A Zoo-riffic Adventure

I can't stress to y'all how much family time has meant to us lately. These past few weeks have literally flown by, because we've been so focused on working and each other; little else included. My husband and I have made it a point to spend these days together, ones that are few and far between, because life (as we've recently learned) has no intention of slowing down; whether or not we want it to. Don't get me wrong, working hard and making a stable life is important. We know that. But what's more important is ensuring that we, and our daughter, live life to the fullest and love with every square inch of our hearts. Laughing is as essential to life as water or food is. For it is nourishment for our souls. This is why we have chosen to make Wednesday our Family Day. Every Wednesday, every week, a new place to visit, new restaurant to try, new memories to make. Life is too short to spend it unhappy or inexperienced.

This week we chose to make the 64 mile trek to the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, since neither Papa nor Kiri had ever been to one. And I must say, it was a big hit! Brayden came over to play, so we took him with us! We saw giraffes, monkeys, kangaroos and even stingrays! Kiri even came home with a black plush gorilla that she named 'Willow'. Willow and Ninny are brother and sister, reunited at last. They now go everywhere with her. TOO CUTE, I say. Here are a few photographs of our day!

Afternoon By The Sea

There's nothing more wonderful than spending a sunny afternoon, perched atop a boardwalk, snacking on Panera Bread and laughing with the ones you love. This is how we spent our Wednesday. 

P.S. I'll be back to blogging again soon! With all the sporting events going on in Daytona Beach, plus the little spontaneous family trips we've been taking lately, I've hardly had the time to sit down and relax, let alone write about how sweet its been. Don't worry though, I'll be back before you know it! 

Take care, all.

It Ain't Easy Being Cheesy

Oh, the hilarity of this one.

I ask for a picture, to send a friend of mine, and I get this. Pure and utter cheesiness. I just can't believe how sassy (but cute!) she's gotten lately. Calling me out on my mistakes, saying "C'mon, Mommy, you know better!", like when I forget to put the milk back in the refrigerator, haha! Or when Bop forgets to put the seat down in the bathroom and she comes stomping out, hands on her hips and all, saying "Dahhh-ee! You have to put the seat down, you know!" It kills me. It kills Robert. And anyone that meets her falls in love with her.

But hey, who wouldn't?!

Teeny Toesies

"Twinkle Twinkle little toes,

Back and forth and curled they go.

Flailing, wailing, all around,

In the air, or on the ground"

Never, in my twenty-two years of life, have I ever adored something more than I do those tiny little phalanges. 'Barney Rubble toes' I call 'em. So small and square shaped....like a complete replica of her Papa's. Seeing them wiggle while she giggles in unison? PERFECT. Just another reason I love her so.

Also, you've probably noticed that I'm still amidst my black and white obsession. I just don't know what it is these days. Kiri looks adorable naturally, but it's just the photos I've been taking in the 'Noir' setting have been flawless. I swear, they won't be going to waste. Each and every one of those photos is going to be put on a beautiful canvas and hung together to form a really cute piece on my wall.

Scouts honor.

Three.

For months and months, we planned a -super awesome- birthday party for you. You wanted a 'night time' party, with just a few friends, and during the day, you wanted to "downtown-downtown", as you call it. Lucky for us, the day of your "festivities" was the setup for Saint Augustine's nights of lights celebration. So we got to see a sneak peek of the Christmas tree and all the thousands of lights going up. It really was awesome!

The week prior, we had been walking down King Street to go to the post office and you were entranced by the Wax Museum. So that was our first stop. Papa had us rolling on the floor laughing with the way he talked to the figurines AND because every time he touched one, he broke off a finger or something. After that, we walked along the waterfront, past the Bridge of Lions.

You especially loved the Castillo de San Marco fort this time, even though it didn't interest you in the slightest the past twenty times we've gone. But you know, changing is what my little babe's all about these days. I don't mind it in the least bit though.

Since not a lot of your friends had been to Ripley's you just HAD to show them the eerie grossness of it. And you just HAD to get an airbrush tattoo there as well. Papa made sure he let you know that'd be the last tattoo you'd be getting until you were fifty. You replied with a chuckle and a "You're silly, Daddy!"

We ate at the retro-looking Dairy Queen downtown -again, your birthday, your choice- and you were in heaven. But I bet that's a moment your Auntie Cassie won't forget, since she got sprayed directly in the eye with ketchup and it made her eye balloon up. You thought this was the funniest thing in the world. It kills me how much you see the glass half full all the time....

After lunch, you decided you wanted to burn off your food by playing tag in the park with your friends. Project S.W.I.N.G is the biggest public park Mama's ever seen, so I could just imagine how it looked in your eyes. All I know is that you were out of breath from laughing so hard, the entire time.

Once we got home, other people kept you busy so Mama could set up your party. Whoever thought up the 'Cars 2 and pizza' scheme was right on the money. I didn't hear a peep out of you for an hour and a half!

Upon finishing the setup, you came out to "Paris". I didn't take a lot of pictures, but the whole living room was beautiful. Eiffel towers and glitter galore. Your face absolutely killed me. I knew, in that moment, you were happiest of all. And judging by the amount of presents and sweets, I'm pretty sure I nailed it.

And next year, you want a day-time Italian themed party, fully equipped with mustaches, meatballs and a "Leaning Tower of Pizza". Hm, yeah, I think I could handle that.

Love.