Saturday @ Barnes&Noble

Ellie and I gave Bill some 'study space' this morning and took off early to get our errands done. Along with the recycle plant and Rite Aid we stopped at Barnes &Noble to catch the story time with Little Critter (also known as Mercer Meyer to Ellie) and Curious George.

Ellie had a ball. She met other kids, found a great seat up front, knew how to get in line for a picture and really enjoyed herself. She's really growing up!!

Khionna's 4th Birthday Party

Ellie's friend from school, Khoinna had her fourth birthday party today with her sister Kamdyn (2). It was a tea party .. with 'apple juice' tea and 'cranberry' tea that accompanied little turkey & cheese and PB&J sandwiches in the shape of stars and hearts. The little ladies donned tieras and boas while feasting on mini-cupcakes that surrounded the Barbie cake. It was a nice afternoon for the girls on the deck!

Happy Mother's Day

What a gorgeous girl with a handful of STRAWBERRIES!


Packing 'em up to take home


Ellie and her Daddy making their way to the fields


Ellie & me on Mother's Day


PICK of the litter


Strawberry Fields Forever


Ellie mowing the front yard!


Blowing Bubbles in the afternoon sun

Today we had a wonderful Mother's Day celebration. Fresh ground coffee and Bodo's Bagels for breakfast. And then we were off to pick strawberries! The sister orchard of our favorite place Carter Mountain Orchard, is called Chiles Peach Orchard in Crozet, Virginia (about 30 minutes from our house). What a perfect day .. we arrived early and filled a big box. That became part of the evening menu. After a quick stop at Whole Foods for fresh tomatoes, garlic and a roasted tomato foccacia to bring home for lunch we settled in for the day.

Dinner was wonderful grilled rib-eye steaks, Bill's famous shrimp scampi and fresh picked strawberries with whipped cream for dessert. It was a wonderful day!

Charlottesville 2010 Heart Ball

Bill & I all dressed up in front of our house .. ready for 'the ball'


Jude & Peggy (big VP here at State Farm Charlottesville)


The Dining Room at The Boar's Head Inn


Bill & Walter (owner of The Shebeen Restaurant)


Bill & I were invited to attend the Charlottesville Heart Ball on behalf of State Farm Insurance. We were honored to be asked, and excited to have an occassion to go to the Boars Head Inn. Cocktails and silent auction, followed by dinner, live auction and dancing. Of course the meal was organic, locally grown and 'heart health'.

Ellie among the flowers ...

The Batchelor Buttons!


When the Batchelor Buttons were tiny little sprouts



Yellow Irises in front of the house


Pink tea roses in back of the house

Derby Weekend

Florida Vacation 2010

Easter Day 2010

Easter Morning 2010

Making a Marriage is like Making a Quilt

"Anna says,
When making a quilt you have to choose your combination carefully.
The right choices will enhance your quilt.
The wrong choices will dull the colors, hide their original beauty.
There are no rules you can follow.
You have to go by instinct, and you have to be strong...."

~ from How to Make an American Quilt by Whitney Otto

Easter Party at School

Ellie and Abby

Ellie and Abby

Ellie's annual Easter Egg Hunt and party was this afternoon at her school. She's wanted us to take a picture of her with her friends - Paige, Emma, Abby & Jessica. Her friend, Paige, left early today to spend the day with her grandmother so here is Ellie with her other good friend, Emma. They collected eggs that were hidden in the playground, had a party with cupcakes, fruit, chips, cheese and juice boxes. And as you can see Ellie made bunny ears, that she was happy to wear!