She's HERE!!!!

Emma Lee Gigante

Born 7.21.08

7 lbs 11oz, 20 inches long

Proud Aunt Jennie, Uncle John and Cousins Kaitlyn & Skylar

http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=92221216781364377/l=412652274/g=4033491/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

Summer time!

We were lucky enough to swing 2 days away from LI and head to NJ for "Wiggles World" in Great Adventure Theme Park. What a blast we had! We managed to squeeze SO much in our 48 hours together.....

We drove down early Monday morning and first drove through the safari. The most exciting part for the kids was when the ostrich tried to eat my windshield wiper, the most exciting for John and I were seeing the Lions mating and Kaitlyn saying "look how much he loves her, he just wants to protect her." I thought we might have tinkled in our pants a little!!! Then off to the park! We headed right for Wiggles World. The kids had a BLAST. If anyone has a child who loves the Wiggles, this is the place to take them. Meet the characters up close and personal and all the rides are "wiggles" related. We headed out about 5pm, when the kids just started to get tired. We stayed at a hotel about 20 minutes away (believe it or not, that was the closest!). We ordered dinner in and swam in the pool which exhausted the kids even more (terrific!!). We all got a great night sleep and got up early and headed to the Jersey Shore for a quick walk. It was so beautiful (we were in Ocean Grove/Bradley's Beach) we decided that we might make that next year's vacation destination. Then, off to home and a boat load of traffic....ugh. As soon as we got home, we quickly unpacked the car and re-packed the cooler and headed to the beach. We found an amazing surf from Tropical Storm Bertha and after about an hour, headed to the boardwalk where they have live music every night all summer long. The kids danced, we had a drink and we headed home about 9pm. WOW!!! What an amazing 2 days.....

Yesterday, Kaitlyn, Mema and I went to the Little Mermaid on Broadway. It was spectacular! We had lunch at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co in Times Square and also toured "Toys R Us" where they have a 2 story Barbie Dream House!!! Boy did that make Kaitlyn's day!

Now we are home, anxiously awaiting Baby "G." She should be arriving some time on Saturday.....yeah!!!!

I created a photo show of our recent trip but can't figure out how to post the darn thing on here (if anyone knows how, i'd love to learn!!!), but here is the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28688024@N07/sets/72157606227134324

Hello Reilly's, Are You Out There????

YES WE ARE!!!! And boy have we been busy!!!! Alas, I hope to blog a little more than I did in April & May.....

First, we had the girls' birthdays, May 12th & May 18th, what a fun week!! Ok, I admit, a little exhausting too, but it is so much fun to celebrate 2 birthdays in one house! I can only think what it will be like when they are in their 20s and finishing up their spring semesters in college!

Second, Kaitlyn graduated pre-school 2 weeks ago. How exciting! The school did a wonderful job with personalized programs, 4 songs (including one that was signed) and cake and snacks for all guests. Grandma & Grandpa, Mema & Papa, Miss Carolyn, John, SKye and I attended.

I think I'll be right to the punch and start some recent updates. We are anxiously anticipating the birth of our first niece, Velveeta. Ok, that's not her name, but that's what I'm calling her until I find out some time mid-July. I'm happy to report that my sister looks AMAZING, but as any woman who has been 9 months pregnant can relate, you don't "feel" pretty and therefore I will not post a picture of her!!!!

This past weekend we visited her (unfortunately John had to run several trips on the boat, so it was Mema, the girls and myself) and had so much fun playing in the pool!!!! Skylar even fell asleep standing up like a flamingo!

Then, the very big news. I mean BIG!!! KAITLYN LEARNED TO RIDE A 2-WHEELER!!!! Thanks to Mema, who took a bottle of advil last night. I can't wait to pop a video on here for all to see, a picture will have to suffice for now.

I'm sure on everyone's mind is "how is Skye?" Without jinxing us, she is doing fabulous. She has fought off 2 colds, an ear infection and a random "fungus" (EEWW!) behind her ear, but she is doing great. NOT ON ANY PRESCRIPTION MEDS!!! WOOHOO. It doesn't get better than this. Well, it does. She is sleeping too!!!! Yeah!

I hope everyone has a happy 4th of July - we are looking forward to celebrating with many, many (!!!!) customers on the Taryn Ann. Everyone needs to be doing a sunshine dance for us!!!!