We’re Home

We made it home Monday evening after an extremely long day driving through Colorado and Utah. I can’t say the trek back home was any easier on us. It was smooth sailing until we met up with the “Monster Storm” in Colorado. I-70 was closed so we took a detour onto highway 40 through Steamboat Springs and Vernal. It was beautiful country but the stress of the snowy conditions on the road trumped all that and the fact that we just wanted to get home. Ellen did well she didn’t seem to fuss as much, perhaps she understood more the woes of road trips and that sometimes you just have to deal no matter how bad your back aches from sitting so long. She is such a good baby. I learned that she loves it when you blow on her feet I got many frowns to turn into smiles with that trick. I also went to town on my little knitting project there will soon be a scarf to show off. Chip and Adah once again got the luxury of riding up front in the warm cab for the last 150 miles. Once the sun goes down the bed of the truck turned into an ice box we didn’t want to torture the dogs too much so we all crammed into the cab. Chip did look at me with grateful eyes. Adah was over it 50 miles before she even got in the cab and she panted a nice rhythm for us all the way home. Gary was a trooper as well, he focused on getting us there safe and sound. He drove like a champ the entire time only to have come home and face a waist high pile of snow in the driveway ugh, but he persevered and dug out just enough room for the truck at the end of the drive until we could get a plow in the next day. Good thing he’s got a strong back. I miss the Marcoccia’s terribly. I think I cried all the way to Pennsylvania when we left. It is good to be back in our little world though I missed our little cabin. Gary and I are both chomping at the bit to go ski. Oh the snow! There is sooo much Yahoo!

Here is a little clip of Ellie from Junction City, KS, telling us how she feels about sitting in a car for 12 hours…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMw9X53a06U[/youtube]

A Special Day for a Special Girl

Today is our niece Bailey’s 9th Birthday! Bailey is a very special girl she has a very kind heart and radiates love. She is a very talented girl who loves to be creative and fun. She is also very smart and likes to read, I hear she even has written some of her own stories. Bailey is also a very beautiful girl and has a smile that lights up the whole room. To learn more about Bailey and what a great kid she is go here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAILEY

WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU

DANETTE, GARY, and ELLIE

Marcoccia’s on Ice

This isn’t Ice Capades by any means but I thought it might entertain you all a bit. I definitely had a wobble in my skates, but it sure was fun.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wxV9et7N1c[/youtube]

Celebrating a New Year

We had a good time last night ringing in the New Year. I decided to bring in the new year with some change yep, I let Linda and Sarah go to town on a new hair do. We saved my braid and I’m planning on sending it off to Locks of Love. Ellie brought in the new year by showing us she can rollover without any assistance. Gary was playing with her on the bed and she rolled for him three times and then one more time for mommy. Needless to say we were very excited for her.

So long to 2007 it was an excellent year with the birth of Ellie, visits from family, reunions with friends, and many accomplishments. We are looking forward to what ’08 is going to bring. I’m sure Ellie will enlighten us many times over through out the year. My goals for this year are to loose the rest of the baby weight, visit the Frandsen’s, and unleash some creativity. There are many other things I would like to work on but I don’t want to make the list too long and overwhelming. Ellie’s goals are to take her first steps and say her first word. We have full confidence she will get it done. Gary has to think more about his…

Happy Holidays

PEACE ON EARTH

Knitting, Rutabagas, and Pretty Dresses

I took a knitting class in Ithaca yesterday, at a great little shop called Knitting Etc. My instructor was very kind and patient. She taught me the basics of casting on, knitting, and pearling; and we started a scarf. I thought I had it down no problem so I took it out again on the drive home to see if I could do it on my own and of course I messed it all up. Dropped a stitch or two, and missed a stitch or two a long the way. 🙂 So now I’m trying to figure out my mistakes, yikes!! Just look at my concentration…

After the knitting class we stopped in at the Ithaca Farmers Market. Where they were having a Rutabaga Curling Contest. Oh my what a funny sight! As we walked into the market three Rutabagas rolled across the board walk right to our feet. Then we looked up to see the participants and realized we were in the middle of a classic and unique Ithaca event. Not sure what all the rules were, but it looked like fun.

Finally, Linda and I had a good time this morning trying to get the right picture of Ellie in another Marcoccia vintage, circa 1973 compliments of Aunt Danielle. I love this dress! She looks so beautiful don’t you think? The photo session didn’t go so well for us amateur photogs, but you get the idea. She’s a little Christmas Angel and her parent’s hearts are soaring.