Newport Winter Festival

Well it seems to keep snowing here in Newport, so we have had to become creative on ways to entertain ourselves (see wagon pics below). Luckily, in the north, life does not stop because there is snow. Starting this weekend is the Newport Winter Festival which has tons of activities for both children and adults. On Saturday we took Ellie to the Tom Jam Puppet Band- it was a little over her head but she enjoyed running around all the empty ballrooms at the marriot so we have found a new place to play. She was so funny because all the kids were sitting on the floor in front of the stage and our little peanut decided to take her snack and sit on the steps next to the stage- but then the music started and she was scared to death but luckily she recovered quickly.

On Sunday, we went to the children's fair at the marriot- they had bounce houses ellie's absolute favorite thing. She is so little but is pretty fearless in those things. We had a great time watching her try and get the hang of jumping. We knew she had fun because she threw a fit when we tried to leave which is always a sign that the activity was a hit.

Monday was President's Day so mike had off of school and we headed to Save the Bay which is an indoor sea life exploration center. Again, we thought it may be over her head but we were suprised. Below you can see that have a tank where one of the workers hands the kids different animals to hold - Ellie was fearless- she held a hermit crab, regular crab, starfish, shell, etc- the worker was so impressed, Ellie had her cracking up. At one point she handed Ellie a shell, Ellie proceeded to stick her finger in the shell and taste the salt water- she won't eat mac n cheese but she will taste the water in a shell- go figure.

All in all it was a great weekend. Although she has her occasional tantrums as all 18 months old do, she is such a little do full of energy and happiness. I am soaking up every minute I can with her as I know come July I may be more distracted than I like at times. She is such a loving child who for no reason will run over and just give you a big hug and I just know that she is going to be great with her brother or sister (after a little adjustment I am sure). We are just so blessed and thankful for the little miracles God has blessed us with!

Ellie looking at the sea animals
Tasting the salt water
So excited to touch the shell
Holding the starfish and assessing whether this is really safe
Pointing to the fishes
Playing with Mommy and cracking herself up
Jumping in the bounce house
Watching a magic show with Daddy
Watching the Puppet Band- what a little peanut

Doesn't daddy look thrilled- he was such a trooper- had a terrible sinus infection but pushed thru for his little angel.
SNOW!!!
Still not a fan of the snow- southern girl at heart
riding inside in the wagon that holds her mega blocks- great idea until she refused to get out and mommy and daddy were dizzy from walking in circles around the kitchen