Word of the Week

SHILLELAGH (commonly pronounced "shi-lay-la" (IPA: [ʃɪ'leɪli], in Irish Gaelic, (IPA: ɕa'le:lə)) is a wooden club or cudgel, typically made from a stout knotty stick with a large knob on the end, that is associated with Ireland in folklore. Often used by toddlers to hit trees, animals, and anything in their path. Eventually, taken away by Daddy so as not to be hit in a place that might prevent further children.

Ella Got a Boo Boo!

While running to the playroom after dinner (to watch The Wiggles, needless to say) Ella and Gavin bonked heads and Ella wound up looking like a Giants fan in a Sehorn jersey in the 700 level of the Vet. Poor baby! (Note the blood on her tank top- she's pretty tough)...

Ella's New Skills...

Ella's growing up so fast! Here she is showing off some of the new things she's learned...

First, we have Ella combing Daddy's "hair"...

Wishful thinking...

Ella's Shoes on Mommy's Feet

If the shoe fits...

Ella's Animals Sounds

Ella and Mommy know their animals sounds...

Ella's Animals Sounds (abridged version)

Ella's animals sounds in Cliff Note form...

E-A-G-L-E-S!

After watching the Jets/Eagles game with Uncle Brendan and Aunt Kelly (looking for Mommy and Daddy in the crowd), Ella decided to call down to the stadium make some recommendations about "throwback" uniforms.
Don't be surprised if they're wearing pink next Sunday~ she can be very persuasive (possibly pants-less, too)...

Ella's Grocery List

Ella went grocery shopping, and if you listen closely, you can hear what she bought...

Feelin' Groovy

Slow down, you move too fast
You've got to make the morning last


Just kicking down the cobblestones
Looking for fun and feeling groovy
Ba da da da da da da, feeling groovy


Hello lampost, what'cha knowing
I've come to watch your flowers growin'


Ain'tcha got no rhymes for me
Doo-it in doo doo, feeling groovy
Ba da da da da da da, feeling groovy


I got no deeds to do
No promises to keep


I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep


Let the morningtime drop all its petals on me


Life I love you, all is groovy

Congratulations, Keira!

Ella would like to send a shout out to her friend Keira Elizabeth!

Way to get Christened, Keira!

And thanks for the cake! Yummy!

Ella Eats Elmo

Yummy Yummy Yummy I've got Elmo in my tummy!

Ella Walking

Ella's Walking- Lobo will never be safe again...

National Lampoon's Mystic Vacation

In the land of pizza and aquariums, one man had a dream...


To make this the best darn Goodman Family vacation ever!


And it was (so far)!




Cast of characters includes: Josh W. Griswold, Mom Griswold, Ella Griswold (no Rusty yet!), and supporting roles played by sea lion #1, dolphin #3, and penguins 4-7.

Welcome to Springfield...

Ella and Lobo got all dressed up for the The Simpsons movie premier...

The Year in Review...

As written by Ella Kathleen Goodman...

Okay, so here's what went on this year:

I was born...

We spent a lot of time in- what mommy and daddy called- the "backyard". (Little did I know I would come to LOVE this place)...I was made to dress up like a peapod and go into town to ask people for food...

I started eating food with some weird plastic thing (thought I would hate it). Every time daddy would put the plastic thing near my mouth, he'd open his

(awesome trick)...I was Baptized Ella Kathleen Goodman at St. Andrew's Church... Mommy said I took to prayer very early...Turns out I love food from the plastic thing (especially carrots)...Went to Giant's Stadium for the very first time to see Uncle Tommy's team play... Impressive, but I felt that the unsportsmanlike behavior on the part of the other team was appalling...Then came Hanakuh where I began my love with wrapping paper...By Christmas I was hooked! I was opening OTHER people's gifts! I had to be stopped...Daddy took control... Mommy says with Daddy's new hairline, we look more alike than ever!I moved on to my love affair with Elmo. I just can't get enough! I got to see snow for the first time on Valentine's Day. Mommy and Daddy put me right to work! I shoveled all night!At this point, I felt like I was really growing up... I even started to like bath time!Oh yeah, I forgot to mention my cousin Uncle Gavin... He's always around. We go to a lot of parades and zoos together...At Easter, I went from my love of wrapping paper to my love of the fake grass the Easter Bunny puts in the bottom of your basket... It's preshredded so you don't have to do all the work- just enjoy!As the weather got warmer, I began going in the big outside tub- Mommy and Daddy called it a pool, I call it Super Terrific Happy Time!For Father's Day, Mommy and Daddy took me to see a huge outside bath tub! They called it the Hudson, I call it AWESOME!That brings us to now... I had a wonderul birthday filled with baby pools and Elmo balloons! It was perfect!Well, I guess that's all. It's been a pretty great year! I should mention that along the way, I've met some really special people... Like my Great Granpop...Uncle Tommy (big softie)...My Uncle Andrew and Aunt Shelby- they're fun! (Godparents #1)...Uncle Brendan and Aunt Kelly (Godparents #2)- they brought me...This guy! Here's a picture of me and my cousin visiting my Grampa. Gavin's cool- I'm glad he's my cuz!I also met Aunt Mo... She and Uncle Daniel are super comfortable! I fall asleep on them A LOT!Here's my MomMom and PopPop, they like to play, read to me, and they take LOTS of pictures because they love me so much

(plus, I'm pretty cute- everybody thinks so)...Here's my Grammy. Mommy says I light up when I see her! I do! She gives lots of love and kisses, sings me the Ella Bella Baby song, and we go shopping ALL the time! She taught me to wait until things go on sale because only suckers pay retail! And finally, here's my Mommy and Daddy! They love me no matter what! Mommy likes to sing me songs. When I'm upset or don't feel well, she just sings more! My Daddy likes to make me laugh. I can spit up on him, or make a stinky, and he just laughs harder! We have lots of fun together! I'm happy to say that year 1 was a huge success! Now that I'm on my feet, and nailing this walking thing, year 2 should be even more fun for everyone!

I'll keep you posted!