Busy Fall!

We have had such a busy busy fall! Ella is in the first grade and is doing so well! Her ESL teacher (who is a blessing and adores Ella) is amazed at Ella's progress and continues to advocate for Ella! Many think that because Ella struggles a bit, that she needs to be in special education! Her teacher has battled to educate those on the teaching staff that it is all language based that sometimes things need to be explain in different terms that Ella understands...there are so many words that she still doesn't know...even after 2 years...example...she doesn't understand "stack", but understands "put on top of"! Ella had NO language at all...no Mandarin or Cantonese...none at all...blank slate! So when you consider where she's at...it's simply amazing!!
Ella played soccer...and loved it! Got a little frustrated a few times just because she didnt understand the concept of the game. She got upset at her team mates taking the ball from her in drills...she didnt get it! She has started ballet...and what a ballerina she is. She so loves every bit of dancing. We have daily dance parties at the bus stop with Ella's friends Avery and Sophia. I'm not so sure where she gets her moves..but she has many!! :)
Ella and mommy got to take a princess trip to Disney with Aunt Lori and cousin Casey! She was in HEAVEN! Loved every bit of it! Something amazing happened while visiting the magic kingdom. We were watching a parade in a VERY crowded Magic Kingdom. Ella had her Cinderella dress on and looked so adorable. A Disney cast member noticed Ella and of course fell under her spell. He asked if he could arrange for Ella to have a private visit with the princesses and Mickey! He went out of his way to make this happen. How many kids can say they had Mickey, Rapunzel, Princess Aurora, and Cinderella to themselves for a half hour. She danced and laughed, while momma beamed and of course cried watching her little princess. What a magical moment!
When we returned home Ella was in the Miss Holly Pageant...where she was crowned Miss Holly Primary! She had a blast...looked confident and beautiful. I was so proud of my baby!!
We traveled to North Carolina for Thanksgiving and our family has so much to be Thankful for....we are reminded everyday with Ella's smile! Now, we prepare for Christmas...she couldn't be more excited. Each day as more and more of the house turns into a winter wonderland, Ella gets more and more excited. We just love Christmas in our family and Ella is no exception. Christmas Eve it will be two years that we have had Ella home. It's astounding how far this little wonder has come. She has touched all our lives in a wonderful way. I will never get sick of hearing her say "Guess what mom...I love you!" She is such a gift from god.


Sent from my iPhone