The cake was good!

Ella's First Birthday Party

Ella's Birthday Cake

The party girl and mom

Ella's new soft drink!

Party Decorations

Ella's pre party bath

Ella will be one year old on November 20th. We celebrated her birthday this weekend with family and friends. Uncle Justin and Aunt Libby flew in from Chesapeake for a weekend visit. Everyone was happy to see them and spend time with them. Sara had many decorations and a great menu for the party. Everyone had a great time especially the Birthday Girl.

Family together this weekend to celebrate Ella's Birthday

Justin, take one last look at Wrestle Buddy!

Trick or Treat

Here is Justin many years ago ready to trick or treat. His grandmother made him the costume...he was not happy about being a crayon. He wanted to be a super hero, pirate, monster, or anything scary. He was a real cute crayon, but did not scare anyone.

Last Weekend

Happy Hour on the Blue Moon.













Beached boats and a campfire.

Ella's first Land Shark

Prep for Spring Break 2027

Grandfather... and all that implies

Ella,
I read your mom's blog and have realized that a lot of her words and thoughts are directed to you. I have a feeling that this may all be saved and given to you at some point, so I decided that we should have an entry from your Pop Pop. I have only been a grandparent for eight months... but I remember the day you were born. We were all there...including four...count them Ella...four grandparents. You are so fortunate to have all of your grandparents, and to have them love you as we all do. I remember seeing my little girl holding her little girl for the first time. What a feeling. That was the point when reality hit me... Ella it takes a while for Pop Pop sometimes... I was a grandfather! Since our recent three generational, (is that a word?) trip to the beach I have been thinking a lot about what it means to me to be your Pop Pop. You and I had a rather one sided conversation about this while we were sitting together on the beach, but I don't think you understood, because you just ripped my glasses off and laughed.
I read somewhere that becoming a grandparent can be difficult for some. It probably has to do with the whole facing the aging thing. There has been no difficulty for your Pop Pop. Your mom and your uncle make me aware on a regular basis that I am advancing on life's journey. It is comforting for me to know that as my life advances, that you Ella will be part of my legacy. Do not let the gray hair fool you...we have a lot of good times ahead, and many memories to make.
One thing I have noticed about being a grandparent that I like is that I am relaxed enough to ignore little disasters that sometimes occur. I will give you an example. While we were in Florida in a grocery store there was a small...well maybe not so small explosion. While you were outside with dad and then mom being changed in the rented minivan, I was going up and down the isles in the grocery store laughing so hard that I had tears in my eyes. Your mom and dad got a laugh as well...but only after it was over.
I keep mentioning our recent vacation because it was the longest continuous time together we have had. I love and I know you will love family vacations. One of the times we were sitting on the beach and you were on my lap, I was thinking how wonderful the world must look through your eyes. To you Ella, the world is endlessly fascinating. It is all so new and fresh to you. Thank you for showing me things that I have grown too jaded by life to notice, and thank you for making me smile more than I have in a while.
Ella, my approach to being a grandparent can be best described as having a thoughtful attitude while doing what comes naturally. We are not going to loose our spontaneity here...so we may make mommy nervous or slightly mad sometimes. That is alright because she loves us both unconditionally so she will get over it. Don't worry, your mom and I have always had open and honest communication, and your dad and I get along just fine. Doing what comes natural is not always the best thing...so the thoughtful attitude will help us balance things out, and hopefully keep your parents off our back. (Just kidding Sara and Tommy)
Just as you are a gift from your parents to your grandparents, you are giving all of your grandparents a special gift as well. We get to experience and enjoy another childhood. You are also offering your grandparents and your parents a wonderful opportunity to reinforce our relationship. So much good stuff from such a little package...
Ella, your parents are a gift for you from your grandparents. Your mom and dad love you so much. I hope you always realize what a lucky girl you are to have the parents you have. I can not say enough about how proud I am of both of them. You will be proud of them too.

I want you to know a few of the many things I love about you.
You are right at home when Pop Pop holds you. Thanks for forgetting about me accidentally banging your head walking in to the boat.
You are so cute when you watch Baby Einstein. I know that you are going to be one smart student.
I can not describe the feelings I had when you fell asleep for the first time while I was holding you...so beautiful.
You get so excited to be in water...whether it is the pool, the ocean, or taking a bath in the sink. You smile, laugh, splash, and have so much fun.
Watching you eat...there is food everywhere...you eat just like your mommy did.
Your laugh is contagious. You had us all amazed at how you laughed when I splashed your belly in the pool. Unfortunately you would not repeat it for the video camera. That's alright, I remember exactly what it sounded like.
Your eyes light up when you see your mom or dad. Their eyes light up when they see you as well.
You go with the flow. You are comfortable, content and happy. Maybe it is because there is so much love directed your way.
You get so upset when you see your bottle and do not get it right away. I do believe you may have a temper, and it let's me know that you will be strong and stand up for yourself.
I like it when your mom calls me for advice when your nose is running, or you are not eating right. For some reason she thinks Pop Pop knows all the secrets...that's because I do. I hope that does not stop when you have a little sister or brother. Your mom learned a lot with you and may not need as much advice on the next baby.

Ella, I will pray for you often. I will pray that you will know God, have a strong healthy mind and body, get to live in a peaceful world, oh yea...and get a fine education.
Pop Pop loves you!

Kisses for Ella!

More Kisses For Ella!

A Post For Justin

When the lights go out Little Killeys likes to shine...that's whats up...that's
whats up...that's whats up!

To next year!

Family Vacation Panama City Beach 2008

Friday night dinner at Margaritaville
Click picture to enlarge to see Ella's smile.
Ella beachin it with Mom and Dad. I love this picture.

Justin and Libby relaxing in the pool.
Artistic shot taken with my little camera...not bad is it Sara?
Ditto

Our vacation was wonderful. Having Ella with us this year was such a blessing. She certainly got a lot of attention with mom, dad, her aunt, uncle, and Pop Pop to hold her and play with her all week. Good luck this week Sara. She is such a good baby, and seems to love the beach like the rest of our family. She also liked the swimming pool... even getting dunked!
I was reminded of our trip when I opened my lap top this morning and Ella's fingerprints were all over it...such cute little fingerprints. I am so grateful that we could all get together for a relaxing enjoyable week together. Thanks again to S and T, J and L, and little E.
More pictures to come.

A Few Pictures of Ella

Quit splashing, I'm trying to relax!

Ella had a fantastic time playing at the beach and in the pool this week. She enjoyed her first family vacation, and everyone enjoyed having her with us. She even got her first sun tan. More vacation pictures to come .

Golf today

Tommy reads ten pages of a book.

Justin takes a nap on the beach.

We played a golf course today that had 27 holes. They were called The Good , The Bad, and The Ugly. We played 18 holes...The Bad and The Ugly. There is nothing like A family vacation..

Justin won...we have a rematch Friday! We are all having a great time.

Wednesday at Panama Beach

Ella in Pop Pop's hat.

Looking cool!

The family takes a swim.

More Panama Pictures

Libby and Jus.

Sara and Tommy
Uncle Justin, Ella, and Aunt Libby
Jus and Ella

Repeat Picture...Ella swims with the guys.

Ella on the beach with Mom.

Panama City Beach

Ella visits the beach for the first time, and is working on her tan. She loves the ocean as well as the swimming pool.

Time moves much too quickly!

Here are a couple of then and now pictures. Soon I will get to spend a whole week at the beach with my amazing family. I can not wait. Ella, your mommy always liked babies. Libby, Justin has always liked to read.

No Shoes...No Shirt...No Schedule

I have spent ten relaxing days on Dock Holiday. My thoughts have been about family, my pending divorce, and life without a schedule. I have been in flip flops and shorts for ten days...Justin you are right! I am at a point in my life where I want to live more freely. This will mean a lot of planning and many changes.

I am contemplating the idea of sailing down the East Coast from Norfolk to the Keys / Caribbean in a small sailboat. (A safe sailboat Sara) This will mean an early retirement or a leave of absence from work. I am fine with either at this point. I have thought about a trip like this...motorcycle or boat... for some time but recent events have caused me to rethink the whole career / success idea. Thanks Dad for giving me insight about "waiting for a retirement that may not happen."

Thanks Janae for reaffirming that no matter how you feel, or how much you love, nothing is permanent... but life goes on.

Thanks Ella for showing Pop Pop that it's OK to be on your own schedule.

My prayers this week are for Kevin's family who are dealing with his tragic accident. Life can change in the blink of an eye... and Tony Snows' family who lost a husband and a father at the age of 53.