Happy Birthday, Ellie!

We love you.

Here are a few nostalgic pictures.

With Grandma A.

With Aunt Margaret

Unknown Birthday.

Negishi, with Bonnie.

Negishi with siblings.

And Ellie now, with her boys (3 of them).

With her guy.

Tanti Auguri

お誕生日おめでとう

2010 2009 2008 2007

Happy Birthday, Ellie!

It was in Italy, many, many years ago (well, not that many—she’s not that old) on October 4th that her mom and I received the most excellent gift, unique and amazing. She grew into the most delightful child, with smiles and winks galore, and into a fun, well adjusted daughter, and a kind young woman, wise beyond her years. Now she’s become a wonderful wife, a marvelous mother, and a faithful friend to all who choose to get to know her.

That’s how I remember it, El. (That’s my story, and I’m stickin’ to it!) Happy birthday, Ellie Bella. Italian Bella means beautiful. Beautiful Ellie.

Tanti auguri per un buon Compleanno!

2009, 2008, 2007

Happy Birthday, Ellie!

Happy Birthday, Ellie!

Today is Ellie's birthday, and we wish her every blessing and happiness.

Here are a few pictures of Ellie—past and present—then and now.

This first one shows Ellie at a birthday party—then. Here's the radiant smile that lights up a room and brightens a father's heart.

Here she is—then—but where? Spain? The picture simply says "Ellie at July 4th fair."




The gang's all here to celebrate Ellie's birthday—then. Anybody know when? Where?



Another cake, another time—then.

Ellie—now. See how the room still lights up?

Now—This past summer on the ride dubbed by Aidan the "Miracle Round."

Ellie now—with Aidan. The twinkle in the eye and the bright smile pass to a new generation!

Ellie—now, with the family.

Happy Birthday, Ellie!

Thirty years ago, our daughter Elinor Victoria, was born at the Naval Hospital in Napoli, Italia. We were stationed an hour north in Gaeta, at the time. We often took trips into Napoli, as well as Roma. In some ways, it seems like yesterday, but in seeing what a mature woman and wonderful mother she has become, we realize she has lived those 30 years well.

Here's Ellie at an early age at the Vatican with one of the main attractions for the kids--the pigeons. This picture perfectly captures the joie de vivre, the unbridled enthusiasm for life that has been such a hallmark of Ellie.

Here's another cute picture of Ellie with pigeons years later when we were living in Spain.

Here's a birthday picture taken quite a few years ago at our home in Yokohama, Japan, showing Jimmy bringing his sister her birthday cake.

This one was taken at our Denver home, not too long after Ellie returned from India.

Ellie learned to love books and reading at an early age.

Here she is at Disney World, a trip we made with Grandma between living in Canada and Spain.

This is Ellie celebrating Hannah's birthday. Our Siamese cat, Moti, wanted to be part of the festivities, too. See her peeking around the curtain?

And here's Bonnie celebrating with Ellie on her special day.

This picture shows Ellie with her roommate and close friend, Ai. They met on a flight from Japan to India, where the two attended school high in the Himalayas. Coincidentally, Ellie and Ai were born on the exact same day--Ellie in Italy, Ai in Japan. Ellie loves to smile and have fun with her family and friends. This picture captures once again that joy that emanates from her.

I had to include this snapshot of Ellie in her Wonder Woman togs because when I looked at it I was reminded so much of Aidan and a similar expression and mannerism I had seen from him.

I'll close this Happy Birthday card to our daughter Ellie with a picture of her with Ryan and Aidan.

In closing,

Happy Birthday, El!

We love you. May you continue to be blessed and enjoy many more fulfilling years. You are truly a blessing to all who know you.