Well, as most of you know, we got a call on Sunday saying that my sister had gone into labor and Ella was assumed to be on the way. Since this had been such a long awaited phone call, the house was obviously busting at the seems with excitment and power walking from room to room to make sure we’d gathered all of our things and that we’d be prepared for all nighter! (Which for some of us is always an exciting thought) We finally had everything together, my dad finished his guitar lessons, and even our good friend Ellie joined us on our adventure to be there for the long awaited arrival of Ella bella. So we drove down to Orlando, reached the hospital, and even took one of those classic photos of the family standing around steph who’s laying on the bed thing all hooked up to the machines. And, well, to make a short story shorter, she really hadn’t gone into labor and they were sending her home. Of course this was dissapointing, especially considering the fact that I had just gone down and purchased a refreshing bottle of root beer and a bag of popcorn to hold me over for a while. But of course the saddest thing was that we weren’t going to meet that beautiful girl yet.
I’m not writting this to make you feel bad, Steph. Rather, I’m writing this to share what a delightful adventure it was, even though it was a false alarm. As we all walked out of the hospital we joked around saying “It’s ok…Ella was just a little nervous!” and how she will clearly have quite the sense of humor (how could she not?). As a result of it all, we got to have a fun spontanious trip, got to see Steph and Chris and the boys, and even got to have a lunch the next day with my whole family (minus Chris) at Backyard Burgers! It was so much fun, and the best part is…we get to do it all over again!! EXcept hopefully there’ll be a baby next time 
God is faithful and has the perfect day and time for Ella to come. How comforting it is to know that.
Oh one more thing…I’d strongly advise you all to NOT challenge Stephanie to an arm wrestling match…she’ll take you down like there was no yesterday. While at lunch we somehow started a big arm wrestling match amoung our family. I can only imagine what a scene we created sitting there outside as we cheered and shouted while each person took their turn against Steph. Just when I was all excited about my slightly defined little bicept (that can hardly get me a few pushups…ha), I knew from the moment our hands were in position that I was no compitition to her! And if you look at the size of her kids, you’ll understand why 
So, if you’d like to save yourself from the sad realization that you’re really not as strong as you think you are, don’t arm wrestle Stephanie
-alli
