New Toy

For a few month, Papa Wayne has been working on a kitchen for Ella. On Saturday she got to see it for the first time.





On Sunday we loaded it up in our car and it now sits in her room. She is only a little excited about it.

Thanksgiving Break

On Wednesday Ella took part in two of daddy's favorite activities - cycling and reading Sports Illustrated.

Future Royal

The Hood family got dressed up to cheer the Grace Volleyball team last Friday.
Yes, I am brain washing my daughter to want to play volleyball at GU.

2 months!?!?!

oops, I haven't put any new photos up of Ella in a long time. So here are some recent pics of her enjoying life.

New Look

More summer fun

A couple weeks ago we took our bikes over to the Wabash and rode down about 5 miles. Stopped at a picnic area and had dinner. As you can see, Ella enjoyed the ride.

Summer Vacation is almost over (for me)

Had a busy 10 days. Went to Mahoney and enjoyed their breakfast buffet. Ella enjoyed the Pony ride (thanks Grandad). We then traveled to Maranatha Bible Camp, where I spoke for five nights. Ella enjoyed: her newback (thanks Dupa D), her cousins, and daddy's stuff.

4th of July

Sue's cousin and her husband came to visit us this weekend. We went to 2 fireworks displays. We also shot some off out in Blair. While the fireworks didn't really hold Ella's attention, the loud noises did not seem to bother her. When somebody down the street lit off a big fire cracker she said, "daddy?"

A church in Blair did face painting before the fireworks display.

We watched the final July 4th show @ the Blatt. The new South Omaha bridge provided great seats.

More Summer Pictures

Camping!!!

After rain ruined last weeks plan - we headed out to Mahoney State Park with our good friends the Lundgrens. Casey and I had a good laugh about how much life has changed (for the better). Eight years ago we traveled with the Lundgrens to Daytona beach (just the four of us). Now we are a group of eight!!!!
The campout at Mahoney was fun.
The kids enjoyed smores, playing, and riding horses/ponys. Here are some pictures.

Going by fast

I can't believe July starts next week. While that means summer is once again going by fast, the Hoods are still enjoying lots of time together. On Friday we went on a family bike ride and then enjoyed a free smoothie on national flip/flop day.




On Saturday we had a get-together with the GU athletic department. Don't tell Ella's grandmas that daddy took her on her first four-wheeler ride.

Summer is here (according to the temps)

So the Hoods had a busy weekend. We spent time with Sue's extended family at a small church camp in Iowa. Of course if you are reading this blog you aren't really interested in how much fun Sue and I had.

Busy Weekend

Sue and I spent 5.5 years praying for Ella and next week will mark 3 months of her with us. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!! If you haven't heard me say it - GOD IS GOOD!!! We have our first post-placement home study coming up. I hope we don't fail.
Ella had a busy weekend.
First the Hoods went on a family bike ride. Sue and me loaded our bikes and packed Ella's trailer and headed to a local trail. Midway through the ride we stopped for dinner. Can you guess where?




On Saturday we first attended the birthday party of a co-worker's son. This was tough for Ella because it was the first event where gifts were present and they weren't all for her. I had warned her of this day for awhile:)



We then met some church friends at a local park for a picnic. Ella showed she has picked up some of mommy's traits (she is fearless). You might notice Ella is wearing a different outfit than the one she had on during the party. Ask Sue and she will tell you about how great her Saturday was.

Ella goes for a bike ride

2 months together!!!!

Ella

Settling Down

A glimpse into our new life.


"What are you looking at?"


A new adventure for Sue


Nap Time


My attempt to grade mid-terms