PICK A HAND

CHAGRIN FALLS

While visiting in Cleveland, of course we had to have lunch in Chagrin Falls and take the obligatory picture in front of the falls.

Samantha looks absolutely thrilled to be taking yet another picture.

I am going to be able to line this pictures up, end to end, one day and see my kids grow up. They have taken a picture in front of these falls basically every 6 months.

I thought y'all might wanna see what the other direction looks like. 

Possibly prettier.

  And back to Grandma's house for a game of International Rummy. 

MY FAMILY

THE BRADY BUNCH

Went to dinner at Sally & Bob's to visit with the Brady's when in Cleveland.

Sam is really starting to enjoy the game of "pass the baby."

I was afraid she would be spoiled by the time we got home. The whole vacation she was just held by everybody!

Hayden was nice enough to share his toys with Joey.

 They also discovered that the grownups hadn't cleared away the appetizers and were helping themselves to cheese and crackers right before they were supposed to eat dinner!

 The Bradys are a fun bunch to visit!

DRIVE LIKE GRANDPA

HANGIN' WITH THE HIGGINS

Drove to Cleveland the Monday after Pat & Mindy's wedding. 

Boy was that pretty! It was like watching the leaves change in fast forward because they had just started to change in D.C. and were really in bloom by the time we got to Cleveland. 

 After regrouping and doing laundry Tuesday morning, headed out to Grandma's house to give Grandma Higgins a baby to hold!

 That is all she wanted to do.

 Who is less interested in taking a picture for mommy?

 It's like pulling teeth from these two and then there is little miss America.

 Joey helped Grandma plant flowers all over the yard.

 Grandma found it refreshing to be able to tell somebody what to do... and have them do it!

 Grandpa taking out the garbage... on his John Deere.

DADDY, THE PRINCESS & THE QUEEN

Somehow Samantha has skipped right past being a princess and has become queenie. 

WE'RE HAVING A SURPRISE

SHOW TIME!

Sunday Morning. Before I had to start doing Joey's hair, we went out for one more D.C. excursion. 

I wanted to see the National Cathedral. 

We sidetracked on the way and got some famous D.C. cupcakes. (I like Misha's right here in Miami better!)

Prep time. 

(I did it myself! with Kaki's instructions.)

 Waiting with the bridesmaids.

 Showtime!

 Mr. & Mrs. Pat & Melinda Meyers

 2 whirling dirvishes

 John Travolta Jr.

 You'd think someone threw this party for them!

 Raise the roof

 Oblivious to all of it.

 Sam & Kevin spending quality time together

Daddy's little princess.

MY LITTLE MERMAID

GOT MILK?

So Sammy seems to be getting over her dairy sensitivity in my breast milk. 

YEAH!!!

It started slowly, and by accident/necessity.
When we were on the train to D.C., I had real milk on my cereal. Forgot and had a normal yogurt at the hotel. Realized that I seemed to be getting away with so had a cube of cheese here and there.
Now, I'm not over doing it, and am not drinking regular milk again yet, but have switched to Lactose Free Milk instead of Soy Milk (which is undrinkable, I only used it in my cereal/oatmeal.)
I'm just so relived that she isn't going to have a dairy allergy or be lactose intolerant when she gets older. 

I can't imagine a world with out ice cream!

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

TIS' THE SEASON

I feel very strongly that here, in America, the Christmas season doesn't start until Santa comes to town in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

But my father is embarrassing. 
He will put on Christmas movies ALL YEAR LONG! Mom & Chris have to hide The Santa Clause from him. 

He also loves the cheesy Hallmark original christmas movies. 

When he found out that there were starting their countdown to Christmas soon he was just too excited! 

GOOD MORNING TO YOU!

It is hard enough to wake up early on a Saturday to go running, but even harder to leave your bed when you have two sleeping beauties in it. (Of course, it's also hard to fit in the bed with them.)

I drove into D.C. and did my 3 miles on the mall. 

Now THAT felt good!

Meanwhile, back at the hotel, Sam was enjoying another game of pass the baby during breakfast. 

I caught up with the menfolk (Paka Rick, Mark, Dode & Mike) at the Natural History Museum where they had taken the kids for the morning.

 Then we came back and got ready for the rehearsal dinner.

Kevin was a gracious gentlemen and let Sammy play on his blanket.

 Although in this picture, it looks like he's having second thoughts.

:)

  Cousin corner. 

They lined up their Ipads and Kindles and shared nicely.