't take long!
Zach and Ella Tate
Uncle Phillip, Truitt, Ella Tate and Pop
Sweet cousins
We continued the birthday celebration all through out the week and into the next weekend! (You only turn 1 once, right?!) Here she is opening a present from Avery, Harper and Reese Bennett.
It was a "play" purse and she LOVES it!

Next, we had a "friend" birthday cookout and party on Saturday night. Ella Tate got so many nice gifts and we had a great time with all of her kid and grown-up friends!
Here is her birthday cake and it was SO cute and delicious! Kelly Santel made it...check her out at http://www.kellyskakes.blogspot.com/.
Mommy with the birthday girl
Ford, Grayson and Ella Tate playing outside
Ella Tate and Emma in the bouncy house that we borrowed from the Guthrie's~thanks SO much!

Ford kicked back in Ella Tate's chair

"The cutest birthday girl? Who, me?!"

Mommy and Ella Tate with your "aunts", Lauren and Carrie! Another "Happy Birthday to you"
Ford wanted to try a little of it
She looked like she had had enough cake!
Max and Emma patiently watching Ella Tate open her presents Me "ooo-ing" over the frame that Katie made with one of the pictures she took!
Is this all mine?

And last, but not least, on Sunday, we celebrated Ella Tate's 1st birthday for the last time with Hunter's family. Some were here in Nashville and others drove some Sparta to celebrate with us. We had another wonderful time!The same girl who made Ella Tate's cake for the party on Saturday made the one for Sunday. It was just as cute and delicious as the first one!
Showing everyone her new walking skills

Gran Gran, Ella Tate and Poppa

And for the last time "Happy Birthday to you"!
Relaxing in the rocking chair that Gran Gran and Poppa gave herWe almost had WW III on our hands over this stroller (that Sandra, Steve and Hilary gave her), but Ella Tate and Mary Elizabeth ended up sharing it very well!
Amanda, Aunt Katherine and Ella Tate
Ella Tate with Gran Gran

Turner loved "driving" the little red car! Playing with Poppa
Ella Tate with NaNa and PaPa

Here and There and Everywhere

2009-09-22T10:44:00.009-05:00

Hunter, Ella Tate and I went to the Greek Festival last Sunday afternoon. It was a lot of fun, as always, and Ella Tate loved eating Greek food for the first time, watching all of the dancers and looking at the animals in the petting zoo (notice I said looking, not petting)!

Look at that greasy face from all the Greek food she was eating...YUM YUM! Watching the dancers

Mrs. Hazel, from church, made this adorable dress (and matching bloomers, of course) for Ella Tate's birthday. She did have a bow in her hair at church that night, but it had since been pulled out, imagine that! Ella Tate in her brand-new carseat that is in Mommy's car...she loves itThis past Saturday night, we went to Sparta for Matt and Robynn's wedding. It was on the bluff near Matt's parent's house and was absolutely gorgeous! Kipp and Amanda rode up with us and thanks to Uncle Tommy, Aunt Katherine, Turner and Mary Elizabeth for keeping Ella Tate, we had a child-free evening...which was nice! Hunter and I with the newly-weds, Matt and Robynn Holman
Matt, Robynn, Laura, Hunter, Kipp and Amanda
Yeasterday Grayson came over to play while his mommy went to the dentist. He and Ella Tate had a big time and played so well together. They pulled out every toy, book and puzzle that was within their reach and loved every minute of it. He is such a sweetie and we hope that he will come back and play soon!

Happy 1st Birthday, Ella Tate

2009-09-17T11:15:00.016-05:00

It is SO hard to believe that one year ago today Ella Tate was born! This year has gone by so fast, but we have enjoyed every minute of it with our precious little girl! (Warning...this post contains alot of pictures!)

The zoo, a wedding and ROLL TIDE!

2009-09-16T11:03:00.005-05:00

September has started off slow, but is getting busier by the day preparing for Ella Tate's birthday!

We met Katie, Ford, Courtney, Grady and Nolen at the zoo a few weeks ago and had the best time. Grady got to play on the playground and the babies (we won't be able to say that much longer) had fun just watching.

Hunter, Ella Tate and I went to Uncle Stephen's house to see what all he has gotten done and Ella Tate thought it would be fun to get into one of his baskets. Labor Day weekend we headed to Nana and Pop's house because my best friend growing up, Christy, was getting married. My mom, my sister, Rachel, and I gave the bridal luncheon on Friday morning at Number Sixteen Restaurant. It was a lot of fun and was nice to just be with the girls for a little while! (Of course, I didn't have my camera, so I didn't get any pictures.)
We were busy all weekend with the rehearsal and dinner and then the wedding on Saturday. Everything was beautiful and Christy especially looked beautiful! (I didn't have my camera half of the time, so I didn't get a lot of pictures.)Me and Christy at the rehearsal dinner.
Christy's beautiful dress! She was such a beautiful bride!

Alabama's first game was Saturday night after the wedding, so of course I couldn't wait to get back to my parent's house and put Ella Tate in her Alabama sleeper (from Sara Parker) to cheer on the Tide! (Hunter was NOT happy, but as the saying goes...when in Rome!)

I hate it when I do this...

2009-09-10T15:28:00.008-05:00

...as in waiting a month to update the blog! Sorry in advance for all of the pictures, but I HAVE to get caught up.

August was another busy month mostly consisting of birthday parties!

We started out with Anna and Pop's birthdays. Hunter, Ella Tate and I went to my parents the first full weekend of the month to help them celebrate. Ella Tate and I stayed on for the week and had a great time. (The pictures I took from the b-day celebration got deleted~UGH~so all I have are the ones I took as we were leaving to come back home.)

On our way back to Nashville, we stopped to see Grandmother. She and Ella Tate were so excited to see one another!

When we got home Ella Tate chilled out in her pool, in the front yard (REDNECK, I know), while she watched her Daddy wash our cars.

Emma turned 5 this year and celebrated with a cowgirl-themed party complete with banadanas, boots, pinatas and pony rides!

Sweet Emma Kate
It was then time to celebrate Turner, Mary Elizabeth, Aunt Katherine and Uncle Tommy's birthdays at Gran Gran and Papa's house.

Mary Elizabeth~3rd birthday and Turner~5th birthday

Turner opening a car from Ella TateMary Elizabeth in her princess get-up!
"Mary Elizabeth, you are SO pretty!"

Next, it was time to celebrate Nolen's first birthday at Courtney and Jake's new house. Nolen loved his cake and couldn't wait to get his hands and mouth in it! We went to Dyersburg to see some good friends, Craig and Stella, that moved last year right after Ella Tate was born. There house is on the lake and it was so beautiful out on their deck. They have a little fishing boat and Hunter and I got to take a "sunset cruise" on it on Saturday night! We had the best time with them and are looking forward to going back soon!

Here are a few random pictures I took if Ella Tate throughout the month...

She loves getting into the drawers in the kitchen. I love this one with her on her tippy-toes peeking into the tupperware drawer!

Another one of Ella Tate's past-times is standing at our storm door and watching the cars go by and waiting for her Daddy to get home!
We rode with Aunt Katherine to pick up Turner one day and Ella Tate got to ride in Mary Elizabeth's carseat...she thought she was big stuff!Playing with Izzy at Ford's house. Poor Ford gets no attention when we are there because Ella Tate had rather play with the dog!

Ford's Birthday Party and the Neighborhood Picnic

2009-08-06T12:29:00.008-05:00

Last Saturday, we went to Ford's 1st Birthday party. It was Ella Tate's first time to go to a "friend party", so I was pretty excited! We had a great time and Ford was so sweet to let all the kids play with his new toys. (The camera battery died during the middle of the party, so I wasn't able to get any pictures of Ford opening his gifts.)

Getting ready to go to Ford's party and SO excited!

Ford's birthday cake was not only adorable, but so yummy!

Ella Tate trying out Ford's new ride. She loved riding on it and I think it may be a purchase for another birthday that is coming up soon! "Move over Ella Tate, this is how you do it!"

Ford also got a water table that the kids enjoyed playing inI didn't want Ella Tate's dress to get wet, so Ford let her borrow one of his shirts. I told Katie I guess it was kind of like her wearing his letterman's jacket! (haha) Getting ready for some cake...

"Happy Birthday to you"

On Tuesday night, the guys played basketball, so Ford and Katie came over. The 4 of us walked down to the neighborhood picnic and ate hot dogs, chips, cookies and even a shaved ice. The kids got balloons which was the hit of the night. It was such a fun time and we're happy Katie and Ford could join us!

Before we left for the picnic, Ford decided to try out Ella Tate's Johnny Jump Up...he LOVED it!

9 Month Pictures...a little late

2009-08-06T12:00:00.004-05:00

I just realized that I never posted Ella Tate's 9 month pictures. They were taken on June 25 by Wendy Tate and, of course, I thought they turned out great. Here are a few of my favorites.

Our Sweet Girl is Growing

2009-07-31T10:45:00.006-05:00

Ella Tate is 10 and 1/2 months now and is so much fun! She is crawling everywhere and pulling up on everything. She is a great eater and a few of her favorite foods are blueberries, bananas, veggie straws, cheese, oatmeal and yogurt. She loves looking a books and prefers those over her other toys. Ella Tate is not afraid of dogs and whenever she sees one she makes a "woof,woof" sound. Like every other child, she also likes to play with things that aren't toys...the pedal on the trash can, DVD covers, coasters, chap stick, shoes, photo albums and remotes just to name a few. She prefers men who have goatees (is that how you spell that?) and also likes anyone who has glasses, so she can rip them off your head! She has 5 teeth that are in and another that has almost pushed through. Her laugh is contagious and we have the best time everyday with her!

Playing in Mommy's closet

She loves drinking out of "big girl" cups and knows exactly what to do with one!

Don't call DCS...Carrie and I were just playing around with Ella Tate and the car was not moving!

Snuggled up with her duck and her rabbit. (That duck looks like he need some help!)

Ella Tate loves to play with Gracie when we go to Sparta to see Hunter's grandparents, Nana and PaPa. Gracie wanted in and Ella Tate wanted out.

Trying out her new carseat

Again, don't call DCS...We were at Costco one night and I had unbuckled Ella Tate to clean her up after we ate and I didn't buckle her back in. So, we were looking at something and when we turned around, she was standing up facing backwards! YIKES!and she thought it was hilarious!No words...just found her here when I walked in the kitchen!

The only time she is still is when she is asleep and this is probably one of the last times that I'll be able to get her to fall asleep in my arms (My baby's growing up~sniff, sniff!)

Any and everything goes in her mouth...

lotion

chap stick

Girls Weekend

2009-07-31T09:31:00.008-05:00

Ella Tate and I (along with Lauren) went to Chattanooga this past weekend for a girls weekend with my girlfriends from college...they are "My Ones"! We hadn't all been together since Ella Tate has been born, so it was time to induct her in our group. Our real reason for getting together was to welcome soon-to-be-born Hannah Ruth into the group and shower Andrea with love and gifts. Thanks to Jan, Bethany's mom, for letting us all crash at her house. We had a great time and I am so blessed to have these wonderful girls in my life. I pray that Ella Tate will have good friends like her Mommy has.
Carrie, Lauren, Andrea, Bethany, Ella Tate and me in Hannah's beautiful nursery.

"Hey, Bethany, I think that is my bow!"Andrea, Ella Tate and I waiting on our table at Big River.

Carrie, Lauren and Bethany
Ella Tate loves Carrie!
Snuggling with Bethany at Andrea's house
Ella Tate and Callie, Bethany's dog/daughter, giving each other the once-over

Ella Tate was too busy hanging with the girls to take a nap, but on Saturday afternoon she crashed. When I went to wake her up this is what I found. Her smile seems to say "I promise I'm not sleepy...I'm realy to go out with the girls!" I LOVE it! Ella Tate, Bethany, Lauren and Brooke ordering lunch at the Sweet Peppers Deli...YUM!

Andrea looking at the books that we gave Hannah
Andrea and Brooke
Bethany, Carrie and me

Me, Ella Tate and Lauren

"Get off the phone and pay attention to me!"

"The Ones" with our first little "schrimp" and one on the way!

Lake Trip with the Family

2009-07-31T07:46:00.007-05:00

My parents rented a lake house on Lake Martin in Eclectic, AL for all of us to get together at this summer. Stephen was sick and wasn't able to come and we missed having him there, but everyone else was able to come stay for a few days. We had such a good time and enjoyed the being with everyone. Thanks Mom and Daddy! (I'm not sure how Daddy managed to escape all picture taking, but I just realized that he isn't in a one that I took! I'll get you next time.)

The view from our back porch...it was beautiful!

Borris, the neighborhood dog, soon became our friend and made himself at home on our back porch

Anna, Phillip, Matthew and Hayley

This chunky monkey is my nephew, Truitt, who is 4 months old, now. He is such a good baby and so loveable! Besides eating, this is what he does best...Phillip, Aubrey and Truitt
Ella Tate and Truitt trying out the boogie board
Hunter and Olivia playing a game of Frisbee

Hayley and Ella Tate

Olivia, Rachel, Ella Tate and me

Soaking up some rays with Nana

Ella Tate and Anna

asleep again...oh, those were the days!

Hang on!

Hayley and Anna getting ready to go for a ride on the tube

"I wanna try out this tube-thing"

Zach, Sarah, Aubrey and Thomas
Jeff, the grill master!
Sleepy heads, Ella Tate and Truitt
Nana and Ella Tate
"Don't forget your sunscreen"

Let the Good Times Roll...

2009-07-27T22:05:00.011-05:00

July has been a fun month for us! I can't believe that it is almost over, though. Where does the time go?

Katie, Ford, Ella Tate and I went to pick blueberries a few weeks ago in Franklin. Katie and I had a great time, but Ford and Ella Tate were ready to go almost as soon as we got there! We went to Bread and Co. after we finished picking and then swimming...it was a fun day!

Ready to do some pickin'

I can only imagine what Ella Tate was thinking..."Why in the world do you have your foot on me, Ford?"

They loved playing on the steps at the pool.

My bathing beauty in her "new" jogging stroller. Julie and Troy Tant are letting us borrow their jogging stroller and we are loving it...thanks so much!

We went to an engagement party for Matt and Robynn at the Hutson's house in Sparta several weeks ago. (Matt is one of Hunter's good friends that he grew up with in Sparta.) The food was delicious and the setting gorgeous! We had a wonderful time and look forward to the wedding.

The hosts and hostess who did a wonderful job! Robynn and Matt

Justin, Drake and Ashlee

Amanda and Kipp with Lia, Justin and Ashlee's sweet squeeze!
Ella Tate and Gran

My niece, Olivia, came up and stayed a few days with us. Ella Tate LOVES her, so it was such a treat for her and also for me b/c I had a live-in babysitter (I could really get used to that)! One day while she was here we went to the Splash Pad with Courtney, Grady, Nolen, Susan, Carter and Max. The water was a little cold that day, but it was still fun. We love you, Liv! Max, Grady and Carter just chillin' out
Nolen loved the water,
but Ella Tate thought it was a little chilly!
Olivia and Ella Tate ready for a snack.
Sweet cousins

We met Scott, Kathy and Emma at Vittles last Sunday for lunch. Hunter worked with Scott at PICA and Kathy and I became friends when we tagged along on a business trip with the boys to NYC! We have such a blast with them and enjoyed getting to catch up. Ella Tate thought Emma was big stuff and loved watching her tell stories!

A Nashville 4th of July

2009-07-09T22:58:00.010-05:00

We had a great 4th of July weekend with family and friends.
We started it out by going over to Uncle Stephen's new (or should I say "new to him") house to see what all he has gotten done. It looks wonderful and Ella Tate and I were so happy to see him and hang out for a few hours and look around at the amazing transformations!

On Friday night, we met Uncle Tommy, Aunt Katherine, Turner, Mary Elizabeth and Gran and Papa at Lipscomb for their Independence Day festivities and had a great time!

Sweet cousins

We got up early Saturday morning to go to the Oak Hill parade with "Mayor" Uncle Tommy, Aunt Katherine, Turner and Mary Elizabeth. It was a lot of fun and it was neat to see all of the strollers, cars, golf carts, lawn mowers, bikes and wagons that were decorated.

Mary Elizabeth and Turner getting ready for the parade. Katherine did a great job decorating their wagon.

" I love the flag!"

Next, we headed to Gran and Papa's for a delicious lunch and some much needed downtime! (I'm still not sure how Gran and Papa manage to not be in ANY pictures that I take...I think it is a conspiracy against me and my blog!)
You can see here who was enjoying that downtime I was talking about! Hunter, Ella Tate and I went to the Thweatt's house for dinner with the Bates', Miller's and Heredia's and then on to watch the downtown fireworks from Adventure Science Museum. We ended up watching them from the tailgate of Hunter's car instead, because of the rain, but we still had a great time and made some good memories and good pictures!

Ella Tate passed the time looking at her books!

Carter, Susan, Albert and Max
Tracey, Clay and Chris

Having a Good Ol' Time

2009-07-04T16:22:00.014-05:00

Ella Tate has been a busy girl this summer.
We look forward to our weekly get-togethers at "Aunt" Joyce's pool with friends. Ella Tate really enjoys being in the water and kicking those little legs. We have also been swimming at the YMCA with Lauren and Carrie where Ella Tate learned how to "jump" off the side into Mommy's arms.

Max getting ready to jump in! Ella Tate and Nolen "Let's see if we all fit!" (Ella Tate, Grayson, Nolen and Ford) Ella Tate and FordHanging out by the pool at the Y Hunter, Ella Tate and I ventured out to Hendersonville a few weeks ago to hear Dustin Overbeek play on the "lawn" at Indian Lakes! It was a great night and Ella Tate enjoyed playing with Lauren and listening to Dustin...she is his BIGGEST fan now!

Sing it Dustin!

Kisses from DaddyElla Tate and Lauren

One night, Hunter and I took Ella Tate to the playground up the street from our house and let her swing. It was her first time and she loved it!
My dad was holding a Gospel meeting in Fayettville, TN, so Hunter, Ella Tate and I went down on Sunday for church. Hunter came back home and Ella Tate and I staying until Tuesday night when Hunter came back to get us. We had a great time with my parents and seeing all of our friends at Corders Crossroads! It was Ella Tate's first stay in a hotel and I have to say that I think she really enjoyed hotel living! We went to the "Marbles by the Pound" store in downtown Fayettville. Ella Tate did not get any marbles, but I did have to have her picture taken with a big barrel full of them.

Ella Tate had her first Chilton County Alabama peach, that Nana and Pop got on their way up to Fayettville, and she LOVED it! She ate a lot of mine and most of her Nana's.
We enjoyed a morning at the zoo with Hannah and Grayson, Courtney, Grady and Nolen. They all did great and the babies were worn out by the time we were finished.

Nolen, Grady, Ella Tate and Grayson with the elephants. I went to Castles and Crowns party the other night and Hunter kept Ella Tate. This is what I found on my camera when I uploaded the pics to the computer...Hunter, my CRIMSON blood family will NOT like this!

We hope you are having as good of a summer as we are!

Trip to Sparta

2009-07-04T15:53:00.005-05:00

A few weekends ago Hunter, Ella Tate, Gran and I went to Sparta, TN to visit Hunter's grandparents~Nana and PaPa. Nana fixed a delicious lunch full of fried chicken, fried squash, fried apples (do you see a trend here?), corn, green beans, cornbread, pecan pie and cherry cobbler! Some other Turner family members came over to eat and visit with us while we were there. We had a wonderful time and Ella Tate did great!

Ella Tate with sweet Nana Turner

Ella Tate LOVED Sue Anne and Jeff and it wasn't only because they fed her ice cream!

Eating some snacks with Aunt Johnnie Ruth

PaPa and Ella TatePlaying with PaPa's dog, Gracie

First Family Pictures

2009-06-23T21:19:00.010-05:00

Katie took some pictures of our little family of 3 a few weeks ago in Joyce McMahan's beautiful backyard! I think they turned out great, thanks to Katie. Here are a few of my favorites...

An Early Father's Day and Birthday in Alabama

2009-06-22T17:41:00.009-05:00

Ella Tate and I rode down with my brother, Phillip, to my parent's house last weekend to celebrate an early Father's Day and my sister, Rachel's, birthday. My brother, Stephen, also came so we all had a great time together. Ella Tate of course was spoiled rotten, but what else is supposed to happen at her grandparent's house with her aunt and uncles and cousins around!? She was especially excited to see her Uncle Jeff this time and I was able to get some good pictures of them! He put together what used to be my neice's crib at my parent's house and Ella Tate slept in it for the first time while we were there. She has about grown out of her Pack-n-Play and was happy for a bigger bed to sleep in at Nana and Pop's! Nana got her a Winnie the Pooh walker and she loved playing in it. We missed Hunter, but we had a great time!

Uncle Jeff and Ella Tate

Anna and Ella Tate

Swinging with Uncle StephenPlaying in the "fort" under the bed with Olivia and ColinElla Tate with her new walker
Ella Tate sure was glad to see Pop when he came in from working outside all day!

Phillip and Shannon
Playing with Uncle Phillip
Nana and Ella Tate
"I love my Aunt Rachel""Uncle Jeff is the best"

Fun in the Sun Party

2009-06-04T10:53:00.009-05:00

Some friends from church came over yesterday for a playdate in our backyard. We had a BIG time and the weather was perfect! The kids had a blast playing with each other and in the water and the mom's enjoyed just talking and eating. All the kids were good and worn out and ready for their naps by the time we were finished!

Ready for some fun in the sun...

Grady and Ellie

Courtney and NolenJulie and Max
CarolineLilly The girls having fun in the pool
Ford lovin' on Ella Tate
The big boys playing in the sandbox
Grady sporting his mask that he made
Ella Tate and Mommy all worn out!

8 months pictures by Katie Watson

2009-05-27T10:42:00.007-05:00

Katie took some wonderful pictures of Ella Tate, again, last week. Enjoy!
See ya!

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-26T11:33:00.010-05:00

We had a busy memorial day weekend. On Friday night, Hunter, Ella Tate and I went to Moulton, AL and on Saturday we celebrated my grandmother's 98th birthday with all of the Johnson family. We had a great time and Ella Tate loved playing with all of her cousins. On Sunday afternoon, we went to Nero's with the Turner family and then to Hilary's graduation. She looked so pretty and we are proud of her! And then on Monday afternoon, we headed over to the Guthrie's house for a cookout and a farewell party to their house. We had a great weekend with family and friends!

98 years young Sweet sisters~Grandmother and Aunt Mildred. They were so happy to see each other!

Brylie, Ella Tate, Olivia, Campbell and Becca

Steve, Hilary and Sandra at FRA's graduation

Let's get this party started!
Daddy and Ella Tate with Ford and Gabe Ella Tate and Grayson Family picture
Max and Avery were hungry! Courtney and Nolen The girls Giving Mommy kisses

Graduation Time

2009-05-26T11:10:00.007-05:00

We had two very special graduations this month...cousin Aubrey and cousin Hilary! Congratulations girls, we are so proud of you both!

Hayley, Aubrey and Zach

Hayley and Ella Tate at Aubrey's graduation

Steve, Hilary and Sandra

Mother's Day/Birthday in Alabama

2009-05-26T10:25:00.007-05:00

My birthday was on Mother's Day this year, so we went to my mom and dad's for the weekend. On Saturday night, we celebrated my birthday with supper at Nana and Pop's and on Sunday we went to Aunt Rachel and Uncle Jeff's for Mother's Day lunch. Hunter came back home after lunch on Sunday and Ella Tate and I spent the week with Nana and Pop. We had such a good time...as always! Thanks Nana and Pop for taking good care of both of us!

Daddy and Ella Tate taking a break from pouring concrete
Aunt Rachel and Ella Tate watching the guys work from the back porch

Ella Tate LOVES her cousin Olivia
Campbell the cutie
Olivia made a sweet card for Rachel for Mother's Day
Anna and Ella Tate It was a very special Mother's Day and birthday
This was my swing when I was a baby. Ella Tate sat on the back porch in it for an hour one afternoon with Nana and I. Isn't it the prettiest shade of yellow?!

A night out with friends

2009-05-25T11:49:00.004-05:00

We went to Maggiano's a few weeks ago to celebrate Jake's birthday. We had a great time and it was so nice to have a night out without the kiddos.

The gang...

The girls...

Me and my boyfriend...

Let's play catch up...

2009-05-25T11:23:00.005-05:00

It has been quite a while since I've posted, so now I will try to catch you all up with what's been going on this month. These are just some random pictures of Ella Tate playing at home. She is 8 months old now and is so much fun. She is a "busy bee" and keeps us laughing! God has truly blessed us and we are so thankful for her.

Ella Tate loved playing with the empty laundry baskets on our bed.

This is how I found Ella Tate after her nap the other day

Playing with her favorite toys

Sweet Home Alabama

2009-05-01T12:32:00.008-05:00

This past weekend we went to my parent's house for the weekend. Ella Tate had such a good time with Nana, Pop, Aunt Rachel, Uncle Jeff, Anna, Olivia and Brittnei (Anna's friend). I didn't take a lot of pictures, but here are few.

Making Pop laugh!

A Bloomin' Time

2009-05-01T11:01:00.009-05:00

Our dogwood tree and bridal's wreath bush were in full bloom a couple of weeks ago, so Ella Tate and I ventured outside for little "photo shoot". Here are few of the (too) many pictures I took!

(Just for my sake in years to come, these pictures were taken on 4/17/09...one day before her 7 month birthday)

Sippy Cup + Biter Biscuit = 1 BIG MESS!

2009-05-01T08:49:00.006-05:00

I gave Ella Tate a sippy cup for the first time a couple of weeks ago. She loves it!

Easter Festivities

2009-04-14T12:41:00.017-05:00

Ella Tate had a wonderful first Easter. We began the activities with an Easter Egg hunt at Matt and Missy Guthrie's house on Wednesday. Ella Tate loved watching all of the big kids play and hunt for eggs.

On Easter morning, we let Ella Tate get into her basket before we went to church.

After church, we went to Gran and Papa's house to eat lunch with them, Uncle Tommy, Aunt Katherine, Turner and Mary Elizabeth. The kids had Easter baskets that they "opened" and then Turner and Mary Elizabeth hunted eggs. We had a great time! Mary Elizabeth, Turner and Ella Tate

A New Toy

2009-04-14T12:19:00.005-05:00

I gave Ella Tate the toothbrush out of the baby first-aid kit we have at home to play with. She loves chewing on it...and this is why!

Sunday School Class

2009-04-14T12:01:00.006-05:00

Ella Tate loves her Sunday school class. These pictures are from her first Sunday in class and as you can see, she had a big time thanks to Mrs. Carole, Mrs. Melissa and Mrs. Diane!

This was Nolen's first Sunday in class, too, and he has just as good of a time as Ella Tate!

Ford, Ella Tate and Nolen ready for class to start

Ella Tate was worn out by the time we got home. Mommy and Daddy love Sunday school, too!

The BIG 3-0!

2009-04-13T15:06:00.012-05:00

On Thursday night, we celebrated Hunter's 30th birthday with some friends at The Rosepepper.

Hunter, Gabe, Albert and Jake

Hunt and Ben Jeremy and Hunter
And on Saturday, we had a cookout at Hunter's parent's house for he and his cousin, Kipp (their birthdays are 2 days apart), with the extended family.

The birthday boys!

Hunter, me, Amanda and Kipp

Hunter, Ella Tate with PaPa and Nana Turner

Pictures

2009-04-08T15:17:00.004-05:00

Ella Tate had her 6 month pictures taken by Wendy Tate on March 23rd. I thought they turned out great! Here a few of my favorites...

Playdate, Class and a New Cousin!

2009-04-03T09:56:00.011-05:00

Ella Tate has had a busy week! First, Melinda and Allie had a playdate at their house on Tuesday. The food was delicious and Ella Tate had such a good time playing with Allie's toys and watching all of the other kids.

Nolen, Tate and Ella Tate~they look like the are having a blast!

Allie, Nolen, Tate, Ella Tate, Grayson

Courtney and Nolen rode with us out to the McCormac's. This is how we found them when we pulled into the driveway. They were so worn out!

On Wednesday night, Ella Tate went to class for the first time! Mrs. Kim, Mrs. Jeanice and Mrs. Kaycee were her teachers and they said that she did great. The only problem was that Ella Tate kept sliding around in her seat, so they had to secure her with a soft belt and two baby doll pillows. She was wedged in that seat and going nowhere when I went to pick her up, but she was having the time of her life!

Before class...

And after class...

On Thursday, Ella Tate and I went to Murfreesboro to see her new baby cousin, Truitt Randolph Serbaugh. He was born last Thursday, March 26th, and weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz and was 20 1/4 inches long. He and his mommy, Aubrey, are doing great! We played at their house for a little while and then went to eat at Macaroni Grill and looked around at some of the shops in The Avenue. We had such a fun time!

Ella Tate and baby Truitt. Obviously, she thinks she is BIG stuff!

Ella Tate's first time in a restaurant high chair. (Thanks Amanda for the cover, we love it!)

She was so happy to be sitting up in the high chair and looking around!

6 months and growing...

2009-03-30T10:37:00.007-05:00

Ella Tate has had several "milestones" in the past couple of weeks! Sitting in the grocery buggy all by herself, surviving her mommy and daddy having the stomach bug and not getting it herself, playing in her Johnny Jump-Up, having her 6 month birthday and eating veggies, fruits and a biter biscuit!

Look at the big lady sitting in the buggy at TJ Maxx

Taking a bottle while Mommy was sick

Fun times in her Johnny Jump-Up

"I'm 6 months old today"

A birthday kiss from Mr. Ducky

Ella Tate loves to suck on her toes, esp. right after she gets out of the bath!

She can sit all by herself now without any help
"I love carrots"
She thinks it is so much fun to turn her Ocean Wonders off and onGetting ready to eat some green peas
She wasn't as thrilled with the peas as she was with the carrots and I don't blame her!
We went to the Watson's house on Saturday night and Ford shared one of his Biter Biscuits with Ella Tate. It was the first time she had ever had one and she thought it tasted pretty good...

(Disclaimer...if you have a weak stomach, do not look at this next picture)

actually, she thought it was WONDERFUL!

Good Times

2009-03-11T12:20:00.009-05:00

Ella Tate has been a busy girl over the past several weeks.

She turned 5 months on Feb. 18th, and I know she is now almost 6 months old, but just bear with me, I like for things on this blog to be in chronological order, so I HAVE to do it this way!

Fun times in the Exersaucer

This is how I find Ella Tate just about everyday when I go in to get her up from her nap. Her thumb is usually in her mouth, but she took it out right before I snapped this pic

I finally broke down and gave Ella Tate cereal. I don't really know why I kept putting it off except for the fact that I was just too lazy to do it!

See, she loved it and I know that the main reason she ate it so well was because we waited! So, my laziness did pay off in the end...and that's my story and I'm sticking to it! (hahaha!)

Nana came up to visit us and it snowed while she was here!

Playing with Nana

Ella Tate and I went back to Alabama with Nana to stay the week with her and Pop. We had such a good time and Ella Tate did great! We got to see Aunt Rachel, Unlce Jeff, Anna and Olivia everyday while we were there, too.

Blowing bubbles...the faces she makes doing this are HILARIOUS!

"Sunning" on the back porch with Nana and Mommy

Anna is on Alabama Christian Academy's JV softball team, so we got to go to a couple of her games while we were down there.

Celebrating the victory with Anna and Aunt Rachel

Pop has 7 (I think) cows, so Nana and I took Ella Tate to meet them one afternoon. She wasn't very impressed!

Playing with Pop

Getting ready for church with Aunt Rachel

Before we left Nana and Pop's on Sunday afternoon, Olivia took Ella Tate out for a spin

Tag...I'm it!

2009-02-23T21:26:00.005-06:00

I was tagged by Beka Pharr to post the 4th picture in the 4th folder on my computer.

Here it is!

This picture is of Nolen Guthrie and Ella Tate at Katie Watson's house. Nolen is one of Ella Tate's MANY boyfriends (don't tell her Daddy) at church and we love him! Nolen was a little over 3 months old and Ella Tate was about 2 1/2 months old in this picture.

Ok, I now tag Courtney Guthrie, Katie Watson, Julie Tant and Tracey Heredia.

Here are the instructions:
Go to the 4th album in the place you store your pictures on your computer
Select the 4th picture in that album (no exceptions)
Post it in this post with an explanation and link it back to your tagger
Tag 4 people to do the same thing

On her own

2009-02-20T15:18:00.007-06:00

Ella Tate is trying to sit up some on her own. She still needs some help (and padding), but she is slowly getting the hang of it!

after I let go of her hand she fell over and hit her head on the floor, so I thought it might be a little safer to put some pillows around her!

I tried using her doll as a distraction...and it worked~YAY!

Weekend Happenings

2009-02-16T09:57:00.010-06:00

On Thursday night, Gran and Papa came over to babysit while Hunter and I went out to celebrate Valentine's. She did great (or so they say)!

Ella Tate and Papa

(I couldn't get Gran in this picture...she has now wised-up to me and knows that most of the pictures I take will end up on the blog!)

Friday night we went to Hunter's basketball game. Ford, Grady and Nolen were there, too, to watch their daddies play. Ella Tate loved watching them run up and down the court.

with Daddy after the game

On Saturday we went to Sparta to see Hunter's grandparent's (Nana and PaPa). We enjoyed getting to see them and Ella Tate loved all of the attention she got from Nana and PaPa!

Ella Tate and PaPa giving each other the "once over"

Playing with Nana
Hunter, Nana and Ella Tate
Gran went with us, too

When we got back from Sparta, Hunter, Ella Tate and I went over to Uncle Tommy and Aunt Katherine's to see Turner and Mary Elizabeth. Ella Tate loves to watch the big kids play!

Mary Elizabeth, me, Ella Tate and Turner in the playroom
Mary Elizabeth "holding" Ella Tate
" I love my cousins!"

While we were there, Aunt Katherine gave us Turner and Mary Elizabeth's ExerSaucer to borrow and Ella Tate LOVES it!

New purchase and random pictures...

2009-02-13T15:20:00.005-06:00

I got this desk earlier this week...Happy Valentine's Day to me! I am super excited about it and can't wait to fill ALL of the drawers up with desk-y things! Since the room that was our office is now the nursery, our computer, printer, etc. has been housed underneath a table in the den. So, now it all has a home again and I love it! Random pics of Ella Tate.

I was trying to capture the tear that was on her cheek, but you can hardly see it. She was pretty pitiful!

We went to see my grandmother last Friday. My parent's were there, too, so my dad "babysat" Ella Tate at my aunt's house while my mom and I visited with my grandmother. This is how I found her when we returned!

Thanks Katie!

2009-02-09T09:47:00.004-06:00

My friend Katie took some pictures of Ella Tate at her house last week. Here are just a few of them. I think she did agreat job and should start doing it professionally!

Fun Times

2009-02-03T10:09:00.002-06:00

Ella Tate loves her activity mat

Getting ready to take her bath

We went to the Watson's house to watch the Super Bowl.

Ella Tate, Ford and Nolen had so much fun together!

Here are all the little kids that were there~Ty, Ella Tate, Ford, Nolen and Grayson. Grady and Shane were too busy to sit down for a picture! Once again Ella Tate was the only girl...I think she'll end up having a love/hate relationship with these boys!

"Aunt" Lauren, "Aunt" Carrie and Ella Tate. We had a delicious dinner at Macaroni Grill last night. It was SO good to see you girls!

Birthdays

2009-01-30T23:05:00.000-06:00

Ella Tate is now 4 months old

She went to the doctor this past week and weighs 12 lbs. 11 oz. and is 25 inches long.

She smiles ALL the time and babbles a lot, esp. for her Daddy! She loves her hands and prefers to chew on them over anything else. She likes for you to say the word "zip" and she would watch cars drive by from our living room window all day if you would let her.

Getting ready to go for a walk with Mommy and Daddy!

she is so excited about her 4 month birthday!
Nana and Pop and Aunt Rachel came up this past weekend. We went to Hayley's basketball game on Friday night. It was Ella Tate's first basketball game and she LOVED it. On Saturday we celebrated Uncle Phillip's birthday and just about everyone was able to be there except for Jeff, Olivia and Anna (we missed you)! On Sunday we went to church and then it was time for everyone to leave. We had such a good time and look forward to your next visit!

Birthday brunch: Nana, Pop, Uncle Phillip and Shannon

Reading with Aunt Rachel

Ella Tate and Uncle Stephen

Good Times in January

2009-01-30T22:37:00.008-06:00

Uncle Stephen, Ella Tate and I went to Moulton see my grandmother. She was doing really well and was so excited to see Ella Tate and how big she is getting.
Thanks Stephen for driving us down!
hanging out on Mommy and Daddy's bed

While the guys are practicing basketball, Katie and Ford come over and hang out with Ella Tate and I and we love having them! It is so much fun to watch Ford and

Ella Tate play with each other.

Just chillin' with Ford!

Her cheesy smile!

Christmas 2008

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We went to Gran and Papa's on Christmas Eve and had so much fun!

Turner, Ella Tate and Mary Elizabeth before opening presents...they could hardly wait!

babydoll from Gran and Papa

Ella Tate opening a jewelry box from Aunt Katherine
she thought the bows and paper were more fun than anything else!

Christmas morning at home with Mommy and Daddy

So excited to get started...

She loves her Glo-Worm!

with all of her Christmas loot

We went to Nana and Pop's on New Year's Eve and spent several days with them and my extended family. We had a blast!

before the madness begins...

Anna and Zach finding what is in their stockings!

I love my books from Nana and Pop!

My first Christmas was SO much fun!

More catch-up...

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Playdate for the kids and brunch for the mommies at Katie's house!
(L-R: Grayson, Ford, Max, Nolen and Ella Tate)

"I Heart Santa Claus"
Olivia and Ella Tate at the Randolph get-together in Vernon, AL

First time in Bumbo seat...she loves it!
Ella Tate and Mommy looking at the Christmas tree.

3 month birthday

Cousin Hilary and Ella Tate at Christmas in Sparta with the Turners!

Uncle Phillip, Aubrey and Hayley came by to visit us

Pictures by Brooke Rainey

2009-01-21T10:01:00.002-06:00

Brooke came over to the house and took some pics of Ella Tate the day before Thanksgiving. I think she did a WONDERFUL job and would recommend her to anyone that needs a good photographer! www.brookeraineyphotos.com

We're back...

2009-01-20T14:00:00.000-06:00

No one likes to hear excuses, I know, so I will spare you all my excuses for not blogging and just go ahead and post the pictures. (That is really why everyone checks out blogs anyway, isn't it?!)

We were SO excited that Andrea came into town to visit us! She, Lauren, Ella Tate and I went on a walk around the neighborhood Saturday afternoon while she was here. Here is Ella Tate, Andrea and Lauren after our walk trying to help Ella Tate cool down...she got a little toasty!

(Ella Tate can't wait to get a new friend in August!)

Ella Tate's first visit with Santa. As you can tell she was SUPER excited!

Aunt Katherine and Ella Tate

My mom and dad (Nana and Pop) came to visit us and we got together with Uncle Phillip, cousin Zach and Uncle Stephen while they were here.

Uncle Phillip and Ella Tate (look at that double chin!)

Ella Tate with cousin Zach

Nana, Uncle Stephen and Pop

This is Ella Tate's pouty lip! Isn't it pitiful? (2 months and 1 day old)

Katie Watson, Ford's mom, gave Ella Tate her first set of shots. I was so thankful that she was the one to give them. She did a GREAT job! Thanks Katie!

She still loves bathtime!

Ella Tate and her pink Christmas tree in her room. She loved looking at the lights at night!

We had Thanksgiving at Hunter's parents (Gran and Papa) with the Turner's. It was a lot of fun and Ella Tate had a big time with everyone!
Ella Tate, Papa and Gran

Cousin Mary Elizabeth, Daddy and Ella Tate

Then we went to Alabama for Thanksgiving at Nana and Pop's.

Aunt Rachel and Ella TateOlivia, Unlce Jeff, Aunt Rachel and Anna

more to come...

Here it goes

2008-11-09T14:03:00.000-06:00

I have been put to shame by you all that have kids and still have time to "blog", so here it goes...
Our Life!

Ella Tate Alsup was born on September 18th at 3:07 in the afternoon at Centennial Women's Hospital. She weighed 7 lbs. and 3 oz and was 19 3/4 inches long.

Our first family phot0

A healthy baby girl!

Since we came home from the hospital we have been very busy. I won't bore you with too many details, but here are a few pictures to bring you all up to date on what we have been up to for the past 7 weeks.

I had to put some pictures of Ella Tate's nursery on here...it is my favorite room in the house!

Didn't my friend, Kathy, do a WONDEFUL job painting the chest of drawers!

Hunter's family from Sparta came to see Ella Tate when she was 1 week old.

Nana (Hunter's grandmother) with Ella Tate

PaPa (Hunter's grandfather) with Ella TateGran (Hunter's mom) and PaPaUncle Tommy and cousin Turner

Ella Tate's first trip to Radnor Lake with Hunter and I Ella Tate, my niece, Aubrey, and I went to Moulton, AL for the day to visit with my granmother, aunt, uncle and cousins. My mom was there, too. Here is Ella Tate with her great-grandmother, grandmother and mother!
Cousin Aubrey and Ella TateSweet smiles! Cousin Hayley came and spent the day with us while she was on Fall Break...we had a great time Hunter, Ella Tate and I went to Octoberfest in Germantown and she experienced her first grilled corn-on-the-cob...YUMMY! This was "debut at church" day. The gown that she has on was made by her Gran with the help of "aunt" Joyce McMahan~Gran's friend!Daddy and Ella Tate after church.

Ella Tate and I went to my mom and dad's for a week when she was 4 weeks old. We had so much fun with all of the family.

Cousin Olivia and Ella TateElla Tate with cousin Anna Swinging with Nana

Rocking with PopShe loves bathtime! 1 month and 1 day old! Here are the babies that came to the Mommy Brunch at Courtney's. Don't you feel sorry for the teacher that has all of these babies in class?
L-R: Allie, Tate, Ella Tate, Grayson, Clay, Nolan, Caroline and FordVote...It is the responsible thing to do!

We went met Ford and Allie at the Pumkpin Patch.

Ella Tate was not too happy about it as you can see!

"Aunt" Lauren and Ella Tate. We met Carrie and Lauren for lunch at PF Chang's.

Ella and Tate and I at Trunk or Treat at church. She was the cutest pumpkin there!

6 weeks old and SO long!

Ella Tate went Trick or Treating at Uncle Stephen's house, "Aunt" Joyce's house and Uncle Tommy and Aunt Katherine's house. She was the cutest pumpkin I had ever seen!
Playing with Uncle Stephen

We went to the zoo with Katie and Ford Watson, Courtney and Nolan Guthrie and Susan and Max Thweatt. Ella Tate was the only girl, but I think she enjoyed it!

So there it is for now!