Kissing Llamas, Flying Elephants and Cock-a-Doodle Doo

No, it's not a drug induced dream but rather a trip to the Virginia State Fair! It was more fun than this family of three has had in a very long time. The mom got to see hunky lumberjacks throw hatchets and Jia kissed a Llama. How much better can it get? I had never been to the Virginia State Fair and I'll admit to a little skeptism but it was a truly great day. I even laughed out loud at the last part where we lost our car in a sea of 5000 vehicles parked in a vast farmland of chirping crickets and car alarms as wayward fair attendees in similar plight tried to find their way home. After the kindness of a stranger, aka a state trooper picked up T and drove him around for 20 minutes, we too found our way home with just memories of hot dogs, fries and fried dough - and, of course, a friendly llama.

p.s. - and before you ask, yes, the first picture is of an adorable Alpaca.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my wonderful mom's birthday! I hope you are having a fabulous, relaxing, sunny, beach filled day! We love you!

Some Recent Cute Moments Caught on Film

Nothing to say so much, just want to share some recent, wonderful moments at home.

First Week of School!

Jia completed her first week of school this week! It is a warm, inviting Montessori school which she knows well as she accompanied her cousins to this school for drop off and pick up all of last year. The teachers also know her well and welcomed her with warm arms into the Toddler Cottage. All of that said, the week didn't always go so swimmingly! She was very needy of me and panicked and cried inconsolably every time I attempted to leave the classroom. The first week is an orientation week with reduced hours each day. She will eventually attend 3 hours a day, 4 days a week. Her dad and I stayed close to her the first day (these are the pics I'm attaching) and the next day I tried to leave. Oh no, none of that! The teachers tried and tried to console her but to no avail so I returned to the room. The third day I again stayed in the room the entire time. Finally on day four her LaLa (Aunt Lisa) took her in. Lisa will be introducing her to the room each day this year and be there for pick up as well so we thought maybe this would be a better transition. Anytime I am around she absolutely panics if I'm not in sight but she seems to do much better if I'm not even around at all. She did slightly better but did cry for me even with Lisa with her - she's no slouch, she knew I was there somewhere! But after being given her "bankie" (she carries around one of her dad's t-shirts at all times for comfort) she calmed down and Lisa was actually able to leave the room for about 1/2 hour. Baby steps, right? Lisa really is like her second mom so she is able to get great comfort from her. I was there to scoop her up once school was over.

We'll see how it goes next week! I'm confident she's ready for school since she is so very social and incredibly bright and curious. It will just take a little time to adjust to the new environment and schedule. I can't be happier with the warm, caring teachers who will teach Jia and the other kids seem great. Hopefully she'll soon make good friends and cry to leave rather than to stay! This was an emotionally draining week for Jia and the mom. It is so hard to hear her cry for me - by the time I left for work in the afternoon I'd felt I'd already run a marathon! I know this is an important part of creating flexibility and independence and properly launching our beloved daughter, but boy it sure is tough!

We're Home - A Recap

It was relaxing, exhausting, stimulating. Vacationing with a 2 year old is an experience only parents with a 2 year old can understand! Jia had a great albeit unsettled time. New stuff was cool, new stuff was not so cool. We visited the beach most days for 45 minutes max, we spent a great day in Savanna, we watched 4026 hours of Dora (thank you Aunt Lisa for the DVDs and Kitty for the DVD player - none of us would have made it out with our sanity without them). These pictures reflect T's beach experience versus MY beach experience. He'll read this and say - ''what?" "huh"? Jia grabbing my leg at least proves I was there too!

More Fun Pictures from the Beach

We're having a blast! The place we're staying is lovely and very, very comfortable. It overlooks a pond and just across the street from the beach - just a short 5 minute walk to the beach. There is a sign that says there is an alligator in the pond and that we should be sure not to feed it. Ok - I guess we can follow those instructions! We haven't actually seen the alligator yet and that is ok with me too! We've been on the go constantly and have been really enjoying our long awaited and much needed vacation! Here are some fun pictures - hope you enjoy them as much as Jia enjoyed the chocolate ice cream cone that was almost as big as she is!

Bring On The Waves

So - the first time we visited the beach Jia basically wanted nothing to do with sand, wind, water or waves. Now she is like- BRING IT ON! We are having so much fun at the beach. If only it could go on and on and on. But we still have the week and we have many adventures ahead of us! Enjoy the pic, we have a VERY slow connection so I'll update as possible.