We had dinner with the Pipers in Longwood today. Just before dinner we took the girls to the park near their home. It was a bit cold but they had lots of fun.Enjoy!

We enjoyed a busy and fun Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. The Hollyman's threw a cocktail party at their home where we all exchanged presents. We were given a night out (Antonio's) with stipulations like: We had to go out for more than 2 hours and I may not call to check on Ellie more than 1 time during the night! I cannot be away from my sweet China doll for more than 2 hours! Christmas morning Ellie woke up with bright eyes, "Did Santa come?" She lept out of our bed (Long story) and into the living room. She did not see the presents on the coffee table, but ran right by them. Once she located them it was open, open, open. She recieved 4 presents (2 of which she ask for from Santa) and was very happy. The rain put a damper on our evening but we still made it to Spoodles at Disney's Boardwalk hotel. We are hoping that by next Christmas we will have a referral for Sagan.

Today was the holiday performance and class party for Ellie's former school Kindercare. She is attending it for winter break when her other school is closed. They sang Santa Claus is Coming to Town and then feasted on sweet treats in the classroom. Ellie's friend Kelly (Yes, Kelly and Ellie) is attending for winter camp too. They are having lots of fun playing together.

Our friend's the Durney's had to attend a dinner for Sean's company so we were lucky to be the family to care for Kylie that evening. We had lots of fun. I thought we should take Kylie to Downtown Disney to celebrate her 16 month birthday. We rode the merry go round and train. We dined at the Rainforest Cafe (bad idea very loud) and had lots of fun.

Hanukkah has begun! We are celebrating the first 2 nights of Hanukkah at home with our family. Ellie has been talking nonstop about what she hopes to get. The first night we gave her a Hess Truck and her grandpa gave her a baby high chair for her dolls. It was lots of fun!

Today we took a lovely walk through WDW Fort Wilderness Campground. Ellie loves going to the petting zoo and taking a ride on the ponies. After a ride on her trusty steed Gus we enjoyed coffee and the playground. A lovely Sunday morning!

Ellie's school put on their holiday performance today. It was standing room only. Ellie and her class did a terrific job singing, "Joy to the World" and "Angels We Have Heard on High." It was lovely seeing them sing and do American Sign Language. She was very happy to be singing! We have heard her singing these songs for weeks! After the program I presented, on behalf of some of the parents, a few gifts for the teachers Ms. Yesse and Ms. Janis. We gave them a brand new classroom microwave and a generous gift card.

Today Fred took Ellie flying in Orlando. This was her first flying lesson with daddy. Ellie really enjoyed the preflight (checking the airplane before taking off) and taking lots of photographs. Ellie also enjoyed the taxi to the runway and hearing daddy speak to the airtraffic controller in the tower. She had her own headset and was heard on the radio in the tower. She made it through her first flight in the pattern (once around the airport) for a total of 6 minutes. She was a bit worried and there were tears but she had a smile on her face once it was over. "Pilot Ellie Says Welcome Aboard!"

Ellie's preschool had a party to celebrate Thanksgiving. The children sang two songs and then we enjoyed a feast! It was lovely. You can see Ellie's two teachers, Ms. Yesse and Ms. Janis. They are wonderful and Ellie enjoys her mornings at preschool.

On October 23 Ellie's school traveled to Green Meadows Farm in Kissimmee. They encountered many different types of animals and had a great time!

Arg! Ahoy there mateys! I be a pirate for this Halloween adventure. We had a seafaring time at Sea World enjoying trick or treat as well as the attractions. I be old enough to enjoy the sea life and the thrill rides. A lovely evening! edit

Busy weekend! First our little Halloween Party, then our miniature golf extravaganza, and finally our escapade to the pumpkin patch! What will happen next!!!

Today we ventured off to a huge miniature golf course in Orlando. The Pirates Cove held lots of fun and danger for a three little girls.

We had a small gathering to celebrate the Chinese Moon Festival and Halloween 2006. We had our friends the Moore's and the Durney's over for dumplings and pumpkin cookie cake! Yummo!

As a faculty member of Florida Virtual School I must attend a 3 day professional development conference in St. Augustine. This has brought about some insanity in my household. Not with Fred or Ellie they are ok with it. My father, who is coming to stay and help, is just peachy with the idea. The problem is all mine. As a controlling Type A personality it gives me great anxiety. Here are some of the notes/preparations going on in our home. I leave Tuesday and return Thursday.

Once again... Ellie appreciates the simple things in life. Not the bookshelf purchased for her collection of books, but the box the bookshelf came in.

Today, Ellie made Smore Brownies from scratch with a bit of help from mommy. She did a majority of the work and understood the clean as you go concept. She did a great job and we are looking forward to working on souffles next!

Sunday, August 27 Ellie had her first violin lesson with a violinist from Poland. She came highly recommended from many families with children who study violin seriously.

Photos and video of Ellie's first day of her second season of 3/4 year old soccer at the YMCA of Dr. Phillips.

Ellie decided that she wanted to be a cowgirl for halloween! We are still looking for a treatbag with a western theme and a RED hat not a straw one. She is borrowing my hat in these photographs.

We braved the crowds on the 4th of July at the Magic Kingdom. No real lines until we left at 11am! We did it all and we had lots of fun. We took Ellie to Animal Kingdom on Sunday, July 9th to see the "zoo." Lots of fun and photos!

In preparation for our second adoption (We are now officially waiting for Sagan Amelia Zanegood (Paperwork in China officially on June 15) we have decorated the girls room in bright green and lavendar with a buggy theme. Ellie loves her room! Especially Sagan's name on the wall! (See July 4th album to see)

Metro Gymnastics Orlando, Florida

On Wednesday, May 10 Ellie's dance class showed off their new talents!

It's a pajama party!

The CAKE!