Christmas Kisses

Ella's 1st Christmas was wonderful.  

It was also a little sad, for obvious reasons, but I want to focus on the wonderfulness of it all.  Ella is so young, I really didn't know how she'd do, if she'd care, or how she'd be for that long, away from home.  

I needn't worry.  She. Is. Amazing.

She was great in the car.  She was great sleeping in a new place.  She was great meeting new people & visiting with family.  She was great when we went out to eat.  Are you sensing a pattern here?  God really blessed us with her.  Her smile can light up a room & the darkest of days.  We should know, We've seen it do both.

The best part of Christmas this year?
Ella started giving KISSES!!!  ON PURPOSE!!

We started with a Christmas for just our little family.  It was perfect.  

All of the stockings were hung by the....uh, window with care!

She didn't really understand why we wanted her to dig presents out of a large sock....she preferred to stick with her beloved spoon.

We went up to Maryville and were able to spend 5 days at Scott's parents.  It was so wonderful to be able to spend that kind of time with family & so important for Ella!  

Christmas Eve we went down to Lenexa, KS to spend time with my Curtis side of the family.  Cindy and her fiance were in from Chicago and it so great to see everyone and watch the cousins play together!

Christmas morning & Ella could have cared less about the presents.

She was however VERY concerned about what the heck was wrong with her best friend!

Our girls on Christmas Day, doing what they do best...
sleeping...

...and eating.

We had our Courter Christmas with Scott's brother Adam, his wife Jill, and their twins Pierson & Kendal.  Ella was mesmerized by the big kids and would sneak over & play with their toys.  It was pretty cute to watch them interact.  I can't imagine what next year will be like.

Pierson LOVING his new Elmo!

Aunt Jill showing what Mom's of twins know from the get-go, laps are always big enough for 2!

Kendal rocking out on the drums!

Ella found our wedding picture....a new favorite picture

She got WAAAAY too many toys!  Literally, we couldn't fit them all in the car for the ride home.  I think a talk with Grammy & PaPa is in order before next year.

Blue Plastic Cups...I Lift You Up....It's Time To Party!!!

Ella being a cliche and playing with a box

There's just not much cuter in the world than a baby tushy covered in tulle & polka dots.

Well, we hope you & your family had a wonderful Christmas too!  Love, Us!

Christmas Cuties {Wordless Wednesday}

Still Thankful.

We have a lot to be thankful for here at the Courter house, even 16 days post Thanksgiving, here is a small assortment....

Family

Friends 

Rescues that take amputee turtles

*nothing like a little turtle backside to really make a post!*

first snows, even if it didn't stick

and of course we are so thankful that God chose us to be the parents of this amazing, sweet, funny little girl who is now EIGHT MONTHS OLD!!!

A Letter to The Bruins

Dear Members of the 2011 Caddo Bruin State Championship Team,

Thank you.

I am proud of you.

My family is proud of you.

Your little town is proud of you.

My late father is proud of you.

I know that you know you've made history, but I don't think you really know what you've done today.  That kind of knowledge comes with distance and age.  It's the kind of knowledge that time and reflection brings. 

What you did today was to give a little town something that it's never had before.  Considering that Caddo came into existence in 1872....that's saying something.  You provided a tangible piece of evidence that says that Caddo, Oklahoma was the very best in the Great State of Oklahoma in 2011. 

Now, let me tell you what it means to me. You gave me more time and more memories with my Dad, because I know he was watching & cheering too.  You gave my daughter a link to her Grandfather through a team he hadn't coached in years, because he still loved the Bruins & players he coached, are now coaches themselves.  Your fight, your toughness, and your BRUIN PRIDE were salve to my broken heart.

Congratulations gentlemen, YOU ARE CHAMPIONS!

*picture borrowed without permission from Coach Proctor....deal with it*

Halloween, 7 months old & never been to Walmart

A few days before her 7 month milestone, we celebrated Ella's 1st Halloween.  

She. Was. Adorable.

Ella & Fanny aka The Monkey & The Banana 

KISSES!!

I took both girls up to Daddy's office to "Trick or Treat", which is really just showing off your cute kid & furkid when you don't want candy because you know you'll eat it.

Uncle Chip met us up there!

Our girls ~ Halloween 2011

Our little monkey turned 7 months old on November 4th.  

That is crazy!  Where did 7 months go?!?!?!  

Every time I pick her up out of her crib, with that huge, sweet smile on her face, I tell her to slow down.  

This goes way too fast. 

As far as football goes, our season has not been great, but this is what it's all about....FAMILY

And yes, Ella has NEVER been to Walmart!!  Probably why she's so happy all the time!

Thanks for checking in with us!!  Kisses & hugs from our family to yours!!

Life goes on....

as hard as that is, I know that my Dad wouldn't want me to spend one more minute crying.  (I most certainly still will, he just wouldn't want it)  In fact, the last words my Dad ever said to me were "Go take care of Ella."  followed immediately by "I love you."

So, here is what's been going on with us.  Our messy, wonderful, sad & beautiful life!  Albeit maybe a bit late.  ;)

Ella turned 6 months old!!  

This hasn't been the best season, but Ella doesn't care!

Since it's football season we've had a lot of wonderful Mommy & Daughter time but since it's football season there's not usually anyone around to take pictures of us. 

New foods have been a big hit...she is a FANTASTIC eater and a cute one!!

There's been lots of playing by both our girls...

We try to keep Poppa D with us all the time

The 1st time in a parade!

Keeping our feet warm through the season's first cold front

Enjoying time with Uncle Chip!

First overnight in Arkansas, Ella's 5th state to visit

.

A trip to Mt. Nebo 

Ella's 1st road game! It was a 6pm kickoff so someone was pretty sleepy after halftime

And learning to SIT ALL BY HERSELF!!!

This week brings Ella's first Halloween & turning 7 months old.....so check back with us as we keep on keepin on!