Mommy and Ellie day

Saturday was Ellie's first dance class of the fall. We left the boys at home and headed for her class. I wasn't allowed to watch this time - in the level II class, they try to really keep the doors shut. I'm not sure how she did; I just know that she didn't come out looking for me or crying. She only popped out at half time to get her "tap" shoes. She seemed to enjoy it, but did mention it was hard with all the kids running around. After class, Ellie and I had plans to head to Tyson's to meet a friend I haven't seen since Ellie was born. I spent nearly 3 hours speaking with a friend and Ellie really was good as gold. She was patient; she played with trains, looked at books, colored at lunch, and was just very pleasant. I could not have been prouder of her! It wasn't until about 2:30 when I was shopping and wouldn't let her buy a baby lady bug custome that she lost it. She was exhausted and couldn't handle it. We left the mall and I got her snuggled into her carseat for a nap. She handled it so well. We even stopped to shop for strollers about 20 minutes later. With only a little 10 minute catnap, she managed to muster up that smile and pleasantness I love to help me check out about 50 different strollers for nearly 2 hours! Talk about patients! I know where she got them, and it wasn't from me! After the shopping, I took her for a smoothy and then we headed home to see the boys. I did miss the boys and felt especially guilty having a day away from Max. But I know it's good for my girl and I to have some special time. I don't know the last time we spent a whole day together - it was probably the day before Max was born. I love my Ellie Bean! I told Ellie about 15 times yesterday how proud I was.