Brown Like ME

Zoe is going through the stage where she can recognize people that are the same color as she is. Whether we are watching TV or out and about running errands, she has to make sure she points out all the people that are “brown like her”.

Last night we went out to dinner with one of Shelli’s co-workers and apparently it was kids night so they had a girl walking around making balloons for all the kids. When she came to our table, she asked Zoe what kind of balloon she would like? Zoe had no idea what to ask for so the girl suggested a MERMAID. Zoe said, “Sure!” The next question was, “What color should we make your mermaid?” Zoe proudly said, “Brown, Brown like me!”

How often????

To the right of this post, we added a poll. Shelli and I have always been curious how many people read our blog and how often people read our blog so we thought it would be fun to do this poll and see just how many people will 'vote'.

Camping Season

After a hectic month, we decided to pack up and go camping for the weekend. We LOVE camping and have been waiting for the weather to warm up so we could get out in the ‘wilderness’ and enjoy the outdoors and some hiking trails.

We managed to get to the site early enough to set up camp and take a long hike. The weather was perfect and Zoe was a champ. Our hike was about a mile or so over some pretty tough terrain, and she made it the whole way. Of course we stopped along the way to look for bugs, birds, and the occasional toe dip in the stream. By the time we got back to camp, the place was filling up. Zoe took a little nap while Shelli & I caught up on some reading. When Zoe woke up, we made a big fire, had dinner, and roasted marshmallows.

It was a perfect weekend and we look forward to many more like this one.

Bye Mamaw & Pop Pop

Sadly, my parents left this afternoon. Nine days came and went faster than the speed of light. We did so much in the time they were here. Zoe isn’t going to know what to do in the mornings when she can’t crawl into bed with her Mamaw & Pop Pop. It’s always hard to say goodbye and we are counting our lucky stars that their house will sell and they will be here for good, sooner than later! About an hour after my parents left Zoe & I were outside watering the plants and I hear her scream, “Bye Mamaw & Pop Pop, I love you!” I looked up and she was waving at a plane in the sky. She was sure my parents were in that plane!!!

We miss them so much already.

It’s been a CRAZY month here and with that said, we are going to take a little break from blogging for a few days. We’ll be back next week!

Earth Day

We decided to make Zoe an Earth Day T-shirt a few days ago in preparation for Earth Day. Zoe loves to be outdoors and working in the yard is one of her favorite things to do. Amen for my Mom’s artistic ability because I’m not so good with the Puffy paint, ha ha!

Since my parents were here and the weather was perfect, we decided it would be a great time to get our Spring plants in the ground and what better day than Earth Day? Mamaw & Pop Pop took us to Lowes and bought all kinds of beautiful flowers and we all went outside and played in the dirt. We had so much fun and for the icing on the cake, Zoe found a worm!!! She was so excited and wouldn’t put the worm down. We finally convinced her to put him in the tree so he could ‘take a nap’, and diverted her with hanging the new bird feeder in the tree.

It’s been wonderful having my parents here. The time always goes by so fast because we stay so busy. It will be so nice to have them here for good. They met with our realtor over the weekend and today they have gone out to see a few properties. Things seem to be moving along and we are so anxious for them to sell their house and get here. Shelli and I always say if Zoe could have all her family on one street, she would be the happiest child in the world. She loves and misses everyone so much.

Happy Earth Day everyone, remember to do your part. Be the change you seek, one conscientious person a day can make a difference.

P.S. Let me not leave out that we were one of the FIRST people at the polls today!

Outside Fun

We had yet another fantastic afternoon with the Johnson-McCormick family. Zoe, Kyle, & Owen had a few hours to get out some energy. They did it all from playing in the sprinkler, making "cakes" in the sandbox, and riding scooters in the front yard! We always look forward to spending time with the Johnson-McCormick family, it's always so much fun!

Shrimp

After a day of showing Mamaw and Pop Pop the area in hopes they will find the house of their dreams, we came home just in time for Zoe to take a little nap before dinner. Shelli was making shrimp on the BBQ and in the process, made us some shrimp cocktail. When Zoe came downstairs and saw the shrimp, she dove right in. I’ve never seen a child eat something with such gusto. This was the first time she’s ‘tried’ shrimp and she couldn’t get them down fast enough.

Hair

Tonight before we headed to dinner, Zoe wanted to help Mamaw fix her hair. Zoe spent about thirty minutes brushing (well, making knots in) my mother’s hair. Mamaw was a good sport as Zoe gave her a special style, like Miss Sharon does when she fixes Zoe’s hair.

Since my parents have been here, Zoe has gotten away with murder, as usual! It’s been so much fun having everyone together. It’s always an adventure and we love it!

We have a nice weekend planned. Shelli took Friday off so, we have three days to goof off.

Spring Is Here!

Spring is here and we couldn't be happier! It's been picture perfect weather since my parents got here. Everything is in bloom and we are loving every second of being outside and enjoing this SPRING weather.

At last.....

Mamaw & Pop Pop made it safe & sound!

We are all looking forward to some quality time together.

A visit from my Aunt Pam and Uncle Eddie

What a crazy month of April it’s been thus far. We’ve been so busy with folks in town that we’ve barely had time to digest it all. No more than about 3 hours after Christina and Frank were dropped off at the airport, Aunt Pam and Uncle Eddie came in for an afternoon visit. We had such a good time the hours just flew by, and of course left us wanting more!

Pam and Ed came up for the day while visiting their kids/grandkids in MD. True to form, Aunt Pam never disappoints, she came with crafty stuff and neat little gifts for Zoe. Uncle Eddie was stocked with a Fire Chief’s hat, complete with new stickers to help Zoe add to her collection. After making crafts, sticking stickers and going through all the cool stuff, we decided to take a break for a pizza and some catch up conversation.

Zoe fell asleep in Aunt Pam’s arms like a baby (Pam put the magic spell on her!) and enjoyed a nice nap, then Eddie couldn’t keep his eyes open either so we took him upstairs and put him in bed for a power nap too. Us girls chatted and caught up and enjoyed each other’s company for a while, had some dessert, trying to prolong the inevitable, but the time creeped up on us and alas, it was time for them to head back south. After several rounds of kisses, hugs, and goodbye’s we finally sent them on their way, complete with Eddie’s M&M’s and Shoo-Fly Pie that Lori tucked safely away in the back of the van for them to snack on.

Now, we have one day to get the house ready for Mamaw and Pop-Pop who will be here tomorrow and we can't wait to see them!

Amish Country

Our weekend plans changed a little this morning, after a few unplanned surprises. We were supposed to go to D.C. to check out the cherry blossom festival but ended up making a slight detour to show Christina and Frank some Amish culture.

Lancaster is one of my FAVORITE places to visit. We don’t get there as often as I would like because of the drive but today I was able to get my fix. We started with a horse drawn buggy ride through the countryside. Zoe got to sit in the front with Christina and Hans (our Amish tour guide).

When we left there, we stopped at one of my next FAVORITE places, Kettle Kitchen. They have this awesome store there with Amish made relishes, jams, breads and dips. We had so much fun sampling everything. Zoe even decorated a gingerbread cookie that was made fresh at the village. By the time we left there, we were ready to eat so we headed to a few miles down the road for some PA Dutch cooking, where it’s family style dining. Basically, you sit with a huge table full comprised of several different ‘families’ from all over the US, then, the food gates are opened and don’t stop until you tell them you’re finished! Today’s menu was, three meats (today it was ham, beef stew, and fried chicken, four veggies (mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, German-style egg noodles), and fresh baked breads. Then just when you think you can’t eat another bite, it’s time for dessert, regional fave, Shoo-Fly pie, lemon meringue pie, and home-made ice cream. It’s a great experience.

After dinner, we went outside and played with all the animals. Zoe probably spent a good hour petting horses, cows, and goats. Much to our luck, the lady who owns the animals was over feeding them. Of course Mimi had to strike up a conversation and we found out the lady had all of the goats, steers, and horses since they were babies. She called them all by name and they came running over. It was so nice to get up close and personal with Ernie the baby steer, Buddy the older steer, Jessie the mare, Romeo and the other goats.

What a wonderful day!

Hans, Zoe, & Christina

"Ankle" (Uncle) Frank

Yet another week is flying by. This afternoon, Zoe stayed home with “Ankle” Frank while Christina and I went shopping. It was nice to get out and have a little girl time. While we were gone, Zoe & Frank read a few books and watched some cartoons. They had all intentions of taking it easy for a few hours while we were gone. Zoe has had so much fun with Frank & Christina. We don’t get to see them nearly as often as we would like but it’s been nice having them here.

Last night, I let Zoe sleep with me since Shelli is away on business and it wasn't a 'school night'. We stayed up late talking and I asked her what her favorite thing was about Uncle Frank? She said, “He carry me on his shoulders all the time and I like that!” Then I asked her the same question about Aunt Christina and she said, “She loves me so much and I like to HUG her!” Zoe is one of the most loving and affectionate kids and I love that about her.

Shelli has been in Arizona all week for business and will be home Thursday night. We’ve missed her all week but are looking forward to a fun and exciting weekend getaway!

Obama

Today while out and about, Zoe happened to see a newspaper on the stand and I hear her say, “Look Mimi, Obama!” Lori and I looked at each other and just to make sure we heard her correctly, said, “Who is that, Zoe?” Don’t get me wrong Lori and I are always talking politics especially with our primary coming up, but we had no idea where or how she would recognize Obama. Goes to show what a sponge Zoe is, and just how much she takes in on a daily basis!

Happy Birthday Cousin Michele

They made it!

Christina and Frank made it safe and sound. We picked them up from the airport early this afternoon and headed downtown for some lunch.

It's so great to have them both here and Zoe is having a blast!

Coming Home...

Wow… This week flew by! I couldn’t get up and out of bed fast enough this morning to grab the phone to call Shelli to see how far along they were on their drive home. They should be home early this afternoon and I couldn’t be more excited. I sure missed them while they were gone. – I always do!

When I talked to Zoe this morning, she told me she had so much fun with her Nana. I’m sure Nana is going to have to take the weekend to re-coup! I’m glad it worked out and they got some one on one time together. I know Zoe values the time she gets to spend with family because we don't see them as often as we would like to.

Tomorrow my best friend will be here and I’m really looking forward to some quality time with her. Of course, we love Frank (her boyfriend) too. He’s always fun to be around!! We are looking forward to lots of good stuff while they are here.

Stay tuned…

Zoe and Nana

What a fun trip Zoe has had so far. From the second we pulled into the drive way Zoe has been Nana's shadow. Zoe had to make sure that I had all intensions of being out of the house and going to work because she wanted Nana all to herself.

Tuesday Zoe got to see Tom and supervise his replacement of the hot water heater. Zoe made sure he put it in the right spot, it worked and Nana was satisfied with it all. All the while chit-chatting and getting caught up with Tom. Then today Nana tried to take Zoe to have her hair done, but Zoe wasn't feeling up to it, so Nana rescheduled Zoe's hair appointment for later this afternoon and the girls headed up to the market for fresh veggies and goodies for Mamaw.

After a fantastic dinner of fresh veggies and some Nana cornbread, we all headed over to see Miss Sharon so Zoe could have her hair done. Zoe was such a big girl, jumped up in the chair, asked for a magazine and sat there like a pro. Miss Sharon did her thing, trimmed Zoe's ends, and then gave her the cutest hairstyle ever. She parted it, ponytailed it, and curled it up and set us on our way.

Zoe has had such a good time, she loves coming to Nana's to get spoiled, and Nana doesn't disappoint her!