July 4th

We stayed home most of the day because it was so rainy and nasty out there wasn't much else to do. This was such a bizarre 4th. Ellie is in pant and a hooded jacket because it was so cold.

She was so happy

We went over to my Aunt and Uncle's house for dinner and fireworks. We were wondering if the rain was ever going to let up so we could get the fireworks off. But low and behold it did, and we had a great show.

July 3rd Party

Tonight we went over to Meghan and Josh's for a July 3rd party. There was a lot of good food and fun. Ellie went for a swim (Meg has the pics on her camera) and loved it. Then she realized that she loved getting in and out more than just staying in. She does not realize that she can not swim so this can be bit of a struggle with her. She wants to do it on her own.

She loved playing with the bubbles

Of course, she could not keep her hands out of the chips

Zoo

Today Ellie and I went to the zoo with Mom and Dad. It was such a great day. Cloudy and temps in the 70s and it is July. I couldn't have ask for a better day. Ellie was in an ok mood. She started out happy, then got a little tempermental. She suckered Dad in to carrying her around most of the zoo. After the zoo we had a good lunch at O'Charley's. Ellie was a little piggy, eating her meal as well as mine.

She loved the Carousel

Papa took her for another ride

One Week

It has been one week since we threw "ninny" away. I am so proud of my baby girl. She has been asking for it, but I think that it is out of habit, not necessity. Today was wonderful. It barely reached 70 degrees in July. We have the windows open and it is a little chilly. Ellie and I took Davy out for his birthday lunch (even though his birthday was last week) to Pizza King. Ellie loves trains. She was so facinated by the train. She also put down at least three pieces of pizza (I lost count).

Chloe

Ellie's turn

What a great night. Sidewalk chalk and smiles. What could be better.

IUSWP

Tonight was the celebration night for the new writing project teacher consultants. This has been such a good month, but very busy. Here are some of my favorite photos to capture the month long adventure. Now I can rest, read, and spend time with my baby.

**Thanks to David Stoner and Rachel Rice for the photos.

Weekend Fun

I think I left the house for a total of an hour and a half all weekend and it was GREAT. I have been so busy with school that I just needed the time to veg and play with Ellie, plus the added heat did not invite me outside any. I did get a couple of books finished--see right column.

Ellie's new ride

Maranda likes to ride too

It died, she had to start pushing

She was having a good conversation

Good bye Ninny

We have been slowly breaking Ellie of her ninny (pacifier). She was just down to nights, car rides,a and nap time. Last weekend we took out car rides, and most nights she uses it to fall asleep and then does not want it again until morning.

But today she threw it away. She is in the habit of just throwing it when she wants a drink, food, or even when she gets angry. When I called her into the bathroom to brush her teeth, she through it into the trash. So I used this as a great opportunity to initiate the removal from her life. We will see how it works. I keep reminding her that she threw it away--and she goes on and says no more.

Also, on a side note--this child loves to brush and teeth (which is not unusual for kids her age) but she also has to floss every night. So weird, but I am happy she wants to take care of her teeth

Summerfest

Susan has been playing a large family gathering for several months now. We worked hard all day in the heat and when it was finally time to leave, I had the worst headache I have had in a while. But after a short nap I felt a little better. There was lots of good food. The only thing is that I did not know very many people there.

Bob and his sisters

I think Ellie has been watching Bob play golf too much

Balloon Glow

Ellie loves Balloons, so when I heard that Ctown was bringing back the Balloon Glow, I was super excited. Today was a long, tiring day, but I could not wait to go to the Glow tonight. Meg came to the house and went with us. Boy was it hot though. Some one turned the heat on a little too soon this year.

WOW, too Busy

This has been such a busy week and it is not even over yet. Barry Lane, one of the most noted authors in education has graciously bestowed his presence on us. IUS Writing Project has been going strong for the second week now, but this week we started the Advanced Institute. All day yesterday we had a workshop with Barry. Then today we workshoped again but this time it was open to the public.

Barry with my girls (Tiffany, Amanda, Ashley)

After a busy day, we got the opportunity to take Barry on an all exclusive tour of Churchill Downs. WOW, I got to see places of Churchill that very few see. There is so much behind the scenes to make everything work. After the tour we were joined by a few people to eat a nice dinner at Lynn's Paradise Cafe.

Tomorrow is the BIG day. The conference we have been planning for a year is finally here.

Happy Birthday Great Granny

My Nanny turned 70 years old yesterday. We had a surprise birthday party for her inviting family that she has not seen in several year. The weather was so nice and she really had a great time.

Me and my aunt Kendra