Ellie at a restaurant in Tamarindo last week, clutching her beloved Lambie in her teeth just to be silly. It was given to her as a newborn by our dear friend and colleague Virginia of Birmingham Daily Photo. It has undergone surgery more than once and cannot be washed completely clean (and hence is often referred to as Brown Lambie). The kid had a great time and learned a lot on our trip.
Ellie's two best friends in a not-so-great phone cam shot. In her right hand, Old Lambie, given to her soon after her debut by our good friend Virginia. Not long ago she became greatly concerned about O.L.'s increasingly decrepit condition, and so New Lambie arrived courtesy of her grandparents. She treasures both of them equally.
BTW, she sometimes insists on wearing her coat in the house just because she is four and wants to be assertive. She does it in conversation, too. For example, Mrs. C was talking to her about the day's activities at dinner last night. Ellie had helped change the furnace filter. My wife asked her where they had put the old one after they were done. The kid cheerfully replied, "applesauce!"
