Ellie at the Ballfield

Julianna Farone (Bill's cousin Joe's daughter from Syracuse) had a softball tournament at our nearby field this weekend. Ellie was much more interested in picking dandelions, but at least she had fun doing it!

Hot Fun in the Summertime

Ellie loved being in the Klotz's pool on Saturday as we were at their house in celebration of Madeline's birthday. Ellie was thoroughly entertained by Sydney and Madison for most of the evening - and as you can see here, just loved floating in the water with Madeline. She's not real keen on the splashing part, but otherwise we could hardly get her out of the water!

Fun & Ice Cream with Papa

Ellie, Bill and Papa enjoyed a night out for ice cream while I was away. Ellie just loves her "Humpty Dumpty" for a small cone. She does so well, even eating the cone. While they played without me, I was in NYC for 3 days - some work, some play, and had a great time. I managed to visit all 5 boroughs - Staten Island all day Wed, Manhattan (including a bit of window shopping in the Village, dinner in Little Italy, stop for chocolate at Jacques Torres - and of course the work part - 4 agent visits), Thursday I was in Queens including a stop at The Lemon Ice King of Corona for a t-shirt for Bill (who loves Italian Ice). I also managed to see a Yankee game Wednesday night- complete with rain delay, double rainbow, full moon AND a win! And how fun, I had two celebrity sightings - Michael Rappaport (My Name is Earl) and Vincent Pastore (Sopranos)! But what a wonderful thing to be back home! Bill and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner out with friends Friday night at 51 Front in Ballston Spa. The owners previously owned Eartha's Kitchen - and this dinner was spectacular!

Future Soccer Star **

Ellie loved kicking the soccer ball around. We got her this one in Lake Placid with all the Olympic rings. She seems to resemble a goalie more than anything else - we're really just happy she enjoys herself!

Father's Day

Ellie and Daddy
Ellie and Mommy

We had a wonderful Father's Day - beginning Saturday night with Grammy bringing twin lobsters each for a pre-Father's Day treat - so much better than the traditional Father's Day tie!

The best part was that Ellie loved the lobster. When she first saw them she said, "Those are alligators!" But when we explained they were lobster and delicious, she was convinced. She had already eaten HER whole dinner when we began, then she nearly ate more lobster than I did! And she she was ready for more she would say, "Can I have more turtle?" So we laughed and laughed.

Sunday we enjoyed 9am mass with both Grammy and Papa. We took Daddy to Panera for coffee and a bagel after church. And a cookout at Papa's at noon was our next stop. Ellie loved playing soccer with Josh and Ryan and all Papa's presents! She took a nice long nap, as she is recovering from an ear infection - and hopes to be 100% real soon!

"Kissin' Cousins"

Anna and Ellie

When Bill & I were away in Lake Placid and Ellie stayed at Grammy's they also had fun with Aunt Ellen, Uncle Gary and Anna (my cousin, Tricia's daughter)

They went to Congress Park and fed the ducks and rode the Carousel. And Anna arrived with a wonderful gift for Ellie - a matching dress! They loved being dressed alike!

Lake Placid Weekend

Some people might refer to it as the Belmont weekend... Big Brown's quest for the Triple Crown, but I think I 'll continue to call it our Lake Placid Weekend.

Ellie went to Grammy's for a Saturday night sleepover while we shared a little time away in a beautiful summer spot. We shopped, found a great spot to enjoy the Yankee game and later the race. We met a group of great people, lost in our race pool (no, we didn't have Big Brown) and then had a wonderful dinner overlooking the lake at Jimmy's. We joined up again with our new friends at The Cottage for a nightcap and a cigar. It was relaxing and fun!

Backyard Fun with Her Friends!

Cassidy and Ellie on their 'bikes' in Trudi's yard
Ellie, Cassidy and Ryan holding all the 'basketballs'!
Ellie, Cassidy, Ryan, Gordie and AJ - hmmm, each with a ball!

Ellie's Friends!

Back row: Robin holding Sawyer, Trudi holding Hayden
Front row: Ellie, Alec, Spencer, Cassidy, Gordie, Ryan, Lindsay, Rayden

It was my birthday this weekend! I began my celebration at work on Friday with a birthday breakfast thrown by my team. We rounded it out with a team lunch meeting and a productive day. Saturday I enjoyed a facial for an hour at The Crystal Spa with Gerene. It was wonderful with all the aromatherapy smells and peaceful music. Everyone should have one hour a week that is that relaxing! Bill arranged a delicious dinner with Papa, Mimi, John to join Bill, Ellie and I. Italian was the menu - stuffed clams, shrimp scampi, salad, bread and pasta. Ellie loved opening all the presents with me and especially blowing out the candles on my birthday cake. Lots of treats for me - Crocs, Jibbitz, sandals, Willow Tree figurines, picture frames, and wine! What a great night we had. And Sunday was a stay-at-home day enjoying the nice breeze - Ellie and I read books and played Play Doh, while Bill recovered from his head cold! We'll continue the Italian theme tonight with leftover scampi on pasta with fresh bruschetta.