Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
We woke up at 6 am this morning so we could be on the road by 7 am. We did pretty well and drove away from the Marriott Beach and Vacation Resort at 7:07 am. It was a very long day, but I had my Nana, TV and lots of snacks for the trip. This was the best vacation of my life!
Hilton Head - Saturday, October 24, 2009
Our last day was a great one! It was a bit cloudy, but warm again. Momma and Daddy went for a work-out while the rest of us had pancakes and eggs back at the villa. After they were ready, we drove to Harbor Town (back by the Marriott Vacation and Beach Resort called Grand Ocean, where we stayed the first year). We walked through the shops, looked at the big boats (really big boats). I was pretty mad that we could not get on the boats, but luckily there was a playground that was right around the corner. The people who designed a shopping area and a playground in one place were pretty smart! I love to swing, and swing I did! I am getting to be such a big girl too, though, as I climbed up the jungle gym all by myself to go down the slide. Daddy was quite impressed. We headed to south beach after that so Momma could buy me another Salty Dog t-shirt, like the one I have now, but bigger. She bought one just like it for herself so we could be twinkies!
Of course, it was lunch and nap time by this point. After my long (3-hour) nap, Daddy brought me down to the zero entry pool where Momma, Nana, Grandma and Papa Larry were sitting in the sun. Since it was Saturday and most of our other friends were already on their ways home, we talked to another family. They live in Akron, Ohio, near our friends Kim, Jay and Jenna. Their son, Jason, is two-years old too, so we played together. (Their younger son, Henry, is just 7 months old so he did not play with us). Daddy talked to Jason’s Daddy for quite some time. Again, Daddy can be such a social butterfly!
Nana and I went for a walk on the beach and had a fun time running back and forth into the water. We had such a fun time getting sand on our feet, running to the water to clean them off, then saying “thank you water for cleaning off my feet!”
We made steaks for dinner, and ate everything else we could think of in the fridge. We try not to waste any food on these trips, so our last meal is a mish mash. After dinner we started packing everything up for our trip home. Luckily for me, I was not sure what we were doing, because driving in a car for a long time does not seem like vacation for me. I am also very concerned with having the group separated, so having Grandma and Papa in a separate car does not work for me either. Throughout the week, I would let everyone know the issue if we split off into different groups. I want a full entourage, not a partial one!
As she did several times that week, Momma came in and lied down with me in my big, fancy bed. She read me my two books (“The Very Hungry Catepillar” and “Time for Bed”) and whispered secrets to me. This night, she started listing all of the things she loves about me. There were so many things, but when she stopped for a minute, I said “more” and she told me even more things she loves about me. All I can say is that she had a pretty long list so I must be a pretty special girl.
Of course, it was lunch and nap time by this point. After my long (3-hour) nap, Daddy brought me down to the zero entry pool where Momma, Nana, Grandma and Papa Larry were sitting in the sun. Since it was Saturday and most of our other friends were already on their ways home, we talked to another family. They live in Akron, Ohio, near our friends Kim, Jay and Jenna. Their son, Jason, is two-years old too, so we played together. (Their younger son, Henry, is just 7 months old so he did not play with us). Daddy talked to Jason’s Daddy for quite some time. Again, Daddy can be such a social butterfly!
Nana and I went for a walk on the beach and had a fun time running back and forth into the water. We had such a fun time getting sand on our feet, running to the water to clean them off, then saying “thank you water for cleaning off my feet!”
We made steaks for dinner, and ate everything else we could think of in the fridge. We try not to waste any food on these trips, so our last meal is a mish mash. After dinner we started packing everything up for our trip home. Luckily for me, I was not sure what we were doing, because driving in a car for a long time does not seem like vacation for me. I am also very concerned with having the group separated, so having Grandma and Papa in a separate car does not work for me either. Throughout the week, I would let everyone know the issue if we split off into different groups. I want a full entourage, not a partial one!
As she did several times that week, Momma came in and lied down with me in my big, fancy bed. She read me my two books (“The Very Hungry Catepillar” and “Time for Bed”) and whispered secrets to me. This night, she started listing all of the things she loves about me. There were so many things, but when she stopped for a minute, I said “more” and she told me even more things she loves about me. All I can say is that she had a pretty long list so I must be a pretty special girl.
Hilton Head - Friday, October 23, 2009
At the aqua fitness class, Rachael mixed it up and in the middle of the class, had a race. Did you know that Momma is competitive? Rachael mentioned the word “prize” too, so Momma was immediately in “go mode.” Momma was worried in the first part, because she is not the fastest walker in the water and Anne (the person they talked to on Monday night) was in the lead. But, the second leg was holding the water weights in front and kicking, which Momma pulled ahead doing. She was not sure how far ahead she was, so she kicked and kicked and kicked and even got her hair wet (you usually don’t have to get your head under water in this aqua fitness class). Her first place prize was a canvas Hilton Head bag, and because Rachael likes me so much, Momma even got a first place medal and ribbon and a pink bunny for me.
Momma stayed longer in the pool and hot tub talking to Anne for awhile, so Nana, Grandma and I went for a walk around the common area between all of the buildings. We were just about to go outside again after Momma got her clothes changed and it started pouring down rain. When it stopped, we headed to the beach pool area for another picnic lunch. Luckily, they have really, really big umbrellas, because it started raining again. We did not get wet at all! It was a big chilly due to the wind and the rain but we sat there long enough for the sun to come back out. I rode my bike again and talked to all sorts of people (actually, they talked to me, but I am a polite social girl so I talked back).
After my nap, Daddy and Papa Larry were home from golfing and we headed to the front porch for the Root Beer Float activity. I at first was not interested in this activity and said “no root beer float!” but after we arrived and Leslie gave us a big scoop of ice cream, I thought it might be okay. I mainly spilled it all over my shirt.
After that, we went to the “zero entry” pool. By this point in the week, I was not interested in swimming and would say “no swimming!” They would take my suit anyway because every time we would get to the pool area (which was about 5 minutes), I would then want to swim. It’s good they come prepared for a two-year old. This pool was by the beach and was not headed. And I will tell you, it was pretty chilly. Luckily, it was in the mid 70’s by the end of the week, so it was warm if you just walked around in it. There were fountains with water shooting out and a big umbrella over part of the area too.
Anne’s daughter, Sarah, was at the pool and she convinced me that it would be fun to swim that day. I loved Sarah! She was nice and smart and sweet to me. Even after she went and sat with her friend Katie (who was great too), I kept going into the water, then back to them to dry off, then down the stairs, to the water, up the stairs, back to them. Anne talked to Grandma and Papa Larry about time shares and how to work the system. Grandma is on a quest to better work the system. If anyone can figure it out, Grandma can!
I met some little boys who were nice and shared their toys with me. I cared less about the boys and more about the toys, but I am two years old, so you can’t blame me. There was another section with a little tiny pool and a turtle with little fountains. We did go over to that pool too, and I got to sit on the turtle and jump around in the little fountains. The little girl, Joanna, was over there with her grandmother one time too. It was even more fun to have a friend to play with in the water. Daddy made some friends in the pool too. He had such a good time talking that Momma had to come get him when she was grilling. That Daddy, he can be such a social guy!
We made kabobs on the grill that night, with shrimp, pineapple, onion and yellow peppers. This time Grandma came down to make sure that Momma and Daddy did not get distracted and take too long.
Momma stayed longer in the pool and hot tub talking to Anne for awhile, so Nana, Grandma and I went for a walk around the common area between all of the buildings. We were just about to go outside again after Momma got her clothes changed and it started pouring down rain. When it stopped, we headed to the beach pool area for another picnic lunch. Luckily, they have really, really big umbrellas, because it started raining again. We did not get wet at all! It was a big chilly due to the wind and the rain but we sat there long enough for the sun to come back out. I rode my bike again and talked to all sorts of people (actually, they talked to me, but I am a polite social girl so I talked back).
After my nap, Daddy and Papa Larry were home from golfing and we headed to the front porch for the Root Beer Float activity. I at first was not interested in this activity and said “no root beer float!” but after we arrived and Leslie gave us a big scoop of ice cream, I thought it might be okay. I mainly spilled it all over my shirt.
After that, we went to the “zero entry” pool. By this point in the week, I was not interested in swimming and would say “no swimming!” They would take my suit anyway because every time we would get to the pool area (which was about 5 minutes), I would then want to swim. It’s good they come prepared for a two-year old. This pool was by the beach and was not headed. And I will tell you, it was pretty chilly. Luckily, it was in the mid 70’s by the end of the week, so it was warm if you just walked around in it. There were fountains with water shooting out and a big umbrella over part of the area too.
Anne’s daughter, Sarah, was at the pool and she convinced me that it would be fun to swim that day. I loved Sarah! She was nice and smart and sweet to me. Even after she went and sat with her friend Katie (who was great too), I kept going into the water, then back to them to dry off, then down the stairs, to the water, up the stairs, back to them. Anne talked to Grandma and Papa Larry about time shares and how to work the system. Grandma is on a quest to better work the system. If anyone can figure it out, Grandma can!
I met some little boys who were nice and shared their toys with me. I cared less about the boys and more about the toys, but I am two years old, so you can’t blame me. There was another section with a little tiny pool and a turtle with little fountains. We did go over to that pool too, and I got to sit on the turtle and jump around in the little fountains. The little girl, Joanna, was over there with her grandmother one time too. It was even more fun to have a friend to play with in the water. Daddy made some friends in the pool too. He had such a good time talking that Momma had to come get him when she was grilling. That Daddy, he can be such a social guy!
We made kabobs on the grill that night, with shrimp, pineapple, onion and yellow peppers. This time Grandma came down to make sure that Momma and Daddy did not get distracted and take too long.
Hilton Head - Thursday, October 22, 2009
We slept until 8 am on Thursday, which was pretty late. Oh right, I did not fall asleep until close to 10 pm the night before, so I was a tired girl. The weather was getting much warmer, so when we went to swim, we did not shiver as much.
We stayed in the pool area on Thursday. It was such a fun, lazy day that Momma cannot remember anything big that we did.
That night, Momma and Daddy grilled out barbeque pork chops and we baked some potatoes too. Oh, right, we also had some peas. I love peas. I am a good eater, especially when I have not just had a snack. I don’t know why it’s so surprising to the adults in my life that I am not as big of an eater at meals when I have had a snack in the last hour. Hmm. Some mysteries could easily be solved with simple logic.
We did not have ice cream, but we did have brownies for dessert, then we went to the outlet malls for a little shopping. I was a very good outlet mall shopper and Nana even let me ride in the toy fire engine that moved up and down like a real fire engine (except of course it is much, much smaller than a real fire engine). I was pretty tired when we got home.
We stayed in the pool area on Thursday. It was such a fun, lazy day that Momma cannot remember anything big that we did.
That night, Momma and Daddy grilled out barbeque pork chops and we baked some potatoes too. Oh, right, we also had some peas. I love peas. I am a good eater, especially when I have not just had a snack. I don’t know why it’s so surprising to the adults in my life that I am not as big of an eater at meals when I have had a snack in the last hour. Hmm. Some mysteries could easily be solved with simple logic.
We did not have ice cream, but we did have brownies for dessert, then we went to the outlet malls for a little shopping. I was a very good outlet mall shopper and Nana even let me ride in the toy fire engine that moved up and down like a real fire engine (except of course it is much, much smaller than a real fire engine). I was pretty tired when we got home.
Hilton Head - Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Momma went to her aqua fitness class again on Wednesday. Nana went with her this time. After the class, I got to go swimming with Nana. I loved to jump and jump into her arms too! Daddy and Grandpa went golfing on Wednesday morning, so they were not there for the fun times.
There were not many activities on Wednesday, so instead we made our own activities. Instead of eating in our villa, we made a picnic lunch and ate outside by the beach. We brought my tricycle and I rode it all around. As you can imagine, I am a big hit with the many grandparents who come to stay at places like the Marriott’s Barony Beach and Vacation Club. They all talk to me and ask me what I am doing and tell me how pretty and sweet I am. Of course I already know this, but it’s nice to hear.
Guess what we did after my nap? We went to the beach. This time I was better at walking on the sand (it works better for me if I am carried across the dry sand that is harder to walk in and really gets into my toes). I don’t mind walking on the hard sand close to the water because it is hard like the concrete by the pool. Momma, Daddy and I made some sand sculptures too. Actually, I mainly supervised. Daddy and I walked to the ocean several times to get more water. Daddy used it for his castle, and I used it to pour out wherever I felt was right. This is a cool thing about being on a beach. You can also run and run and never run out of room. Momma made a turtle, an alligator and a flamingo creation out of the sand.
After our jaunt on the beach (which was a bit short because it was windy and a bit cold), we headed in to the pool area. We met more fun people, including some who live in Centerville, where Nana lives!
That night we did not grill, but instead made our pot pie. It was warm and a good night for grilling, but we brought all of the stuff and we were not taking it home. We love our pot pie anyway. Nana made a new treat too, her artichoke dip. We will need to add it to our list of necessities.
After dinner, we had ice cream sundaes with the brownies we made. Note to the adults. Too much sugar keeps a child awake.
There were not many activities on Wednesday, so instead we made our own activities. Instead of eating in our villa, we made a picnic lunch and ate outside by the beach. We brought my tricycle and I rode it all around. As you can imagine, I am a big hit with the many grandparents who come to stay at places like the Marriott’s Barony Beach and Vacation Club. They all talk to me and ask me what I am doing and tell me how pretty and sweet I am. Of course I already know this, but it’s nice to hear.
Guess what we did after my nap? We went to the beach. This time I was better at walking on the sand (it works better for me if I am carried across the dry sand that is harder to walk in and really gets into my toes). I don’t mind walking on the hard sand close to the water because it is hard like the concrete by the pool. Momma, Daddy and I made some sand sculptures too. Actually, I mainly supervised. Daddy and I walked to the ocean several times to get more water. Daddy used it for his castle, and I used it to pour out wherever I felt was right. This is a cool thing about being on a beach. You can also run and run and never run out of room. Momma made a turtle, an alligator and a flamingo creation out of the sand.
After our jaunt on the beach (which was a bit short because it was windy and a bit cold), we headed in to the pool area. We met more fun people, including some who live in Centerville, where Nana lives!
That night we did not grill, but instead made our pot pie. It was warm and a good night for grilling, but we brought all of the stuff and we were not taking it home. We love our pot pie anyway. Nana made a new treat too, her artichoke dip. We will need to add it to our list of necessities.
After dinner, we had ice cream sundaes with the brownies we made. Note to the adults. Too much sugar keeps a child awake.
Hilton Head - Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Momma and Daddy went to the exercise room on Tuesday morning. It was a treat for them to have treadmills and weight machines to use, so they took advantage of it! The fitness center was right by our villa and right next to the indoor and outdoor heated pool. They also had three adoring grandparents to mind my every want and need. At 9 am there was a welcome breakfast at the heated (outdoor) pool by our villa. Isn’t it great that so many activities are by our villa? Anyway, when everyone got up, they decided that they did not want to go to the welcome breakfast because they were hungry. Oh, did I tell you that I am the alarm clock in the villa? I was ready to be up and playing by 7:15 or 7:30 and my job was to make sure that everyone else was ready to go too!
Anyway, Momma finished her workout close to 9, and knew that Papa Larry would want a danish (he has a real appreciation for danishes). She grabbed a plate and picked up a raffle ticket too. Last year, Momma and Nana went to the welcome breakfast (which had to be moved inside because it was so cold and rainy) and won a couple of things. This year, Momma wondered if their luck would be the same. She headed up to the villa and told the rest of the crew that the breakfast was starting but the raffle was not yet underway. Grandma and Papa Larry hustled down there to get another danish and some raffle tickets too. When they arrived, the raffle started, and guess what? Momma won a sun visor and Papa Larry won a mug. What fun times! Momma came down to pick up some more goodies along with Nana. You need to get your value out of these places!
After the welcome breakfast, I got to go swimming. This time, Daddy took me in the pool. It was still chilly so we stayed inside. I spied the hot tub (although I just called it “that”) and really, really wanted to go in. Daddy had gone in there the night before and it looked really fun. He let me put my feet in when he sat in it. Boy was it fun, and much warmer than that pool, even though it was heated! While Daddy and I were swimming, Momma and Nana were at another activity, writing postcards. They were the only ones at the activity so were able to make more than just one postcard and talked to the very nice activity coordinator, Rachael. It’s amazing how much information you can get from someone in a very short period of time! At least if you are one of our group. You already know that Momma and Nana are talkers, but Daddy, Grandma and Papa Larry also can strike up conversations with people, especially ones who see one of Daddy’s shirts. He had many people talk to him about Toledo (because he had his Toledo shirt) and Cincinnati (because he had this Bengals shirt). There are many people from Ohio that visit Hilton Head. Rachael lived in NY, though, and Daddy was not at the postcard activity because he was in the pool with me.
I love to play in the villa. We brought my baby, her stroller and blanket, my colors, some books, some balls and even my puzzle. I don’t think I told you yet how good I am at putting together my puzzle. It is a little Mermaid picture and I might not be the one who decides where the puzzle piece goes, I am good at putting it in place once I know. I don’t even need to know the exact place; I am getting better every time at turning it in different directions so it will fit just right.
You know the next drill. We got dried off, had some lunch, then I took my nap. Momma was on a tear on Tuesday, trying to get to as many activities as possible. At 1:30 (while I was napping), Nana, Grandma and Mommy went to Facebook 101. Momma knew she was in trouble when a) she brought down the average age by 30 years and b) the first question was “what is Facebook?” The woman next to her said she did not like the invasion of privacy, would never use Facebook, but wanted to learn about it anyway. She was mildly disruptive. Momma hung in there because she thought that there would be a nugget she did not know yet. There was just one.
The weather got progressively warmer throughout the week, and until Friday, there was literally not a cloud in the sky. It was such a beautiful bright and deep blue color; it almost looked like a picture. You just can’t recreate a sky like that, so I won’t even try. The pictures won’t even be able to do it, and pictures can recreate lots of memories.
I got to go swimming in the outdoor heated pool after my nap. There was a little boy named Adam who was jumping and jumping in the pool. By watching him, I got the nerve to do it myself! So I started jumping in the pool too. Daddy was not there, but Nana saw me do it. After I was done (I only swim for 15-20 minutes), Momma and I went to the “Dr. Seuss” Reading time at the pavilion. I was the only one there, so Miss Rachael read “The Cat in the Hat” as a private reading. One other little girl came, but I had my one book and was ready to go. I did get some lemonade too, and that was good.
Daddy and Mommy made burgers and brats on the grill. Daddy would not let Momma go back to Publix (due to the incident, he was not very happy with the customer service of that store), so they went to the Piggly Wiggly. I think that is a funny name for a store, but I did not go there either, so cannot comment on the experience. Besides Momma and Daddy taking forever to grill the food because they met some nice people at the grilling area, it was an uneventful night. The person they met that night was actually someone who was in the aqua fitness class that morning, named Anne. She was there with her daughter (Sarah, who I met later in the week) and Sarah’s friend Katie. After dinner, with much playing and running around, I, again, was a bit excited about vacation took a long time to fall asleep.
After dinner, we went to another activity, making smores with Rachael and the Activities Intern, Leslie. This event was on the garden side, which is across the street from our area. At first, we were the only ones at the activity. But as we were finishing, more kids were coming over, which we thought was good for Rachael and Leslie because they worked so hard to make nice activities. I did not quite understand the concept of a smore and just ate the pieces separately. I did not want the marshmallow roasted either because I am not a fan of hot things. Even with dinner, I would prefer things cold.
Anyway, Momma finished her workout close to 9, and knew that Papa Larry would want a danish (he has a real appreciation for danishes). She grabbed a plate and picked up a raffle ticket too. Last year, Momma and Nana went to the welcome breakfast (which had to be moved inside because it was so cold and rainy) and won a couple of things. This year, Momma wondered if their luck would be the same. She headed up to the villa and told the rest of the crew that the breakfast was starting but the raffle was not yet underway. Grandma and Papa Larry hustled down there to get another danish and some raffle tickets too. When they arrived, the raffle started, and guess what? Momma won a sun visor and Papa Larry won a mug. What fun times! Momma came down to pick up some more goodies along with Nana. You need to get your value out of these places!
After the welcome breakfast, I got to go swimming. This time, Daddy took me in the pool. It was still chilly so we stayed inside. I spied the hot tub (although I just called it “that”) and really, really wanted to go in. Daddy had gone in there the night before and it looked really fun. He let me put my feet in when he sat in it. Boy was it fun, and much warmer than that pool, even though it was heated! While Daddy and I were swimming, Momma and Nana were at another activity, writing postcards. They were the only ones at the activity so were able to make more than just one postcard and talked to the very nice activity coordinator, Rachael. It’s amazing how much information you can get from someone in a very short period of time! At least if you are one of our group. You already know that Momma and Nana are talkers, but Daddy, Grandma and Papa Larry also can strike up conversations with people, especially ones who see one of Daddy’s shirts. He had many people talk to him about Toledo (because he had his Toledo shirt) and Cincinnati (because he had this Bengals shirt). There are many people from Ohio that visit Hilton Head. Rachael lived in NY, though, and Daddy was not at the postcard activity because he was in the pool with me.
I love to play in the villa. We brought my baby, her stroller and blanket, my colors, some books, some balls and even my puzzle. I don’t think I told you yet how good I am at putting together my puzzle. It is a little Mermaid picture and I might not be the one who decides where the puzzle piece goes, I am good at putting it in place once I know. I don’t even need to know the exact place; I am getting better every time at turning it in different directions so it will fit just right.
You know the next drill. We got dried off, had some lunch, then I took my nap. Momma was on a tear on Tuesday, trying to get to as many activities as possible. At 1:30 (while I was napping), Nana, Grandma and Mommy went to Facebook 101. Momma knew she was in trouble when a) she brought down the average age by 30 years and b) the first question was “what is Facebook?” The woman next to her said she did not like the invasion of privacy, would never use Facebook, but wanted to learn about it anyway. She was mildly disruptive. Momma hung in there because she thought that there would be a nugget she did not know yet. There was just one.
The weather got progressively warmer throughout the week, and until Friday, there was literally not a cloud in the sky. It was such a beautiful bright and deep blue color; it almost looked like a picture. You just can’t recreate a sky like that, so I won’t even try. The pictures won’t even be able to do it, and pictures can recreate lots of memories.
I got to go swimming in the outdoor heated pool after my nap. There was a little boy named Adam who was jumping and jumping in the pool. By watching him, I got the nerve to do it myself! So I started jumping in the pool too. Daddy was not there, but Nana saw me do it. After I was done (I only swim for 15-20 minutes), Momma and I went to the “Dr. Seuss” Reading time at the pavilion. I was the only one there, so Miss Rachael read “The Cat in the Hat” as a private reading. One other little girl came, but I had my one book and was ready to go. I did get some lemonade too, and that was good.
Daddy and Mommy made burgers and brats on the grill. Daddy would not let Momma go back to Publix (due to the incident, he was not very happy with the customer service of that store), so they went to the Piggly Wiggly. I think that is a funny name for a store, but I did not go there either, so cannot comment on the experience. Besides Momma and Daddy taking forever to grill the food because they met some nice people at the grilling area, it was an uneventful night. The person they met that night was actually someone who was in the aqua fitness class that morning, named Anne. She was there with her daughter (Sarah, who I met later in the week) and Sarah’s friend Katie. After dinner, with much playing and running around, I, again, was a bit excited about vacation took a long time to fall asleep.
After dinner, we went to another activity, making smores with Rachael and the Activities Intern, Leslie. This event was on the garden side, which is across the street from our area. At first, we were the only ones at the activity. But as we were finishing, more kids were coming over, which we thought was good for Rachael and Leslie because they worked so hard to make nice activities. I did not quite understand the concept of a smore and just ate the pieces separately. I did not want the marshmallow roasted either because I am not a fan of hot things. Even with dinner, I would prefer things cold.
Hilton Head - Monday, October 19, 2009
Besides being so excited about being on vacation and not being able to fall asleep, I slept just fine through the night. I love my fancy bed with pillows all around me. Nana even gave me her blanket so I could cuddle with it (along with Ellie, Boo, Cow and my two books, of course). This year, Momma and Daddy slept in the room with me and Nana slept in the living room on the hideaway bed. Nana gave up her bed so I could have my special bed. She is special like that.
When you come to a nice “Marriott Vacation and Beach Club” like the Barony, you not only stay in a “villa” that has two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining area, TV area with a pull-out couch and patio, but you also have several swimming pools (3 at this one), even more hot tubs and really nice people who run activities every day. If you know Mommy, you know that she is all about the activities, and winning stuff. So keep this in mind as I tell you about this vacation adventure.
Mommy started Monday with a class called “aqua fitness” at the indoor pool (our first activity). It was chilly that morning, so it was good that the “aqua fitness” class was inside in the heated pool. Mommy remembered many chilly mornings the few summers that she was on the 4 Seasons Swim Club swim team, and she was not looking forward to being cold. Anyway, it was a fun class where she did stretches, aerobic exercise (walking, skipping, jumping and running in the water) and even weights in the water. There were about 10 people in the class and Daddy said that Mommy brought the average age down by 30 years. Mommy stood in the front of the class so did not really notice this sort of thing, and of course she was just focusing on getting a good workout so did not notice the other people in the pool either.
I got to come over (as she was finishing and I got to yell “Hi Mommy” from across the pool) for my second swim of the trip. My entourage came with me because they love everything that I do. This time, Mommy swam with me (because she was already wet). I did not want to explore very much, but instead preferred to hold onto Momma’s (yes, I have started calling her Momma during this trip) neck. As much as she wanted me to explore the water and kick and swim on my own, she enjoyed the fleeting moment of me holding on instead of pushing away.
At the pool, I met a little girl named Joanna who is a few months younger than me. Her Daddy (Randy) flies airplanes for the Airforce and just came home from Afghanistan. Her Mommy (Erin) is pregnant with twins who will be born in January. They are living in New Jersey right now but will be moving in another year or so. Joanna had a swimming vest on and swam and swam and swam, all by herself. Her daddy said that she got to visit her grandparents who live in Phoenix for several weeks and learned to swim. I was not ready to go off on my own yet. Momma and Daddy are going to get me some swimming lessons this winter so I will be able to use a swim vest and swim on my own next year (not really on my own, but not having to hold on so tight).
After my swim, since it was still pretty chilly, we went back to the villa (in the bayberry building, number 9315) to get warm clothes on so we could go walk on the beach. It was going to be a fun walk (or so they all thought) with me running with delight across the vast beach. But, once we arrived at the beach, I immediately decided that I had no interest in putting my precious toes into the sand and did not appreciate getting sand in my shoes either. So, I was carried most of the time.
Daddy and Papa Larry (yes, I have come up with a new name for him, and everyone thinks it’s pretty cute, so I am going with it) went golfing. Momma, Nana, Grandma and I had sandwiches for lunch then I went to sleep in my fancy bed for my nap.
After my nap, Grandma, Momma, Nana and I went shopping. Actually, first we went to “Margarita Monday Madness” at the pavilion near our villa (activity number 2 for us). They each had a margarita and some chips. I got to have some chips too, but no margaritas. I may seem very grown up, but I am only two years old, you know! After that, we went to Wal-Mart to get some postcards and a few things, then to Publix to get food for dinner. It was an uneventful outing, except for the “mayonnaise incident,” but I was waiting in the car, so you will have to ask Momma how she got a free container of mayonnaise.
After Daddy and Papa Larry came home from golfing, we went to the beach for awhile, then went back to the villa to have our Mexican dinner. We brought everything but the chicken (which we bought when we were out that day).
When you come to a nice “Marriott Vacation and Beach Club” like the Barony, you not only stay in a “villa” that has two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining area, TV area with a pull-out couch and patio, but you also have several swimming pools (3 at this one), even more hot tubs and really nice people who run activities every day. If you know Mommy, you know that she is all about the activities, and winning stuff. So keep this in mind as I tell you about this vacation adventure.
Mommy started Monday with a class called “aqua fitness” at the indoor pool (our first activity). It was chilly that morning, so it was good that the “aqua fitness” class was inside in the heated pool. Mommy remembered many chilly mornings the few summers that she was on the 4 Seasons Swim Club swim team, and she was not looking forward to being cold. Anyway, it was a fun class where she did stretches, aerobic exercise (walking, skipping, jumping and running in the water) and even weights in the water. There were about 10 people in the class and Daddy said that Mommy brought the average age down by 30 years. Mommy stood in the front of the class so did not really notice this sort of thing, and of course she was just focusing on getting a good workout so did not notice the other people in the pool either.
I got to come over (as she was finishing and I got to yell “Hi Mommy” from across the pool) for my second swim of the trip. My entourage came with me because they love everything that I do. This time, Mommy swam with me (because she was already wet). I did not want to explore very much, but instead preferred to hold onto Momma’s (yes, I have started calling her Momma during this trip) neck. As much as she wanted me to explore the water and kick and swim on my own, she enjoyed the fleeting moment of me holding on instead of pushing away.
At the pool, I met a little girl named Joanna who is a few months younger than me. Her Daddy (Randy) flies airplanes for the Airforce and just came home from Afghanistan. Her Mommy (Erin) is pregnant with twins who will be born in January. They are living in New Jersey right now but will be moving in another year or so. Joanna had a swimming vest on and swam and swam and swam, all by herself. Her daddy said that she got to visit her grandparents who live in Phoenix for several weeks and learned to swim. I was not ready to go off on my own yet. Momma and Daddy are going to get me some swimming lessons this winter so I will be able to use a swim vest and swim on my own next year (not really on my own, but not having to hold on so tight).
After my swim, since it was still pretty chilly, we went back to the villa (in the bayberry building, number 9315) to get warm clothes on so we could go walk on the beach. It was going to be a fun walk (or so they all thought) with me running with delight across the vast beach. But, once we arrived at the beach, I immediately decided that I had no interest in putting my precious toes into the sand and did not appreciate getting sand in my shoes either. So, I was carried most of the time.
Daddy and Papa Larry (yes, I have come up with a new name for him, and everyone thinks it’s pretty cute, so I am going with it) went golfing. Momma, Nana, Grandma and I had sandwiches for lunch then I went to sleep in my fancy bed for my nap.
After my nap, Grandma, Momma, Nana and I went shopping. Actually, first we went to “Margarita Monday Madness” at the pavilion near our villa (activity number 2 for us). They each had a margarita and some chips. I got to have some chips too, but no margaritas. I may seem very grown up, but I am only two years old, you know! After that, we went to Wal-Mart to get some postcards and a few things, then to Publix to get food for dinner. It was an uneventful outing, except for the “mayonnaise incident,” but I was waiting in the car, so you will have to ask Momma how she got a free container of mayonnaise.
After Daddy and Papa Larry came home from golfing, we went to the beach for awhile, then went back to the villa to have our Mexican dinner. We brought everything but the chicken (which we bought when we were out that day).
Sunday, October 18, 2009
October 18, 2009
We got up and went over to Lisa, Joey, Tate and George’s house to play and have breakfast. I mainly played because who can focus when there are two weiner dogs to chase and love? After this, which did feel more like vacation, we got back into the car. You know what we did? You got it, we drove and drove. I did not say “drove” three times this time because we only drive for five hours, not eight.
There was one incident on the highway that made us praise God. It was a situation that could have turned out horribly, but did not, even though it was not the best end-result. After lunch (at the same Wendy’s we realized, that we ate at last year), we headed back onto the highway. There was a Penske truck pulling a trailer with a car that was driving quite eradically, at 70+ miles per hour. This was not your “run of the mill” eradic driving. He merged into us and if it weren’t for Daddy’s quick thinking, we would have been run off the road or hit. This truck was in front of us for several miles, swerving from lane to lane, cutting off other cars. There were three 18 wheelers hauling full loads in the left lane that were causing a mini-traffic jam, so there was not much cars could do to get out of this truck’s way. Daddy slowed down to let this Penske truck get well ahead of us. Within a few minutes, the truck swerved off the left side of the highway into the median (which, luckily, was very wide and had a mini-forest between our direction and the other side of the highway). We did not see what caused him to swerve, but he did not hit any other cars and all of the other cars stayed in control. The driver had enough control of the truck to keep it upright and did not slam directly into the woods. The windshield was crushed but he seemed to be moving fine as we passed by. Several cars stopped to help him. Within a few miles, there was a truck stopped on the same side of the highway with a person standing behind it. What are the chances that the truck swerved off when it did, that Daddy and Papa were far enough back to avoid any accidents, that all of the other drivers maintained control? We hope that he is okay and it’s too bad that he had an accident, but thanks to God for keeping us and the other people on the highway safe.
It seemed like no time at all and then we were in Hilton Head! It was sunny, even though it was cool. At least it was warmer than it was the day before in Kentucky and Tennessee and even Anderson South Carolina! We checked in, took everything to the room, unpacked and were ready to swim in less than one hour! Daddy took me into the pool and we played with the ball and just floated around too. After that, we got dressed and went for a walk on the beach. I don’t think I am sold on the beach idea. I got sand in my shoes (I don’t like stuff in my shoes) and it was hard to walk because of the sand. It was a quick trip. We went home, ran around (literally) and shut as many doors as possible. I figured out how to turn on the dishwasher and am good at opening all of the cupboards.
After dinner (a yummy spaghetti that Grandma made) and my bath, I went to bed in a special bed. Instead of a pack-and-play like last night, my bed is a big bed with rails and pillows all around me. We’ll see how that goes!
There was one incident on the highway that made us praise God. It was a situation that could have turned out horribly, but did not, even though it was not the best end-result. After lunch (at the same Wendy’s we realized, that we ate at last year), we headed back onto the highway. There was a Penske truck pulling a trailer with a car that was driving quite eradically, at 70+ miles per hour. This was not your “run of the mill” eradic driving. He merged into us and if it weren’t for Daddy’s quick thinking, we would have been run off the road or hit. This truck was in front of us for several miles, swerving from lane to lane, cutting off other cars. There were three 18 wheelers hauling full loads in the left lane that were causing a mini-traffic jam, so there was not much cars could do to get out of this truck’s way. Daddy slowed down to let this Penske truck get well ahead of us. Within a few minutes, the truck swerved off the left side of the highway into the median (which, luckily, was very wide and had a mini-forest between our direction and the other side of the highway). We did not see what caused him to swerve, but he did not hit any other cars and all of the other cars stayed in control. The driver had enough control of the truck to keep it upright and did not slam directly into the woods. The windshield was crushed but he seemed to be moving fine as we passed by. Several cars stopped to help him. Within a few miles, there was a truck stopped on the same side of the highway with a person standing behind it. What are the chances that the truck swerved off when it did, that Daddy and Papa were far enough back to avoid any accidents, that all of the other drivers maintained control? We hope that he is okay and it’s too bad that he had an accident, but thanks to God for keeping us and the other people on the highway safe.
It seemed like no time at all and then we were in Hilton Head! It was sunny, even though it was cool. At least it was warmer than it was the day before in Kentucky and Tennessee and even Anderson South Carolina! We checked in, took everything to the room, unpacked and were ready to swim in less than one hour! Daddy took me into the pool and we played with the ball and just floated around too. After that, we got dressed and went for a walk on the beach. I don’t think I am sold on the beach idea. I got sand in my shoes (I don’t like stuff in my shoes) and it was hard to walk because of the sand. It was a quick trip. We went home, ran around (literally) and shut as many doors as possible. I figured out how to turn on the dishwasher and am good at opening all of the cupboards.
After dinner (a yummy spaghetti that Grandma made) and my bath, I went to bed in a special bed. Instead of a pack-and-play like last night, my bed is a big bed with rails and pillows all around me. We’ll see how that goes!
October 17, 2009
I am not so sure about this vacation thing anymore. Saturday morning, we all woke up, ate breakfast, then packed up the cars (this took some time because we had quite a bit of stuff, even though Mommy packed much of it the night before). After that, we drove. And drove. And drove. Now, I like the car as much as any 2-year old, but this was not vacation in my mind. We got out a few times, but it was cold (30 degrees) so it’s not like we played outside for any period of time. Nana sat in the back of the van with me, I got to watch some videos, I did take a nap, I took off my socks (and lost one), I ate Twizzlers (both red and black and liked them both) and was overall ready to be done with this part of the vacation.
We arrived at what I thought was vacation that evening, but again, I was fooled. We stopped for the night in Anderson, South Carolina where our friends Lisa and Joey (and their two dogs Tate and George) live. We were at a hotel with a pool right outside our window, but it was there just to torture a sweet little girl, because Mommy said that it was too cold to swim. Luckily, I am good natured and there was a cat that looked just like Bella walking around the pool, so Mommy quickly changed the subject from swimming to the cat.
For dinner, we met our friends Lisa and Joey at Outback Steakhouse, which is right across the street from our hotel. By this point, it was getting late (7 pm) and I was in no mood to sit. How could these adults tolerate sitting down any longer? But what was the first thing we all did when we got to the restaurant? We sat down. I started throwing menus and crayons and trying to stand on my chair. Finally they recognized my signs of restlessness and I got to walk around the restaurant with Mommy. Everyone took turns walking, holding, talking to me throughout dinner. By 8:45, it was time for bed! I went back to find the cat (less interested in the pool this time) who I guessed was sleeping since he was not at the pool.
We arrived at what I thought was vacation that evening, but again, I was fooled. We stopped for the night in Anderson, South Carolina where our friends Lisa and Joey (and their two dogs Tate and George) live. We were at a hotel with a pool right outside our window, but it was there just to torture a sweet little girl, because Mommy said that it was too cold to swim. Luckily, I am good natured and there was a cat that looked just like Bella walking around the pool, so Mommy quickly changed the subject from swimming to the cat.
For dinner, we met our friends Lisa and Joey at Outback Steakhouse, which is right across the street from our hotel. By this point, it was getting late (7 pm) and I was in no mood to sit. How could these adults tolerate sitting down any longer? But what was the first thing we all did when we got to the restaurant? We sat down. I started throwing menus and crayons and trying to stand on my chair. Finally they recognized my signs of restlessness and I got to walk around the restaurant with Mommy. Everyone took turns walking, holding, talking to me throughout dinner. By 8:45, it was time for bed! I went back to find the cat (less interested in the pool this time) who I guessed was sleeping since he was not at the pool.
October 16, 2009
So far, this vacation thing is working well for me. When I woke up this morning, DaddyMommy told me that GrandmaPapa were picking me up from school early. That is vacation all on its own! Now, they usually take me to Costco, not swimming, so I was not sure how the swim diapers fit into this. To be sure they understood the full scope of vacation, I told them all about the swim diapers. And yes, after my nap, we did go to Costco, not to buy anything, but to have some good treats. That night, Nana came over! So far so good on the vacation thing!
Hilton Head Vacation 2009
October 14, 2009
I have been talking about vacation for weeks. This started when Mommy started “staging” our vacation supplies (yes, supplies, we take enough food for weeks) that included my swim diapers. I think I have mentioned that I love to swim. If you don’t remember from past stories, remember it now. Anyway, I saw the swim diapers and Mommy told me that they were for vacation. If vacation means swimming, then “I am in.” Then MommyDaddy mentioned that GrandmaPapa and Nana were also included in vacation. Could a girl ask for more? So, in preparation, I started packing myself. I can open drawers now so started pulling items out of my dresser. I found two bathing suits, 3 pair of sunglasses and that was it before Daddy shut the drawer. I was only consoled when they assured me that the bathing suits would be properly packed with the swim diapers for vacation.
I have been talking about vacation for weeks. This started when Mommy started “staging” our vacation supplies (yes, supplies, we take enough food for weeks) that included my swim diapers. I think I have mentioned that I love to swim. If you don’t remember from past stories, remember it now. Anyway, I saw the swim diapers and Mommy told me that they were for vacation. If vacation means swimming, then “I am in.” Then MommyDaddy mentioned that GrandmaPapa and Nana were also included in vacation. Could a girl ask for more? So, in preparation, I started packing myself. I can open drawers now so started pulling items out of my dresser. I found two bathing suits, 3 pair of sunglasses and that was it before Daddy shut the drawer. I was only consoled when they assured me that the bathing suits would be properly packed with the swim diapers for vacation.
October 2009
The Going-Ons of Abigail Connor
In case you were wondering about my day-to-day activities and habits, here is an update.
I still love to color. I color with crayons now and in general, can be trusted not to color on furniture or walls. Mommy made me a binder with scrap paper and a special holder for crayons, and I love to sit on my picnic table and color. I also have some of my stickers (return address labels that Mommy gets in the mail) in the binder and stick them on papers sometimes too. I am also rather trustworthy with stickers, as I like to stick them on paper (versus furniture or walls).
I point out activities and cause and effect relationships. I keep track of Bella’s activities and tell MommyDaddy about them. “Bella sleepin’” or “Bella runnin.” I am learning about how things work, like what happens when I throw a decorative gourd (instead of a ball) and it breaks. Then after Mommy tells me that it’s broken, I say “Mommy fix it” over and over again until Mommy fixes it. Luckily, Mommy is good at fixing things.
I am very particular about my routines. I get a bath every other night. I could not tell you for sure the frequency of the bath, but if you asked Mommy, that is what she would tell you. I am okay that I don’t get a bath every night, I do not put up a fuss when we go into the bathroom and head to the sink, not to the tub. I want lots and lots of bubbles in my bath. I like to pour the bubbles into the bath, which is something that the people at Johnson & Johnson probably like, because I am not as specific where I pour the bubbles. Sometimes they go into the tub, sometimes not. We still use a plastic tub inside the big tub (of course, another thing that Kim and Jenna gave us), one to save water and two, because I fit just right. I have 3 plastic balls with a hoop that sticks to the side of the wall. I also have a blue plastic cup, with two plastic ducks, one big and one small. In this cup is also a slowing disintegrating piece of soap that I love to drop in the water and ask Mommy to find. I pull the balls down from the bathtub ledge and throw them in the water to see them splash. I lay my head back these days because this allows me to keep as much of my body under water as possible. I don’t like water in my eyes, so I put a washcloth over my face while Mommy uses the sprayer to wet and rinse my hair.
Every night, whether I get a bath or not, I floss and brush my teeth. Daddy brought home some really great Disney flossers which have different shapes can colors and come in individually wrapped packages that I like to open. Mommy and I count as she flosses between each of my teeth. We count to 8 on the bottom and 7 on the top. Soon, though, we will count 9 on the bottom because I am getting another molar as we speak (or write, but you know what I mean). I am learning how to spit, although I would say that I have not mastered the skill just yet. I actually am good at spitting, especially food that I do not like, but it is a different thing to get toothpaste (that I like) in my mouth with a brush, then be asked to spit it out without swallowing it. Mommy has a toothbrush in my bathroom so she brushes when I do and shows me how to spit. If she forgets that she is supposed to brush, I yank the brush out of the cup (it is dual-purpose because we keep the brushes in there and I like to drink out of it too) and say “Mommy brush too.”
My bedtime routine has changed a little bit in the last couple of months. I used to sit on the rocking chair or stool (it changed every night) and Mommy or Daddy would read me a book. Now, I love to play with the plastic beach ball Terra, Julie and Deena got for me at the volleyball tournament. I still must have my sound machine (that JJ gave me), my nightlight and my “fan” (the humidifier since I have this cough and it’s winter and not humid outside).
We all have to sit on the floor, and sometimes I sit on the beach ball (because I have watched MommyDaddy exercise using their exercise ball, this seems normal to me). Sometimes we throw the ball too. We count because if we didn’t, I would play all night long. And if you know anything about being two years old, you know that we do not like having activities change abruptly, so we need some pre-warning (like counting).
After the activities in my room, I now like to climb into my bed (crib) by myself. I still need a bit of help but I can’t just be lifted into bed, I am too big of a girl for that. After that, since it’s getting cold, I get all of my covers pulled up (the blanket that Aunt Sarah made me on the bottom, then the sheet that Nana made me in the middle, then the blanket that was Mommy’s on the top). Because Mommy was worried that I would get cold in the night (she worries about this because many times she comes in to check on me and I am cuddled in a ball with no sheets or blankets on top of me), she has showed me how to pull up the blankets by myself. I practice this now every night.
Next I need to dip my paci into my water cup (with ice, please), then I try to sneak a drink of the water without the lid on. I don’t want the lid on cups, because I don’t have them at school. Mommy is much more liberal in taking the lids off than Daddy, but she also cleans up more messes.
Anyway, after that we say my prayer. It’s the same one every night. “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Watch me through the starry night and wake me when the sun shines bright.” Then we say “God bless…. And list the many people that I love in my life.” After that, I ask for more water, sometimes get another kiss from Mommy, ask where Daddy went (he usually leaves the room first), then just as Mommy gets to the door, ask for more water. She usually comes back a few times, then says, this is the last time, and she closes the door.
I mimic what people say, and pretty well if I don’t say so myself. Be careful what you say around me, I will probably say it too. If you whisper something, I will whisper it too. I understand nuance of intonation and expressions. If you want to tell a secret, I will welcome it.
In case you were wondering about my day-to-day activities and habits, here is an update.
I still love to color. I color with crayons now and in general, can be trusted not to color on furniture or walls. Mommy made me a binder with scrap paper and a special holder for crayons, and I love to sit on my picnic table and color. I also have some of my stickers (return address labels that Mommy gets in the mail) in the binder and stick them on papers sometimes too. I am also rather trustworthy with stickers, as I like to stick them on paper (versus furniture or walls).
I point out activities and cause and effect relationships. I keep track of Bella’s activities and tell MommyDaddy about them. “Bella sleepin’” or “Bella runnin.” I am learning about how things work, like what happens when I throw a decorative gourd (instead of a ball) and it breaks. Then after Mommy tells me that it’s broken, I say “Mommy fix it” over and over again until Mommy fixes it. Luckily, Mommy is good at fixing things.
I am very particular about my routines. I get a bath every other night. I could not tell you for sure the frequency of the bath, but if you asked Mommy, that is what she would tell you. I am okay that I don’t get a bath every night, I do not put up a fuss when we go into the bathroom and head to the sink, not to the tub. I want lots and lots of bubbles in my bath. I like to pour the bubbles into the bath, which is something that the people at Johnson & Johnson probably like, because I am not as specific where I pour the bubbles. Sometimes they go into the tub, sometimes not. We still use a plastic tub inside the big tub (of course, another thing that Kim and Jenna gave us), one to save water and two, because I fit just right. I have 3 plastic balls with a hoop that sticks to the side of the wall. I also have a blue plastic cup, with two plastic ducks, one big and one small. In this cup is also a slowing disintegrating piece of soap that I love to drop in the water and ask Mommy to find. I pull the balls down from the bathtub ledge and throw them in the water to see them splash. I lay my head back these days because this allows me to keep as much of my body under water as possible. I don’t like water in my eyes, so I put a washcloth over my face while Mommy uses the sprayer to wet and rinse my hair.
Every night, whether I get a bath or not, I floss and brush my teeth. Daddy brought home some really great Disney flossers which have different shapes can colors and come in individually wrapped packages that I like to open. Mommy and I count as she flosses between each of my teeth. We count to 8 on the bottom and 7 on the top. Soon, though, we will count 9 on the bottom because I am getting another molar as we speak (or write, but you know what I mean). I am learning how to spit, although I would say that I have not mastered the skill just yet. I actually am good at spitting, especially food that I do not like, but it is a different thing to get toothpaste (that I like) in my mouth with a brush, then be asked to spit it out without swallowing it. Mommy has a toothbrush in my bathroom so she brushes when I do and shows me how to spit. If she forgets that she is supposed to brush, I yank the brush out of the cup (it is dual-purpose because we keep the brushes in there and I like to drink out of it too) and say “Mommy brush too.”
My bedtime routine has changed a little bit in the last couple of months. I used to sit on the rocking chair or stool (it changed every night) and Mommy or Daddy would read me a book. Now, I love to play with the plastic beach ball Terra, Julie and Deena got for me at the volleyball tournament. I still must have my sound machine (that JJ gave me), my nightlight and my “fan” (the humidifier since I have this cough and it’s winter and not humid outside).
We all have to sit on the floor, and sometimes I sit on the beach ball (because I have watched MommyDaddy exercise using their exercise ball, this seems normal to me). Sometimes we throw the ball too. We count because if we didn’t, I would play all night long. And if you know anything about being two years old, you know that we do not like having activities change abruptly, so we need some pre-warning (like counting).
After the activities in my room, I now like to climb into my bed (crib) by myself. I still need a bit of help but I can’t just be lifted into bed, I am too big of a girl for that. After that, since it’s getting cold, I get all of my covers pulled up (the blanket that Aunt Sarah made me on the bottom, then the sheet that Nana made me in the middle, then the blanket that was Mommy’s on the top). Because Mommy was worried that I would get cold in the night (she worries about this because many times she comes in to check on me and I am cuddled in a ball with no sheets or blankets on top of me), she has showed me how to pull up the blankets by myself. I practice this now every night.
Next I need to dip my paci into my water cup (with ice, please), then I try to sneak a drink of the water without the lid on. I don’t want the lid on cups, because I don’t have them at school. Mommy is much more liberal in taking the lids off than Daddy, but she also cleans up more messes.
Anyway, after that we say my prayer. It’s the same one every night. “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Watch me through the starry night and wake me when the sun shines bright.” Then we say “God bless…. And list the many people that I love in my life.” After that, I ask for more water, sometimes get another kiss from Mommy, ask where Daddy went (he usually leaves the room first), then just as Mommy gets to the door, ask for more water. She usually comes back a few times, then says, this is the last time, and she closes the door.
I mimic what people say, and pretty well if I don’t say so myself. Be careful what you say around me, I will probably say it too. If you whisper something, I will whisper it too. I understand nuance of intonation and expressions. If you want to tell a secret, I will welcome it.
October 11, 2009
On Saturday, October 10, MommyDaddy and I got up and headed out to the Newport Aquarium. They were following the principle they learned about the zoo, that the animals would be out but the people would not. Note to self, this principle does not hold true. We arrived 15 minutes after the aquarium opened, along with a mass of other people who either thought this principle was true or who did not care and wanted to get up Saturday morning to go to the aquarium. I am still a bit afraid of the aquarium with all of the tunnels, dark areas and fish moving in unpredictable ways. The penguins were my favorite (and the last exhibit, so might have just been the one I remembered the most). They were very active, jumping and splashing and playing around. They reminded me of myself!
On Sunday, October 11, we went on a new adventure. This time it was pumpkin picking with our friends the Vanasse family. It was a cool, but sunny and beautify fall day, perfect for pumpkin picking. We drove to Kentucky (which seems like a very long way away, but is really just 30 minutes south of our house). We went to a couple of pumpkin picking farms that Mommy went to with Kelly and Guy and Julian when Julian was just a little baby. I got to sit on a really big tractor and stand in front of a tractor that was taller than two daddies stacked in top of each other! I picked my very own pumpkin and tried to carry it around. There was one unfortunate incident at the end of the adventure. Zoe and her friend Nicole were throwing gourds and me be me and wanting to be the by big girls was right in the middle. One of the gourd throws went astray and the gourd landed right on my head. It was a rotten gourd so it burst on my head and it also hurt. I cried. I got big hugs from Kelly and apologies from Zoe and Nicole, then I stopped. All in all, it was a fun trip, even with the gourd incident.
On Sunday, October 11, we went on a new adventure. This time it was pumpkin picking with our friends the Vanasse family. It was a cool, but sunny and beautify fall day, perfect for pumpkin picking. We drove to Kentucky (which seems like a very long way away, but is really just 30 minutes south of our house). We went to a couple of pumpkin picking farms that Mommy went to with Kelly and Guy and Julian when Julian was just a little baby. I got to sit on a really big tractor and stand in front of a tractor that was taller than two daddies stacked in top of each other! I picked my very own pumpkin and tried to carry it around. There was one unfortunate incident at the end of the adventure. Zoe and her friend Nicole were throwing gourds and me be me and wanting to be the by big girls was right in the middle. One of the gourd throws went astray and the gourd landed right on my head. It was a rotten gourd so it burst on my head and it also hurt. I cried. I got big hugs from Kelly and apologies from Zoe and Nicole, then I stopped. All in all, it was a fun trip, even with the gourd incident.
October 8, 2009
Mommy went on a trip to a place called New Jersey. I don’t know what is new about this place, because I think it has been around for a long time. Anyway, she woke up really early to get to the airport for a 6:40 am flight. Needless to say, I did not wake up to say goodbye. Instead of sending me a story from “Trekker,” she wrote a quick story about her and me. Here is what she wrote:
Late night moments with Abigail:
In the middle of the night when I creep over to your room after I hear you call, you look so cuddly in your bed. You usually are calling for “paci” and sometimes you ask for a drink of water. I speak in hushed tones, as not to wake Daddy and Bella, and you follow my cue, as every sweet word you speak is a whisper, (even though they are also generally commands). You often say “hold you” or “sit” which of course I know means “pick me up (bring my blanket even if it is ridiculously cumbersome and often stuck in the bed) and cuddle with me on my rocking chair.” How can I turn down such a genuine invitation? No matter how tired I am or how much I want to be back in my own bed, I can’t resist a quiet moment showing you merely and ounce of the love I have for you. You curl into me (once, of course, I adjust the blanket and myself the way you want). You compromise too, as even though you are never sure what to do with your right arm, that you do not complain about. I know you are not sleeping because I can feel your face moving next to me and you constantly shift your arm, trying to find a comfortable spot. Often, I talk to you, and you respond in a quiet, almost secretive whisper.
Since I know that neither you nor I will actually sleep, as I begin to dose off, I start giving you the “two minute warning” about us both going back to bed so I will not be greeted in less than secretive tones of “no” if I dare give an abrupt declaration of returning to bed. I usually have no idea how many minutes go by and I so savor your cuddles in the quiet night, so I wait until my head nods again before getting you back into bed. Even if I know I will pay for it later, I would not miss those sweet moments as we fit perfectly (almost) in that chair together in the night.
Thank you my darling sweet girl for teaching me daily something that I did not know. Thank you for showing me the way you approach the world. As each hour we share rushes by like rapids in a river, thank you for reminding me to not just focus on getting through, but thank God for a beautify day and you to share it with, for challenges that we will conquer together and most of all, to enjoy the ride.
Even in your saddest moments, you are usually just seconds away from an all-out belly laugh. There is something to be said about that resilience that seems often lost in the grown-up world of seriousness. Thank you for teaching me, without every directly saying a word, about pure joy and the ability to find it at any given moment.
Late night moments with Abigail:
In the middle of the night when I creep over to your room after I hear you call, you look so cuddly in your bed. You usually are calling for “paci” and sometimes you ask for a drink of water. I speak in hushed tones, as not to wake Daddy and Bella, and you follow my cue, as every sweet word you speak is a whisper, (even though they are also generally commands). You often say “hold you” or “sit” which of course I know means “pick me up (bring my blanket even if it is ridiculously cumbersome and often stuck in the bed) and cuddle with me on my rocking chair.” How can I turn down such a genuine invitation? No matter how tired I am or how much I want to be back in my own bed, I can’t resist a quiet moment showing you merely and ounce of the love I have for you. You curl into me (once, of course, I adjust the blanket and myself the way you want). You compromise too, as even though you are never sure what to do with your right arm, that you do not complain about. I know you are not sleeping because I can feel your face moving next to me and you constantly shift your arm, trying to find a comfortable spot. Often, I talk to you, and you respond in a quiet, almost secretive whisper.
Since I know that neither you nor I will actually sleep, as I begin to dose off, I start giving you the “two minute warning” about us both going back to bed so I will not be greeted in less than secretive tones of “no” if I dare give an abrupt declaration of returning to bed. I usually have no idea how many minutes go by and I so savor your cuddles in the quiet night, so I wait until my head nods again before getting you back into bed. Even if I know I will pay for it later, I would not miss those sweet moments as we fit perfectly (almost) in that chair together in the night.
Thank you my darling sweet girl for teaching me daily something that I did not know. Thank you for showing me the way you approach the world. As each hour we share rushes by like rapids in a river, thank you for reminding me to not just focus on getting through, but thank God for a beautify day and you to share it with, for challenges that we will conquer together and most of all, to enjoy the ride.
Even in your saddest moments, you are usually just seconds away from an all-out belly laugh. There is something to be said about that resilience that seems often lost in the grown-up world of seriousness. Thank you for teaching me, without every directly saying a word, about pure joy and the ability to find it at any given moment.
October 2009
Again, back to the Story about School
I don’t remember the exact dates (which should be obvious to you because I don’t understand what a date is yet), but from the time I started in my new room in school through October, I had a bit of trouble with another little girl in my class. If you are familiar with how two-year-olds interact, you know that we are not big on respecting “personal space.” This is especially true when there are toys involved. On three occasions, this little girl bit me when I inadvertently (another big word to impress you) invaded her so-called “personal space.” There was another potential scratching incident, but as Daddy reviewed the video with the directors at school, it was determined that I had actually scratched my own face. (That night Mommy cut my fingernails).
The third time this bit me, she drew blood through a long-sleeved shirt and MommyDaddy were fed up. Daddy picked me up that night and did not know how bad the bite was, he just saw the incident report. He told the directors that he did not want me with this other little girl. The next two days, Mommy and Daddy both had conversations with the directors and then a conference to get the situation resolved ASAP. The directors made a switch between students and now my new teachers are Miss Tiesha (my teach from my 6-12 months class) and Miss Tiffany (my teacher I already mentioned). I would still have some time with the other little girl, but throughout the day I would be with other teachers and my friends from when I started. Mommy and Daddy were frustrated just as much about the conversation with the director, because part of the reason I got switched to another teacher (even when they originally said I would be with Miss Tiffany) because other parents requested her. They will not re-learn that lesson!
I don’t remember the exact dates (which should be obvious to you because I don’t understand what a date is yet), but from the time I started in my new room in school through October, I had a bit of trouble with another little girl in my class. If you are familiar with how two-year-olds interact, you know that we are not big on respecting “personal space.” This is especially true when there are toys involved. On three occasions, this little girl bit me when I inadvertently (another big word to impress you) invaded her so-called “personal space.” There was another potential scratching incident, but as Daddy reviewed the video with the directors at school, it was determined that I had actually scratched my own face. (That night Mommy cut my fingernails).
The third time this bit me, she drew blood through a long-sleeved shirt and MommyDaddy were fed up. Daddy picked me up that night and did not know how bad the bite was, he just saw the incident report. He told the directors that he did not want me with this other little girl. The next two days, Mommy and Daddy both had conversations with the directors and then a conference to get the situation resolved ASAP. The directors made a switch between students and now my new teachers are Miss Tiesha (my teach from my 6-12 months class) and Miss Tiffany (my teacher I already mentioned). I would still have some time with the other little girl, but throughout the day I would be with other teachers and my friends from when I started. Mommy and Daddy were frustrated just as much about the conversation with the director, because part of the reason I got switched to another teacher (even when they originally said I would be with Miss Tiffany) because other parents requested her. They will not re-learn that lesson!
September 20, 2009
Daddy went on his golf trip, like every year, September 17 through September 20. As usual, Mommy had a “full dance card” so to speak while he was gone. On Friday night, Mommy picked me up and instead of going right home, we went to Costco (as you know, one of my favorite places). Then we headed to Target, because our friend Terra sent a gift card for me to buy a fun Halloween shirt. After that successful trip, we went to Once Upon a Child to search for my Halloween costume. We were lucky shoppers, as there were two Elmo costumes hanging on the rack as soon as we walked in! One fit perfectly so we were on our way. For dinner, Mommy let me sit on the bar and eat with her (you know that Daddy does not allow that sort of thing). I did not have the best night’s sleep, but the next morning we were on the move again! We ran some errands, went to see our friends Kristy, Bryan, Colin and Patrick, then even stopped by to see JJDan and Regan and Reilly the dogs.
After lunch, both Mommy and I took naps! But the fun did not stop there! After our naps, we went to Dayton to celebrate Uncle Robbie’s birthday. Like in August, we congregated (what a big word for a 2-year old, huh!) at Uncle David’s house for a cookout and cake. I am getting really good at helping people blow out candles, so keep me in mind if you ever need help. I got to see Uncle Robbie (of course, it was his birthday, it would have been awkward to have a celebration without him), Aunt Jeannie, Uncle David, Nana and Papaw. It was a late night but that night Mommy and I slept much better.
The next morning I was on to another new adventure! This amazing adventure was at a place called King’s Island and I went with Mommy and Nana. Oh what a mystery land this is, it has a gi-normous water fountain (I know gi-normous is not a word, the computer program even has it underlined, but I am doing it the P&G way, trying to make up a word that could possibly be real. My next step will be to post it on wikkipedia which will indeed make it real). Anyway, Mommy was very proud of herself because instead of just following the herd of people parking far away, she drove all the way to the “gold pass” parking lot and lo in behold, the gentleman said that it was all access that day! Mommy has been coming to King’s Island for over 20 years and has never had such a close parking spot. This made life much easier later in the day.
We arrived at King’s Island at 9:30 am, in good time to pick up all of the P&G goodie bag items and to get some pictures in front of the big fountain and Eiffel Tower (no, not the real one, but a structure that looks just like the real one in Paris, just smaller). Oh, and also a picture on the Charmin toilet that was taller than Nana and Mommy. Mommy took our bag full of goodies back to the car (because it was parked so close, she could do this), and Nana and I walked along “main street” and admired the fountain and Tower from all directions. There were a few characters walking around too, but they were pretty scary so I avoided them. When Mommy returned, it was almost 10 am and the rides were about to open. At this point, it started to rain. Just a little at first. We had positioned ourselves by the entrance of the Grand Carousel, and we were the first in line. I love the carousel at the zoo, and this is just like that one, just bigger. There were not people standing around for me to wave to at this point (because we were the first ones on it and because it was raining), but I enjoyed it just the same.
After the Grand Carousel, we headed to the Nickelodeon area where there were rides for kids my size. There was a carousel there too! I rode it several times, partly because there was not a long line, and partly because it was covered and we were out of the rain when we rode it. Mommy took me on one other ride, which she realized halfway through the line, was not the optimal choice, but it was pretty fun anyway. It was a helicopter that went on a track really high in the air. I got to wave and yell “hi Nana” as she stood in the rain watching us. At this point, although Mommy’s inclination was to “storm on” and ride as many rides as possible, she thought maybe I did not know what I was missing and Nana was probably wet and cold, so we left. This is another time when having the car very close was helpful. Although we did bring the plastic rain cover for the stroller, I was not a huge fan of having an obstacle in my vision, so repeatedly pulled it off.
We went home for lunch, then Nana left and I took my nap. That night Daddy came home! It was after I went to sleep, but he told me the next day that he came in and gave me kiss while I was sleeping.
After lunch, both Mommy and I took naps! But the fun did not stop there! After our naps, we went to Dayton to celebrate Uncle Robbie’s birthday. Like in August, we congregated (what a big word for a 2-year old, huh!) at Uncle David’s house for a cookout and cake. I am getting really good at helping people blow out candles, so keep me in mind if you ever need help. I got to see Uncle Robbie (of course, it was his birthday, it would have been awkward to have a celebration without him), Aunt Jeannie, Uncle David, Nana and Papaw. It was a late night but that night Mommy and I slept much better.
The next morning I was on to another new adventure! This amazing adventure was at a place called King’s Island and I went with Mommy and Nana. Oh what a mystery land this is, it has a gi-normous water fountain (I know gi-normous is not a word, the computer program even has it underlined, but I am doing it the P&G way, trying to make up a word that could possibly be real. My next step will be to post it on wikkipedia which will indeed make it real). Anyway, Mommy was very proud of herself because instead of just following the herd of people parking far away, she drove all the way to the “gold pass” parking lot and lo in behold, the gentleman said that it was all access that day! Mommy has been coming to King’s Island for over 20 years and has never had such a close parking spot. This made life much easier later in the day.
We arrived at King’s Island at 9:30 am, in good time to pick up all of the P&G goodie bag items and to get some pictures in front of the big fountain and Eiffel Tower (no, not the real one, but a structure that looks just like the real one in Paris, just smaller). Oh, and also a picture on the Charmin toilet that was taller than Nana and Mommy. Mommy took our bag full of goodies back to the car (because it was parked so close, she could do this), and Nana and I walked along “main street” and admired the fountain and Tower from all directions. There were a few characters walking around too, but they were pretty scary so I avoided them. When Mommy returned, it was almost 10 am and the rides were about to open. At this point, it started to rain. Just a little at first. We had positioned ourselves by the entrance of the Grand Carousel, and we were the first in line. I love the carousel at the zoo, and this is just like that one, just bigger. There were not people standing around for me to wave to at this point (because we were the first ones on it and because it was raining), but I enjoyed it just the same.
After the Grand Carousel, we headed to the Nickelodeon area where there were rides for kids my size. There was a carousel there too! I rode it several times, partly because there was not a long line, and partly because it was covered and we were out of the rain when we rode it. Mommy took me on one other ride, which she realized halfway through the line, was not the optimal choice, but it was pretty fun anyway. It was a helicopter that went on a track really high in the air. I got to wave and yell “hi Nana” as she stood in the rain watching us. At this point, although Mommy’s inclination was to “storm on” and ride as many rides as possible, she thought maybe I did not know what I was missing and Nana was probably wet and cold, so we left. This is another time when having the car very close was helpful. Although we did bring the plastic rain cover for the stroller, I was not a huge fan of having an obstacle in my vision, so repeatedly pulled it off.
We went home for lunch, then Nana left and I took my nap. That night Daddy came home! It was after I went to sleep, but he told me the next day that he came in and gave me kiss while I was sleeping.
September 2009: Back to the school story
I have had some trouble sleeping in my new classroom. There are several reasons for this, but one of the biggest issues is that in my “rotation” with Mr. Matt and Miss Emily, there are some kids who are closer to 3 and do not need to nap like me. They end up talking the entire time, which I find to be distracting. Also, I am very used to having my back patted as I fall asleep in school, and when the teachers have to spend their entire time controlling the talkers, they do not have time to pat backs. To help solve this, I started going to the other “rotation” with Miss Tiffany and Miss Betsy to sleep. This worked pretty well, especially when Miss Tiffany was there because she had a couple of tricks to keep me settled enough for me to get to sleep. MommyDaddy were not really happy with the whole situation, because they really wanted me to be in one class rotation throughout the day and would have preferred for me to be with the kids I have been with since I started. But, they thought this is how it worked, so they kept working with the directors to help me sleep. More of this story will come later.
September 12, 2009
The next weekend (September 12), we headed to Toledo to see GrandmaPapa. It was a short visit because we left on Saturday morning and came home on Sunday, but we packed as much fun in as possible. Aunt Cin-Day, Uncle Michael, Anna, Chloe, Christian and Uncle Mike all came over (to see me, of course). I even got to sit on Uncle Mike’s motorcycle and go for a walk with him and Aunt Cin-Day (do you remember that her name is actually Cindy but she thought it was pretty funny when she came to our house one time that the exit to our house sounds just like her name “Cin-Day.”
September 5, 2009
Over Labor Day weekend, Daddy’s “girl” friends Terra and Julie came to visit and watch the AVP (volleyball) tournament nearby in Mason like they did last year. This time, Terra’s friend Deena came to visit too. I woke up Friday morning and all of these fun people were at my house! Needless to say, I was not very happy when everyone else seemed to be headed in one direction and I was going to school. I certainly did not yell “Yeah School” that day! I did not know this (and it’s best that I didn’t), but our friends Kristy and Patrick met the rest of the crew at the volleyball tournament that day too. They watched lots of amazing matches and were within five feet Olympic athletes. Mommy still could not get over that amazing fact. And, in Mommy’s style, she got enough freebies and won enough games that she made up for the whopping $5 ticket. That night, Mommy, Terra, Julie and Deena picked me up that night and I had a great time with the gang. They cooked out and the weather was fantastic, so they took turns pushing me in my swing on the patio. We played ball in the backyard too. I think they might have been trying to play a different game than me, but I still live in the bliss that everything revolves around me, so I ended up constantly changing the game back to mine. Do note, I am a darn good throw but have not quite mastered the balance between power and distance, so watch your face (as Mommy would say) when you are throwing with me within a close distance.
The next morning, I got to see Nana again! Mommy dropped me off at Target in Middletown and off Nana and I were for a fabulous adventure! I did not mention MommyDaddy at all when I was hanging out with Nana and Lilly (Nana’s puppy dog that I love). I was actually usually too busy to talk to MommyDaddy when they called to say goodnight or good morning to me. Girls have priorities! MommyDaddy had a really fun time at the volleyball on Saturday and after they found out that Deena is a fabulous cook, they ate their way through the weekend. On Monday after Mommy dropped Terra and Deena off at the Dayton airport, she picked me up at Nana’s. You can imagine that I was not very happy to be leaving, but I guess all good times come to an end. I did get to see Julie before she left on Monday, though, and continued talking about our house guests for the week after they left.
The next morning, I got to see Nana again! Mommy dropped me off at Target in Middletown and off Nana and I were for a fabulous adventure! I did not mention MommyDaddy at all when I was hanging out with Nana and Lilly (Nana’s puppy dog that I love). I was actually usually too busy to talk to MommyDaddy when they called to say goodnight or good morning to me. Girls have priorities! MommyDaddy had a really fun time at the volleyball on Saturday and after they found out that Deena is a fabulous cook, they ate their way through the weekend. On Monday after Mommy dropped Terra and Deena off at the Dayton airport, she picked me up at Nana’s. You can imagine that I was not very happy to be leaving, but I guess all good times come to an end. I did get to see Julie before she left on Monday, though, and continued talking about our house guests for the week after they left.
August 28, 2009
Miss Shayla, one of my other favorite teachers from the 18-24 months class, came over in August so MommyDaddy could go to Kelly and Guy’s house for dinner with our friends, Doug and Tara Hood. They had not all been together since before the Vanasse’s moved to Boston, so they had much to catch-up about. Again, I was happy because I love Miss Shayla and she and I played and played and played, just like at school.
August 22, 2009
GrandmaPapa missed me so much that they came to see me in mid-August. I got so excited when I see them that I kicked my feet with happiness when they picked me up. On Saturday morning, we got up early and went to the zoo to see the animals. It was a chilly, overcast morning, but it was perfect because the animals were out and the mass of people were note. One of my favorite books these days is one with all different types of animals and their sounds. Mommy did her best to point out and say the sound of the animals we were seeing from my book. Yes, it was pretty funny to hear Mommy make the animal sounds in front of the animals that naturally make these noises. They must not have been in the mood for talking because they generally just looked at her and continued eating or turned around and went to the bathroom in front of us. The giraffes (one of my favorite animals and exhibits at the zoo) were eating out of feeders right in front of us! The cool thing is, we were two stories up and their heads were right at our level! The tiger cubs were running and playing, including jumping on their mom, much like I do with Daddy. After we left the zoo, had some lunch and I took my nap, we did our usual trip to Costco, being much more careful to avoid any taster-day treats with peanuts. It was still really fun! I sit in the “double seat” of the Costco stroller and happily chomp on the treats from the taster ladies that Mommy be-lines to while Daddy tries to keep up. After such a fun day, I was sad when GrandmaPapa waved good-bye and kept waving well after they had pulled away.
August 2009
Our friends the Vanasse family (Kelly, Guy, Julian and Zoe) moved back to Cincinnati from Boston in July. I have talked about them before, especially Zoe, because I think she is pretty terrific. She and Kelly came to see me a few times and Zoe played and played with me. I want to be just like her. Mommy and I went over to see them after they moved back in August and I not only got to see Zoe but I got to play with her toys. Big girls have really fun toys like doll houses. The Vanasses live in a cool town that Mommy, JJ and I actually visited in 2007 called Mariemont. (Mommy, JJ and I went to see a movie while Mommy was at home with me). This time, we went to get something almost as good as a movie (especially since when I went to the movie, I slept through the whole thing and did not get any snacks or anything)…ice cream at Graeters! You know how much I love ice cream!
August 9, 2009
The same week we returned from our vacation, MommyDaddy went to see Jimmy Buffet perform at an outdoor concert in Cincinnati with our friends, Paul and Gail Griffith. I was fine with this because Nana came over for a sleep-over. MommyDaddy had a really good time going out to dinner at Arthur’s, a restaurant in Hyde Park that they really like, then going to the concert. Mommy went to a Jimmy Buffet Concert with her friends Teresa and Kristy in 1993. She said that the experience was about the same; lots of very happy people singing at the top of their lungs. Mommy, of course, made many friends that evening.
I probably mentioned that I coughed and coughed while I was at GrandmaPapa’s house so when I got back, Daddy took me to the doctor. Even though I am a very big girl, I still don’t like the doctor and cannot be convinced otherwise. Well, I have another experience that solidified my distaste for doctors. Dr. Ringel recommended that I visit a special doctor (this time, not for my ears or eyes, but for my cough). Daddy took me to this doctor too. It might have been the worst doctor visit in my life, except for maybe when I got my tubes and had to be put to sleep. They did allergy testing on me, which means they stuck my back 15 times with pins, then waited to see what would happen for over 15 minutes. Saying that I was mad about this was an understatement. The doctor expected that I would be allergic to “environmental” allergens like dust or mold. Instead they found that the only thing I am allergic to is peanuts. This did explain why I was coughing so much while I was at GrandmaPapa’s house, because the one night I coughed the most was the day someone unknowingly gave me peanut butter. I am not allergic to tree nuts, I can have food made with peanut oil, and it seems that I can be around peanuts, but cannot eat them. Of course MommyDaddy have taken every precaution, ridding the house of any peanuts, reading every label of the common foods we eat and getting Epipens for the house, school, diaper bag and cars. You would be surprised how prolific peanuts are! One interesting fact is that Honey Nut Cheerios does not have peanuts, but instead use almonds. Do you think they know that kids have this allergy and want kids like me to be able to eat them? The saddest thing for me is that I cannot eat M&M’s, which I love. Even the plain M&M’s say they have peanuts because they are made on the same line as the peanut M&M’s, so I cannot eat them at all. Mommy has been creative and has convinced me (so far) that Junior Mints are also called M&M’s.
I probably mentioned that I coughed and coughed while I was at GrandmaPapa’s house so when I got back, Daddy took me to the doctor. Even though I am a very big girl, I still don’t like the doctor and cannot be convinced otherwise. Well, I have another experience that solidified my distaste for doctors. Dr. Ringel recommended that I visit a special doctor (this time, not for my ears or eyes, but for my cough). Daddy took me to this doctor too. It might have been the worst doctor visit in my life, except for maybe when I got my tubes and had to be put to sleep. They did allergy testing on me, which means they stuck my back 15 times with pins, then waited to see what would happen for over 15 minutes. Saying that I was mad about this was an understatement. The doctor expected that I would be allergic to “environmental” allergens like dust or mold. Instead they found that the only thing I am allergic to is peanuts. This did explain why I was coughing so much while I was at GrandmaPapa’s house, because the one night I coughed the most was the day someone unknowingly gave me peanut butter. I am not allergic to tree nuts, I can have food made with peanut oil, and it seems that I can be around peanuts, but cannot eat them. Of course MommyDaddy have taken every precaution, ridding the house of any peanuts, reading every label of the common foods we eat and getting Epipens for the house, school, diaper bag and cars. You would be surprised how prolific peanuts are! One interesting fact is that Honey Nut Cheerios does not have peanuts, but instead use almonds. Do you think they know that kids have this allergy and want kids like me to be able to eat them? The saddest thing for me is that I cannot eat M&M’s, which I love. Even the plain M&M’s say they have peanuts because they are made on the same line as the peanut M&M’s, so I cannot eat them at all. Mommy has been creative and has convinced me (so far) that Junior Mints are also called M&M’s.
September 2009
I think I need to give Mommy a performance appraisal and put her on a performance improvement plan (PIP) for her blog update timeliness. We have been home from vacation for a long time now and do you think that she has properly documented all of the important activities in my life? You should be able to tell in the following paragraphs that the answer is “no, she has not properly documented the important activities in my life.”
When we returned from our not-so-much a family vacation, but rather a vacation for me with GrandmaPapa and Daddy’s surprise trip for MommyDaddy, I moved into my new class. It is called “Gard 2” and it is for 2-3 year olds. At my school, at 2 years old, you start a whole new world. The daily schedule includes moving from room to room throughout the building every 30 minutes. We go to art, music, dramatic movement (gym and tumbling and dance), Spanish and computer class. You also have to wear a uniform Monday-Thursday. It might seem like a lot of moving around for young kids like me, but boy is it fun! MommyDaddy don’t really like the idea that I have to wear a uniform since I have so many nice clothes that Jenna and Kim gave me, but so far it is working out just fine. When I started in the class, my teachers’ names were Mr. Matt and Miss Emily. I will get into that later. For the first couple of weeks, I was really tired when I came home! I also missed my teacher in the last class (Miss Gina). I stopped yelling “yeah school” when we pulled up but started saying “no school” because I was not really into the new routine yet. I was also not with all of my friends. MommyDaddy originally thought that I would be with Miss Tiffany, the teacher that I loved when I was in the 12-18 month old class, but something got changed at the last minute. I liked my new teachers, but was just not getting as much cuddling as I did before. Do you know that I love to get cuddles? As I mentioned earlier, though, my teachers have changed. You will need to hold on because I am a chronological girl. That’s how I roll. Or, that is how Mommy rolls and she does have say on how we do this.
I think I need to give Mommy a performance appraisal and put her on a performance improvement plan (PIP) for her blog update timeliness. We have been home from vacation for a long time now and do you think that she has properly documented all of the important activities in my life? You should be able to tell in the following paragraphs that the answer is “no, she has not properly documented the important activities in my life.”
When we returned from our not-so-much a family vacation, but rather a vacation for me with GrandmaPapa and Daddy’s surprise trip for MommyDaddy, I moved into my new class. It is called “Gard 2” and it is for 2-3 year olds. At my school, at 2 years old, you start a whole new world. The daily schedule includes moving from room to room throughout the building every 30 minutes. We go to art, music, dramatic movement (gym and tumbling and dance), Spanish and computer class. You also have to wear a uniform Monday-Thursday. It might seem like a lot of moving around for young kids like me, but boy is it fun! MommyDaddy don’t really like the idea that I have to wear a uniform since I have so many nice clothes that Jenna and Kim gave me, but so far it is working out just fine. When I started in the class, my teachers’ names were Mr. Matt and Miss Emily. I will get into that later. For the first couple of weeks, I was really tired when I came home! I also missed my teacher in the last class (Miss Gina). I stopped yelling “yeah school” when we pulled up but started saying “no school” because I was not really into the new routine yet. I was also not with all of my friends. MommyDaddy originally thought that I would be with Miss Tiffany, the teacher that I loved when I was in the 12-18 month old class, but something got changed at the last minute. I liked my new teachers, but was just not getting as much cuddling as I did before. Do you know that I love to get cuddles? As I mentioned earlier, though, my teachers have changed. You will need to hold on because I am a chronological girl. That’s how I roll. Or, that is how Mommy rolls and she does have say on how we do this.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Sharing the last view days of Summer Vacation #2
I was so surprised and excited when Mommy and Daddy came around the corner of Bamma’s house that afternoon! I did not run to them but I did run all around. I showed them all of the new tricks I could do, including opening the screen door, going inside the house, opening the snack closet door (to get some sugary treats, of course), taking my sandals on and off, standing on the stool in front of the sink to play in the water and making sure that everyone knew which chair was Papa’s chair to anyone who dare sit in it.
For dinner, we had hot dogs and corn on the cob. Have I told you that I love to eat corn right off the cob? I have a hard time holding myself back even though it is really hot at the beginning. I blow and blow on it and then just start taking some big chomps out of it. That evening after Katelyn and Madison (Maddy) got up from their naps and after we finished dinner, we all played in the Jones’ yard again. This time we used measuring cups and made a path from the bird bath in the middle of their yard to the patio where we dumped the water out. This went on for over an hour! Katelyn, Maddy and I play pretty well together. I am still not a big fan of sharing so some moments were touch and go, but they usually did what I wanted so it worked out pretty well. The Jones also have a plastic slide that is just the right size for Maddy and me. We did pretty well taking turns going down the slide. I decided that I wanted to climb up the slide which did cause some confusion and frustration, as Maddy was still in the “take turns game” and that assumes that the person not going down the slide is behind the one going down the slide. You can see how we had a stalemate due to my change in the rules. When we were all outside playing; Bamma and Lynn realized that Daddy went to school (and graduatied the same year) with Katelyn and Maddy’s daddy (Lynn’s son, Rob). What a small world it is! I was pretty tired by the end of Friday night! I did cough some during the night, but not like during the beginning of the week.
On Saturday morning, we all just played and played. Mommy and I ran back and forth between our house and the Jones’ through the sprinkler system. Daddy helped me fill the watering container to fill the bird bath again. Yes, the bird bath was still a favorite toy, even a day later. In a little while, Aunt Cin-Day, Anna, Chloe, and Christian came over to play with me. We played stickers, I knocked down Christian’s towers (he called me “Abzilla”), and I ran around in the backyards again. After my long nap (almost 3 hours!), we went back to the Jones’ house to play in a new toy, a swimming pool! Christian and Chloe even got their bathing suits on and got in too. I love playing in my bathing suit and I love my new friends! Of course I love my cousins too! We played and played and played until it was time for us to have dinner and time for Daddy to go to his elementary school reunion. My uncle Mike came over to see me and had dinner with us too. It was fun seeing him, I don’t get to see him very often.
After dinner, even though it was 7:15 pm, we went back to the Jones’ house to play. The pool had no water but Katelyn, Maddy and I still played in it. I am a water magnet, so within ten minutes my outfit (not my bathing suit anymore) was completely wet. Luckily, this does not bother me very much so I resumed normal activity after I announced to Mommy that I was all wet. I did not go to bed until 9:15 that night!
Sunday morning I slept until 8:15 am (which was good, because Daddy did not get home from his reunion until midnight and Mommy was up with Bamma and Papa on facebook until 11:30). We had a great breakfast (Bamma made pancakes, eggs and sausage), then got all of our stuff in the car to leave. I said goodbye to Bamma and Papa and off we went! Only three more hours of our vacation.
For dinner, we had hot dogs and corn on the cob. Have I told you that I love to eat corn right off the cob? I have a hard time holding myself back even though it is really hot at the beginning. I blow and blow on it and then just start taking some big chomps out of it. That evening after Katelyn and Madison (Maddy) got up from their naps and after we finished dinner, we all played in the Jones’ yard again. This time we used measuring cups and made a path from the bird bath in the middle of their yard to the patio where we dumped the water out. This went on for over an hour! Katelyn, Maddy and I play pretty well together. I am still not a big fan of sharing so some moments were touch and go, but they usually did what I wanted so it worked out pretty well. The Jones also have a plastic slide that is just the right size for Maddy and me. We did pretty well taking turns going down the slide. I decided that I wanted to climb up the slide which did cause some confusion and frustration, as Maddy was still in the “take turns game” and that assumes that the person not going down the slide is behind the one going down the slide. You can see how we had a stalemate due to my change in the rules. When we were all outside playing; Bamma and Lynn realized that Daddy went to school (and graduatied the same year) with Katelyn and Maddy’s daddy (Lynn’s son, Rob). What a small world it is! I was pretty tired by the end of Friday night! I did cough some during the night, but not like during the beginning of the week.
On Saturday morning, we all just played and played. Mommy and I ran back and forth between our house and the Jones’ through the sprinkler system. Daddy helped me fill the watering container to fill the bird bath again. Yes, the bird bath was still a favorite toy, even a day later. In a little while, Aunt Cin-Day, Anna, Chloe, and Christian came over to play with me. We played stickers, I knocked down Christian’s towers (he called me “Abzilla”), and I ran around in the backyards again. After my long nap (almost 3 hours!), we went back to the Jones’ house to play in a new toy, a swimming pool! Christian and Chloe even got their bathing suits on and got in too. I love playing in my bathing suit and I love my new friends! Of course I love my cousins too! We played and played and played until it was time for us to have dinner and time for Daddy to go to his elementary school reunion. My uncle Mike came over to see me and had dinner with us too. It was fun seeing him, I don’t get to see him very often.
After dinner, even though it was 7:15 pm, we went back to the Jones’ house to play. The pool had no water but Katelyn, Maddy and I still played in it. I am a water magnet, so within ten minutes my outfit (not my bathing suit anymore) was completely wet. Luckily, this does not bother me very much so I resumed normal activity after I announced to Mommy that I was all wet. I did not go to bed until 9:15 that night!
Sunday morning I slept until 8:15 am (which was good, because Daddy did not get home from his reunion until midnight and Mommy was up with Bamma and Papa on facebook until 11:30). We had a great breakfast (Bamma made pancakes, eggs and sausage), then got all of our stuff in the car to leave. I said goodbye to Bamma and Papa and off we went! Only three more hours of our vacation.
Trekker’s Adventure with Mommy & Daddy
Dear Abigail,
I hope you are having a great time with Grandma and Papa! We are having a fabulous trip here in Traverse City, Michigan. This city is about five hours north (look to the top of a map for north) of Toledo, where you are. We arrived here on Saturday night after we dropped you off. Our friends, JJ and Dan (along with their dogs Reagan and Reilly) are here with us.
Saturday and Sunday were rainy and cold days here in Northern Michigan and we were worried that we were on another “Raincation.” Because this is Daddy’s surprise trip, he only knew where we were going, he did not know any other details. For example, he did not know that we were staying at a house on a lake with a boat! He did not know that JJ was going to decorate the house with lots of “40th birthday” decorations. He did not know the plans for the day until either the night before or that morning.
On Sunday, we went for a run on the Traverse City bay in the pouring rain. It was not raining that much when we left but of course it was really raining by the time we were halfway out there (and the furthest away from the car). Dan has a bum knee right now so he did not run, but he walked the dogs. He did not start the day well, as it was raining and cold and he was not warm because he was not running, but also because the bag he used to pick up the doggie poo had a hole in it. Hmm. The day could only get better after that! After we got cleaned up (in all respects), we took the winery tour up the Leelanau Peninsula. We visited five different wineries, had lunch in Sutton’s Bay and even went to the tip of the peninsula to see the Leelanau lighthouse. It did stop raining for much of the day, and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Michigan is known for sweet and dessert wines and Michigan is known for cherries, so that is mainly what we tasted. Mommy even bought a bunch of cherries from a roadside stand! That night, we made hamburgers on the grill and watched the rain come down over the water.
Monday we headed out to a different type of adventure. Instead of working out first, we kept our exercise clothes on and went to the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, which is on the western side of the state, overlooking Lake Michigan. We packed a lunch, water and snacks and headed to our adventure. The first path we trailblazed was about 2.5 miles and it went over several rolling dunes and back through a forest. Daddy said it was just like being back in his trail races. We were not ready to be finished by this point so headed to the “Dune hike” next. The first hike was supposed to be strenuous so we figured since this one said the same thing, it would be about the same amount of work. That was not actually the case. This trail is the one that everyone has pictures of, with the sand dunes so tall that you can’t see over them. Running down them was great, but going up them was quite a challenge!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009:
Dear Abigail, it’s Trekker! Today is Tuesday and today we went to see Mommy’s friend, Val, who lives in a place called Charlevois. This is a cute town about an hour north of Traverse City on Lake Michigan. Like every day on vacation, it was a really fun day! We arrived at lunch, met Val at a café, bought some sandwiches, and had lunch on the square, overlooking the harbor. Mommy has not seen Val since September, 2007, so they had much to catch up about. JJ, Dan, Reagan and Reilly went too, but they had their own picnic and walked out to the lake. Reagan and Reilly are such good dogs, they make friends wherever they go. They met some interesting people in the little town who shared all sorts of information that JJ and Dan did not really want to know. But, that is the way it works with friendly people. Anyway, it was a gorgeous day, 75 and sunny. It was so sunny that Mommy and Daddy got sunburned. They did not expect to be in the sun so they did not have their sunscreen on! On the way back from this little town, we stopped along the side of the road to buy some cherry goodies like jams and salsa. It was a long day and we were all very tired when we got back. We made Mexican dinner and had some margaritas, which made everything better again. We rented the pontoon boat to use the next day and the owner let us take a drive on Tuesday night. It was chilly but really fun to tool around the lake at dusk.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Because it was such a long day on Tuesday and because the weather forecast said it was going to be warm on Wednesday, we decided that would be the day to rent the pontoon boat and cruise the lake. Cruise the lake we did! We started at 10:30 in the morning and made seven laps around the lake throughout the day. We would take a lap, come back for a snack, or lunch, or dinner, then headed out again. Dan drove the boat and JJ, Daddy and Mommy all read books. It was another gorgeous day, the warmest of the week. There was barely a cloud in the sky and it was almost 80 degrees. The boat had a radio in it so we listened to classic rock all day and Delhila (a music program that plays slow songs) at night.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
We got up early today so we could drive to Mackinac Island. It is a 2+ hour drive so we wanted to get an early start. The weather was cool to cold and it looked pretty rainy on the drive. The weather did not get any better but we still had a good time. Mackinac Island is reachable via a ferry (big boat) that crosses Lake Yuron. You are not allowed to drive any motor vehicles on the island, so people either walk (like we did), ride bikes or take a horse and buggy. You would have loved the horses walking up and down the street! There is one main street with lots of shops and restaurants. We had lunch at an outdoor café because Reagan and Reily were with us. After that, we walked around the water area. It was pretty chilly and it started to rain. It reminded us of the weather we experienced in Chautauqua, and yes, there were many puddles that you would have enjoyed jumping in After Dan and Mommy tasted as many different fudge versions as possible, we made our purchase (Mackinac is known for its fudge!) and headed to the famous Grand Hotel. This hotel is huge, with a 660 foot porch and towers over the island, overlooking the lake. There was a $10 fee to go into the hotel, so we just took some pictures from the street. After that, we figured that we had enough fun and headed back to the ferry.
We packed sandwiches for lunch but since we did not eat them, we decided to have sandwiches and chips for dinner. Daddy had said at the beginning of the trip that he really wanted a Burger King Whopper for one of his meals. Luckily, there is a “BK” on every corner in northern Michigan, so we stopped by one on the way home and bought him his special meal. We were all pretty tired from our day in the rain, so played some Frisbee and hung out at the house after dinner. Wait, Dan and JJ actually went to the Ice Cream Vixen for dessert and Mommy and Daddy stayed at the house.
Daddy has really missed you. Mommy has missed you too, but Daddy can’t stand it anymore. So much so, that Friday morning, he said that he would really like to get back to Toledo to see you.
Friday, July 31, 2009
We got up this morning and went for a run at the park on the other side of the lake. Daddy did six laps and a little on the trail. Mommy did several laps and lots of time in the woods/trail. They did a cool-down lap and Daddy confirmed that he really wanted to see you today. So, when we got back, we packed up our things, and called Grandma to let them know that we were coming back. JJ and Dan came back from their run, got ready for the day and we all headed to downtown Traverse City for our last lunch together. We had a Pastie (which we had seen on our way back from Mackinac and thought was a misspelling), but it is pronounced PASS-TEE and is an English pot pie. We walked the city a bit and then parted ways. Mommy and Daddy, as you know, are very efficient packers so within 10 minutes of being back at the house, we were on the road.
Daddy said that he loved his surprise trip and appreciated all of the work and planning Mommy did for it. Mommy really enjoyed planning the trip and she highly recommends for parents to have some time away from their kids. They have missed you, but are glad that you are having a great time and spending time with Grandma, Papa and your aunts, uncles and cousins.
I hope you are having a great time with Grandma and Papa! We are having a fabulous trip here in Traverse City, Michigan. This city is about five hours north (look to the top of a map for north) of Toledo, where you are. We arrived here on Saturday night after we dropped you off. Our friends, JJ and Dan (along with their dogs Reagan and Reilly) are here with us.
Saturday and Sunday were rainy and cold days here in Northern Michigan and we were worried that we were on another “Raincation.” Because this is Daddy’s surprise trip, he only knew where we were going, he did not know any other details. For example, he did not know that we were staying at a house on a lake with a boat! He did not know that JJ was going to decorate the house with lots of “40th birthday” decorations. He did not know the plans for the day until either the night before or that morning.
On Sunday, we went for a run on the Traverse City bay in the pouring rain. It was not raining that much when we left but of course it was really raining by the time we were halfway out there (and the furthest away from the car). Dan has a bum knee right now so he did not run, but he walked the dogs. He did not start the day well, as it was raining and cold and he was not warm because he was not running, but also because the bag he used to pick up the doggie poo had a hole in it. Hmm. The day could only get better after that! After we got cleaned up (in all respects), we took the winery tour up the Leelanau Peninsula. We visited five different wineries, had lunch in Sutton’s Bay and even went to the tip of the peninsula to see the Leelanau lighthouse. It did stop raining for much of the day, and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Michigan is known for sweet and dessert wines and Michigan is known for cherries, so that is mainly what we tasted. Mommy even bought a bunch of cherries from a roadside stand! That night, we made hamburgers on the grill and watched the rain come down over the water.
Monday we headed out to a different type of adventure. Instead of working out first, we kept our exercise clothes on and went to the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, which is on the western side of the state, overlooking Lake Michigan. We packed a lunch, water and snacks and headed to our adventure. The first path we trailblazed was about 2.5 miles and it went over several rolling dunes and back through a forest. Daddy said it was just like being back in his trail races. We were not ready to be finished by this point so headed to the “Dune hike” next. The first hike was supposed to be strenuous so we figured since this one said the same thing, it would be about the same amount of work. That was not actually the case. This trail is the one that everyone has pictures of, with the sand dunes so tall that you can’t see over them. Running down them was great, but going up them was quite a challenge!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009:
Dear Abigail, it’s Trekker! Today is Tuesday and today we went to see Mommy’s friend, Val, who lives in a place called Charlevois. This is a cute town about an hour north of Traverse City on Lake Michigan. Like every day on vacation, it was a really fun day! We arrived at lunch, met Val at a café, bought some sandwiches, and had lunch on the square, overlooking the harbor. Mommy has not seen Val since September, 2007, so they had much to catch up about. JJ, Dan, Reagan and Reilly went too, but they had their own picnic and walked out to the lake. Reagan and Reilly are such good dogs, they make friends wherever they go. They met some interesting people in the little town who shared all sorts of information that JJ and Dan did not really want to know. But, that is the way it works with friendly people. Anyway, it was a gorgeous day, 75 and sunny. It was so sunny that Mommy and Daddy got sunburned. They did not expect to be in the sun so they did not have their sunscreen on! On the way back from this little town, we stopped along the side of the road to buy some cherry goodies like jams and salsa. It was a long day and we were all very tired when we got back. We made Mexican dinner and had some margaritas, which made everything better again. We rented the pontoon boat to use the next day and the owner let us take a drive on Tuesday night. It was chilly but really fun to tool around the lake at dusk.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Because it was such a long day on Tuesday and because the weather forecast said it was going to be warm on Wednesday, we decided that would be the day to rent the pontoon boat and cruise the lake. Cruise the lake we did! We started at 10:30 in the morning and made seven laps around the lake throughout the day. We would take a lap, come back for a snack, or lunch, or dinner, then headed out again. Dan drove the boat and JJ, Daddy and Mommy all read books. It was another gorgeous day, the warmest of the week. There was barely a cloud in the sky and it was almost 80 degrees. The boat had a radio in it so we listened to classic rock all day and Delhila (a music program that plays slow songs) at night.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
We got up early today so we could drive to Mackinac Island. It is a 2+ hour drive so we wanted to get an early start. The weather was cool to cold and it looked pretty rainy on the drive. The weather did not get any better but we still had a good time. Mackinac Island is reachable via a ferry (big boat) that crosses Lake Yuron. You are not allowed to drive any motor vehicles on the island, so people either walk (like we did), ride bikes or take a horse and buggy. You would have loved the horses walking up and down the street! There is one main street with lots of shops and restaurants. We had lunch at an outdoor café because Reagan and Reily were with us. After that, we walked around the water area. It was pretty chilly and it started to rain. It reminded us of the weather we experienced in Chautauqua, and yes, there were many puddles that you would have enjoyed jumping in After Dan and Mommy tasted as many different fudge versions as possible, we made our purchase (Mackinac is known for its fudge!) and headed to the famous Grand Hotel. This hotel is huge, with a 660 foot porch and towers over the island, overlooking the lake. There was a $10 fee to go into the hotel, so we just took some pictures from the street. After that, we figured that we had enough fun and headed back to the ferry.
We packed sandwiches for lunch but since we did not eat them, we decided to have sandwiches and chips for dinner. Daddy had said at the beginning of the trip that he really wanted a Burger King Whopper for one of his meals. Luckily, there is a “BK” on every corner in northern Michigan, so we stopped by one on the way home and bought him his special meal. We were all pretty tired from our day in the rain, so played some Frisbee and hung out at the house after dinner. Wait, Dan and JJ actually went to the Ice Cream Vixen for dessert and Mommy and Daddy stayed at the house.
Daddy has really missed you. Mommy has missed you too, but Daddy can’t stand it anymore. So much so, that Friday morning, he said that he would really like to get back to Toledo to see you.
Friday, July 31, 2009
We got up this morning and went for a run at the park on the other side of the lake. Daddy did six laps and a little on the trail. Mommy did several laps and lots of time in the woods/trail. They did a cool-down lap and Daddy confirmed that he really wanted to see you today. So, when we got back, we packed up our things, and called Grandma to let them know that we were coming back. JJ and Dan came back from their run, got ready for the day and we all headed to downtown Traverse City for our last lunch together. We had a Pastie (which we had seen on our way back from Mackinac and thought was a misspelling), but it is pronounced PASS-TEE and is an English pot pie. We walked the city a bit and then parted ways. Mommy and Daddy, as you know, are very efficient packers so within 10 minutes of being back at the house, we were on the road.
Daddy said that he loved his surprise trip and appreciated all of the work and planning Mommy did for it. Mommy really enjoyed planning the trip and she highly recommends for parents to have some time away from their kids. They have missed you, but are glad that you are having a great time and spending time with Grandma, Papa and your aunts, uncles and cousins.
Abigail’s Summer Vacation with GrandmaPapa
I was a bit confused when I awoke from my nap after MommyDaddy left. You see, Aunt Cin-Day, Uncle Michael and Christian came over to stay with me while GrandmaPapa went shopping with Anna and Chloe who had a birthday on that day. When I woke up, I expected to see either GrandmaPapa or MommyDaddy. Because I love my family, I did get over it, but it was a little bumpy to start. When everyone returned from the shopping trip, we went to Red Lobster for the birthday dinner. I was not very much into dinner, not even the French fires. Luckily, Grandma Papa know how to treat a girl so they gave me ice cream for dinner when we got home.
After an “ok” night sleep, I woke up at 6:50 am for another fun-filled day. We went to an art festival at the University of Toledo. My favorite part was the kettle corn. I started eating a little better that day, but my coughing got worse, especially when I slept. Grandma called Mommy at 11 pm because they were not sure what to do about my coughing. Luckily, after some albuteral, I got to sleep (and so did they).
On Monday my big event was going swimming with Aunt Cin-Day, Christian and Papa (Grandma was there but she watched from the side while we were in the pool). I love to swim! I might have already told you that I often get my swimsuit and swim diaper out at home because I love it so much. Aunt Cin-Day’s pool has a special section, just for little kids like me. I did also get to go to the big kid area because Aunt Cin-Day carried me around in there.
On Tuesday, we went to Costco (you already know that I love Costco) and played with GrandmaPapa’s neighbors (Lynn, Bob and Nicki Jones) who are really nice. When Mommy called that night, I had just gotten really mad at Bob because I decided I did not want him to talk to me at the moment but otherwise I had a great time. I did not sleep well at all that night, I was up for a couple of house coughing and Grandma was really worried about me. I finally stopped coughing and slept from 11 pm to 8 am the next morning.
On Wednesday, my big event was going to the zoo with Grandma, Papa and Christian. My cousin Christian is such a good friend to me! He helped me stop crying, showed me all of the animals at the zoo and helped Grandma (who I now call Bamma) and Papa navigate our way around. I felt like being mean to him in the car, so I pulled, bit, kicked and hit him. He took it from me and did not hit me back. When he got out of the car, he told Bamma and Papa “Boy, no one is going to mess with that kid!”
On Thursday, Anna and Chloe came over to play with me. They would not let Christian come because they said that he hogged time with me when they were all together. They learned earlier in the week that I love stickers so they brought a ton of stickers! We made pictures together, and Anna even helped me write my name on one of them. Mommy brought me a new sticker book (composition notebook) for my vacation and by the end of the week it was practically full! Thursday afternoon, Bamma, Papa and I went to see my other cousins, Morgan and Keghan. We could not stay very long because Papa was going to see Christian in a play that he was in at vacation bible school. Aunt Cin-Day said that next year (when I am 3 years old), I could go to vacation bible school if I come on the right week. That sure is something to look forward to!
I did not know that Friday would be my last day on my vacation without Mommy and Daddy. In the morning, Bamma and Papa took me to a friend’s grocery store so I could get a donut. Who would not love a trip to their Bamma and Papa’s house with this type of activity every day. After that, Bamma took me over to the neighbor’s house again, but this time their grandkids (Katelyn and Madision) were over visiting. Katelyn is 4 years old and Madision will be 2 years old in October, so they are just the age of the kids I usually play with at school. Actually, Katelyn is a bit older but she is a great big sister and was fun to play with. Bamma let me stay up a little longer in the morning so that I would not be too tired in the afternoon when Mommy and Daddy arrived. After my nap, Papa and I made chocolate chip cookies! I love to help Papa and Bamma cook and bake! I really love the sweet treats we make too!
After an “ok” night sleep, I woke up at 6:50 am for another fun-filled day. We went to an art festival at the University of Toledo. My favorite part was the kettle corn. I started eating a little better that day, but my coughing got worse, especially when I slept. Grandma called Mommy at 11 pm because they were not sure what to do about my coughing. Luckily, after some albuteral, I got to sleep (and so did they).
On Monday my big event was going swimming with Aunt Cin-Day, Christian and Papa (Grandma was there but she watched from the side while we were in the pool). I love to swim! I might have already told you that I often get my swimsuit and swim diaper out at home because I love it so much. Aunt Cin-Day’s pool has a special section, just for little kids like me. I did also get to go to the big kid area because Aunt Cin-Day carried me around in there.
On Tuesday, we went to Costco (you already know that I love Costco) and played with GrandmaPapa’s neighbors (Lynn, Bob and Nicki Jones) who are really nice. When Mommy called that night, I had just gotten really mad at Bob because I decided I did not want him to talk to me at the moment but otherwise I had a great time. I did not sleep well at all that night, I was up for a couple of house coughing and Grandma was really worried about me. I finally stopped coughing and slept from 11 pm to 8 am the next morning.
On Wednesday, my big event was going to the zoo with Grandma, Papa and Christian. My cousin Christian is such a good friend to me! He helped me stop crying, showed me all of the animals at the zoo and helped Grandma (who I now call Bamma) and Papa navigate our way around. I felt like being mean to him in the car, so I pulled, bit, kicked and hit him. He took it from me and did not hit me back. When he got out of the car, he told Bamma and Papa “Boy, no one is going to mess with that kid!”
On Thursday, Anna and Chloe came over to play with me. They would not let Christian come because they said that he hogged time with me when they were all together. They learned earlier in the week that I love stickers so they brought a ton of stickers! We made pictures together, and Anna even helped me write my name on one of them. Mommy brought me a new sticker book (composition notebook) for my vacation and by the end of the week it was practically full! Thursday afternoon, Bamma, Papa and I went to see my other cousins, Morgan and Keghan. We could not stay very long because Papa was going to see Christian in a play that he was in at vacation bible school. Aunt Cin-Day said that next year (when I am 3 years old), I could go to vacation bible school if I come on the right week. That sure is something to look forward to!
I did not know that Friday would be my last day on my vacation without Mommy and Daddy. In the morning, Bamma and Papa took me to a friend’s grocery store so I could get a donut. Who would not love a trip to their Bamma and Papa’s house with this type of activity every day. After that, Bamma took me over to the neighbor’s house again, but this time their grandkids (Katelyn and Madision) were over visiting. Katelyn is 4 years old and Madision will be 2 years old in October, so they are just the age of the kids I usually play with at school. Actually, Katelyn is a bit older but she is a great big sister and was fun to play with. Bamma let me stay up a little longer in the morning so that I would not be too tired in the afternoon when Mommy and Daddy arrived. After my nap, Papa and I made chocolate chip cookies! I love to help Papa and Bamma cook and bake! I really love the sweet treats we make too!
Summer Vacation #2
July came and went pretty quickly, because before you knew it, we were headed on vacation again. This time, though, the three of us were not going to be together. This was Abigail’s special vacation and Daddy’s surprise 40th birthday trip that he has been talking about since his last birthday (in December). On Saturday, July 25, we packed up the car (actually, you know Mommy well enough now to know that all of the necessities were staged weeks before the trip and the car had been packed the night before) and headed to Toledo. Daddy drove his old car and Mommy and I drove in the van (which I now call “Abigail’s new car” as well). Daddy drove his old car because we sold that car to Daddy’s aunt, it worked well for everyone involved! Anyway, it seemed like a normal trip to see GrandmaPapa to me. We arrived, had some lunch and as MommyDaddy walked out the door, I stuck up my hand and said “bye!” They had to pull me away from Papa to get a hug and a kiss before they left.
This is the point where our separate adventures begin. Trekker (remember him, he is the one who travels with Mommy and tells me about all of her travels) will give us all of the details about MommyDaddy’s trip. I will give you the account of my vacation with GrandmaPapa.
This is the point where our separate adventures begin. Trekker (remember him, he is the one who travels with Mommy and tells me about all of her travels) will give us all of the details about MommyDaddy’s trip. I will give you the account of my vacation with GrandmaPapa.
My Birthday Weekend - 2009
On Saturday (July 11th if you got confused from all of the excited on my birthday), I played and played with Baby, GrandmaPapa and MommyDaddy. In the afternoon, Nana and Papaw came over too! We cooked out and I got more presents. Nana gave me some toys and a few outfits. Since I am two, I care about the toys and ignore the clothes. The most interesting part about clothes is pulling them out of the gift bag.
The other thing I got for my birthday was a cold. Do you remember what this means? It means that I got a fever and coughed and coughed and coughed. I do not follow the “7-10 days” business either. I started taking both of my breathing medicines again too. I did not go to the doctor and have to get chest x-rays this time, though. At least not yet.
The week after my birthday I got to go visit Nana again. This time she picked me up in the morning and I got to spend two whole days with her. We went to Wal-Mart, garage sales and Lowes. Her friend Julie came over to visit too. On Thursday night, MommyDaddy met us in Dayton for dinner and picked me up. They were so excited to see me that they ran to the car and cheered. I cried desperately for Nana in return. The reason they came to Dayton, though, was because we bought a new car! Daddy now has a Honda-CRV. I love to call out when I see it “Abigail’s new car!”
The other thing I got for my birthday was a cold. Do you remember what this means? It means that I got a fever and coughed and coughed and coughed. I do not follow the “7-10 days” business either. I started taking both of my breathing medicines again too. I did not go to the doctor and have to get chest x-rays this time, though. At least not yet.
The week after my birthday I got to go visit Nana again. This time she picked me up in the morning and I got to spend two whole days with her. We went to Wal-Mart, garage sales and Lowes. Her friend Julie came over to visit too. On Thursday night, MommyDaddy met us in Dayton for dinner and picked me up. They were so excited to see me that they ran to the car and cheered. I cried desperately for Nana in return. The reason they came to Dayton, though, was because we bought a new car! Daddy now has a Honda-CRV. I love to call out when I see it “Abigail’s new car!”
My Birthday! July 10, 2009
Happy birthday to me, Happy birthday to me, Happy birthday dear Abigail, Happy birthday to me! I love to have people sing happy birthday to me. I look from face to face and giggle, then say “more!” I can tell you that I am two years old. I can actually count to ten, but I know that I am two and can tell you. My birthday was on Friday this year. Mommy took a bottle of bubbles for us all to play with and a special hat for me to wear. The bubbles were fun and everyone wanted my hat so Mommy said that maybe next year we would wear the hat around the house versus at school. Mommy and Nana picked me up for lunch, which I found to be very confusing. My class started eating lunch but I just got to have a little fruit. We went to a place called McCallisters. Mommy and Nana seemed to have fun, but I got mad half way through and cried for most of lunch. When we got back to school, everyone was already lying down for naptime. I went right to my bed and got on it, but then was very upset. It was another key learning for Mommy, maybe not the best thing to disrupt my day. Later that afternoon, Grandma (which sounds like mamma) and Papa picked me up from school! That was really fun, but then I had to go to the doctor. Why do I have to go to the doctor on my birthday? I could help my parents if they would make some minor adjustments to schedules, like DON’T TAKE ME TO THE DOCTOR ON MY BIRTHDAY! I got another shot but otherwise the doctor said I was doing very well!
That night Mommy, Daddy, Grandma and Papa all sang happy birthday to me (several times). Mommy had a cupcake for me too. I might care about something like this later in my life, but right now I don’t; Mommy got the cupcake (with a sign that says “Happy Birthday” on it) from work because someone else had a birthday and brought them in. I mainly like the icing anyway.
Baby and stroller:
GrandmaPapa (I usually say couples’ names all in one word) gave me a baby that talks and moves and a baby stroller too! I love “Baby” (another doll named Baby) and played with her all night and all the next day. She has a pacy and a bottle that makes her stop talking and moving, although it is hard to get them into her mouth. Sometimes I put the pacy into my mouth too, and that makes me happy but does not quiet her. I also know that I am not supposed to do this so I have to walk away from MommyDaddy and GrandmaPapa so they do not see. The pacy is also on a very short string so it’s a little difficult to get the pacy in my mouth and hold Baby at the same time.
That night Mommy, Daddy, Grandma and Papa all sang happy birthday to me (several times). Mommy had a cupcake for me too. I might care about something like this later in my life, but right now I don’t; Mommy got the cupcake (with a sign that says “Happy Birthday” on it) from work because someone else had a birthday and brought them in. I mainly like the icing anyway.
Baby and stroller:
GrandmaPapa (I usually say couples’ names all in one word) gave me a baby that talks and moves and a baby stroller too! I love “Baby” (another doll named Baby) and played with her all night and all the next day. She has a pacy and a bottle that makes her stop talking and moving, although it is hard to get them into her mouth. Sometimes I put the pacy into my mouth too, and that makes me happy but does not quiet her. I also know that I am not supposed to do this so I have to walk away from MommyDaddy and GrandmaPapa so they do not see. The pacy is also on a very short string so it’s a little difficult to get the pacy in my mouth and hold Baby at the same time.
July 6-9, 2009
We arrived home from our New York “Raincation” (named because it rained the whole time, of course) and jumped immediately back into work and school. I was glad to be back with my teachers, Miss Gina, Miss Shayla and Miss Nisha along with my friends. When I got home from school on the following Monday, though, I was a bit clingy to Mommy. After spending that much time with her, I missed her during the day!
Trip to Nana’s house:
Mommy and I drove to Dayton on Tuesday after we returned to have a cook-out for James’ birthday. He and I have the same birthday, but we all wanted to make sure that James had a special dinner for his special day. Then guess what happened? I stayed in Dayton at Nana’s house for the night and the whole next day. We had such a good time, but you would assume this because Nana is so fun. We played with Lilly, we went to the store and just laughed and giggled like we always do. Then, on Wednesday, Nana, James and I went to the Newport Aquarium to see the fish. James is great with me and we enjoyed the hour visit. This is about how long I last at the aquarium at this point. I am still afraid of the fish swimming over my head, but am more interested in the fish in the big glass containers.
Trip to Nana’s house:
Mommy and I drove to Dayton on Tuesday after we returned to have a cook-out for James’ birthday. He and I have the same birthday, but we all wanted to make sure that James had a special dinner for his special day. Then guess what happened? I stayed in Dayton at Nana’s house for the night and the whole next day. We had such a good time, but you would assume this because Nana is so fun. We played with Lilly, we went to the store and just laughed and giggled like we always do. Then, on Wednesday, Nana, James and I went to the Newport Aquarium to see the fish. James is great with me and we enjoyed the hour visit. This is about how long I last at the aquarium at this point. I am still afraid of the fish swimming over my head, but am more interested in the fish in the big glass containers.
Abigail would prefer Twitter!
Mommy pulled this quote from a mommy site and thought it was so true.: A young preschooler wears her heart on her sleeve — and in her voice, her fists, her stamping feet, and her crocodile tears. You seldom have to guess about a 2-year-old's emotional state.”
Along this line, I must tell you that I prefer Twitter over this blog. While is it well and good that Mommy captures the weeks and days of my life, she really does not capture the essence of my activity and emotional state with such broad time periods.
An example of what Abigail would Tweet: on any given weekend day:
9:15 am: I am happy, playing with (fill in blank): colors, baby and baby stroller; cards; books; basketball
9:15:30 am: Mommy gets a phone call and begins to speak to the person on the line.
9:15:31 am: I have decided that Mommy needs to give me her full attention right now
9:15:45 am: Mommy does not give me her full attention
9:16 am: I am mad at Mommy and let her know by crying and screaming and grabbing for the phone, saying “Abigail hold it, Abigail hold it” over and over again.
9:17 am: Daddy tries to distract me by asking if I want to go play with (fill in the blank) cards, baby and baby stroller, toys
9:17 am: As Daddy is trying to talk to me, I yell “no Daddy, no Daddy!” over and over again, louder with every passing second
9:18 am. I am distracted with something and am happy. I play by myself with (fill in blank) cards, baby and baby stroller or long-lost toy I have rediscovered in my playroom
9:25 am. Mommy and Daddy come over to play with me and I yell “Abigail do it” when they try to play.
9:30 am. I decide to sit on Mommy or Daddy’s lap to read a book.
Along this line, I must tell you that I prefer Twitter over this blog. While is it well and good that Mommy captures the weeks and days of my life, she really does not capture the essence of my activity and emotional state with such broad time periods.
An example of what Abigail would Tweet: on any given weekend day:
9:15 am: I am happy, playing with (fill in blank): colors, baby and baby stroller; cards; books; basketball
9:15:30 am: Mommy gets a phone call and begins to speak to the person on the line.
9:15:31 am: I have decided that Mommy needs to give me her full attention right now
9:15:45 am: Mommy does not give me her full attention
9:16 am: I am mad at Mommy and let her know by crying and screaming and grabbing for the phone, saying “Abigail hold it, Abigail hold it” over and over again.
9:17 am: Daddy tries to distract me by asking if I want to go play with (fill in the blank) cards, baby and baby stroller, toys
9:17 am: As Daddy is trying to talk to me, I yell “no Daddy, no Daddy!” over and over again, louder with every passing second
9:18 am. I am distracted with something and am happy. I play by myself with (fill in blank) cards, baby and baby stroller or long-lost toy I have rediscovered in my playroom
9:25 am. Mommy and Daddy come over to play with me and I yell “Abigail do it” when they try to play.
9:30 am. I decide to sit on Mommy or Daddy’s lap to read a book.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Vacation Summary:
We traveled almost 1,300 miles through three states, two lakes and four lodgings. We had one sunny day, less sleep and exercise than normal but more food. We were able to visit several friends and reconnected as if we had just seen each other yesterday. We are blessed to have such dear friends, and for them to all be on the same roads! I was a very good traveler, especially fantastic in the car. The van is a wonderful automobile and absolutely necessary for road trips like this. We loved our adventure, especially seeing our friends, but it will be good to be home.
We learned some valuable lessons;
1. Almost 2-year olds like routine and much whining ensures without said routine.
2. Sleep is more important than any other activity and should be valued as such. Separate rooms for parents and children are a luxury and one worthy of paying for.
3. Rain, while it will not ruin a good time, does make an “outdoor” vacation more challenging.
4. Sharing is a challenge no matter where or who is involved.
5. The maximum number of lodgings should be three. The packing and unpacking for four locations was probably too much.
6. Live performances, especially with Elmo, are big wins. There is nothing quite like being “there” so we will look for more opportunities to do this in the future.
We learned some valuable lessons;
1. Almost 2-year olds like routine and much whining ensures without said routine.
2. Sleep is more important than any other activity and should be valued as such. Separate rooms for parents and children are a luxury and one worthy of paying for.
3. Rain, while it will not ruin a good time, does make an “outdoor” vacation more challenging.
4. Sharing is a challenge no matter where or who is involved.
5. The maximum number of lodgings should be three. The packing and unpacking for four locations was probably too much.
6. Live performances, especially with Elmo, are big wins. There is nothing quite like being “there” so we will look for more opportunities to do this in the future.
Richfield OH (July 2-4, 2009)
It was only a few hour drive to our next stop, just outside of Cleveland OH to see our friends Kim, Jay and Jenna Gaebelein. Kim, Jay and Mommy have known each other a very long time, since 1995. Mommy used to spend many evenings and holidays with Kim and Jay before Mommy and Daddy met. Mommy was very good at arriving at their house just about dinner time. Then Daddy and Mommy went to Kim and Jay’s for the famous Gaebelein Pumpkin Carving Party. Jenna is 5 years old now, and I want to be just like her. Do you know what this means? It means that I want everything that she has and follow her around the house.
Kim and Jay built a beautiful house with lots of cool things, include a guest suite with a separate room for me too! This was very exciting news for Mommy and Daddy who were glad to get more sleep. The first night I slept from 7:45 pm to 8 am! That is the longest I have slept all week. On Friday, we played with all of Jenna’s toys in the morning and went to the Akron Zoo in the afternoon. It was really fun to see the penguins, dugs, turtles, tigers, lions and birds. We were only there for an hour, which is the perfect amount of time for me. Plus, we had to get home because Jenna’s Nana and Papa were coming over for dinner. Jenna has a swing-set that I would love to have. She has three different types of swings and a slide. She also had a big wheel that was almost my size (a little big). We rode bikes, ran around the yard and swang. You don’t get much better for an almost 2-year old.
On Saturday, July 4, we got packed up (again) and left our friend’s house. We made a quick stop in Columbus to meet a new friend. Her name is Marin and she was born on July 1. Her mommy is Teresa (my friend Anna’s mommy). It was a pretty busy house when we arrived but Mommy got to hold Marin (and I screamed so Mommy did not hold her very long). We visited with Anna for a few minutes too then we were off on our last leg.
Kim and Jay built a beautiful house with lots of cool things, include a guest suite with a separate room for me too! This was very exciting news for Mommy and Daddy who were glad to get more sleep. The first night I slept from 7:45 pm to 8 am! That is the longest I have slept all week. On Friday, we played with all of Jenna’s toys in the morning and went to the Akron Zoo in the afternoon. It was really fun to see the penguins, dugs, turtles, tigers, lions and birds. We were only there for an hour, which is the perfect amount of time for me. Plus, we had to get home because Jenna’s Nana and Papa were coming over for dinner. Jenna has a swing-set that I would love to have. She has three different types of swings and a slide. She also had a big wheel that was almost my size (a little big). We rode bikes, ran around the yard and swang. You don’t get much better for an almost 2-year old.
On Saturday, July 4, we got packed up (again) and left our friend’s house. We made a quick stop in Columbus to meet a new friend. Her name is Marin and she was born on July 1. Her mommy is Teresa (my friend Anna’s mommy). It was a pretty busy house when we arrived but Mommy got to hold Marin (and I screamed so Mommy did not hold her very long). We visited with Anna for a few minutes too then we were off on our last leg.
Chautauqua NY - a few more details
Mommy, Susan and Susan’s friend Taralynn saw the movie “Sunshine Cleaning” which was made by the same people who made “Little Miss Sunshine.” It was a very good movie and well acted but not the most uplifting movie ever made. The theater was converted from a church so it had really cool, tall ceilings too.
The next morning (Thursday), we got all packed up (again) and a different nice Man came to take our things. Daddy arrived with the van and we (meaning, Daddy and Mommy) loaded it up again. We off to see the Sesame characters after that! We passed by the amphitheater as the morning church service started, Mommy really loved to listen to the organ play! After a visit with Elmo, Zoe, Cookie Monster and Grover (and pictures too, like I already told you), we went to see our friends Susan, Michael and Madeleine again (Julia was at the kid’s camp). Susan’s parent, Jim and Judy were also there this time (it is actually their condo but they let the Clarks stay there). After playing with the kitchen for a little bit, we were off into the rain again to head to our next stop.
The next morning (Thursday), we got all packed up (again) and a different nice Man came to take our things. Daddy arrived with the van and we (meaning, Daddy and Mommy) loaded it up again. We off to see the Sesame characters after that! We passed by the amphitheater as the morning church service started, Mommy really loved to listen to the organ play! After a visit with Elmo, Zoe, Cookie Monster and Grover (and pictures too, like I already told you), we went to see our friends Susan, Michael and Madeleine again (Julia was at the kid’s camp). Susan’s parent, Jim and Judy were also there this time (it is actually their condo but they let the Clarks stay there). After playing with the kitchen for a little bit, we were off into the rain again to head to our next stop.
A little bit about Daddy
Have I told you lately what a great Daddy I have? I know every minute of my life that he loves me. I am not always very nice to him and I probably take it for granted what a great Daddy I have. Mommy is always telling people that she knew he would be a great father but she had no idea how amazing he would be or how much he would enjoy it. On this trip I know there were times he did not actually enjoy it, but maybe during those times, he just focused on how much he loved me, because he was always great to me. He stayed in the hotel room at Chautauqua for my morning and afternoon naps so Mommy could spend time with Susan. He took me up to the stage to see the Sesame Street characters after the show. He played toys with me, got me water with ice, as many blueberries as I could eat (an entire container if you were wondering, and Mommy got to take care of it my diaper the next day!). He always has a hand to reach down to me when I need it, is always willing to pick me up and listens to me when I talk. Mommy and I are very blessed to have such an amazing man in our world.
Seeing Sesame Street Live at Chautauqua
The most fun thing we did was see Sesame Street Live! When I saw Elmo come onto the stage, I jumped up and down, clapped my hands and looked from side to side to make sure that everyone around me saw the amazing display on the stage! Elmo, Zoe, Burt, Ernie, Cookie Monster and Grover all danced and sang. It was very late for me (8:30) and I was having a melt down because Michael was holding his daughter Julia and I wanted to sit on his lap. So we left. We picked up our laundry at Susan and Michael’s place and were headed to home to bed. But then guess what happened!? The Sesame Street gang was singing again! And many children had left so there were great spots to sit up close. Mommy was going to a movie with Susan so Daddy and I sat and watched the end of the show. Even though it was after 9 pm (I have not seen 9 pm for over a year now), Daddy even went to the stage at the end so I could meet Cookie Monster and Zoe! I was a little scared but did give them a high five. It was the highlight of the trip for me. Besides going on the See Doos, this was also the highlight for Daddy. I didn’t tell you yet, but during the day before the Liver performance, I got to meet Burt and Ernie because they wanted to come meet the kids before they performed. We were walking in the plaza and Rosita came over to talk to me too. She was getting an interview with the TV people but she saw me and came right over. I loved it! The morning after the show, the characters were meeting more kids, so I got to meet Zoe, Elmo (who is my favorite) and then Cookie Monster and Grover. I have my picture will all of them too! I even sat on Cookie Monster’s lap, it was fun.
Chautauqua NY: June 30-July 2
On Tuesday (June 30), we got up and headed to our next location, Chautauqua NY where we visited our friends Susan, Michael, Julia and Madeleine Clark and Susan’s parents, Jim and Judy Moffitt.
We stopped at a city called Jamestown which is close to Chautauqua, NY (our next destination). To say it was raining would have been an understatement. We ate at a place called Friendly’s and they delivered on their name for sure! I had a very good lunch of grilled cheese and fries. Daddy and Mommy were very impressed because I have not been as interested in eating during meal time, just for snack time on this trip. After the reprieve from the rain and some lunch, we headed to see our friends at the Chautauqua Institute. Michael met us at the main entrance to help us get the gate pass and then drove with us to the hotel.
Yes, it was still raining. Our room was not ready, so we unloaded the car and gave all of our things to a nice man. I don’t know why he wanted them but Daddy seemed okay with the set up so I did not whine. I have whined about most everything this trip so it was good that this particular situation did not bother me. I was actually playing with Michael so I didn’t even notice. We headed to Michael, Susan, Julia and Madeleine’s place and I got to play on their porch with a play refrigerator, stove and phone. Of course I picked up the phone immediately, held it in the crook of my shoulder and started moving items from one place to another on the play kitchen. This is what Mommy does all of the time. I don’t think it’s possible to just talk on the phone; you must be doing something else at the same time.
The Chautauqua Institute is like no other place I have been. It was started by a couple of Methodist ministers in the 1800’s as a place to send Sunday school teachers to learn about the bible. It has been the site of many historic events, including Roosevelt’s “I hate war” speech and visits from historic figures like Amelia Earhardt. It feels very scholarly but fun too. There is a summer camp for kids (you must be at least 3 years old, though, so I could not go this year) It has a really big amphitheater right by our hotel where they have lectures, musical performances and plays.
I wish I would say that the rain stopped, the sun came out and out to the beach we went. I cannot say this. I also wish that I could say that I started sleeping more and whining less, but this also would not be true. But I can tell you that we had a delightful time with our friends on the grounds of “yesteryear” (aka Chautauqua Institute). Mommy went to a lecture about the Gnostic Gospels; I stomped in water, not just one day but two days. We went on a long walk, met some friends of Susan’s and ate our breakfast, lunch and dinner in a fancy restaurant in our hotel.
We stopped at a city called Jamestown which is close to Chautauqua, NY (our next destination). To say it was raining would have been an understatement. We ate at a place called Friendly’s and they delivered on their name for sure! I had a very good lunch of grilled cheese and fries. Daddy and Mommy were very impressed because I have not been as interested in eating during meal time, just for snack time on this trip. After the reprieve from the rain and some lunch, we headed to see our friends at the Chautauqua Institute. Michael met us at the main entrance to help us get the gate pass and then drove with us to the hotel.
Yes, it was still raining. Our room was not ready, so we unloaded the car and gave all of our things to a nice man. I don’t know why he wanted them but Daddy seemed okay with the set up so I did not whine. I have whined about most everything this trip so it was good that this particular situation did not bother me. I was actually playing with Michael so I didn’t even notice. We headed to Michael, Susan, Julia and Madeleine’s place and I got to play on their porch with a play refrigerator, stove and phone. Of course I picked up the phone immediately, held it in the crook of my shoulder and started moving items from one place to another on the play kitchen. This is what Mommy does all of the time. I don’t think it’s possible to just talk on the phone; you must be doing something else at the same time.
The Chautauqua Institute is like no other place I have been. It was started by a couple of Methodist ministers in the 1800’s as a place to send Sunday school teachers to learn about the bible. It has been the site of many historic events, including Roosevelt’s “I hate war” speech and visits from historic figures like Amelia Earhardt. It feels very scholarly but fun too. There is a summer camp for kids (you must be at least 3 years old, though, so I could not go this year) It has a really big amphitheater right by our hotel where they have lectures, musical performances and plays.
I wish I would say that the rain stopped, the sun came out and out to the beach we went. I cannot say this. I also wish that I could say that I started sleeping more and whining less, but this also would not be true. But I can tell you that we had a delightful time with our friends on the grounds of “yesteryear” (aka Chautauqua Institute). Mommy went to a lecture about the Gnostic Gospels; I stomped in water, not just one day but two days. We went on a long walk, met some friends of Susan’s and ate our breakfast, lunch and dinner in a fancy restaurant in our hotel.
June Vacation, Corning NY
The weather was getting rainy so we decided to leave the lake house early on Sunday. We all went back to Gary and Kathy’s new house (they just moved in three weeks ago but you would never know it based on how organized it is). They have two dogs (Max and Jack) and a kitty cat. While I guess I cannot say that they “loved” me, they were very friendly and let me pet and play with them. There were a few tense moments because they love stuffed toys just like me. For some reason, I brought my Elmo doll inside the house (I never bring it inside anywhere, he always stays in the car). Max thought it was his toy and even though he was very gentle, I am not fond of anyone taking anything away from me. Especially if they are my height and have big, wet noses. As the night went on, we got much more used to each other (and Elmo went back to the car).
On Monday, Daddy, Mommy and I ran errands. This felt very much like a normal day at home. We went to Staples (for an organization project Mommy was working on for Kathy), Target and Wal-Mart first. After that we went to the Corning Glass museum where Mommy made an ornament. It was really cool; she is an official glass blower now. After a trip to Wegmans (a pretty neat grocery store) where I got to sit in the pretend car on the front of the shopping cart, we headed back to Gary and Kathy’s house. I was pretty tired and kept telling them that I was ready for my nap. The way I do this these days is by running away, whining, kicking people when they try to pick me up and squirming. People are not always good listeners and they pay the price. When I am tired, I usually want Mommy. This makes Daddy sad because he does not understand that I just want Mommy. I fell asleep in the car again and Mommy took me straight to my nap without lunch.
After my nap, we were off again. The weather was overcast and cooler so it was a good day for errands. We went to TJ Maxx, then to Barnes & Noble for me to play. Did you know that they have a train table in there? Mommy and Daddy sat in the chairs and just let me play and play. There are also stuffed animals (dogs and ducks and lambs) that I pulled out and held for awhile. I am getting very good at picking things up, looking at them, and then putting them back where they belong. This takes quite a bit of persistent and coaching from Mommy but I can do it. After this playtime, we were off again. We went back to TJ Maxx, then to Target (Mommy just ran in this time), then to the mall. It is not a very big mall, but I ran the entire length of it! We went to JC Penney, Bon Ton and the Gap. I also ran into various stores along the way during my game of “run away from Mommy.” There were not many people
Mommy and Daddy made salmon dinner for Gary, Kathy, Allison and Sean (Kathy’s kids) and then we played with the dogs and kitty cat. After that very busy day, I was ready for bed! When I was sleeping, Daddy and Mommy brainstormed with Gary and
Kathy all of the things they could do with the new basement. Mommy and Daddy love to talk about possibility, especially in other people’s houses!
On Monday, Daddy, Mommy and I ran errands. This felt very much like a normal day at home. We went to Staples (for an organization project Mommy was working on for Kathy), Target and Wal-Mart first. After that we went to the Corning Glass museum where Mommy made an ornament. It was really cool; she is an official glass blower now. After a trip to Wegmans (a pretty neat grocery store) where I got to sit in the pretend car on the front of the shopping cart, we headed back to Gary and Kathy’s house. I was pretty tired and kept telling them that I was ready for my nap. The way I do this these days is by running away, whining, kicking people when they try to pick me up and squirming. People are not always good listeners and they pay the price. When I am tired, I usually want Mommy. This makes Daddy sad because he does not understand that I just want Mommy. I fell asleep in the car again and Mommy took me straight to my nap without lunch.
After my nap, we were off again. The weather was overcast and cooler so it was a good day for errands. We went to TJ Maxx, then to Barnes & Noble for me to play. Did you know that they have a train table in there? Mommy and Daddy sat in the chairs and just let me play and play. There are also stuffed animals (dogs and ducks and lambs) that I pulled out and held for awhile. I am getting very good at picking things up, looking at them, and then putting them back where they belong. This takes quite a bit of persistent and coaching from Mommy but I can do it. After this playtime, we were off again. We went back to TJ Maxx, then to Target (Mommy just ran in this time), then to the mall. It is not a very big mall, but I ran the entire length of it! We went to JC Penney, Bon Ton and the Gap. I also ran into various stores along the way during my game of “run away from Mommy.” There were not many people
Mommy and Daddy made salmon dinner for Gary, Kathy, Allison and Sean (Kathy’s kids) and then we played with the dogs and kitty cat. After that very busy day, I was ready for bed! When I was sleeping, Daddy and Mommy brainstormed with Gary and
Kathy all of the things they could do with the new basement. Mommy and Daddy love to talk about possibility, especially in other people’s houses!
June Vacation – Trip to NY – Lake Keuka NY
Friday, June 26 started like most Fridays, except that we put many more things in the van than usual. And we were in the car much longer than usual. And when we stopped driving for the day we were at a lake house with our friends Gary and Kathy. Throughout the day we drove over 500 miles and through three states (Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York). Gary and Kathy live in Corning, NY and have a lake house on one of the “finger lakes” in NY called “Keuka” pronounced more like “queka.” It is surrounded by mountains and hills and lots of trees and is absolutely stunning. Their house has a dock with ducks. They have a boot and two See Doos too.
After dinner we went for a ride on the boat to see the lake. Even though it had been a warm day, it was chilly on our ride so we bundled up in towels and our jackets. Mr. Gary even let me drive the boat! The next morning I was so excited to get up that I awoke at 5:15 am. Mommy and Daddy slept in the same room with me so I got into bed with them until 6:15. I was a very good girl, just too excited to sleep. The whole house was up by 7. We went for a quick walk, came back and had breakfast, then went to a farmers’ market. There were lots of dogs to see, it was so much fun. I walked and ran and petted the dogs. I was pretty tired by this time (10:15 am) and fell asleep on the way back to the house. Mommy and I napped, and then we all had lunch and prepared for more fun. After lunch, I hung out with Miss Kathy (who I love!) while Daddy and Mommy went out on the See Doos. I waved to them from the shore, of course. They had a blast tooling around the lake, going 40 mph. Mommy always thought they looked like fun but now she is convinced! After that, we all went out on the boat to check out the south end of the lake. We went to the very end and back! I was a very good girl and sat with Mommy, then with Miss Kathy in the boat. Miss Kathy and Mr. Gary had all kinds of food for us at the lake house, and it was all delicious. We grilled each night and she had fruit and vegetables and yummy salads too. We sat inside some meals and outside some meals. They even have two tables outside so we ate at each of them throughout the weekend.
On Saturday night after I went to sleep, Daddy, Mommy, Gary and Kathy hung out in the hot tub and watched the sun set. They realized that they all love the TV show “Friday Night Lights,” can you believe that? The show was close to being canceled and now will be on for two more seasons. It’s an exciting time when Daddy and Mommy find people who like that show because they just love it. Every episode is good and full of drama and interesting twists. Daddy was pretty jazzed because Tyra (one of the main characters) grew up in Toledo. Mommy believes that everyone has a connection to Ohio, even though they might not believe it or want to remember it.
I slept until 6:45 on Sunday morning and Mommy and Daddy learned their lesson and went to bed earlier on Saturday too. After breakfast, we all went to a neat place called Watkins Glen. It’s a hiking trail in a gorge with waterfalls, lots of steps and lots of trees. We did not bring the back pack because Sarah (both Daddy and Mommy’s physical therapist now) said that it would probably bother Daddy’s back. This meant that they traded off carrying me up and down the stairs. I did walk a little too, but you can’t expect too much from a little girl like me. Just like on our other vacations, we got our early before the crowds. It worked again, because as the tour buses were arriving, we were headed home for lunch. After lunch and during my nap, Daddy, Mommy and Gary went to a few wineries in the area. They had a great time and bought some wine. Miss Kathy and I played and played until they got home. One of my favorite activities was throwing the plastic bath toys into the hot tub and having an adult scoop them out for me. I could do this for quite some time!
After dinner we went for a ride on the boat to see the lake. Even though it had been a warm day, it was chilly on our ride so we bundled up in towels and our jackets. Mr. Gary even let me drive the boat! The next morning I was so excited to get up that I awoke at 5:15 am. Mommy and Daddy slept in the same room with me so I got into bed with them until 6:15. I was a very good girl, just too excited to sleep. The whole house was up by 7. We went for a quick walk, came back and had breakfast, then went to a farmers’ market. There were lots of dogs to see, it was so much fun. I walked and ran and petted the dogs. I was pretty tired by this time (10:15 am) and fell asleep on the way back to the house. Mommy and I napped, and then we all had lunch and prepared for more fun. After lunch, I hung out with Miss Kathy (who I love!) while Daddy and Mommy went out on the See Doos. I waved to them from the shore, of course. They had a blast tooling around the lake, going 40 mph. Mommy always thought they looked like fun but now she is convinced! After that, we all went out on the boat to check out the south end of the lake. We went to the very end and back! I was a very good girl and sat with Mommy, then with Miss Kathy in the boat. Miss Kathy and Mr. Gary had all kinds of food for us at the lake house, and it was all delicious. We grilled each night and she had fruit and vegetables and yummy salads too. We sat inside some meals and outside some meals. They even have two tables outside so we ate at each of them throughout the weekend.
On Saturday night after I went to sleep, Daddy, Mommy, Gary and Kathy hung out in the hot tub and watched the sun set. They realized that they all love the TV show “Friday Night Lights,” can you believe that? The show was close to being canceled and now will be on for two more seasons. It’s an exciting time when Daddy and Mommy find people who like that show because they just love it. Every episode is good and full of drama and interesting twists. Daddy was pretty jazzed because Tyra (one of the main characters) grew up in Toledo. Mommy believes that everyone has a connection to Ohio, even though they might not believe it or want to remember it.
I slept until 6:45 on Sunday morning and Mommy and Daddy learned their lesson and went to bed earlier on Saturday too. After breakfast, we all went to a neat place called Watkins Glen. It’s a hiking trail in a gorge with waterfalls, lots of steps and lots of trees. We did not bring the back pack because Sarah (both Daddy and Mommy’s physical therapist now) said that it would probably bother Daddy’s back. This meant that they traded off carrying me up and down the stairs. I did walk a little too, but you can’t expect too much from a little girl like me. Just like on our other vacations, we got our early before the crowds. It worked again, because as the tour buses were arriving, we were headed home for lunch. After lunch and during my nap, Daddy, Mommy and Gary went to a few wineries in the area. They had a great time and bought some wine. Miss Kathy and I played and played until they got home. One of my favorite activities was throwing the plastic bath toys into the hot tub and having an adult scoop them out for me. I could do this for quite some time!
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