Mackinac Island Summer Fun!!!

We went to Mackinac Island last week for a few days. We have gone the last few years in the fall, but this was a first for all of us in the summer.

Fun was had by all!!!

We met up with Madison, Mackenzie, Kathy, and Jim. It was so wonderful to see them all again and to see all the girls play together.

Madison and Ella were in the same S.W.I. in China for the first two years of their lives. We (both families) know how important this link that they have with each other will be for them as they go through life.

Having fun at the park; Madison, Ella, Mackenzie. (Check out Ella's Farrah Fawcett "feathered hair!")

Mmmm....cheesy popcorn.

Just having fun!!!

~Nommy dee, Daddy David, and our sweet little girl Ella

Ella's First Race (as a runner)!

This morning Ella ran in her first quarter mile race at the Taylor Tot Trot.


Ella getting her Trot Number (#1) pinned to her back!!! This morning, Ella was very concerned about having a number (she went with David yesterday to pick up our 5K numbers) so I made her a number this morning (the one pinned to her shirt in front). I was number 45 so we made her number 45 1/2.

She did such a marvelous job. She was excited to start...just like on Caillou..."Ready, Set, Go!"

There was a point where she asked me to pick her up, but I told her she needed to keep going and you know what? She did!!! (I confess, I did tell her Daddy was at the Finish with a Juicy for her and that seemed to seal the deal.).

Once we got near the end she saw David and ran to him instead of heading towards the Finish (it was just too cute...see for yourself below).

Ella's medal and ring pop prize! (Where is that juicy that Mommy promised?)

The 5K race followed a short while later. It was a beautiful morning for a race. The sun was out, the wind was calm, and it was a bit warm, but not anything we couldn't handle.

We stayed after for the award ceremony, just to cool down and chat with one of the organizers of the race.  I am glad we did because not only did Ella receive her medal for running earlier in the morning, but David won the Men's Overall Walking Champion award.

Way to go little family....way to go!!!

~10:18 pace runner Nommy dee, Walking Champion for the Men of the World Daddy David, and our speedy little speedster Ella

Skinny Marinky Dinky Dink!!!

I love listening to Ella sing this song...she knows how much I love it and how cute it is when she sings it.

Enjoy!!!

~Nommy dee, Daddy David, and our silly singing songbird Ella

A beach, a bucket, and a song!

Ella loves playing at her beach (her little pool).

Ella loves the Happy Birthday song (both the traditional, as well as, the version that is heard on the SPROUT channel with Chica and Mailman.)

Ella loves pour a bucket of water on her head.

Why not combine all three of her loves?

~Videographer Nommy dee, Daddy David, and our little water sprite Ella

Yay!!! It is a Pirework (Firework)

We had a great 4th of July today.

We went to a local 5K race. David had Ella in the jogging stroller and I took off....and I must say I have achieved my first PR (personal record) for a 5K at 30:27!!!

There was a parade after the race so we decided to take a spot right on the curb and wait for the festivities to begin. Ella was all dressed up in her 4th of July gear, hair pretties in (looking like little exploding fireworks), and waving her American flag.

Smiling for the camera - July 4, 2011

Awwww....cuteness times 2!!! - July 2011

We came home, had some lunch, played, made a craft, and ate a delicious BBQ meal made by David.

Working on making the "pirework!"

Bang, Pow, Oooo....Ahhhhh....

~Fast Runner (hee, hee...well...for today, for me) Mommy dee, BBQ Chef to his girls Daddy David, and our very own American Cutie Ella

Happy 4th of July!!!!

We went to The Salute to America at Greenfield Village last night. We had so much fun this year. Last year, it was an event of firsts for all of us. For so many years David and I had longed to take Ella to this event, and last year our dream (one of many) came true.

This year, we just had so much fun!!!

Ella in her ride to go and see the "tireworks!" - July 2011

Ella in her ride last year. July 2010



We look back at pictures and we are just astounded at how much Ella has changed over the course of a year. She really is a BIG GURL! In the words of Auntie Staci..".it is amazing what a year of love can do for someone." I think that is pretty evident from the ear to ear grins on my and David's faces. *wink, wink*

Ella singing "Pinkle, Pinkle, Wittle Sta" with the DSO (you really have to listen closely!).

~Nommy dee, Go Army Daddy David, and the Sparkler in our Firecracker Family Ella