The Box and the Park (by Mama)

We had a wonderful weekend. Both this morning and yesterday morning, we had yummy challah french toast. We bought the challah (or "calah" as Gigi pronounces it) at the Friday Farmer's Market. Gigi's was made into a Mickey mold...even Jordan had some and loved it!


This morning, the french toast was made AFTER decorating the box we painted yesterday....yes, we started decorating at 5:38 am (would have been 5:30 if I didn't need coffee). This box is very special....it arrived a little less than 6 months ago from a local family Mama knows from a special place on the internet. They sent the box for Gigi to decorate, together with a gift for Jordan, after Eliza died. We haven't had the right time to spend together to decorate it, but it was a perfect project for this weekend. We laid low. Yesterday, we painted the box...

while Jordan looked on and played with Camille.

....and today, at a VERY early hour, Gigi remembered less than 20 seconds after waking up that the box was waiting for her to decorate. This was the perfect weekend for us to decorate the box...we had the time and Gigi was asking about her sister, so Eliza was definitely on Gigi's mind. Yesterday, she asked if I could put Eliza back in my tummy and today, before going to sleep, for the first time in months, she asked where Eliza was....she said she misses her....so do I. Maybe she can sense my recent sadness about Eliza. Of course, the sadness hasn't stopped but the mask was on pretty tight and only recently, did the sadness surface more than it had since right after Eliza died.

Abby suggested that if we wanted Gigi could use this as a memory box for Eliza. I don't want to suggest what she should use it for....I am waiting to see what she puts in it.

After the creative juices were flowing, it was time to get some energy out. We headed back to the new park and with great luck, the M and m family were available and joined us. It was quite wet after an overnight rain, but we still had so much fun.

Have you ever seen a more joyful family?

The park even has a way for Mom and Dad to get a workout

Melese was so sweet holding Jordan's hand. They are going to be good buddies. Though 18 months seems like a big difference in age, it is the same difference between Gigi and Zoe who play beautifully together.

And, the best part of the park for Gigi? Shamu is there!

Congratulations, Meazi!

You did it! Next stop: kindergarten :) You are going to have to give me some tips to make it through preschool :)

And a few bonus pictures of Meazi's cute brother...

Holiday Celebration at M&m's House

Late this afternoon, we went to Meazi and Melese's for a very fun holiday celebration. Everyone brought cookies and Julie made some yummy mac and cheese and other delicacies. Aren't these amazing? No, they are not burgers, they are burger cookies!

Isn't LT's outfit gorgeous? Her Mommy wore it when she was a little girl.

Here's Meazi ane Melese!

And, at the end of the evening, Meazi borrowed Mama's camera and took these pictures! Pretty talented, wouldn't you say?

Venice Canal Bridge Lighting Party

Tonight, we had friends over before going to the bridge lighting party on the Venice Canals. Above is Melese with his Mama and below is Meazi with her grandma on the way to the canals.

Shortly after we arrived, the bridge was lit!

And, then we enjoyed the rest of the party. There was music and songs and Meazi and Zoe danced with me on the couch!

Mama thought we looked like we had been drinking (and not milk!) Did someone pour us some of that mulled wine? Or, was it sugar overload??

We then did a little off the couch dancing with Michael.

What a fun evening! Next weekend is the boat parade!! Can't wait.

Fun with M&m and Mimi!

After school on Friday, Mama and I met Julie, Meaza and Melese for some fun in the park. And, guess who we found there??

Mimi! and her mom and dad.

We played and played and then all climbed into the Joovy Caboose to go home.

Meazi and I read books in the box.

And, then Melese wanted to join in the fun.

We then had some yummy mac n cheese to cap off the day!

Visiting M&m, Julie and Steven

Last night, we went for a fun visit. Daddy was at a business meeting so Mommy came home after work, packed me up and away we went. Here is my cute boyfriend, Melese.

His Mommy (Julie) even gave me the thrill of letting me hold him. He is so sweet, isn't he?

And, look who were under M's high chair?

Moe-Zeus loves Melese, too!

And, here is the talkative (incredibly talented in the English language), sweet, funny, joyful Meazi. In less than two months, she has more of a grasp on English than I do!! And, I have been learning for two years :) She even corrected Mommy who thought Melese's toy in the first picture was a butterfly ("No, it is a bee!").

After a delicious dinner (thanks, Julie!), we colored and read, bounced around Melese's pack and play, rode the pony and after getting in our jammies, washed our hands.

And, then it was hugs and kisses goodbye. See you again soon!