Scooter Rides and Trick or Treats!

Well, the Vespa is for sale.  Yes, it's killing me.  I really love that scooter and last week had the pleasure of a gorgeous night time ride under the full moon. I could smell the mesquite, the creosote, and the occasional horse. Was a total AZ experience.  One of those nights I want to etch into my brain to remember AZ by. Was really spectacular.  If the Vespa has to go, at least my last ride was a spectacular one.  

Halloween!  What a week of partying we had!  Samantha helped me get out all the Halloween decor and decide where they should go. She is becoming quite the little decorator.  Apparently she helps Mimere do this as well! Friday morning, I volunteered at the the Bridges to help with the Halloween party.  (I can't believe I ever wanted to become a pre-school teacher, yowza!) There was games, they made spider hats, and 5 little pumpkins to go along with their song.  Then there was a snack.  It was good to see exactly what goes on in her class all day, I don't know how Miss Dianna does this EVERY day!

Friday night redbrick had the annual Halloween party, the who office was converted into a haunted house, complete with VERY scary decor and animated battery powered creatures!  Was quite scary for a 3 year old, but she wanted to go through the scary part over and over...after her initial shock!  I think she like to face her fears...I am very proud of her for that!

Saturday we had dance in the morning, then rested Sat afternoon, a wonderful pumpkin carving party at Lauren's house!  Donna went ALL OUT and everything looked fantastic, tasted great and the kids had a blast! 

Dad and his prize pumpkin! 

Samantha and her bud, Lauren

All the little goblins lined up! 

Then of course the big day itself!  Halloween! It was hot...of course, but the night cooled down nicely.  Ben, Erin, Megan, Paula, Sage, Mel and Ross all came over.  Megan has trick or treated here her whole life, and Paula and Sage were new to the group this year! Mel and Ross came over to ooh and ahh at the costumes and hold down the candy fort while  we took the kiddies around!  Was a fun night! Samantha could have gone another hour I think but the 8 year olds were complaining about their feet and ready  call it a night after about a hour.  Uncle Ben loaded everyone up in the back of the pickup to get to the spookiest spots in the 'hood! Samantha again was a little afraid, but insisted on going up to every door, scary or not!  Then she would wave good bye to the scary guys!  I can't believe this was our 3rd Halloween with her, time is flying.  It was a magical weekend, and one we will never forget.  Life is good. 

Megan the "Aggressive Cat", Sage Cleopatra and Samantha, the Lady-Bug-Princess! 

Samantha's  friend the skeleton!

Vacation Back East!

We are back!  As usual we had an incredible time!  The trip started with the long long drive from AZ to Hampton Beach.  Samantha was AMAZING!! We couldn't believe how well she took to the road trip.  The first morning after 1 hour in the car she asked if we were there yet, I thought, "oh boy!" but that was the last of it!  She was a trooper! She had her little table from One Step Ahead http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=534362&parentCategoryId=85184&categoryId=85218 that was great, she played games, colored, did her puzzles etc.  She watched a couple of movies a day, but really way less than I thought she would want to!  We played a game that we made a wish every time we crossed over into a new state and whoever saw cows/horses first raised their hands!  She did sooo good. We will definitely do it again!

Once we got to Hampton Beach however the clouds opened up and the wind started.  We were just steps from the beach, but got sandblasted!  So that was fine, we hung out, went to our favorite breakfast place in Maine http://congdons.com/ and on another day we went to the Acton Discovery Museum which was perfect for Sam and her cousins! They had a blast!

We did manage to have one fabulous hot beach day!  Was fantastic!

Then we hopped in the car again, this time for a much shorter drive to the lake!  Lots of friends family, and fun things to do!  Sam was swimming with her cousins and Grandpa, running all over the place, climbing trees, walking in the woods, boat rides, apple picking.  We saw some fall foliage, and had hot days and cool days.  She also got to the barn with Gramp and Gram and clean Piper's stall!  I am afraid she is bored now!  

My Crazy little Swimmer Girl!!

We are so proud of out little swimmer!!!  She is doing so well in swimming school that they are she is moving up to the next level after 5 weeks!  She is a little fish!  Check her out!  (Of course just because I WANT her to jump...means she won't...so a little reverse Phych is in play here!  hee hee hee)

Little Miss Pretend Girl!   That's what she is these days.  She is either Belle from Beauty and the Beast, with her basket swinging and her books in the basket complete with yellow dress. Yesterday, it was all about Cinderella, she has the rag type dress on, and she is on her hands and knees, cleaning the floor.  I love it!  Lets hope this one lasts!! 

Crazy Times!

Well, Summer is officially here.  Last week The Bee had the week off from school.  The whole time she is asking me if she is going back to school?  Where did her friends go? All the while my partner is out of town, and I am insanely busy.  The Bee did very well considering Mommy was telling her she was too busy all of the time.  Was a tough week.  It ended a good note at a birthday party though, and we had a good time.  Sunday we went swimming over at Mel and Ross's, and the swimming lessons are most definitely paying off! She was diving in the water to fetch things and like to jump and "swim" to me.  She want nothing to do with floating devices, so, even though thats good for her, that means, she is clingy and hanging all over me!  It's all good! 

Best news of the week!  She is potty trained!!!!  Woo hoo!  She decided it was time.  We bought some undies and she is excited about wearing them.  No accidents in a week!  She even goes in the middle of the night, although we are not quite as trusting, so we back up with pull ups. She is so proud of herself and we are proud of her too!  :)

We are loving this pool too! We all like to cool off in it! 

Memorial Day, Goodbye E-Pre and Big Girl Beds!!

I can't believe it, but as of yesterday my little baby is now in a big girl bed. Daddy turned the crib into a toddler bed!  She was very excited about it, and helped me make it right away. She was so happy to put her stuffed animals on the bed, and get in and out by her self! 
She took a long nap there, and slept there no problem last night.
Friday was also her last day of e-pre at Bridges. They had a pool day with popsicles!  We gave Miss Kim and Miss Misty a little gift of thanks.
Next week she starts regular pre-school with Miss Diana, even though she says she is too little for this.
We went to Mel and Ross's for a pool party yesterday and we tried on the floatie suit again. She never minded this before, but now that she is keenly aware of what she is wearing, she was not excited to put it on, and didn't believe that it would keep her afloat. So....she clung to me...and only Mommy would do.  I am tired.

The Princess in her bed.

Happy Gotcha Day!!!

I don't know how, but 2 years have passed since our beautiful girl was placed in our arms!  She is a joy!  She is funny, smart, caring and confident little lady, and we could not be happier! 

That day 2 years ago in Nanchang, seems like minutes ago.  I can remember every detail, from how I was feeling, more nervous that I have EVER been! Then hearing Sally say, "Renee, your baby is here!" and there she was.  So concerned, so worried, but not batting at eye.  She just looked and looked at us.  Studying our every move.  Who are these peeple?  What is going on?  Then of course the famous name tag, she would not let go of for anything in the world.  Sweet little thing. 

Look how far she has come!  We are the luckiest people in the world.  What a wonderful way to start a family. 

Mother's Day 2008, Gotcha Day                                        Mother's Day 2010