Trick Or Treat

This was Zoe’s first official Trick or Treating Halloween, and man did she go all out. We strolled through Nana’s neighborhood and hit up all the houses for various treats. Zoe was a hit with her Raggedy Ann costume. Everyone had to come out to see her in her get-up, one lady even called her husband outside to see how cute Zoe was.

We’re not quite sure what Zoe had more fun doing, actually Trick or Treating, or giving out candy to the kids that came to the house. Zoe would race to the door every time she heard the doorbell so she could see all the kids dressed up in their costumes. I think she thought they were all coming to visit for a play date.

The night was an overall success, and even Pop-Pop and Nana got in on the fun while Mamaw held down the ‘fort’ giving out candy while we were making our rounds through the neighborhood.

Zoe, Nana, & Pop Pop

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween !!!

SciWorks

This morning, Pop Pop, Zoe, & I headed to SciWorks Museum in W. Salem. Mamaw is still not feeling well and Nana said her throat was feeling a little funny so, they stayed home to rest. We had a fantastic time checking out all the exhibits and animals. I think Zoe’s favorite part was the hike we did through the Environmental Park. We spotted deer, otters, and several ducks along our journey.

It was fun having some one on one time with my dad along with Zoe enjoying some one on one with her Pop Pop.

*See Zoe's 'music video' below (on next blog)

Music Maker

Miss Spiderman

Zoe’s newest phase is Spiderman. I’m not sure where she picked this whole Superman thing up but she thinks Spiderman is “awesome”.

Mamaw and Pop Pop’s visit didn't turn out the way we had planned. Poor Mamaw got sick the second day she was here so, she’s spent most of her vacation thus far in bed. We are hoping she will get better before they leave at the end of the week. We just want her to get well asap!

Today, Nana and Pop Pop went shopping to pick up a few things. When they got back, wouldn’t you know there was a pair of Spiderman pj’s in the bag. Not just any pair of pj’s mind you, but a pair with ‘webbing’ under the arms for easy gliding from web to web. Zoe has been ‘flying’ around all evening, and is pretty sure those pj’s are the coolest pj’s ever. She couldn’t wait to take a bath so she could ‘fly’ over to Nana’s house and show everyone her new ‘spidey powers’.

Zoe is in heaven having her Mamaw, Pop Pop, & Nana all to herself. Life is good!

Rain

The past couple days,it's been raining and although we need the rain it has put a bit of a damper on the sight seeing with Mamaw & Pop Pop. We are hoping for better weather over the weekend for our trip to Tennessee.

We are road-tripping to see my mom's best friend, who we haven't seen in a while. We're all really excited to see her, and this is Zoe's first trip to Tennessee. Mamaw and Pop Pop's visit has been full of reunions and it's been so nice to be able to see everyone and introduce Zoe to her extended family.

Family Reunion

Monday, we picked up Mamaw & Pop Pop at the airport and headed over to King Mountain for a long overdue family reunion. Zoe had never met her cousins so this was extra special for her.

When we arrived at the hotel, we unpacked and awaited the arrival of my Aunt, my cousins, and their kids. Between the 3 of us, there were 7 kids and Zoe was anxious to meet them all. Once they got there, it was all over-- The kids were inseparable! We spent most of the day Monday and today hanging out with everyone and enjoying some quality time outside hiking and getting caught up.

As soon as we got back to Nana’s house, she had to tell her & Mimi all about our adventure and said several times, “I LOVE MY FAMILY!”

As exhausted as we all are, we had a blast. It was great seeing everyone!

Mamaw & Pop Pop

The countdown is finally over. Mamaw & Pop Pop (my parents) will be here tomorrow for 10 days. We’ve got lots planned while they are here and I will do my very best to keep the blog updated.

For the last couple weeks, Zoe wakes up every morning and asks, “Is Mimi at work?” and followed by that famous question is, “Mamaw and Pop Pop here yet?” She’s been counting down the days to see them and I know they have been doing the same!

Dogs

Zoe’s one job daily is to feed the dogs. She gets such an accomplishment out of doing it and often tries to do it before Mimi gets home so, she can show Mimi what a big girl she is. Picking up her toys, putting up her books, & making sure her art supplies are put where they belong are nothing compared to feeding the dogs.

Movie Night

Tonight was the first time Zoe has gone to an actual movie. We noticed this weekend that the cinema on Main Street was playing Ratatouille so, after dinner we got the stroller out, and walked into town. It’s only about a mile and ½ from Nana’s house and the weather was perfect. We of course had to stop a few times along the way to check out everyone’s Halloween decorations.

Zoe did well during the movie. She got a little antsy towards the end but all in all, she did very well. She had a good time watching a movie on the big screen and munching on popcorn. After the movie, we called Nana to come pick us up so we didn’t have to walk home so late. We had a great time!

P.S. Pop Pop, you were mentioned a few times. After all, you were the one who told her all about Ratatouille the last time she was visiting.

Crop Walk

Today was the Crop Walk in Greensboro. We put on our shirts and headed down to do our part to help feed the hungry. Lori is always looking for ways for us to help the less fortunate and we love to help! There was a big turnout and Zoe didn’t know what to think, but she certainly had the better deal seeing as how she got to ride in the stroller while Lori pushed her the whole way. (3.1 miles) The weather was perfect even though the walk was in the afternoon. We’d like to thank Aunt Pam for her donation, every little bit helped. It's a great cause!

Quote of the day

This 'n That

Today, the weather was PERFECT. It stayed in the 60’s all day. It was the first day that it didn’t get hot by noon. Zoe and I were in our sweats all day and enjoyed some time outdoor time playing with her bike and scooter.

Nana’s kitchen is almost done. It’s been about 6 weeks since they’ve started and it looks fantastic. We know she is ready for it to be done so she can enjoy her beautiful NEW kitchen that she has longed for since the day she moved in. She’s been working non-stop from the day they started working, and has had her lovely assistant, Zoe helping her every step of the way. She likes to go over and check out what the ‘peoples’ are doing to Nana’s house for the day and report back to me with full disclosure. If they did something Nana wasn’t okay with, she would come tell me, “Mommy, Nana is mad at the peoples, they mess something up!”. I think Zoe thought she was the job foremen of the crew - - Ha!

We hope this weekend will be just as nice as today. We have our Crop Walk Sunday. We are looking forward to getting out there and showing our support for a great cause.

P.S. Aunt Jenny, we take fire safety very serious, we even went to the library and got a book. They had a whole display set up for the kids. Zoe told a little girl at the library her Aunt Jenny drove a fire truck. You’re just the coolest Aunt afterall, you ARE A FIREFIGHTER!!! :)

Technology

Just when I thought I’d seen it all, Zoe gets a Blackberry! Zoe LOVES to play with our cell phones and always pretends she is calling "her friends" or "Pop Pop". Today while we were running a few errands, Zoe saw this purple 'Blackberry' and just had to have it. She wanted one just like her Mom & Mimi.

Mommy, Zoe, & Mimi's Blackberry collection

Aunt Jenny

For the past several weeks, Zoe has been obsessed with fire trucks. She knows her Aunt Jenny is a firefighter so, every time we see or hear a fire truck, Zoe says, “Look Mommy, Aunt Jenny is on that fire truck”. This morning, we were making breakfast and we heard lots of sirens and Zoe looks up and says, “Mommy, maybe Aunt Jenny is in that fire truck coming to see me at Nana’s house!”

Zoe's 1st trip to the firehouse to see Aunt Jenny -- (early 2006)

Sam

This afternoon, we took a ride over to see Sam & Baby Benjamin. Zoe had been awaiting this visit from the second we got here. This was the first time we got to see Benjamin so, it was an extra special visit for me! Zoe didn’t want to leave Sam. She cried as soon as we got in the car. I told her she would see Sam in a few weeks. (Amanda, get ready for some ‘make-up play dates’). It was a fun afternoon and it was great seeing the Bayless Family!

We were unable to see the Johnson-McCormick family due to our schedules but we are looking forward to making play dates with them too as soon as we get back!!!!

Zoe & Sam

Lori, Amanda, & Baby B

Shelli & Baby B

It's FALL!

Today we visited one of our favorite produce markets in the whole wide world. We come here for every holiday and check out all the seasonal decorations, produce, etc.

It sure put us in the holiday spirit!

Here are a few pictures:

Hotel Bed

What can be better than drinking CHOCOLATE MILK in bed??

We’ve been non-stop for the past couple days. We’ve been up early, taking Mimi to work, running around town and before we know it, it’s time for bed. Today we spent most of the day running around checking out our new neighborhood, finding short cuts, and seeing what local parks are in the area. We even went by one of the daycare centers I have been in contact with.
Zoe loves the whole daycare idea!