Ellie Belly is 19 Months!

Ellie is now 19 months old! The photos above are from her time in Buffalo. She now crosses her arms and we think it's hysterical. Ellie turned 19 months while we were at our friends' wedding yesterday. Thank you Adam for coming to watch Ellie for us.

Adventures in Alaska

We returned from our trip to Alaska this week. We began the trip in Juneau and then went to Glacier Bay National Park. Our last stop was Sitka on Baranof Island which we took a ferry to. Glacier Bay National Park was our favorite. We stayed at the lodge in the park, went on an incredible boat ride up to the glaciers and spent a morning kayaking. In the park, we saw humpback whales, sea lions, mountain goats, a black bear, sea otters, two grizzly bears and porcupines. Margerie Glacier was calving and that was awesome to see and hear. Sitka has an interesting history because it was once the capital of Russian America and it is also known for the totems made by Tlingit people. The amazing thing about the state is that even though we traveled a lot while there, we saw such a tiny portion of it.

Here are a few highlights from the trip:

Grizzly Bear

in front of the Margerie Glacier

porcupine

Alaskan sunset

View while kayaking. This photo was taken before we realized there was a humpback whale about 30 feet away from us.

Sitka

To see the entire album, go to: Alaska Album
Warning: many of the photographs were taken for educational purposes.

Megan's 30th

I was happy to be able to join Meg for her 30th birthday celebration while in Buffalo. It was a very fun night out with old friends. Happy 30th, Megales - we love you!

Music and Shopping

We had a busy start to our day today. Ellie went to music class again and loved singing and dancing with her friends Quinn and Balin. Then we stopped at Erin's mom's store, Suzn O' where Ellie thoroughly enjoyed looking at her reflection in the mirrors.

Back in Buffalo

I returned to Buffalo from Alaska today and was thrilled to see Ellie. She had the best week with Mimi, Papa and Bridget. She was very busy!

Ellie playing with Grandpa in the back.

Ellie attended her first music class in Buffalo.

Quinn and Linda came for a visit.

Happy Father's Day!

December 2006

May 2007

May 2008

Father's Day 2008

Ellie knew today was a special day, she was extra cuddly with John before he left for his early morning tee time. Ellie kept saying "happy" to John for "Happy Father's Day." He is definitely the apple of her eye!

Summer is here!

The pool opened today. Ellie even ventured into the baby pool. All went well, except for a little sunscreen in her eyes. The real highlight for Ellie was having Will and baby Cate there.

School's out...for summer!

School ended for me today and Ellie said goodbye to her day care friends for the summer. She spent some time feeding her baby on the back porch. It may be difficult to see on the computer, but Ellie's shirt says, "Free as a Bird." That's exactly how I feel!

Ellie Update

We had Ellie's 18 month pediatrician appointment today. Other than showing up with the Hand, Foot and Mouth virus, all went well. Ellie now weighs 25 lbs., 7 oz. and is 32" long/tall. Don't worry, she didn't go to the doctor's office with the flower pot on her head, that was just our evening entertainment.

Break it down, Ellie

Ellie had some serious dance moves while rocking out to Macy Gray in her high chair yesterday. I'm sure Dancing with the Stars will be contacting us soon for her to appear on their show.

Popsicles

It's very hot here today, a big change from yesterday's weather. Since our pool club doesn't open until next week, I was at a bit of a loss of what to do with Ellie in the heat. I gave her a popscicle to help her cool off.

Swinging

We spent yesterday afternoon at the playground with friends. It was a little chilly for June! Ellie enjoyed swinging with Ella, Olivia and Will and loved seeing their babies too.

Peonies in Bloom

The peonies in our garden are blooming. Ellie and I went out to inspect them this afternoon and she gave one a squeeze. She continues to be ever curious!

Peek-a-Boo

We went to Barbara and Julie's for a bbq tonight and Ellie loved getting tons of attention. She had a tubby at their house before leaving and played peek-a-boo by plastering her face with the washcloth.