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.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
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!
Father's Day and Aunt Shell's visit
For Father’s Day weekend, I went on a special trip with Daddy to Toledo. Every year he plays in a golf outing with his friends, Bill, Brad and Eric. Usually he gets up at 4 am and drives to Toledo for the day (Saturday), but Grandma and Papa were really missing me, so he left at noon on Friday and took me. Mommy was at an off-site meeting all day Friday so did not come with us. Plus, Aunt Shell was coming through town on Saturday, so Mommy was able to spend some time with her. I had a great time with Grandma and Papa! Of course, I always have a great time with them. This time I visited their neighbors who have two granddaughters a little bit older than me. This means that they have really neat toys. I, of course, became attached and came back to Grandma and Papa’s with a few toys to borrow. Which often happens, and the toys are returned once I am on to something else. While Daddy was golfing, I ran errands, went for a walk and went to the farmers’ market. After Daddy finished golfing and I had my nap, we headed home. We made a stop in Dayton (Nana’s house) where Mommy, Aunt Shell, Uncle Robbie and Uncle David were all visiting. Aunt Shell has a new dog named Angel who I love. I played and played with Angel and Nana’s dog, Lilly. It was a late night for me but it was fun to visit all of my family.
The reason Aunt Shell drove from Florida to Ohio is because she was actually on her way to Pennsylvania to go stay with Great Grandmother Betty. GG Betty fell and sprained her ankle and cannot stay in her house by herself. She is 93 and really can’t stay in her house by herself even with a good ankle, but GG Betty is a woman set in her ways so a longer-term solution has not yet been determined. Papaw and my cousin James was in Pennsylvania so I did not get to see them when Aunt Shell was in town. They had to wait for Aunt Shell to get to GG Betty’s house before they could come home.
For Father’s Day, I made Daddy a t-shirt with my hand prints on it! Because Mommy originally thought that Daddy was going to Toledo by himself, she was waiting for Saturday to make the shirt. When Daddy decided that I was going with him, she and I rushed to make the shirt on the Thursday night before we left. I was just in my diaper, which was a very good idea on Mommy’s part. Since I do art at school all of the time, this was not that big of a deal to me. I did think it felt weird to have paint all over my hands and feet (we tried a few stops with paint on my feet), so I kept saying “uh oh, uh oh” (this is usually what I say when something drops and must be cleaned up immediately or I will continue saying “uh oh” until the job is done). Mommy and I had paint all over, it was so much fun!
The reason Aunt Shell drove from Florida to Ohio is because she was actually on her way to Pennsylvania to go stay with Great Grandmother Betty. GG Betty fell and sprained her ankle and cannot stay in her house by herself. She is 93 and really can’t stay in her house by herself even with a good ankle, but GG Betty is a woman set in her ways so a longer-term solution has not yet been determined. Papaw and my cousin James was in Pennsylvania so I did not get to see them when Aunt Shell was in town. They had to wait for Aunt Shell to get to GG Betty’s house before they could come home.
For Father’s Day, I made Daddy a t-shirt with my hand prints on it! Because Mommy originally thought that Daddy was going to Toledo by himself, she was waiting for Saturday to make the shirt. When Daddy decided that I was going with him, she and I rushed to make the shirt on the Thursday night before we left. I was just in my diaper, which was a very good idea on Mommy’s part. Since I do art at school all of the time, this was not that big of a deal to me. I did think it felt weird to have paint all over my hands and feet (we tried a few stops with paint on my feet), so I kept saying “uh oh, uh oh” (this is usually what I say when something drops and must be cleaned up immediately or I will continue saying “uh oh” until the job is done). Mommy and I had paint all over, it was so much fun!
A good start to June
Knock on wood (whatever that means), but June has been a good month for me. I have not been sick at all in June! I think it’s a record! My Aunt Jeannie (Uncle Robbie’s wife) got her diploma (graduating with honors!) and I got to go to her party at Nana’s house. My most fun activity was to have each person pull me around in the wagon. I am very good at saying “come” then “more” to make sure that I was making continuous loops around the yard. I got to see Aunt Jeannie (of course, it was her party), Nana, Uncle Robbie, Papaw, Uncle David, and my cousins James and Michael.
The next weekend Nana came over to spend the night because Mommy and Daddy went to a wedding. It was Daddy’s friend, John’s wedding and they said it was amazing! John and his new wife, Arija had it at a lodge in a state park close to our house. We are constantly amazed at how many beautiful places are just around the corner. Anyway, it was in the woods on the patio of this beautiful, historic house. They had the ceremony, and then the guests (about 100) went to the front patio for a happy hour while they set up the tables for dinner. The weather was perfect, not too hot and not too cool. The patio had a fountain and candles all around it. The food was delicious and Mommy and Daddy were at a really fun table. They even danced a little and Mommy got a picture with the Chic-Filet Cow that came to visit towards the end of the night. Nana and I had a great time too! We went for a walk, played with my toys and just ran and giggled and fell on the floor in a bundle of laughter.
The next weekend Nana came over to spend the night because Mommy and Daddy went to a wedding. It was Daddy’s friend, John’s wedding and they said it was amazing! John and his new wife, Arija had it at a lodge in a state park close to our house. We are constantly amazed at how many beautiful places are just around the corner. Anyway, it was in the woods on the patio of this beautiful, historic house. They had the ceremony, and then the guests (about 100) went to the front patio for a happy hour while they set up the tables for dinner. The weather was perfect, not too hot and not too cool. The patio had a fountain and candles all around it. The food was delicious and Mommy and Daddy were at a really fun table. They even danced a little and Mommy got a picture with the Chic-Filet Cow that came to visit towards the end of the night. Nana and I had a great time too! We went for a walk, played with my toys and just ran and giggled and fell on the floor in a bundle of laughter.
Sick again in May
I was feeling like a hot shot for a few weeks because I did not have a cold (meaning, a fever and a cough too). Mommy went on a work trip to Indianapolis, Indiana (A state I have not yet visited even though it is only 45 minutes away from our house). When she got back I was not acting like myself. By that weekend, I had a bit of a fever. Daddy called the doctor but the doctor said to "watch it." He watched it but by the end of the week I was my “sick self.” Mommy had a big presentation at work and was getting ready for so Daddy stayed home with me on that Friday. I was feeling better that following weekend so Memorial Day weekend we went to Toledo to see Grandma, Papa and all of my aunts, uncles and cousins who live there too. We had a very good time, I even had my first flavor ice at Aunt Cin-Day’s house! I took a very good nap and slept well at night too! We went mall-walking, went to Costco too. When we walked into the door, I yelled “yeah Costco!” I think I would be good in their commercials.
That night (Sunday) I started feeling yucky again. Even with the exciting family party around me, I was able to get to sleep, though. On Monday I felt better so guess what? I got to stay with Grandma and Papa. I was supposed to stay until Wednesday, but guess what happened? I got my high fever again so on Tuesday, we drove back so I could go to the doctor. The doctor said what he always says, that this is just how my body reacts to colds. I did get another chest x-ray and blood work to confirm it. I would prefer them to just make their best guess than to deal with the x-ray and blood work. Even though I did not feel good, Grandma and Papa stayed with me on Wednesday too and Thursday my friend JJ came over to stay with me. It was a fun week! Friday I got to go back to school to visit my teachers and my friends. What an ending to May!
That night (Sunday) I started feeling yucky again. Even with the exciting family party around me, I was able to get to sleep, though. On Monday I felt better so guess what? I got to stay with Grandma and Papa. I was supposed to stay until Wednesday, but guess what happened? I got my high fever again so on Tuesday, we drove back so I could go to the doctor. The doctor said what he always says, that this is just how my body reacts to colds. I did get another chest x-ray and blood work to confirm it. I would prefer them to just make their best guess than to deal with the x-ray and blood work. Even though I did not feel good, Grandma and Papa stayed with me on Wednesday too and Thursday my friend JJ came over to stay with me. It was a fun week! Friday I got to go back to school to visit my teachers and my friends. What an ending to May!
June 26, 2009 (Update for May & June)
It’s been over a month since we have given you an update on my life! We are on our first summer vacation and Mommy has some time in the car, so we will do our best to give you the highlights of the last 6 weeks.
Daddy: Daddy has been back to work for several weeks now. His back surgery seems like distant memory to us. He picks me up, rolls on the floor and does all the fun stuff he always did with me before he hurt his back. I especially love how he pulls my bean bags to the main room, sits on one so I can sit on the other. I get my cards out and shuffle through them with him. Sometimes I get out the stackers to make a tower with him too. Then I of course knock them down with delight. Although I am less inclined to immediately knock down something that I built myself so the towers make it at least a few seconds these days. He has played golf three times and his back felt pretty good. He is not running his ultra marathons just yet, but he has run for two miles. He still goes to the physical therapist every week and does his stretches and exercises every morning and every night.
Mommy: Mommy’s back did not get better after five visits to the chiropractor and four therapeutic massages. She went to see Daddy’s back surgeon to confirm that there is not a bigger issue than just a muscle injury that did not get better. Mommy is getting really good at explaining all of the injuries to her back and neck to the various health care providers. She is fascinated to learn about all of the different forms that need to be filled out each visit. In the last year she has had a full set of x-rays of her knees, legs and now back and neck. The only thing she learned at Daddy’s doctor was that she has mild scoliosis (too small to even treat). Guess what Mommy does now? She goes to see Daddy’s physical therapist. It would be great if we could get a family discount. Mommy learned some great new stretches and was given the ok to get back to her exercising. You know how Mommy loves exercising, so this made her very happy.
The month of May was full! Although I guess when I look back at any six week period in the life of the Connor family, it is usually full. Mommy believes in the mantra “life in full bloom!” so that should not be surprising. Anyway, back to the story.
Daddy: Daddy has been back to work for several weeks now. His back surgery seems like distant memory to us. He picks me up, rolls on the floor and does all the fun stuff he always did with me before he hurt his back. I especially love how he pulls my bean bags to the main room, sits on one so I can sit on the other. I get my cards out and shuffle through them with him. Sometimes I get out the stackers to make a tower with him too. Then I of course knock them down with delight. Although I am less inclined to immediately knock down something that I built myself so the towers make it at least a few seconds these days. He has played golf three times and his back felt pretty good. He is not running his ultra marathons just yet, but he has run for two miles. He still goes to the physical therapist every week and does his stretches and exercises every morning and every night.
Mommy: Mommy’s back did not get better after five visits to the chiropractor and four therapeutic massages. She went to see Daddy’s back surgeon to confirm that there is not a bigger issue than just a muscle injury that did not get better. Mommy is getting really good at explaining all of the injuries to her back and neck to the various health care providers. She is fascinated to learn about all of the different forms that need to be filled out each visit. In the last year she has had a full set of x-rays of her knees, legs and now back and neck. The only thing she learned at Daddy’s doctor was that she has mild scoliosis (too small to even treat). Guess what Mommy does now? She goes to see Daddy’s physical therapist. It would be great if we could get a family discount. Mommy learned some great new stretches and was given the ok to get back to her exercising. You know how Mommy loves exercising, so this made her very happy.
The month of May was full! Although I guess when I look back at any six week period in the life of the Connor family, it is usually full. Mommy believes in the mantra “life in full bloom!” so that should not be surprising. Anyway, back to the story.
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