The End

Dear Liza,

We've reached the end of the stories and photos from our trip. I know, it's hard to have to say goodbye to our family and friends. But what a fun adventure we had, and we made so many special memories along the way! Daddy and I are proud of what a great traveler you were. You far exceeded our expectations, sweet girl.

Love, Mama

The Eagle

Dear Liza,

After riding on the jet, you became enthralled with all winged things. You noticed the weather vane in Grandpa and Nana's yard almost immediately and called it a jet, until someone told you it was actually an eagle. "Eggull" became your word of choice those five days. Despite the heat and humidity, you liked nothing better than to be out in the yard blowing kisses at the eggull. And if you were inside, you were standing at the window chanting "eggull, eggull" over and over to anyone who was listening. Whenever we mention Grandpa and Nana now, you are quick to remind us of your beloved eggull.

       Love, Mama

Nana's Birthday

Dear Liza,

Our trip coincided with Nana's birthday. We're so happy that we all got to be together to celebrate with her. Uncle Brian & Aunt Erin came to visit, and the Hawkins joined us for dinner too. Mama made a banana chocolate chip cake for dessert. It wasn't planned but you and Nana both wore blue that day, and I think this picture is so sweet of the two of you.

Love, Mama

Friends & Family

Dear Liza,

So many people wanted to see you while we were at home. Mary, Kathleen, and their families drove down from PA to meet you for the very first time. Uncle Brian and Aunt Erin drove over two days in a row to hang out with you. You loved all the attention. It was fun for Mama & Daddy to share you with the special people in our lives. You were a party girl and stayed up later than usual. And when the party got louder after we put you to bed, you were a champ and slept through it all.

Love, Mama

Little Girls

Dear Liza,

One of Mama's closest friends and her family live just up the road from Grandpa & Nana. Mama has spent so much time with them that they feel like her family too. Arinn and her girls taught me so much about being a mama, long before I ever knew I'd have a little girl someday too. It was really special for me to see you playing with Anna and Jane. And even though you weren't too excited about having your picture taken that afternoon, I'm so glad we have these. We even got to meet baby Lucy who had just been born the week before!

Love, Mama 

Toys!

Dear Liza,

Nana & Grandpa were so excited for your arrival. There was a well-stocked toy basket and some new books waiting for you. Daddy went searching for his box of G.I. Joes and gave you Tunnel Rat to add to your collection. Lucky Girl! He also found a bag of stuffed animals from when he was little which you unpacked and spread all over the living room floor. Your most favorite toy was the colorful train. It made lots of fun noises, and you liked to push the buttons over and over and over again.

       Love, Mama

Just a Few More

Dear Liza,

Here are just a few more shots from our visit to Gramommy & Grandaddy's: trying on Mama's baby dress...too small, trying on Daddy's new running shoes...too big, entertaining all the people who came to visit you...just right. We're off to Grandpa & Nana's house next!

Love, Mama

Grandaddy

Dear Liza,

Grandaddy loves trains, and now, so do you. Whenever you'd hear the whistle blow, you'd make a mad (toddling) dash to the window to watch it go by. You and Grandaddy shared special time together in the early morning when everybody else was sleeping. He worked hard to make sure the kitchen was stocked with all your favorites and liked to hang out with you while you ate breakfast. You were fascinated with the green, leafy trees swaying in the breeze outside the kitchen window, an uncommon sight in the desert where we live.

Love, Mama 

Fun with Gramommy

Dear Liza,

You love to play with Gramommy! There were new toys to discover, flowers to sniff and bees to buzz at, feathers to blow, and games of peek-a-boo. Gramommy is a big word, so you shortened it to Mamamee and began yelling it as you traipsed around the house. Mama and Daddy got to take lots of breaks because there was always somebody else willing to chase you. (Thanks, Gramommy!)

Love, Mama 

Aunt V's Jewelry

Dear Liza,

When Aunt V heard about our trip east, she decided to surprise Gramommy and Grandaddy and hopped a flight across the country too. She just couldn't bear to miss out on all the fun, and we're so glad. Liza, you love the big earrings that Aunt V wears, especially since you get to hunt for them under all her hair. Aunt V is good at following you around and giving Mama a break. She also got a lot of great photos with Mama's camera, proof that I was actually there. Whenever Aunt V sat down with you a mealtimes, you got this serious expression on your face and launched into quite the conversation. If only we could've understood what you were saying, because it definitely looked and sounded important.

Love, Mama

Feeling Mellow

Dear Liza,

Daddy and I often talk about where we'd like to live once the choice is up to us. Neither of us has ever been able to come up with a definitive answer. I realized a few months ago, though, that I dream of living in a walkable neighborhood...someplace where we can get to a bookstore, a coffee shop, the library, a delicious restaurant, the farmer's market, and a few fun little stores all on our own two feet. Gramommy and Grandaddy live in such a place and we took full advantage of it during our visit. There were two trips to the taco shop, a delightful stroll to the river, a few shop meanderings, two visits (in one night!) to our favorite restaurant/bar, a visit to Grandaddy's office, and two yummy breakfast dates. You enJOYed dancing to the music during breakfast, pointing out the trucks as they rumbled up and down the street, and woofing at the many dogs we met along the way. The walkable lifestyle definitely fits us!

Love, Mama

Visiting Grammy

Dear Liza,

You were born on Grammy's birthday and that is very special to her. Since Grammy has had a rough couple of months, Daddy and I decided to take this trip so the two of you could spend some time together. You brought her so much JOY. Grammy liked to sit and watch you toddle all over the place, and you had fun spending some time on the couch with her too. She loved your sweet kisses, Liza. Just look at the smile on her face. See how happy you made her!

Love, Mama

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Dear Liza,

You were more than ready for this adventure, popping up out of a sound sleep and excitedly babbling away to me when I came to get you dressed before the sun rose. At the airport you pointed out every jet you saw shouting, "Jet! Jet!" until Daddy and I joked later in the day that we wished we had a dollar for every time you said it. We would be millionaires. Neither of us knew what to expect from you during a whole day of travel and little to no sleep. Both of us were banking on the worst, but you totally proved us wrong. The noise and motion of the prop plane really scared you. You clung to Daddy and sweated through your outfit during the 36 minute ride to the big airport. Much more comfortable on the big jet, though, you played, snacked, peeked at the ladies behind us, and napped (!). Even though you liked to look out at the wing and the clouds, just one peek down at the ground way below us made your eyes grow as big as saucers and you would immediately slam the shade back down. Daddy and I had fun watching you experience all the newness of travel, but we were ever so grateful when those wheels touched down at National. Let the vacation begin!

Love, Mama 

East of Here

We just got back from our first summer vacation since Liza joined our family. Originally we hadn't planned to be so adventurous. Flying across the country through three time zones with a toddler was not our idea of an easy first trip, but life had other plans for us. The trip turned out to be pretty fabulous. Liza was amazing and thoroughly enJOYed the constant attention of adoring family and friends. As we traveled back, Lee asked me if I thought she'd remember any of what she'd just experienced. I doubt it. And so, we'll have to do the remembering for her. 

Stay tuned...

Little Mountain Mama

Getting excited for our trip back east!

Just a Glimpse

...my birthday...Christmas...our baby shower...
family...friends
...and coming home again...
abundant JOY

click the collage to enlarge

By the Water

Linda and I spent the day exploring a small sailing village nearby...turquoise waters, wild horses, old homes with porches built for rocking, and boats of every shape and size. We filled our afternoon with lunch, strolling in the sun, a little shopping, and an ice cream treat at the water's edge.