Happy Halloween

Had to share this one too! Ellie and her friend, Jack. She's known him since the day she started Clubhouse. Now they're both at Grove in different First Grade classes. SO CUTE together as Pirates - no planning either!

Corny Halloween Joke!
Two brooms were hanging in the closet and after a while they got to know each other so well, they decided to get married.

One broom was, of course, the bride broom, the other the groom broom.

The bride broom looked very beautiful in her white dress. The groom broom was handsome and suave in his tuxedo. The wedding was lovely.

After the wedding, at the wedding dinner, the bride-broom leaned over and said to the groom-broom, 'I think I am going to have a little whisk broom!'


'IMPOSSIBLE !' said the groom broom.


Are you ready for this?
Brace yourself; this is going to hurt!!




'WE HAVEN'T EVEN SWEPT TOGETHER!'

Ellie is a Character

When Mrs. Carlock described Ellie as a character last week at Parent/Teacher conference she didn't know how close to the mark she really was ... Ellie is always listening, even when you think she isn't. And she remembers what you've told her - only to use it in a sarcastic and humorous way ...

We've talked a lot about making sure we're kind and caring to each other - especially with her friends. That when she mentions a 'cute' boy in class I made sure I ask how he acts, and if he is nice to her.

The other day Ellie was looking through some pictures on one of my phone apps and when I looked over I noticed one of Adam Levine from Maroon 5, who is one of the hosts of a singing show she likes.

So I said, "Ellie look it's Adam from The Voice, isn't he cute?"

She said, "Mommy I can't tell if he's kind from his picture!"

What a character!!

Hat Day

This week is United Way week at Ellie's school. Each day they can participate in a different activity as they raise money for the United Way. Those of you who know me, know that the United Way is near and dear to me in each community we have lived in over the past few years.

Today is Hat Day! Oh so appropriate as Ellie has decided she's a COWBOY fan! She cheered yesterday to a disappointing loss to the Giants. Not sure how a house with a Patriots fan and a Dolphins fan yielded a Cowboys fan ... but the fact that there are other Cowboy fans in the family .. hence Josh and Uncle John ... may have had some influence there!

Girl Time Adventures

While Bill enjoyed dinner and an overnight in Chicago with B, Ellie and I made our own fun! We spent time at the library, lunch at Smashburger and finished the afternoon off with a trip to the mall for a stop at Old Navy and Justice. When did my little girl get so big? Justice? More pastel colors and bright clothing than anyone should ever be subjected to!

Ellie's favorite lunch spot!

Ladybug Girl and the Bumblebee Boy!

Ellie's First Grade Parent/Teacher Conference

Ellie's School Picture 2012-2013

School was closed today for Parent/Teacher conferences. Bill & I found our way to Ellie's classroom and delivered her Bat Project when we arrived.

Mrs. Carlock had Ellie's journal for us to read through and a few items to take with us. She is impressed with Ellie's wit, laughter and how much she's learned in the 2 1/2 months she's been in school. Her reading, math, handwriting, spelling and science skills are developing very nicely.

She also made mention that Ellie is a bit of a character. She can be mischievous especially if it involves getting others to laugh. She's fun to be around, makes friends easily and continues to be very engaged in her learning.

We're proud of Ellie for doing such a great job!

FIre Dept visits Ellie's 1st Grade Class

World Series opens tonight

Although it's not the teams I would have chosen, the Tigers face the Giants in Game One of the World Series tonight .. and the season continues long into October!

Sweetest Day from my sweetie pie

Ellie put this note in my lunch bag and was so excited that I found it! What a wonderful surprise! She's full of love!

More FUN, random photos from the cruise

Pretty as a Princess in the Princess Chair

Bill & Jude after dinner at The Tube - London themed bar

Ellie with her favorite treat - a lollipop!

Steering the ship ...

Roberto (our waiter) as Captain America

Ellie relaxing as she waits for her next adventure!

Pumpkins, Haybale and Scarecrow!

Fall Kitchen Adventures

Ellie & I have had fun the past couple weeks since our vacation return making sweet treats. The apples were the only things that stayed home for us to eat, while the cupcakes and brownies went to work - on different days for my team to enjoy! But of course they sampled both before they were packed up for the office!

Winding to a close - Disney Cruise

Happy 10th Anniversary - Oct 5th 2012

Our anniversary dinner at Palo

The Disney Show before dinner

Cocktails before dinner

Palo plate

Walt Disney Theatre

Castaway Cay - Disney's Private Island

Pirate Night .. Arrrr!

Random Fun Shots - Disney Cruise

Ellie in Cozumel

Dessert Kabobs dipped in chocolate!

Ellie & Mommy in Cozumel

on the balcony...

She loved the towel animals

Pool time - Disney Cruise

Ellie and Ellie - in matching swim suits!

Ellie - taking it easy

The girls sharing ice cream - through straws!

Loving the pool ...

That's my girl!