Last summer my family went to NYC.  We wanted to see the Statue of
Liberty and Ellis Island.  We could not because the tickets were sold
out within 30 min. and the line to Ellis Island was more than 4 hours
long.  We are going again this summer.  My question is, how we can see
the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island without standing in line or
getting up so early in the
morning to get tickets.  Can we get the tickets before we go to NyC? 
We will be going at the end of MAY 2006.

I've found some information on obtaining advance tickets that should
help make your visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island a
pleasant one.

"Advance Ticket Sales: Visitors wanting to visit inside the Statue of
Liberty can choose between the Observatory tour or Promenade tour and
must obtain a ferry ticket and time-pass. Time passes are available in
advance by calling the ferry company at:: 1-866-STATUE-4. A limited
number of time passes are also handed out daily at the ferry ticket
offices on a first-come, first-served basis. These passes are required
to visit the interior of the monument, not the park (Liberty & Ellis
Islands). A handling fee of $1.75 will be charged per advanced ticket
and can be picked up at the ferry ticket 'Will-Call' area. Advanced
time-passes and ferry ticket reservations can also be made on-line at:
www.statuereservations.com

Time-pass holders are advised to arrive at the ferry departure sites
at least two hours in advance.

Private vessels are not permitted to dock at Liberty and Ellis Islands.

Liberty and Ellis Islands are open every day except December 25th. Our
highest visitation occurs during the months of June through September.
Visitation can be high during holiday and weekend periods throughout
the year. Access to facilities at both Liberty Island and Ellis Island
can be limited prior to the final ferry departure. Please allow for
ferry transportation time in your schedule. For further information on
hours of operation, please call (212) 363-3200 or visit the Circle
Line-Statue of Liberty Ferry, Inc on-line for ferry schedules and
advance ticket sales."

The National Park Service: Statue Of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island
http://www.nps.gov/stli/products.htm

"Promenade Tour: A tour through the Statue of Liberty museum, which
houses the original Statue of Liberty torch and will help you
experience the story behind this colossal sculpture.  The tour also
includes a visit to Ft. Wood at the base of the monument with plenty
of time for interpretive programs, photo opportunities and superb
views of the Statue, NY Harbor, and Manhattan skyline.

Observatory Tour: View the unique design and construction of the
Statue of Liberty with an insider's view into the magnificent
structure. Enjoy spectacular 360° views of NY Harbor from the
Observation Deck..

Antenna Audio Tour: Listen to voices of generations past as they
recall their voyages to America , hear the story behind the Statue and
learn what it really was like to pass through immigration on Ellis
Island.  Designed to allow you to go at your own pace and create your
own tour."

Circle Line Ferries: Statue Reservations
http://www.statuereservations.com/index1.html

Online ticket purchases may be made up to 180 days in advance:

Circle Line Ferries: Statue Reservations
http://www.statuereservations.com/online.asp

More info about the ferries and the tours may be found here:

Circle Line Ferries: FAQs for the Statue of Liberty Ferry
https://www.statuereservations.com/faq_all.html

I hope this helps! If anything is unclear or incomplete, or if a link
doesn't work for you, please request clarification; I'll be glad to
offer further assistance before you rate my answer.

Best regards,
pinkfreud

Before boarding the ferry, you will go thru security just like
boarding an airliner.  Leave your little Swiss army knife in your
hotel room.  They must be afraid you will hijack the ferry and ram it
into the Lexington.  Or worse, that they will be accused of doing
nothing when they don't know the something to do.