The Progress of Roo

Ella Philanise (aka "Roo") has taken some big leaps this past week. She did a lot of rocking back and forth on on all fours (lead-in to crawling), then did some actual scooting across the floor last night. Here she is standing on the side of her crib (she got a little help on that, but was very proud.)

Happy First Birthday!

Amazingly, Ella and Nate officially turned 1 year old today. It has been an amazing year and Karin and I are so grateful.

Our heroes celebrated with an early morning photo shoot with Daddy, a trip to the zoo and some more present-opening (thanks everyone). Here are a few shots from the day ...

The birthday kiddos:

Ella plays with a birthday balloon:


For the cover of their next album, Nate channels Sting in the "Every Breath You Take" video:

Below: Goofing off on the drums at Zoomasium, Nate meets a goat at the petting zoo

A birthday bash and more ...

We're still a few days off from their official birthday, but Nate and Ella celebrated their first one today with family and friends! Here are some pics and videos, along with some other recent pics. Don't miss Nate's reaction to his first cake in the second video!

Happy Nate


Birthday girl


Ella with her friend, Harper


Nate and Ella with Grandpa T.


Proper birthday attire ...


The birthday song, twice


Nate takes the cake


After the feast, with Aunt Karen ...


From a few days back, baby gate standin'


Bringing up the rear


You think this is fun, wait until they put the sand in:

The pictures we promised ...

Here are a few from recent days ...

Mmmmmm ... water


At friend Kian's first birthday party ... Ella with the birthday boy:


Nate splashes with Kian at Kian's new toy sink:


Ella snuggles with Grandma T.


Nate joins in. He and Ella love Grandma T.!


Uncle Kevin stops by for a visit:

Very busy weekend ...

Visits from Grandma T. and Uncle Kevin, friend Kian's first birthday party, lots of playtime. Pictures to come soon!

A tough week, but we made it through

Between the record heat and some sicknesses, it was a challenging last few days. Thankfully we managed to wrangle an air conditioner, the weather has cooled a bit, and both Nate and Ella seem to be feeling better. Nate was particulary sick last night, and ended up making his first ER visit early this morning with a bad cough and general discomfort. Fortunately it looks like just a bad cold, but we wanted to get him checked out. Again, glad to report he is feeling better later today.

On the bright side, we've been dogsitting for our good friends Sara and Don this weekend. Molly has been doing a great job "guarding" Nate and Ella. She is a very sweet dog and the kids love her.