Day 71 / 365: Heading Up to Bed

Only a few more weeks on midnight shift for your mom until I go to day shift for the next year. It can't come soon enough for me! I hate not being able to tuck you into bed, relax with you, and to read stories and poems before going to bed at night. Tonight at MeMe's as I was going start getting ready for work, you gave me a hug and kiss, then headed up to bed. I couldn't help but laugh as you and Rooney perched at the top of the steps, smiling and shouting "I Love You" down to me. I still didn't want to leave you two, but at least I had a happy memory to smile about that night.

Day 70 / 365: Where'd You Go?

Your dad told me that he wanted to take you shopping today. Ok, sure! No problem! It's not too often that your dad volunteers to go shopping, so no way am I going to stop him!

Later, you told me that you got a new coat and hat at the store with daddy. I was excited to see what it looked like. I imagined it was probably purple; your favorite color as of right now. Wrong!

You happily modeled your new camouflaged winter coat and matching camo stocking cap. It's not the purple one I envisioned, but that's ok. It will keep you nice and warm this winter...even if we can't find you outside!

Day 69 / 365: Wrestlemania

Tonight you and Rooney had a little rough housing session before you got ready for bed. He got tired out before you did and decided to retire to the recliner. You made it clear that you weren't done when you put him in a (gentle) headlock and gave a big old smile for the camera!

Honestly, you love that dog and your great with him. The only pitfall is that you two rile each other up constantly! Your like brother and sister! You get to laughing or running around and no matter where Rooney is or what he's doing, he's running around right behind you! I'm so glad your a good big sister!

Day 68 / 365: Shopping Trip

Tonight we had to go grocery shopping. I had been putting it off as long as I could and our list was very long this time! You decided to be the keeper of the list and held it tightly all the way to the store. Walking around the store about halfway through, we noticed that two things were missing: your hat and the grocery list. At the check out we found both buried beneath the mounds of food in the cart.

You should be proud of your old mom! Out of the entire list, I only forgot two things! That's pretty darn good for a big shopping trip like that!

Day 67 / 365: Victory Bling

You had a great game tonight! You got right in there after the soccer ball, helped bring it down the field and you even helped block a few goals! Your dad and I were so proud of you. After the game, we went to get some dinner. You almost immediately spied the Ring Pops up near the counter, a green watermelon one caught your eye. It wasn't long before you asked if you could have one. Trying to be a responsible mom, I told you that if you ate a good dinner that you could have one. Little did you know that I was so excited, you could have ate a half a french fry and I'd still have gotten you that victory bling you had your eye on!

Day 66 / 365: Manicure by Mommy

When we went to get our hair done the other day, you picked out a bottle of nail polish for yourself. Purple, but of course. You hadn't asked to have your nail's polished with it until tonight. Personally, I blame Big Ma. She's always had her nails beautifully done, painted in beautiful shades of bright red or flowery mauves. As a baby, I remember you'd hold her fingers and just stare.

Well, your mom doesn't have the knack for painting nails like Big Ma does, but the job got done. One coat of purple nail polish and one coat of clear top coat to make it extra shiny. You were so excited at the idea of showing off your new manicure to your friend at school the next day! It didn't matter that it was a little smudged or that mommy didn't do it just right. You felt like the prettiest girl in the world; and you should!

Day 65 / 365: 300 to Go!

Today was Day 65 of our 365 day project. I'm so happy that we've made it this far without missing a single day! Some days it is a struggle to find something unique to take a picture of. There are days where you give me "that look" when you see I've got the camera out again. But then there are days that I could take a thousand pictures to try to capture the moment and it's never enough!

I hope that we can look back through this book in the years to come and look at the days we've spent together. I will treasure every moment I have with you always; picture or no picture!

Day 64 / 365: Looking Out on Forever

Today is your Dad's 27th birthday. We only had the morning to do something as your soccer game was in the afternoon and then Grandma Sally was making a special dinner. When I asked your Dad what he would like to do, he said that he wanted to do whatever you wanted to do. Your choice was easy; you wanted to go to Crane Creek! We drove through and looked for animals along the drive back to the beach. You and your Dad pointed out the different animals you spotted, and you identified all the birds you knew.

At the beach you two quickly set out looking for shells and feathers while I hung back and took pictures of you. A nice piece of driftwood was a perfect place for you both to rest and look out on the water. I snapped pictures as fast as my fingers would let me. It was such a peaceful moment, so content. The water stretched out as far as the eye could see. You both sat so quietly, gazing out into the beyond and sharing words with one anther that only the tide could hear. The two of you were happy just sitting there together, looking out on forever.

Day 63 / 365: Pre-Birthday Dinner

Tonight we took your Dad to one of his favorite restaurants for his birthday dinner. We invited our friends Jeff and Melissa along with us. We decided to go the night before his birthday because I would be working the night of his birthday. Also, Grandma Sally had planned to cook a wonderful dinner for you and Daddy on his birthday after your soccer game.

The food was good, even though we had to wait a little while for it. We all laughed and joked around. Everyone seemed to have had a great time. I'm glad that we were all able to get together and have a nice pre-birthday dinner for your Dad like that!

Day 62 / 365: Camping with the Rahm Family

Aunt Angie asked if you would like to go down to the camper tonight with her, Olivia and Will. Bike rides, smores, playing in the dirt like mom won't let you do at home...of course you wanted to go! They were all waiting for us when we pulled in the drive. You had your Hello Kitty backpack stuffed with changes of clothes, toothbrush, your hopscotch game and of course, your new favorite stuffed animal.

I text messaged Aunt Angie several times while you were down there. I was nervous and I missed you like crazy! She told me you were having fun and doing well, so I didn't call to risk upsetting you. I think I was more upset going to bed that night without tucking you in than you could have been! Camping is fun...but I'm glad you don't go all that often!

Day 61 / 365: Mom's Chop Job

The other day you mentioned to me that you wanted your hair cut shorter, so we arranged to go to my friend Melissa's shop and have it done. It was made a family affair, as your dad (desperately) needed his hair cut and I decided to have mine trimmed.

You went first and had no problems. Your dad was next. Finally it was mom's turn. We had talked about getting it cut short and I was nervous. VERY nervous. For moral support, we took a little "before" picture together. At least I'll having something to hold on to for the next few weeks when I feel a little bit balder than usual!

Day 60 / 365: Coach's Shadow

Your soccer coach has an extra shadow he might not have known about, but I sure have noticed. Your very first fall soccer practice you met him and I could tell you were nervous. Spring soccer you had Aunt Angie and Angela W. for coaches, and you felt right at home with them. This guy was a stranger; a male stranger at that. Your guard was way up.

Not for long! Coach Bob is so great with you kids, you quickly overcame any fears you had. Now every time a play ends, a whistle blows or you just feel the need, you run right over to him and smile. It's great that you look to him for direction and that you like him so well. It's wonderful that he's such a buddy for you all to have. He doesn't seem to mind his extra shadow at all!

Day 59 / 365: Just Your Style

Tonight we put the new bedding you picked out on your bed. It's been washed up, nice and soft and clean. You couldn't wait to jump right in bed! You curled right up and when I asked to take a picture quickly, you peeked out just a little and obliged.

This bed set was made just for you, I swear. It's a Littlest Pet Shop theme, which has been a favorite toy of yours for two years now. The cute and playful animals all over it brought a smile to your face right away. The colors sealed the deal though. Your favorite color purple is the main color, accented with a hot pink. It was great to have you be so excited to go to bed for once! That bed set is well worth every penny!

Day 58 / 365: Bedtime Snack

You usually make very good choices with food. Sure, you like your snack foods, chips and ice cream. On the whole, you usually eat healthy.

You love your vegetables, especially corn, beans and asparagus! For fruits, you haven't met one you don't like! Melon, berries, peaches, grapes; you name it, you'll eat it!

Your bedtime snack for tonight was apples and peanut butter. It is so great that you love foods that are so good for you!

Day 57 / 365: Boo!

Big Ma loves to decorate for holidays and tonight we walked in to find that she's put out all her Halloween decorations! You ran from room to room laughing and pointing out everything she had out.

Anything that made a noise, played music, lit up or just plain old looked scary, you were all excited about. One of your favorite things was this jack o lantern that Big Ma had in the entry room. With all the lights off, it made a very neat orange glow. You decided to pose next to it and give me a "scared" face. I think it was more adorable than scared!

Day 56 / 365: I Scream for Ice Cream

Tonight we told you we would do whatever you wanted. Turns out what you wanted was to go to Crane Creek and walk on the beach. It was beautiful weather and we walked up and down the beach for quite a while. You filled your little pail up with seashells and we looked around for animals as we made our way through the park.

Afterward, you wanted to eat at DG's, a local ice cream shop. You ate a hot dog, some chips, picked at my french fries and then you declared it time for dessert. You ordered ice cream: "chocolate...no vanilla or sprinkles or stuff." It was your first chocolate ice cream cone and you ate almost the entire thing!

Before leaving, I had to take your picture by the DG's sign. It was too funny! Your pretty lucky though. You NEVER have to scream for Dad to stop the car!

Day 55 / 365: Yuck!

I had to run into the store for a few things today. On the way out, we stopped at the quarter machine. Luckily, I had a few in my change purse.

Even though I explained to you I only had two quarters and to make you had to choose what you wanted wisely, I didn't care much for what you picked. You could have had a big sticker, a giant gumball, sweet tarts or a high bounce ball...but no. You chose this sticky, gel hand thing.

It is disgusting. You fling it at something (you target for the drive home was my car windows) and it sticks to it. It also manages to pick up anything you wouldn't want it: hair, lint, crumbs, etc. After a few minutes it was just gross, not to mention my window was all smudged and your hands were all gummy.

I was happy when you forgot it in the car...and it "accidentally" fell into the garbage can!

Day 54 / 365: Good Pretenders

You and your daddy love to play jokes! You two are always playing around, hiding and scaring each other, pretending to talk to people on the phone who aren't there and pretending to "fall asleep" when I ask you guys to do something. Tonight, you two decided to pretend to fall asleep together on the recliner. You two may be good pretenders, but your a great pair!

Day 53 / 365: Team Family

Today at your soccer game we got you, Will and Olivia together for a little family picture. It was so cute! Your uniforms were almost the same, even though Olivia is on a different soccer team than you and Will are.

I'll tell you one thing: no one would ever deny that you three make one adorable team family!

Day 52 / 365: Crabby Old Cat

This is you and Burhead, the crabby old cat at MeMe's house. Don't get me wrong; I love Burhead to pieces. She just has this attitude that makes her one extreme or the other. She either will be loving on us, laying with us on the sofa, sleeping in bed with you OR yowling, swatting at us and running away. Today it was an even mix. She allowed you to share the window with her and you watched the birds at the bird feeder. As you can see, when I took the picture, her patience had begun to wear thin. Crabby as she might be, we love her anyways!

Day 51 / 365: Be Free

Awhile back you and your father decided to bring home a little friend you found in the ditch by Grandma Sally's House. Normally, this would not bother me, as I love animals. But this was no furry little kitten or lost dog. No dear, you two brought home a very large snapping turtle. Your dad filled up an old calf troth with water and you put some river rocks in. This was to be Mr. Turtle's home for the next several weeks.

He was content on a diet of worms, frogs, other "meats" and the occasional hot dog. With fall about to set in and the impending cold, we all knew it was time to release Mr. Turtle back into the wild. We explained to you about hibernation and that he would need to fatten up a bit and find a nice place to sleep. Your dad (carefully) got him out of the tank and managed to keep all his fingers. The three of us walked down the road to a little creek with him in a bucket. Your dad climbed down and tipped him out by the water. We stood at the edge of the creek and watched him climb into the water and disappear.

You were a good friend to him and you yelled goodbye before we walked back home. I know you'll miss him but just think: now when you catch frogs out in the yard, you don't have to feed them to anything!

Day 50 / 365: Rainy Day Games

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor hail shall stop the soccer team! Today you guys played in the rain, and MAN do I mean rain! Straight downpour! You kids all seemed to love it though. You were all soaking wet, running around laughing and screaming as you chased after the soccer ball.

The fans were lined up on the sidelines with their umbrellas and we were all having such a good time watching the teams. The coaches let you guys play for about a half hour before they finally called the game off when it really started coming down hard. It was too bad. We all were kind of enjoying the rainy day games.

Day 49 / 365: Wanna Treat?

Every time we go to the store, you ask to get the dogs something...food, toys, treats. Something, anything! Today you picked out rawhides for Rooney and Hershey. They're so lucky you spoil them!

Day 48 / 365: Mom's New Toy

Today I took your picture showing off my new toy: a new laptop! I had to personalize it with a photo collage of your 365 pictures to date! It just wouldn't be mine if I didn't!

Your main concern with my computer is what kinds of games it has on it. Sorry...it just has boring picture editing stuff!

Day 47 / 365: Take Another Look

There are a lot of time in life where things just seem hopeless. It feels like you've tried everything you can do and the world is just crashing down around you. In those times, I hope you'll keep the same sweetness, the energy and the humor you have now. More than staying positive, stay motivated about what you want in life. You can accomplish anything you dream of and deserve all your heart desires! I hope that you'll be able to take another look at things and get a new perspective. After all, they say a frown is just a smile upside down!

Day 46 / 365: Little Helper

You cracked us all up today as you sat on the bench and carefully studied the coaches clipboard. We could see you from across the field taking your finger and tracing the play lines, talking to yourself quietly, squinting your eyes and cocking your head as if you were questioning exactly what the strategy was.

Then you shook your head and picked up the pencil. My heart jumped up into my throat because I thought you actually might erase or draw on his play diagrams! Instead you waved the pencil around in the air in front of it like you were making adjustments, then you sat the clipboard back down beside you and watched the game like nothing had happened. Wow! I'll bet coach didn't know he had a little helper on the team!

Day 45 / 365: First Taste of Chocolate

Yesterday while talking to the doctor, he told us your allergy test results had come back in. He told us that you have outgrown your chocolate allergy and we could not be more relieved! No more feeling like you've gotten the short end of the stick at Halloween or Easter! No more worrying that you won't be able to eat a birthday treat at school because of chocolate! Your free to try it all now! You put it off for most of the day, saying "no thank you", even though I had went to the store and bought an arsenal of chocolate things for you to try. (...chocolate milk, chocolate dipped shortbread cookies, swiss roll cakes, chocolate ice cream...)

Finally towards the end of the evening, you said you'd like to try an M & M. You dumped out a few from the package and thought awhile about which color to try first. You selected an orange one and held it up for me to take a quick picture. You popped it in your mouth and smiled. It was good and you ate only a few more, by your own choice. I guess being a chocoholic isn't genetic!

Day 44 / 365: Feeling Sick

Today was a lazy day for you. You were feeling crummy and just wanted to sleep. The doctor said you have strep throat, but your throat isn't hurting. It's the darn sniffles that are bothering you! You poor little thing, you just keep on sneezing! With the antibiotics and a little of the cold medicine the doctor suggested, you sleep as comfortably as you can with this bug you've caught.

I have to admit, it's kind of cute when you snore!

Day 43 / 365: Bench Coach

You usually have a pretty good crowd at your soccer games to cheer you and Will on. I make it to every game I possibly can with my crazy work schedule, Then there is Aunt Angie, Uncle Tim and Olivia, MeMe, GeGe, Big Ma and Poppa, Grandma Tack, Grandma Sally and Beepa. The whole family usually turns out to cheer on their favorite preschool soccer stars!

I'd truly have to say that one of your biggest sideline fans is your dad. This year and last, he's made it his mission to make sure he's at every single practice and every one of your games. He was so excited when you first joined the team, he even took you out and bought you pink shin guards and a pink soccer ball! He's so proud of you out there on the field whether you score a goal or just run along with the group.

When it's your turn to sit on the bench, he always comes over to sit down with you. I'm not sure what you two talk about, but nobody else really needs to know. Some things should stay between the bench coach and his favorite player.

Day 42 / 365: Is It Halloween Yet?

Today we got some of those ready to bake sugar cookies from the store. They already have the Halloween themed ones out with pumpkins, ghosts and black cats. We got one of each kind, of course!

You were very helpful in getting them all set out on the cookies sheets, even though one of the pieces of cookie dough somehow mysteriously disappeared. (Gee I wonder where it could have gone to?)

After they were done baking, you looked up at me and asked how long til Halloween. I told you it was still a few weeks away. You told me that is was too far away.

We're going to need more cookies!

Day 41 / 365: Lady, What a Funny Looking Baby!

You have never been big on baby dolls or barbies or the like. You've always preferred animals. Whenever we'd go somewhere and we'd ask you if you wanted to take a toy along, you'd come out of your room with a stuffed animal in tow. When you'd get to choose a new toy at the store, it was always a toy animal of some sort. Even playing at home, you'd have animals strew all about!

Play at Big Ma's has been no different. You decided to play shopping today. To you, who better to take along shopping then Big Ma's dog, Dixie? It was a logical choice and thankfully one that Dixie didn't mind. Shopping is a great thing to do but lady, you've got a funny looking baby!

Day 40 / 365: Missing MeMe

Early this morning, MeMe & GeGe took off for Washington DC for a little, well deserved, vacation. We explained this to you ahead of time and you said you understood. We wanted to make it clear to you because you haven't really been away from MeMe like this before, except for a few days vacation to St. Louis.

You did well all day long. A few times you asked about them and when they would be back home. We decided to call and check on them to make sure they made it in ok and say goodnight. It wasn't long before the tears started and your bottom lip poked out! You asked them to come home, now, please. It took a few minutes to calm you down and explain to you that they were too far away to just come home right that minute. You said your goodnight's and I love you's, and began to count down the few days til they came home.

Day 39 / 365: School Starts

Today was the first day of preschool: Will's first year and your second year. You were being such a big girl. You were so excited! You had your new backpack all ready to go, a new outfit you picked out from Aunt Tonya and you were looking forward to seeing your friends from last year. MeMe & GeGe came to the school to see you two off. I couldn't resist taking a picture of you all together! We were so proud of you and we all hope that you love school just as much in a few years as you do now!

Day 38 / 365: Primping

MeMe helped you blow dry your hair tonight to get you all primped and looking pretty for the first day of school tomorrow. You never used to like being fussed over. In fact, it was all we could do to get you to hold still to get your hair brushed! Now your acting more and more like a big girl. You (occasionally) want me to put your hair in a ponytail or put pretty clips in it. You love playing with chapstick and calling it your makeup! Grownup shoes are very fun to stomp around in too. You are growing up so fast, before you know it we'll be sharing clothes!

Sorry in advance that your mom doesn't have that great of a fashion sense!

Day 37 / 365: New School Do

Today you got you got your hair cut for school. One of mommy's very best friends is your hairdresser, she has been since your very first haircut! Her name is Melissa, but you've always called her Sissa, just like her nephews and neices.

You used to be so nervous about haircuts and your eyes would tear up. Now it's no big deal at all. As a matter of fact, you've now started to give us directions for how you want your hair done!

Oh boy...what the teenage years hold in store for us!

Day 36 / 365: Labor Day Camping

You love going down to visit Grandma Sally & Beepa in their camper. To you, it's like a clubhouse on wheels. You get the nice bedroom, dining room table and kitchen, not to mention a clean bathroom along with the all the things you love about the outdoors!

There are a few things that are certain about camping for you: you always get a great meal made for you, you get to play at the playground at the campground, there are a lot of cool things to discover down by the river and you get to have a campfire at the end of the night!

No wonder you didn't want to hold still for this picture...there's too much other fun stuff going on!

Day 35 / 365: In the Jungle

Grandma Sally and Beepa have some very cool old willow trees in her yard. Today while daddy was checking on their house, we played outside underneath them. You would grab the branches that hung down and run in circles with them, twirling around. You laughed and said you were in the jungle as you ran underneath the thicker branches that hung down. Then you decided to hide behind the tree and peek out at us.

You really enjoy being outdoors and we are very fortunate that Grandma Sally and Beepa have such a nice jungle in their yard for you to explore!

Day 34 / 365: Mommy & Me

You don't usually see your mom in pictures. Generally, she's the one behind the camera taking them.

Tonight I took you, daddy, MeMe, GeGe, Big Ma & Poppa out to dinner. We had a fun time and the food was pretty good. Afterwards you, daddy and I went to the beach. We searched for shells and feathers, just like we always do. We got to stay out there a little while and enjoy a pretty sunset before the bugs came out.

After taking a lot of pictures of you on the beach, I did something that I don't often do: I asked your dad to take a picture of us. It may not be a great picture of me, but it's one of us together, so it means a lot to me. I get so wrapped up in trying to capture all the memories sometimes that I forget to include myself in them.

Day 33 / 365: After the Blood Work

You were so brave. You didn't flinch or cry out or make a fuss at all. Nobody likes blood work, but you made it look so easy.

Today they drew blood for your allergy test. Two hours before your appointment I had to apply a numbing cream to your arm to help ease the pain. You said it itched and burnt a little, then you looked at me funny as I placed a bandage over it and covered it in plastic wrap. This was how the doctor told me to prepare your arm, marinading it and wrapping it up like a little roast!

After your blood was drawn, several LARGE vials of blood at that, you received lots of praise from the staff as well as a fistful of suckers and stickers. They told us they'd have results in two weeks time and we'd know then if your chocolate allergy remains or if you have outgrown it.

We met MeMe & Will at the park and had a little picnic of McDonald's Happy Meals in the shelter house. You both ate your lunch and ran off to play on the swings, slides and playground. Just before we left, you both ran up the big sled hill with MeMe and took turns rolling down. We parted ways from MeMe & Will with a hug, a kiss and a wave goodbye.

Just as I was pulling out of the parking lot, you shouted for me to stop. You then passed up a sticker to me and asked me if I could run over to MeMe's car and give it to Will and "share" for her. You are such a sweetheart!

Day 32 / 365: Preschool Open House

Tonight was your preschool open house. We got to go in and see your new classroom and meet some of your new classmates. You went to 3 year old preschool last year, so you already knew the building and the teachers. You even have some of your old classmates in your new class! You were so excited to see that your best friend Zoey was in your class and also that Evan, one of your "boyfriends", would be there too.

Mrs. Osborne is very nice and you are excited to have her as a teacher. Your new classroom is right across the hall from your old classroom, so you get to see your old teacher Mrs. Clark everyday! Your also right next door to Aunt Angie's classroom, so your never too far away from family!

I am glad that you are looking forward to preschool this year and that you are a good little student. It occurred to me as I took your picture here this night that next year, your picture will be outside the Elementary school. You are growing up so fast.

Day 31 / 365: Out by the Wood Pile

The wood pile out back always seems to attract all kinds of animals: rabbits, mice, frogs, snakes...you name it! You and Hershey just love going back there and poking around to see what you can turn up. It's always a big surprise what might show up from day to day.

Let's hope that the skunks don't hear about this cool new hideout!

Day 30 / 365: Where Baby Carrots Come From

This will be a short entry today, very direct to the heart of the matter. In case anyone ever wondered where baby carrots come from, I'll clue them in:

Baby carrots come from gardens that toddlers have access to. You see, if the garden would be left to it's own devices without any toddlers, carrots would grow to a fully mature size. However, with toddlers in the garden, any sprig of green peeking through the dirt that indicates that a carrot is growing below is a clear sign to them to uproot it: NOW!

And thus...that is where baby carrots come from.

Day 29 / 365: Hayride at Crane Creek

Today we went to a Waterfowl Festival at Crane Creek. It was very hot and humid, but the hayride around the grounds gave us a little breeze. We got to see the different nesting areas and marshes that normally we would not have access to. After the hayride, we walked around and looked at the different things vendors had out. You had your eye on a little wooden hand carved duck or a couple of rubber duckies and I told you that you could have one. You went with the rubber duckies.

We tried to talk your dad into getting a little chocolate lab puppy they had there, but it was no use. He said maybe when Hershey gets a little older he'd think about getting another one. We were pretty insistent on the fact that Hersh needed a friend NOW. Even though the odds were in our favor, 2 against 1, we lost...this time!

Day 28 / 365: Busy, Busy, Busy!

You always seem to be busy doing something. Now, I don't mean that in a bad, meddlesome type of way. It's just that you are not one of these lazy, lay about types of kids who is content to spend hours in front of the television.

You love to play with toys that help you learn or involve concentration and logic. From an early age you were a whiz at jigsaw puzzles. You love building all kinds of things with Lego's and Lincoln Logs. Soccer, badminton, your playground and exploring always keeps you active outside.

You always want to help with things too. Dishes, feeding the dogs, cooking...you name it and your ready to lend a hand! A new love has arisen this year in GeGe's garden, as you have now developed a green thumb. Rain or shine, you now want to go out and check the garden everyday.

I'm glad you are an active kid, and always hope you will be...even if I have trouble keeping up sometimes!

Day 27 / 365: Put In Bay

Today the family rounded up and got on the Miller Ferry to Put In Bay. Aunt Angie, Olivia, Will, Big Ma, Poppa, MeMe, you and me all went together this morning on a very early boat. Many years ago Big Ma & Poppa, their children, along with Big Ma's sister and her children all helped run a hotel, bar and restaurant over on the island for a few summers. It is a part of our family history that we wanted to share with you children.

It was a beautiful day to be out on the Lake and you enjoyed your first ever boat ride. We got on the island and split up on to two golf carts. Our first stop was to the Butterfly House, where MeMe's best friend works. It was amazing! All of these beautiful, delicate butterflies flew and landed all around us! It was so much fun and we will be sure to go back again!

After that, we made our way to the Crescent, which is the name of the hotel, bar and restaurant that our family used to run. It was incredible to see the way Big Ma & Poppa reacted to it all. They lit up with smiles and took us on a journey back in time, letting us see history through their eyes. They'd gesture to a room over on one side and tell about what used to be over here. Then they'd point out another area and explain what was over there. They pointed out details of the building that any other person would have overlooked, but experience had brought it to light through them. The assistant manager was thrilled to listen to their stories and walked through the building with them, letting them back where only employees were allowed!

We enjoyed our lunch at the restaurant, but even more so, we enjoyed seeing a place that held so many memories for our family. It was truly a wonderful day. One that we will be sure to repeat again!

Day 26 / 365: Grandma Sally's Girl

Grandma Sally has been surrounded by boys for a long time.

Grandma Sally had Uncle Craig and then a little while later found out she was pregnant with twin boys: Uncle Bob and your daddy. When she married Beepa, he had a boy of his own and a step son who was like a son to him. Needless to say...the house was heavy on rough housing, sports and trucks, and rather light on anything feminine.

You can imagine how thrilled Grandma Sally was to find out you where on the way, but I can honestly say that I think she was overjoyed to hear that you were a little girl. She would have loved you just as much had you been a little boy, but it would have made shopping just a little less fun for her I think!

Grandma Sally loves spending time with you. She takes you outside and teaches you about some of the things she is very good at. She knows so much about wildlife, birds, nature and gardening that the two of you keep busy for a very long time! Grandma Sally is also a wonderful artist and so great at arts and crafts. I cannot wait for you to get a little older so she can teach you some of the wonderful things she can do!

Grandma Sally has always been a great mother to her boys and would do anything in the world for them. Her love for them knows no bounds and she supports them in all they do. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that she will do the very same things for you. After all, you are Grandma Sally's Girl, and that makes you very special!

Day 25 / 365: The Voice

The Voice

There is a voice inside of you
That whispers all day long,
"I feel that this is right for me,
I know that this is wrong."
No teacher, preacher, parent, friend
Or wise man can decide
What's right for you -- just listen to
The voice that speaks inside.

-by Shel Silverstein


Meredith...always look inside yourself and listen to your voice. In this world we let the thoughts and opinions of others influence our decisions too much. I pray that you are strong enough to stand up for what you believe in, for what is right for YOU, no matter how much the world may question you for it.

Day 24 / 365: Remote Controlled Fun

Last night while we were out, I let you pick out a toy. You selection was this cool little remote controlled scooter for My Little Pony. Today we played with it and it's pretty neat! We have had some real fun with it! There are two things that you really enjoy doing with it though.

You like to take the pony out and replace it with a can of pop or bottle of beer, then drive it out to the living room to whoever might be out there waiting and thirsty! You've always loved playing the little waitress and now there's an even cooler way to do it! Note to the My Little Pony Scoot-a-loo: don't drink and drive.

What else could be more fun than that? Well, putting a dog treat in the scooter and making Rooney run all around after it, of course! We all got to laughing so hard about that we could hardly breathe! Now he perks right up when he hears the tiny wheels start turning and looks to see just who or what is in the drivers seat!

Day 23 / 365: Out to Dinner

You love going out to eat, though you generally get the same things each time. Chicken nuggets, french fries, mac n cheese, potatoes, cheese sticks, green beans and corn are always your safety net.

There have been some instances where I have bribed you to try new things and you've loved them. The white blanco cheese dip at Don Pablo's initially turned your nose up. (um, cheese is supposed to be orange or deep fried if it's white mom!) Now when we go we have to order you your own dish of it! Quesadillas and taquitos were strange and it was unheard of for you to consider trying them. Now you'll request them out of the blue...even at breakfast time.

I love that your starting to broaden your horizons! Being brave and trying new things is fun and exciting! Now if mommy can only get you to eat sushi with her, we'll be in business!

Day 22 / 365: Soccer Girl Supreme

Today was the first day of fall soccer practice. This was your second season playing as last spring season you were on a team with cousin Olivia & Aunt Angie was your coach. This year Aunt Angie is not your coach and Olivia has moved onto the big girl teams, but your not without your family. Yes, Will is now on your team!

Last season started off kind of slow. You weren't really that into the game and didn't quite get the rules yet. By the end of the season you were doing alright and finally starting to understand things...just in time to stop again!

I was so impressed by how well you did today! You remembered the terms, the drills and as your coach says, the 2nd most important rule of soccer: no stopping the ball with your hands! (rule #1: have fun!) You did your throw ins great, you dribbled down the field so fast and you even kicked with the inside of your foot like you were supposed to!

The only thing that stopped you were the few airplanes that flew overhead during practice. You would be running downfield kicking the ball and come to a complete stop to stare and point. It's ok. You were a soccer girl supreme the whole rest of the time!