The Richey Family: November 2011

Update

After a two month delay, we are back on the blog. I have been out of commission, because of a fractured and dislocated elbow and tearing a ligament. I have tried to update with some pics of some big events over the last few months. Hope that you will continue to keep up with the events of the Richey crew and all that we have going on. Thanks for following us! (You may have to click through older posts in order to see all that I have put on here.)

Charlotte's First Birthday

It is hard to believe, but true, Charlotte is ONE! We celebrated her first birthday with a party with family and friends on Saturday. Mary Ellen loved "helping" with everything at the party. Charlotte didn't really know what was going on, but she definitely liked her new toys and loved the icing on the cake! She has really blossomed over the last few weeks. She has gone from having two teeth to almost six. She is taking steps and cruising along on the couch, etc. She is saying words, but her favorite word is "Mommy." She is a climber, which is very different. She loves her toys, but especially likes anything that Mary Ellen is playing with. In the next little bit, I will try to update on the new developments for both of the girls!

The girls trying out Charlotte's new toys.

Mary Ellen "helped" opening the presents. As much as Charlotte loves paper, she wasn't very interested in opening the presents. But, she did want to immediately play with the toys.

Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving. My grandmother from California, Busia, was here to celebrate with us. All of the cousins were able to get together. Unfortunately, the attempts to get pictures of everyone is very difficult with a 7 month old, nearly 1 year old, and 3 year old. Here is simply a taste of the events!

The cutest little butterball!

Daddy with Mary Ellen and Bentley

Busia with her great-granddaughters

Bentley patting Charlotte

Mary Ellen holding Bentley

Mary Ellen and Bentley with Busia. Charlotte didn't want to participate in the picture.

Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren

Paul's Graduation Party

Next week, Paul will walk the stage and officially get his diploma for completing his doctorate. We are very proud of him. I managed to pull off a surprise party for him. This is difficult when you can't do much for yourself for over a month, but I had a lot of help, and it was a great time. I definitely think that Dr. Paul was surprised!

Halloween

This Halloween, Mary Ellen got to experience carving a Jack-o-lantern for the first time! She stuck her hand in and everything!

For Halloween, Mary Ellen was Little Bo Peep and Charlotte was her little lamb.

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, and pumpkins

Before Halloween, we went to Harvest Fest and the pumpkin patch. We had a great time with friends, and of course, Mary Ellen loved seeing all the pumpkins. Since the time of calling them "pum pums" to now, she still loves them and enjoyed every aspect of the fall season!