Beach Bums

We spent the whole day at the beach Saturday. I can’t remember the last time I spent an ENTIRE day under an umbrella on the beach. It was the most perfect beach day and the beach was packed! The water was cold but that didn’t stop Zoe from wanting to go in. Thankfully, Evan and Julie were brave enough to go in and take Zoe with them. I wasn’t having any part of getting in.

Zoe loves everything about the beach, from playing in the sand, to frolicking in the water, to finding as many shells as she can fit in her bucket. Zoe feels right at home at the beach, and she should she’s been going since she was about 7 months old!
It was a wonderful day with wonderful friends! Zoe and Jaylyn are BFF's!

Afternoon at work with Mommy

I had the best Friday ever! This afternoon Shelli had to go get her driver’s license renewed so, she dropped Zoe off with me at work. All day I was looking at the clock awaiting the arrival of my favorite helper. Zoe doesn’t get to visit often, so I was pretty anxious for her to get there.

Throughout the day, I saved little things for her to do. Faxing, shreading some documents, filing, etc. I put all the things I needed Zoe to do on ‘her desk’ which was right next to mine. As soon as she got there, she was ready to work, and she didn’t waste any time getting busy. She even typed up a few documents and talked on the phone. It was a BIG BIG day for her and I was happy to have her with me for a couple hours, it made my afternoon fly by. At the end of the day, Zoe told me she had meetings she needed to attend AND that she had several people she needed to call back next week.

Some of my fondest memories were going to work with my dad when I was a little girl. AHH, SO MUCH FUN!

(The pictures were taken with my cell phone so, the quality isn't real great but cute nonetheless!)

Waking up

Zoe does not enjoy waking up in the mornings for ‘school’ what-so-ever. I have to go in several times to stir her up and get her moving. She only goes to school three days a week and spends the other two days at home with Mimi however, you would think it was the end of the world by the way she carries on in the mornings. As soon as I open her door, the first thing I hear is “Mommy, I’m not ready to get up – 5 more minuets, Pleaaaassseee!” then, it’s “I don’t want to go to school!”, or the famous, “I don’t feel good – my tummy hurts!”. I’m not sure who she thinks she is talking to but, she doesn’t know her Mommy invented half of those lines.

By the time she is up and moving, I’m more times than not, LATE! We pull ourselves together, get in the car, turn up the radio, and the rest is history!

Zoe and I are two peas in a pod. She is me from head to toe and I get the biggest hoot out of her. I can see so much of me in her, its scary! I think she gets all her sass from Shelli though. HA!!!!

Zoe joins the newest national craze....

Zoe's latest obsession...... SILLY BANDZ!

How many does one girl need???

My Birthday!

I had the most amazing birthday weekend, it started out with perfect weather for a trip with some friends down to the Jersey shore. I don't think words can begin to describe how fantastic it was. I think I gained 10 pounds but, that is just the way it goes. I only turn 23 once (well, maybe twice...) and I was going to milk it as long as I could. We even made a side trip to Atlantic City! The whole trip was a blast! Let's just say it was well needed and I haven't laughed that much in ages. Good time had by all!

Tonight, for dinner, Mimi and Zoe took me out to dinner. Zoe and I enjoyed cocktails – blueberry spritzer (on the rocks) for my little lady and a frozen mudslide for Mommy along with fried green beans, and veggie fajitas. For dessert, cheesecake. Not any cheesecake, oh no... Cheesecake Factory cheesecake. Delish!

I might be 33 years old today but, I feel pretty good about it. I live a very blessed life, I have a daughter who has taught me more about myself that anyone else in this world. I'm healthy, I have spectacular friends who I'd be lost without, a supportive family, and I have Shelli who has never left my side no matter what we were going through. Life isn't always easy but when you have people to help you through, it always makes it that much easier.

This birthday is a birthday that is on my top 3 list! I'm on cloud nine!!!

Too fast....

Sadly, Mamaw and Pop Pop left this morning. The visit seemed to fly by – per usual! It was great having them here and we miss them already. We stayed pretty busy and had lots and lots of laughs. Mostly at my expense but, all in good fun. If it's one thing about this family, we sure know how to laugh and make the best of most any situation.

When I picked Zoe up from school this evening, the first thing she said was, “I miss Mamaw and Pop Pop!”. They took Zoe to school this morning on their way back to the airport and I don't think she was quite ready for them to leave, but then again, I don't think she ever is!

Last night, keeping in the birthday spirit, we celebrated my birthday (a few days early). Not only was I surprised with an ice cream cake, they even got my age right! HA!!!

It was a crazy 7 days but, it was fantastic having my parents here and seeing Zoe on cloud nine. She sure loves her family and I think they are pretty special too, thanks Mom and Dad for EVERYTHING! We love you!

Breakfast

This morning after Pop Pop opened a few birthday gifts, we went out to breakfast to celebrate his REAL birthday. I think Pop Pop had a pretty special birthday this year with a few of his favorite girls!

Pj Party

Zoe was invited to a Pajama party but, not just any pajama party a 'charity' pajama party. All the kids were asked to bring new pj's and books for kids in need, http://www.sproutonline.com/sprout/greattuckin/

Zoe has been looking forward to the party for weeks, and couldn't wait to get there. Being the party was at Cadence's house it was going to be even MORE fun! The girls all brought their sleeping bags, watched Princess and the frog, made cookies, read books, and had lots and lots of fun. It was a fun afternoon for the kids and a great way to give back.

Happy Birthday Pop Pop

After the pajama party, we invited Jaylyn back to our house to help Zoe make Pop Pop a birthday cake. We ordered pizza and celebrated my dad's birthday with a delicious chocolate cake. I don't think I've ever eaten a cake with more sprinkles on it in my life but, the girls did a great job!

It's been non-stop around here but that is just the way it is. It's a way of life for us and we just make the best of the time we do have together.

Happy Birthday Dad, I love you!

Mamaw & Pop Pop are here!!!

My parents arrived this afternoon and were at the house when I got home from work this afternoon. As soon as I pulled in the driveway, they were ready to go with me to pick Zoe up from school. Zoe knew they were coming she just wasn't sure what day so when we walked in her school, the look on her face was priceless! From school we went to Cheeburger Cheeburger for dinner, Starbucks for dessert, and home to watch a family movie. Pretty perfect first night. Zoe is going to have a busy week with her grandparents and she couldn't be happier. I on the other hand have to work but, will catch up with them 'after hours'.

Uncle Pete

We had a super special visitor tonight. Uncle Pete was in town and came by for a visit. It was so good to see him. I couldn’t get my arms around him fast enough! I’m so glad we were able to catch up and enjoy a little quality time before he had to hit the road back to Florida . This time he brought one of his girl friends who happened to have a 2-year-old daughter. Zoe was full throttle showing off all her baby dolls and making sure Bella was taken care of. She is always so good with the little ones.

It was a great time and I always value the time I have with my buddies from back home.

From one special visitor to another – tomorrow, MAMAW and POP POP are going to be here.

We sure are feeling the love from Miami the past few days!!!

Skateboard

As if learning to ride a bike wasn't exciting enough, Zoe has been asking for a skateboard too. Against the wishes of the people I love most, I broke down and bought Zoe a skateboard.

She LOVES it!