Sadness

Mama said that today was a very sad day. I'm not entirely sure what's going on but I got loads of hugs and kisses today from everyone. Mumsie and Abuela took me to Mama's office and then we all went to Stepping Stones for a while.

Once Mama and I got home, Daddy gave me lots of hugs too. I could sense that they had heavy hearts and could see that they were sad. We went out to dinner and I tried to cheer everyone up by telling jokes and dancing. Mama and Daddy got me 2 kinds of ice cream, vanilla and mint chocolate chip. Mama said that one was hers, but she did a good job of sharing it. They were yummy. Daddy kept trying to steal some ice cream so I had to get the bowl closer to me. Watch the video and see daddy trying to steal the ice cream!

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”

— Mister Rogers

Santa and I are not BFF's

Mama and Daddy took me to see Santa! I had been practicing my "Ho-Ho-Ho" for at least 15 minutes so I was ready to show Santa my skills. I had seen Santa a few weeks ago with Mumsie and Abuela, but I wasn't in the mood to hang out. Today was going to be the day though. Mama picked out a nice dress and I picked out 3 pairs of shoes (hey, it's a long car ride to the North Pole and who knows what i'd want to wear when i got there). I grabbed some snacks as we ran out the door. Mama played christmas music on the radio and I sang along. I thought my song was better because it was about Mama and Daddy! It's easy to learn. I'm sure you can learn it. You know what, I'll just teach you.

MamamamamamaDaddYmamamamDadadadadamamamamamamdadadadadDADYmamamamamamamdadadadadadDady!mamMA

Pretty catchy huh? I thought so too.

So we get to the North Pole after I sang my song maybe 10 times. Not sure. I can only count to 2 somteimes. It wasn't as cold as Mama said the North Pole is and there were lots of people. We went inside of this huge building filled with people. Mama and I then went to the bathroom so I could change clothes. I decided to put on my silver shoes and I got back into my stroller for the stroll to see Santa. We stood in line behind a little girl with a pretty red velvet dress on. She had on black shoes. I saw Santa so I waved. He sure is popular... there was a whole family trying to sit on his lap! They must be doing their Christmas cards because even the Dad got in on the photo! so funny. The little girl in front was next in line. She only wanted to hug her Mama and didn't want to say hi to Santa. She must have forgotten how to say "ho ho ho". Mama kept asking me what Santa says so there was no way I was going to forget.

My turn! My heart was pounding and my mouth went dry. It didn't help that Mama gave me a goldfish right before it was my turn to talk to Santa. How was I supposed to say "ho ho ho" with a goldfish in my mouth? this was no good. I tried to tell Mama to get it out but she was too busy talking to Santa. Mama introduced us and Santa said "I remember you Emma. I saw you last year, but you were much smaller then". This is true. I'm glad he noticed that I got taller. I'm 33" tall now! I must have been SO little then. I'm glad he remembered me.

Mama then stood up and put me in Santa's lap. whoa whoa whoa people. No one told me i was going to have to SIT on Santa's lap. I just thought I would have to say "ho ho ho". Plus i had that stinkin' goldfish in my moth (although usually totally yummy) it was causing me major issues with getting out my "Ho ho ho's".  So I did the only rationale thing i could think of to get Mama to come back and get me and the goldfish. I screamed and cried and went boneless. Finally, after a million years, Mama and Daddy came back and got me. I stopped screaming and crying and Mama took the goldfish out of my mouth (finally!!). Then she gave me to Daddy and he got me a bottle. I sure was parched. 

Here are some photos that someone took documenting the goldfish incident.

Fancy photo day!

Today Baby Claire and RyRy had to go to a birthday party. I had a leaking nose so Mama said I couldn't go. I really wanted to go because I had a new dress to wear! Baby Shia gave it to me because she got too tall to wear it. It's really cute.

It was a birthday party for some random 2 year old who is DEF not cooler than me and whose mama is not as cool as my mama.  But fine, she had a cool party theme. Tutus! I'll have to remember that for next year. I digress. RyRy had to wear a tie and Baby Claire had a little purple tutu which she looked so super cute in. Mama said that RyRy looked dapper. I don't know what Mama is talking about. RyRy didn't have a large gold money sign necklace and he sure doesn't wear his pants down past his tushy.

Mama gathered RyRy and I from our very busy afternoon of watching the Monkey movies from yesterday's zoo trip (sigh i just KNOW i'm going to have nightmares again about Claire and monkeys) and made us go into another little room with a white couch in it. Normally, we're not allowed to play in here (although I do when no one is looking) because there's a glass table. We had to sit and take photos. It was nice sitting next to RyRy in my pretty dress. He looked very handsome too. I even let him hold my hand because I thought that might get us some ice cream (for those curious at home, it did not).

Auntie LN then got Baby Claire and we all took some photos with her. Uncle Mike showed up and they all took some family photos. I got in them too since I'm family. Then i went to try and climb on the glass table while Mama was occupied taking photos.

Here are some of the best of the best. Oh and I photo bombed one of them. hilarious. which one is your favorite?

 hee hee - i sure do love my cousins!

 ewww, Uncle Mike and Auntie Helene get a room!

tickle tickle tickle

 photo bomb time!

 Hey, Baby Claire,....

  I like you and all but that's MY hairbow. I'll be needing that back now thank you.

Baby Claire and RyRy and Monkeys!

My new favorite phrase... (wait for it)... Baby Claire! I get the best reactions when I say it. ooohs and awww, and oh that is just so cute! I had a dream last night that we were back at the zoo and baby claire kept going towards those silly monkeys! I didn't want the monkeys to think that baby claire was a monkey and pick stuff out of her hair. that'd be so ga-ross. When i woke up i told Mama about the deam and Mama said that i kept saying "no no no i wan baby claire!" I seriously wonder if she listens to my stories... what did i just tell her?

I love my baby cousin, Baby Claire. It's nice to be the Big Cousin! I think i'm a good big cousin. I have lots of big cousins who have taught me their secrets.

I sure do love my RyRy too! We like to hold hands and run and hug and sometimes give each other kisses. Uncle Mike says that we're not in West Virginia so we shouldn't do that. I tell him that we are IN Virginia so close enough.  I like it when we play chase. it's so much fun! RyRy said that last time we came here that I didn't know how to play chase. I told him that he didn't tell me the rules. you can't play if you don't know the rules. Now i do!

 Building castles in the sand

RyRy - I just want to hug you!

Mama, that Monkey wants Baby Claire!

 See, Uncle Mike is trying to give Claire to the Monkey

I'll protect you baby Claire

ok RyRy, let's go!

My First Oyster Festival

Today I went to my very first Oyster Festival after having lunch with Grandpopi and Auntie Marie. I didn't see any Oysters though. I saw lots of rides, games, balloons and bubbles. Grandpopi bought us some tickets and we got to go on lots of rides! Daddy took me down a HUGE slide first. That was a lot of fun. Then Mama took me down. I was a brave girl and didn't cry at all. Mama screamed like a little girl. We then went on a train ride. I had to ride with another little girl because I was still too little to go by myself. That's ok though. She and I talked during the ride. I have no idea what she was saying though. She must speak Russian or Swedish. It could go either way.

Grandpopi wanted to go on the Merry Go Round so I went with him. He seemed to really like that ride! He was laughing and giggling. So cute. After that Grandpopi rushed me over to Mama and we went on the flying Dumbo ride! It was so much fun. I was getting restless because I couldn't really see out of the side so Mama tried to hold me on her lap. It was still really hard to see though. Daddy was able to get some good pics of us though.

After that we went towards the craft tents. Mama saw a Child ID kit so she got me one. This way if I ever lose Mama and Daddy, it'll be easier for everyone to help me find them again.

It took them FOREVER to get everything they needed for the ID kit so once we were done, we headed right over to the craft tents. Mama and Daddy bought me a long sleeve tie-dye shirt because they were nervous that I was getting too much sun. I told them that I was ok since they were NON STOP putting on sun screen, but Mama said she didn't trust it. Sigh. then why bother putting on the sun screen?

Grandpopi and Auntie Marie were at the end of the first row of craft tents and they joined us and Nana to walk through the rest of the tent (which were only like 5 tables). Nana bought me a push penguin toy! It's so cute. Mama and Daddy let me walk around a lot too. Nana bought me a monkey backpack with a super long tail that they can hold on to. I had fun chasing the monkey tail around and around and around. Then I got dizzy so I stopped. But it sure was fun trying to clothesline people who were trying to get between me and Mama.

I had fun walking Grandpopi around. we saw lots of little cars, some music places and some more cars. I even found a kid that had a tennis ball. Grandpopi let me get one of my own. I wanted the pink one with the rope on it. that one had two tennis balls. But that's ok. I like my yellow one. I think i'll give it to Fritzy. He likes tennis balls.

There wasn't a whole lot to see in the craft tents and we had already eaten lunch so we decided to head back to the rides. I went on the Merry Go Round a few more times and we saw our neighbors, Miss Jill, Ivy and Eve, Mr Ryan. We also saw Miss Kelly, Hana and Mr. Mike.

Daddy and I went on a dinosaur ride. It was fun but i was getting SUPER hot and tired.

We had some more tickets though so Auntie Marie took me down the huge slide. We got to the top and I saw it. Balloons! I wanted a balloon. How was I going to get one? Then before I could map out how to get to the balloons down the slide we went! I wasn't ready. Boy was I mad! We got to the bottom and I did my very best "i'm super ticked off" face. Mama grabbed me and gave me kisses. Then we went back up the ladder to the top of the slide again. I kept trying to tell her about the balloons but she kept waving at Daddy. sigh. Finally, we made it up to the top. I see the balloon man again. I was trying to decide between the big blue dolphin or the pink monkey. It's a tough choice. weeeeeee! down the slide we went again. what is wrong with these people? Again, i wasn't ready and i left my stomach at the top of the slide! I was super unhappy at this point. Mama just laughed and gave me more hugs. I tried to climb back into my stroller to get my water. These people are crazy.




It was so much fun. I can't wait until next year!

Monday – Ducks, Frogs and Trolley’s

Day 4 – Captains Log. Today I woke up extra early because I was so excited to get out and see Boston. Mama and Daddy took a while to get going which was kinda annoying. I had eaten breakfast, had a butt change and put on clothes before they were even dressed. Sigh. Parents…

Once they were finally dressed we headed out to find them some breakfast. Not sure why they didn’t just eat puffs and yogurt like me. We found an Au Bon Pain and they got egg sandwiches and let me have a couple of bites. Next time I’m holding out for a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich too. No wonder they didn’t want the puffs.

After some breakfast nosh we headed to a park. Mama must have studied the map because she knew exactly where it was. We strolled around and saw loads of squirrels and birds. Daddy stopped after a little while and let me get out to see the ducks in the pond. I wanted to go swimming with them! They were having so much fun splashing around. I’d be a good duck because I’m a good splasher too. I have to figure out how

they stay on top of the water though without their Mama or Daddy. I end up under the water and it’s hard to see under there. All the fun is on top of the water. I’ll add that to my list of things to google once Mama stops hogging the ‘puter.

After Daddy was done trying to keep me away from the water, he put me back in my stroller and we continued on our trek. A few feet away there were more ducks! They were shiny and there were lots of kids jumping on them and trying to ride them.

I ran over to them to make sure they weren’t getting hurt. Some of those kids looked too big to be riding on them! There were 8 baby ducks and a Mama duck. I think they were looking for the water to find the other ducks. I tried to show one of them where the water was but they just didn’t move.

Mama and Daddy put me back into the stroller and we started to head towards the hotel. After a few minutes I tried to tell Mama that we were going the wrong way but she was convinced that she was going the right way and wouldn’t listen to anyone… not even the map on her phone! Once we were at the highway, she let Daddy lead the way back to the park. When we got to the park she remembered how to get back home. We got to the hotel just in time to see the nice ladies vacuuming the room. I was a little distressed since I had left some puffs on the ground so I would be able to have a snack when we got back to the room. I inspected the floor and under the bed to see if they had gotten them all. They had. :( I was a little annoyed and started to shoo them away. They thought I was waving and that I was soooo cute. I mean, yes I am freakin’ adorable but I wasn’t waving. Vacuuming up puffs doesn’t warrant a wave.

Mama got the message and gave me some puffs while my bottle warmed up. I then took a nice long nap so I could be good and energized for our afternoon excursions.

After my nap, we got up and headed out. We had a quick bite to eat and then went back to the park to see the ducks again because this time Daddy had his good camera with him. I petted each one of the ducks and Mama even put me on one of their backs to ride. I wanted to get down because that must hurt them to have someone on their back. Daddy was trying to get lots of pictures of the shiny ducks and me but other people kept getting in the way. Daddy should have just told them I was part duck since I’m a good splasher and then they would have moved! Unfortunately, the shiny ducks must be super popular because people just kept showing up to see them and wouldn’t move so I co

uld get a good picture. Daddy gave up and we went back into the stroller. We headed towards the other park to look for the Frog Pond. I was excited to see some frogs. I saw a frog one time at Auntie Wendy’s house. It hopped on Mama’s foot and scared her. It was funny.

We walked and walked and then Daddy finally saw some water shooting up to the sky. We headed over and there it was. It was the bestest place ever. There were millions of kids and water! There was a big showerhead thing in the middle and lots of kids. I wanted out of my stroller but Mama wanted to put on my bathing suit first. Did I mention there were lots of kids? Mama just took h

er sweet time putting on my bathing suit and swimmy diaper. I kept wanted to jump up and GO but she kept holding me down.

Finally, after a few hours she let me go and I RAN for the water. Mama caught up to me pretty quickly and helped me down into the water since it was a pretty big step. And then I was off!

It was so nice to cool down and splash and run and splash some more. There were tons of kids everywhere, babies, big kids and even their adults. Mama was in the water with me to make sure someone didn’t take me away. I ran to the big showerhead in the middle because there were some big kids there who looked like they were having fun. They were lying down in the water and screaming and yelling and laughing. I laughed too because they were just ridiculous. Why lay down in the water when you can splash? I ran and splashed and even sat down in the water a few times.

After a while we went over to another sprinkler park. That one had a bouncy ground! There weren’t as many kids there but there was a boy who was a few months older than me. He was a scaredy cat and kept crying because of the big kids. I was having so much fun running around and jumping in the puddles. They don’t scare me. The big kids can watch out for me and get out of my way! There were big shiny frogs at this park just like the shiny ducks. I wonder if they’re cousins. After a while my lips were turning blue and I was getting chilly. I was having so much

fun that I didn’t want to tell Mama and Daddy because then they’d say it was time to go. I tried to not shiver too much but I think Mama and Daddy were getting cold too because they said it was time to move on to the next stop. I got toweled off and dressed in some nice warm and dry clothes.

We walked for a while and then we found the place to get tickets to go on a bus ride. We hopped on the bus and even though I was so tired I was a wiggle monster. Mama and I sat next to the window and I kept trying to stick my hands out to wave at everyone passing us by. At a stop light Mama and Daddy traded seats. I guess Mama was afraid that she might fall out the window. I told her I’d hold onto her but she stilled moved. Daddy must have wanted to sit next to the window for a while. Our tour lady, Emily, was super funny. She talked funny too.

We made a stop on the bus and more people got on. This must be a popular bus. Some guys got behind our seat and I waved to them. Then more people go

t on. My arm was getting tired from all the waving so I changed my greeting tactics. I started to blow kisses. My lips were getting chapped from my hands touching them so I went back to waving. I even included a few ‘hi’s’. That really got people smiling. We went around and around and around on the bus. It was lots of fun. We got to a stop and this must have been as far as the bus went because we got off. Daddy gave Emily some green paper in a basket she had. When we got to the little square, we turned around and I waved to everyone. Then everyone else on the bus waved back! It was funny.

I ran around the little square and saw a shiny turtle and rabbit. More ducky cousins! They were everywhere. Maybe they were all looking for each other so they could have a shiny reunion. I sat on the turtle for a while and then helped to scratch the bunny’s ear.

Mama and Daddy were tired to I took them back to the hotel. We ordered room service for dinner. I got a grilled cheese and some fries. It was yummy but Daddy didn’t want me to have too many fries because they were really tasty, I think that he wanted them. Mama said that they had a lot of salt on them, but then I saw the two of them eating them. Sheesh.

Then it was lights out!

Wednesday 8/15 - Baby Beluga, Penguins and Seals. Oh my!

Woke up this morning and wasn’t entirely sure where I was. I’ve been waking up in lots of new places lately. I called out for Mama and Daddy and Daddy came and got me. He then put me into bed with Mama and we cuddled for a few minutes. Then I went to look for Kitty. I looked all over the mobile home but apparently we didn’t bring Kitty with us to Boston. I ate a really good breakfast and then we went for a walk. It must have rained last night because the road was filled with puddles. I had on my rubber crock shoes so Mama let me jump in the puddles.

We walked all over the campsite. We saw people in tents, in cabins, in model homes and mobile homes. There are some people who even own them! I know because they are more decorated than the other ones and have their names on it. While this camping trip has been fun, I can’t imagine loving it so much that I’d come up all the time. But maybe that’s because I haven’t camped in a tent yet. We did get ice cream last night so that was a definite perk.

I had a nap and when I woke up we got in the car and headed to Mystic. Mama and Daddy said Mystic has another aquarium. They must really like fish because it’s the second one in 2 days! We must have taken the scenic route or else Mama and Daddy cracked up. They kept saying “moo” and making all sorts of turns.

Finally we got there and found a parking spot pretty close to the entrance. We paid and went straight to the baby beluga whale exhibit. I didn’t know they were white! We sing the song all the time and there is nothing about them being white! It was so cool to see them. There were at least 3 of them in the pool. Two of them were playing. Looked like they were biting each other to me. There were some rocks and fun places to crawl around near the exhibit. That was lots of fun.

We made our way to the penguin section. That was really cool. There was a super big penguin that was kinda shiny like the ones in Boston. Must be distant relatives. There were even some penguins on a bench! Daddy got some super cute photos of me on the bench with them. There was a under the water section so we could see the penguins while they were swimming. When you tap on the glass and move your hand on it, the penguins come and play with you! They loved it when I played with the glass. It was fun. I wish I could have petted them. I’d have petted them super gently.

We then went and looked at some seals. They were pretty neat too. The lady told a story about one of the seals wanting to be with people instead of seals. The seal kept coming onto shore and even did a walk a thon because it didn’t want to be in the water. Makes total sense to me. After 2 aquariums in 2 days, I’m an expert on what’s in the water… all sorts of scary things! Pretty things, but scary too like sharks and jelly fish.

Speaking of sharks, I was really brave because I got to pet a shark. It was just sleeping on the sand in the water and I got to touch it. I didn’t touch the tail though because apparently that is really sensitive. I wouldn’t want strangers touching my butt either. That’s just rude.

When we were done walking around the place we went to the gift store. I found 2 stuffed animals that I just loved loved loved. A white seal and a white polar bear. Mama laughed because her favorite stuffed animal when she was little was a white puppy. I guess liking white animals runs in the family! I love my seal and my polar bear so much. I like to bury my face in their super soft fur. I like to have one on each side of my face. It tickles.

Mama also got a book and some post cards for my scrapbook and to mail off. I’ll be busy tomorrow writing up all my postcards so we can send them.

Before we left, Mama had the aquarium people validate our tickets. This means that we can come back the next 2 days for FREE! I can’t wait. I’d like to see those white whales and penguins again. Maybe I can get another stuffed animal… like a whale or a penguin. I’ll practice my puppy dog eyes tonight.

We got back from the aquarium and I went down for a little nap. Once I woke up we went for a walk down to the food area. I met up with 2 big girls and their 2 dollies. I told them about my dolly and they let me hold one of their dolls. I didn’t want to give it back and I got sad because my dolly was back in my pack n play and I missed her. I didn’t know I could bring her to dinner! I had fun running around with the two big girls and going up and down the stairs. Mama was always close by watching me and helping me down the stairs.

Daddy waved for us to come over so we could eat dinner. I ate ham, eggs, cheese, yogurt, blueberries and carrots. I love blueberries. They’re so fun to squish. Plus you can paint with them if you squeeze them on something white. It’s so fun. Try it.

We walked back to the mobile home and saw some girls playing keep the ball up in the air. Daddy went and got my blue ball while Mama and I ran around in the soccer field. When Daddy came, he and I played catch and throw the ball. I kept falling down because I was getting sleepy. I didn’t want to go inside though because I was having so much fun. We heard thunder and decided it was a good idea for us to head on in. I ran around some more inside while Mama and Daddy packed up. We have to check out early tomorrow morning so they wanted most of the packing done tonight. Mama put me in my pack n play and I cried and cried. Daddy came and got me and I had pooped. I tried telling them but I swear sometimes they are just not listening! Mama changed me, put on my pjs and into my sleep sack I went. I grabbed dolly, my bear, blanket and pillows and laid down to go to sleep.

8/14 - Tuesday – Myrtle the Turtle and camping

Mama woke up this morning and called down to the front desk to find out what time we had to leave. She and Daddy then decided that we should just get all packed up and head on out to the Boston Aquarium.

We arrived at the aquarium about 8 minutes too late to take part in the “early fish’ special where you can park all day for $15. I told Mama to drive faster but she said something about the law saying no. Oh well.

After circling around for hours we finally found a parking spot, we unloaded what we needed and then found the elevator. Mama and Daddy bought their tickets. I didn’t need one because I’m under 3 years old. That was pretty cool. After we got the tickets we went on the hunt for breakfast. I wasn’t hungry since I had already eaten but once again, Mama and Daddy didn’t want any puffs or yogurt. They got their food and we ate. Mama bought me some watermelon and I had fun sucking all the juice out of it.

Finally, they were done and we went back to the aquarium. We got a locker to put all of our stuff in and then we were off. We started with the touch tank. I got to touch a sting ray. I thought that was pretty neat. Except for the fact that you have to be very still. Hello people, I’m 14 months. I’m only still when I sleep… sometimes.

After the sting rays, we washed our hands and sanitized them. Then, we saw them. Mama said that they were Daddy’s favorites – penguins! I can see why. They’re adorable. I wanted to take one home with me but Daddy said that while our house is super cold at night because Mama gets so hot, that we didn’t have enough water for them to swim in. We should get a pool. Then we can have penguins. Problem solved. Daddy took lots of pictures and Mama let me run around. Daddy saw a penguin poop. That was funny.

We went up up up on this ramp thingy and saw lots of fish. It was really crowded and everything was high up so it was kinda hard to see. We saw all sorts of fish, seahorses, a sea dragon, jelly fish and eels. Daddy then pointed her out – Myrtle the Turtle! I donated a $1 and got a sticker to help Myrtle the Turtle move to a new house. Not sure why she would want to move since she already knew her neighbors. What if her new neighbors weren’t nice? Or had flamingos as decoration? At least here she has lots of fish and other turtles. But I digress.

We walked up to the top and got to look inside the tank. Myrtle the Turtle swam over to me and I said hi. She kept following me. She must have wanted to ask me for some decorating ideas. I told her to put up pictures of fish and water.

There was a guy there feeding Myrtle lettuce and a camera man taking a video. It was nice to be a part of Myrtle’s home movies. Now she’ll remember what I told her about decorating.

We were done with the aquarium pretty quickly and then headed outside. Mama and Daddy put on my swim suit and diaper. I was starting to get nervous and I told them that I didn’t want to swim with the fish, but Mama is Italian. Then I saw it. A sprinkler like yesterday! This one was neat too! The water went up and then went away for a while. Then came back. I ran around and had a great time.

The sprinkler got me right up the nose and then I was done. I had fun but was ready to not drown anymore. Mama and Daddy got me dressed and we got into the car. We headed to Connecticut to our next location. It wasn’t that long of a drive and I slept for a little while. We found our camping place and checked in. Mama rented us a mobile home, which means that the place where we are sleeping has wheels. I ha

d fun running around the mobile home and hiding between the wall and the couch. I am also an expert at opening up doors. I can even do it one handed WHILE drinking a bottle.

After we were all settled we went for a little walk.

I saw a playground, some pools and lots of kids. There was even a rock driveway. I had fun picking up the rocks and pretending that I was going to eat them. Got Daddy every time… I know rocks aren’t food – I’m not a baby. Mama and I went to the playground while Daddy went to order some dinner. I was running towards the swing that someone had left swinging and got hit right in the head. I was so stunned I fell completely backwards and hit the back of my head. It hurt so much that when I cried I couldn’t even get any sound out. Mama scooped me up, gave me kisses and we walked around a bit. I had a bit of a headache and would rub my head every once in a while while I played. I did end up having fun climbing up some stairs and then going down a slide. I didn’t want to swing though.

Mama kept referencing some movie about dancing. I didn’t see any dancing though. Maybe Mama meant singing instead of dancing. I definitely heard singing. I ate dinner while some of the kids sang karaoke. I tried to sing along even though I didn’t know the words. After dinner we walked back to our mobile home and I had a bath. Then I gave kisses to Mama and Daddy and went to sleep.

Sunday 8/12 - Boston Bound

Woke up this morning to the sound of torrential downpour. I knew what it was because I have a rain sound machine, so I’m kinda an expert on rain noises. Not to mention I heard Daddy say it was raining really hard. I woke up bright and bushy tailed and ready to start the day. Nana was up really early too. Daddy said that I woke her up, but I think she was too excited to see me to sleep any longer. Nana and Mama got some coffee and I went off to check for Kitty. Daddy found me before I was up the stairs… drats.

It was a pretty uneventful morning. Coffee, breakfast, naptime. After my nap though, things got interesting. We went to an old country store right next to Auntie Wendy’s house. It was so cool! There was a wooden bear outside and I waved hello. Mama and Daddy showed me all sorts of cool things but then didn’t let me have any. Apparently you have to have teeth in order to eat candy. I’ve never heard of this before. Come to think of it, I should have checked the fine print.

We walked all around the store and found a super old piano. You put in a coin and it plays! What’s funny is that a person doesn’t even have to touch it. It plays all by itself! Not sure why everyone doesn’t have a piano like that. It was really loud and definitely needs a tune up, but it was still cool to see. I was getting hot and sleepy so it was time to say ‘see ya later’ to everyone. I gave kisses to everyone and Mama and Daddy gave hugs and we were on our way to ‘pawk the caw in the Hawvawd yawd’. Apparently the people in Boston can’t pronounce their ‘Rs’. I don’t blame them it’s not an easy one. I slept for a little while and then was just too excited to sleep anymore. I sang and played “guess why I’m crying”. Mama and Daddy didn’t guess it right cause we didn’t stop the car again until we got to Boston.

We got to our hotel, checked in and then went back downstairs for lunch. Mama gave me some of her yummy pizza and Daddy gave me some turkey from his sandwich. I also had my fave, puffs, as well as some yogurt. I did “cheers” with Daddy and Mama took a picture.

After lunch it was time for a nap. When we woke up (Mama and Daddy took a nap

too), we went out on the town. We walked to some fancy shopping street and saw all the store windows. All the shops were closed though. We then came across an ice cream place and we all got ice cream!

Well, I got Vanilla ice cream in a cup and Daddy got a milkshake or something. Mama got a fruit smoothie. My ice cream was delish. We then walked back to the hotel and I had some dinner. Then it was time for a quick shower and off to dreamland. But not before i got into a nice comfy hotel robe to watch some tv with the remote i found.

Saturday – Luau time!

Today was Nana’s birthday party. Daddy said it wasn’t her real birthday though. I was so confused. That’s ok though. Daddy said that there would be cake anyway. Phew! I got up extra early because I was excited to see the Kitty. I wanted to make sure that Kitty wasn’t just a dream. While Mama was getting her very LOUD cup of coffee, I snuck off very quietly and ninja like to find Kitty. I forgot that Daddy was ninja-like too because just as I reached the stairs AND saw Kitty, he grabbed me. I tried to explain to him that I wasn’t going to steal kitty. I just wanted to say hi. Daddy said that everyone was still sleeping. Whose fault is that? That’s their problem if they are still sleeping instead of following Kitty or playing on the stairs. Don’t they know that stairs and Kitty are far more interesting than sleep?

Eventually, all the sleepyheads woke up and came downstairs. I had breakfast and in general entertained everyone with my super cuteness. Mama, Daddy, Auntie Wendy and Uncle Ken were busy running around and bringing stuff outside and then stuff inside and then back outside again. The cousins took me outside eventually to play. I had fun running around and kicking a ball. Nana showed up while I was taking a nap. She should have gotten there earlier so I could have showed her Kitty. After my nap and lunch, Mama put on my sunflower dress that Mumsie got for me. I was super cute and I had fun twirling around in my dress. Lots of people showed up for Nana’s party. I recognized everyone because most of them came to my birthday party, which wasn’t that long ago. Plus they went to Nana’s America party.

Dianne brought a puppy!!! She was soooo cute! I patted her gently too. I ran around a lot and waved a lot to everyone. I even got Mama to take me swimming! I made sure she went to the bathroom first though. I heard a rumor that she pees in pools. Ga-ross! The pool was a little chilly at first but with everyone running around and playing it warmed up quickly. Although now that I think about it, I was near Mama. Uh oh

There was a little sprinkler hose thing in the pool and that was fun. It got the top of my head all wet. Once we were done swimming, I got on some dry clothes and then it was time for another nap. I was exhausted. Plus I was still trying to figure out if there was a way for me to climb out of my pack n play to go find Kitty. Mama and Daddy put me down for a nap and told the cousins to keep an ear out for me. I didn’t know ears came off. How gross is that? I thought only noses came off when you did that petrifying game of “I got your nose”. Now I have to worry about my ears falling off too.

When I woke up, my cousins came and grabbed me and brought me to Mama who was outside. She checked my diaper to see if I had a bad butt. I did. Ha ha. 5 minutes and a new butt later I was ready to re-join the party. Daddy was busy taking photos of hummingbirds so I ran around near Mama and the chairs. Mr and Mrs. Collins bought me a pink chair and I had a great time sitting in it. I even got fancy and sat on my knees in it! Mama told me to turn around, but I had already done that… how did she think I got on my knees and on the chair backwards?

Once everyone left it was time to take a bath. Gavin and Ryan came to help Mama. I turned on the showerhead as the water was on and gave Mama a little shower too. My cousins thought that was soooo funny.

What can I say… I’m a hoot!