Jean's MyPhotoAlbum

Ellie really wanted to be Snow White for her official Halloween Costume. She was all decked out and ready to go at 6pm but we did not start trick or treating until 7pm. Fred took Ellie out and I stayed home to ration the candy to the greedy neighborhood kids!

Today 4 families ventured to Sea World Orlando to participate in the Halloween Spooktacular. The Zanegood's, Giardino's, Pipers, and Durney's were all in attendance. Therefore, many girls were about. Lily, Anna, Fiona, Ellie, Kelly, Allison, and Kylie. It was overcast and extremely humid, but the children had a wonderful time.

We have wanted to take Ellie to the Kennedy Space Center for a few months now and today was the best day. The shuttle was on the launch pad and the weather was perfect with no rain in the forecast (Hot but better than Florida thunderstorms). Fred and I were beyond thrilled that Ellie understood so much. She was most interested in the tragedy of the Apollo mission where the three astronauts died in a fire on the launchpad. She asked so many good questions. It was a wonderful day.

Hi Larissa, The house is lovely. A real home. Less than 20 minutes from everywhere you want to go (malls, theme parks, Dr. Phillips, etc). The quiet neighborhood is tucked away so well that its a perfect place to raise a family. Let us know. We would love to show you the house. Elliesmommy@cfl.rr.com

Ok, so daddy has been away for 9 days and will still be away for 2 more. So in desperation I took Ellie for sushi just so I can talk to some adults. The sushi bar is a great place to do that. So we jumped into the car and went to Disney's California Grill. The sushi chef Yoshi knows us well and pampered Ellie to no end. The sushi was divine and the company warming. We had a great time and everyone was so impressed with Ellie. She has the most sophisticated palate and the best temperament.

While Daddy is at Oshkosh it is my job to distract Ellie who is the quintessential "daddy's girl." So this weekend I took Ellie to Sea World, MGM (breakfast with Playhouse Disney Friends), and Blizzard Beach.

Today Judy and I took the girls for a morning of water play at Downtown Disney. The girls loved running through the water and trying to sit on the spouts. Quite funny and lots of fun!

Ellie is enjoying her new found freedom in the pool without the aid of floaties. She moves about the pool with her teacher Ms. Ginny and is amazing. Ellie has complete trust in Ms. Ginny and that makes learning to swim and breathe easier.

Today was the first day of water play at Kindercare. Ellie goes to a different school but for a week or two here and there she attends Kindercare. Ellie and Kylie had water play back to back. First, Kylie's group came out and had lots of fun. Then Ellie's group. Ellie and Kylie had so much fun!

We love you and miss you! Have lots of fun with your grandparents, aunts, cousins, and friends!

Three words: Ice Cream Truck!

Last week we started Ellie on Dolch Pre-Primer sight words. These are the basic words all kindergarten children should know upon entering school. Ellie has breezed (quite nearly) through 20 of the 40 words on the list and we wanted to share this with all of you. Remember that I am using whole language and not phonics based learning. No photos are included in her recognition. This is truly a sight to behold. Fred and I get chills as she has learned how to read simple sentences like, Did you see the green and blue tree?"

We finally took a vacation! Enjoy the 100 odd photos of our Disney Cruise Vacation!

The family welcomed Uma Zanegood into our lives on Sunday, April 29th. She is 1lb 12 ounces and is a lovely little girl. She plays very well with Ellie and they are happy together. We think she is a perfect fit. She looks very much like Nala. That is why I picked her.

Today is Ellie's 4th birthday and Fred had to go to Seattle for work. We did not want him to miss waking Ellie up for her special day so I videotaped it for him. She is a very hot baby so she does not wear pajamas only a pullup at night. Enjoy!

Ahoy Mateys! On April 7th Ellie and her closest friends celebrated her 4th birthday at Pirate's Cove Miniature Golf in Orlando. With 15 of her closest friends present she played an amazing round of golf and finished her day off by blowing her candles out!

Good Sam school scheduled a field trip to Bob Carr Performing Arts Center to see famed musician Jack Hartmann. He rocks! Ellie loves his music. We invited Ellie's close friend Kylie to the show and had the best time!

On Sunday, April 1 we ventured to Lake Wales to see the santuary at Bok Tower. The highest point in Florida. We climbed up to the top, played lots, flew a kite, and ate a delicious picnic lunch. It was a beautiful day and a lovely memory for the families.

Today, we ran a 5k (Fred's second and my first). It was to benefit Kidney Organ Donation of Central Florida. We ran around and through EPCOT Center at 7am. It was nice and overcast so we were comfortable. Fred completed in 30 minutes and I in 41 minutes. Not bad!! We are planning to do another 5K in April and the Muddy Buddy in May.

Fred and I received a wonderful gift from my father, tickets to the Blue Man Group:How to Be a Megastar 2.0 for our 12th wedding anniversary. Additionally, the Hollyman's added to this gift by inviting Ellie to spend the night at their home so Fred and I could enjoy a night in Tampa instead of rushing back. The concert was amazing and dynamic. We did not get to take photos so I am including some stock footage available from the internet. When Fred and I thought there could not be an opening act for the BMG there was Mike Relm whose DJ skills and video production artistry blew the sold out crowd away.

Sunday, February 18 was the first day of the Chinese New Year. It is a very big deal in the Zanegood home. This year we bought Ellie a shirt that says, "Waiting for my little sister from China." She is anxiously waiting for Sagan to arrive. (Sometime in 2008) I also have a CNY shirt that says, "Baby," with an arrow pointing down to my tummy where a map of China is printed. We joined our friends and their Chinese children at Ming Court on International Drive. We ate Dim Sum and tried not to upset the other patrons with 5 children under the age of 4! It was quite lively and a great time was had by everyone. Happy New Year! Enjoy the photos.

We were very pleased to have Kylie come over and play this weekend. The girls get along incredibly well and Kylie is such a good baby. Ellie and Kylie enjoyed coloring and painting the most together. Ellie is a terrific "big sister." When Fred came home from work we all went out to Spoodles at the Boardwalk Hotel (Disney). Kylie and Ellie shared lots of silly faces and laughter. Amazingly enough, Kylie surpassed Ellie and stayed awake until we got her home at 7:30. Kylie was an angel. Enjoy the photographs.

Ellie was still not quite well enough to attend school on Valentine's Day. She had been very ill since the weekend. We did not want her to miss her class party so we planned our morning accordingly. We arrived at school at 10:30 and stayed for about 30 minutes. She got to see her friends, teachers, and enjoy the first part of the party. By 11am she was fading. She did not hesitate to leave when I told her it was time to go. Even though we did not stay long we had lots of fun with our friends.

Our dearest friends, the Hollymans, came to cheer up sweet sick Ellie today. They brought with them her Valentine's Day gifts. Ellie was thrilled to receive a box of chocolates (Gymnastic theme!), a Disney Princess art kit, and a real Slurpee machine. Ellie would not relent as she repeatedly asked WHEN? we would make Slurpees. Well that night....

On February 11, 2007 Ellie and I went to Lakeland to meet Lulu, Josie and Pam. We at pizza by the slice and painted pottery at Picasso's Cup. Ellie was running a low fever but still had a great time. She adores anything crafty. Ellie selected a big kitty piggy bank for her painting project.