Sunday, August 30, 2009

Weddy, Set, Go!

Daddy's little puppet

After a short nap, it was time to go to the wedding. I was pretty-in-pink-sash with a flower girl dress.

3 legs and 3 arms? Neat trick daddy!

Daddy tried his best to keep me calm during pictures before the ceremony.

What? No pesachs?

Then it was Cousin Rob's turn to entertain me. His beanie did the trick.

This is definitely our best side

We took a few family portraits, leaving room for Aunt Karen to be air-brushed in later. Yes, Farber descendants are no strangers to air-brushing in (and out!) family members in photos.

Ever prim and proper

They're creepy and they're cooky.

Hell-o?

The stained glass created an ominous effect... kinda like we were at the gates of hell. Reminiscent of the "Hell Hath No Fury Like a Baby Scored" pics.

Hell-no

Fortunately, Uncle Josh prayed hard enough to keep the evil spirits away.

Nummy Nummy?

The pictures seemed to go on forever so Sara kept me busy with some food stuffs.

Freeze

Then I let her chase me around.

And here I thought Leapfrog was just a brand of kids toys

Next was Uncle Noah's turn to chase. And the devil lighting returned. Coincidence?

Preliminary Hora

I ducked for cover when the Goldman boys started doing, well... what the Goldman boys do anytime there's a camera around.

Iowant to tell you something

It was really nice to see Great-Aunt Laura and Great-Uncle Ron again. Now this is what I call a proper pose. I hope Daddy and my uncles are taking notes.

Na-na-na hey, hey hey... shalom.

Finally it was time for the Tish. The men sang in what I like to call "Ellie-style".... no actual words, just a lot of nay-nay's, ya-ya's and day-day's.

A little pish during the tish

Meanwhile, the scene was a little more subdued on the girls side as we waited for the men to make their way over for the Bedeken -- watch this video to see it in action.

You mean these aren't real diamonds?!?

Check out my fancy CZ-encrusted shoes. Hope these puppies don't fail me when it's time to walk down the aisle.

And away we go...

Sure enough, I was able to pull it together (or, rather Aunt-Karen's nieces were able to pull me together) for my big entrance.

...oooooooo...

We weren't really walking that slowly... Daddy was just taking pictures that quickly!

...oooooooo...

Hey, how come I'm the only one in a sleeveless dress? Oh, this is an orthodox Jewish wedding! Why didn't I get the memo?

...oooooooo...

I almost bit it on the home stretch.

...oooooooo!

But then I saw Uncle Josh waiting under the Chuppah and straightened up and threw a wave.

Meanwhile, Aunt Karen's parents seem like thy couldn't be more thrilled to be giving her away to Uncle Josh

Aunt Karen made quite the beautiful bride. She sure doesn't look happy to be marrying Uncle Josh though. What gives?! Oh, this just in... apparently it's another orthodox tradition. The wedding day is supposed to be a sad time of reflection for the bride and groom.

1,2,3,4,5,6,zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Under the Chuppah, Aunt Karen circled Uncle Josh the requisite number of times (I lost track).

I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Outta Here!

All these customs proved to be too confusing for me and I started crying so Mommy had to take me inside to calm down.

Uncle Josh is always backed up

After the ceremony, in lieu of kissing, Uncle Josh and Aunt Karen just went back-to-back. Don't think this is an official orthodox tradition. It's more of a metaphor for their life together. No, not that they're turning their backs on each other... that they'll always have each other's backs!

Can't read my, can't ready my, no you can't read my pouty face... m-m-m-my pouty face.

All this Chuppah business made me sad... not because I was mimicking Aunt Karen and Uncle Josh but because I was no longer the center of attention.

Yeah, you start me up, start me up baby, and I never stop

So I decided to start things up on the dance floor.

So 2 orthodox Jews walk into a wedding...

Then I began my comedy routine.

Oh, I get it... French class!

I took a break for a little girl talk with my new friends and fellow flower girls.

Hi, nice to mechitzah

Then I chased them around the dance floor.

I prefer ranch dip

Mommy taught me how to be dipped so I wouldn't be scared when it was time for mixed dancing.

Never thought I'd see Uncle Josh so high

But the mixed dancing never happened. Now I understand why... too dangerous on the men's side!

I've heard of the Golden Dragon but the Goldman Dragon???

And scary! Daddy turned into a dragon as part of the shtick.

I'm surprise Bubbie let me out of her sights... and arms for so long.

Thankfully Bubbie rescued me and brought me over to the side of the dance floor where we had a contest to see who could stay awake the longest... she won.

What a fun day. Can't wait for another orthodox wedding. Ahem, ya heard that, Uncle Noah?!?

Pre-Game Games

What about Very Hungry Ellie?

Today was Uncle Josh and almost-Aunt Karen's wedding day! We killed time in the morning hanging in the hotel room and a game of pass the Ellie ensured. First, Aunt Tiff read me the Very Hungry Caterpillar.

What do I want to eat? I donut know.

Then Uncle Noah played teased me with a chocolate donut.

A little nosh in honor of Uncle Josh

Then Sara let me share her bagel.

Feeling hat hat hat

Uncle D played a game of horseshoes with me as the wicket and Uncle Noah's hat as the shoe.

Hatter Up

When it was my turn I took a running start and...

Actually, this game was more like Pin the Black Hat on the Chasid.

...ran all the way up to my target.

Uncle D, what big payus you have

Uncle D and Aunt T showed me the props they brought. Only married a few months and already needing to spice things up! JK, they were part of the wedding shtick.

Take a chill pill-ow

Uncle D and I commenced pillow-fighting.

When you said jump rope, I thought you were talking about licorice!

And then Zayde, Uncle D and I had a go at the jump-rope. Whew, what a morning. Hope I have some energy for tonight!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Foot Fettish

I hope I don't get that bunion!

Not sure why we took this pic (nor why we didn't line up the feet in order like we did on the beach at Nags Head) but left to right is Daddy, Mommy, and me and in the background is Grandma. I guess you could say this is the agony of de-feet!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Don't Fret

Is this a lefty guitar?

When Grandpa comes to town, we usually play guitar together. This time, we decided to forego the acoustic, crank up the amp, and go electric.

Verbal Tick(ie)



Watch as I give Grandma and Grandpa hugs (with the requisite accompanying verbal "awww") and then kiss and tickle Grandma's feet (with the requisite accompanying verbal "tickie tickie").

Quick Change Artist

Incognito

Grandma's one of the fastest get-ready'ers I've ever met (especially for a woman!) and she's taught me a couple of her secrets. For example, throw on a hat and shades and it's a totally new outfit!

I didn't even see her duck into that phone booth!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

My Little Pony

By the end of the party, I had screamed so much I was hoarse

Today was the 1-year b-day party for my buddy, Miles. I had so much fun. Wild horses couldn't drag me away from there.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Grandpa Toot Your Horn

Either Grandpa's really tan or we're not really related.

Grandpa and Grandma came to visit me today and brought me presents! This one makes sounds when you put the piece in the right slot. I thought it was hysterical when Grandpa tooted... with the puzzle, that is!

MeeMaw + PeePaw in Chicago = Happy Ellie

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Paint-by-Finger

Well, the package said water-color!

Today, I had a playdate with Lily and Karina brought us up to the roof to do some finger-painting. I started off by whetting my palette, literally!

Gotta hand it to ya

Then I went to town, doing more hand-painting than finger-painting.

Let's see... yellow and blue make... a mess!

I found the paint containers to be more than ample replacements for rubber stamps.

I've heard of belly-dancing but belly-painting?!?

And I found my belly to be more than an ample replacement for a canvas.