Neighbors, Nature, and Family

Maliana ~

Audrey came over on Monday for her first visit in a while since she has been so busy getting ready for her art show. The weather was nice and all of us adults decided to hang around outside while you kids played together. It was great to get some fresh air and enjoy good company.

I can tell you girls are going to be double trouble

I got a root canal on Tuesday and so not only did I need soft foods for dinner (we chose one of our favorites, Noodles and Co.), but I also wanted to get outside and enjoy something beautiful so we headed to Inniswood for a walk which really cheered me up. You got a kick out of attempting to identify wildflowers with me, chasing squirrels down the boardwalk, and piggy back rides.

you love the bouncy bridge

By Friday, you surprised both myself and Ms. Katie and kicked a$$ at speech therapy. You really focused and worked so hard and it has been paying off. I think having your appointments in the morning are actually helping too because you are more fresh and bright-eyed…plus you get the added bonus of extra time with Mom before going to school. Fridays are pretty cool days. On this particular Friday, you also got your “graduation” pictures taken at school. My only question is, when in the world did they start having graduations for everything?! Regardless though, I can’t wait to see them.

Daddy got off early on Friday and surprised you at school (the fun just keeps on coming) and took you to the golf store and then a driving range. He bought you your very own pint-size driver (no putter as you had no interest in putting) and lo and behold, you are a total natural when it comes to golf! Here…follow the link below and check it out for yourself…Daddy and I couldn’t believe it.

Next stop, Pro Tour??

you were less than thrilled to take a picture
of trying on the golf bag

Saturday morning we met Memaw and Papaw for brunch at Bob Evans…

one of the many reasons I love the Wilkinsons comes
through in this picture

Then later that afternoon, Wai Gong and Memaw Lisa came over for a visit. See, Wai Gong had a heart procedure this week (his second cardiac ablation in 2 years). I spent all day at the hospital on Thursday and thankfully all went just fine (nothing to worry about), but you wanted to make something special to help him feel better. I helped you make a giant heart-shaped cookie for him (white chocolate and macadamia nut, one of his favorites). When it was cooled, I asked you what you wanted to write on it. I thought you’d choose his name or “I love you” or something along those lines, but nope, not you. You told me you wanted it to read “I will tickle you”. So, that’s what we wrote. And yes, just after presenting it to him, you tickled him. He was very tickled indeed.

paybacks for all of your tickling

Saturday night we had an impromptu gathering of our neighbors (the Halterman/Georges and the Szwabinskys) to attempt to see the Northern Lights (supposedly they would be visible to us, which is very rare). Unfortunately the conditions weren’t conducive to seeing the gorgeous lights, but they were conducive to sitting around a fire, roasting marshmallows, drinking beer (adults only of course), laughter, and lighting off one of our floating lanterns into the sky.

staying warm while waiting for the Northern Lights

Sunday morning you headed to Gena’s with Daddy while I went running. Then we were visited by a friend, Ann, and her husband Chris, who were passing through town from Pennsylvania. I haven’t seen her in many years, but through the magic of Facebook, we were able to set up a brief visit. She even brought you a couple of tomato plants she’d started (she is an avid gardener) which was very thoughtful of her. It’s about that time to get your garden going again…these tomato plants will be a fun addition.

Later on, Lao Lao stopped by and scooped you up for a date. Of course you chose Easton (shocker, I know). I think the funniest thing about your choice of Easton though is that you both also chose to eat lunch at CPK and while Daddy and I were out enjoying some alone time, we got this text from Lao Lao…

here you are with Jeri, your favorite
server and buddy from CPK

It was a bit chilly still for me, and for some reason I was exhausted and not feeling very well…so while I stayed inside and actually took a nap, you headed outside to play with Brooklyn and Braycen. I love that everyone is finally starting to crawl out of their holes from winter and are out and about in the neighborhood again. If our little neighborhood is good at one thing, it’s hibernating in winter. But, this weekend was the first of a big thaw in more ways than one. Brittany (Brooklyn and Braycen’s mom) even invited you to eat dinner with the kids (which was extremely nice of her…I think we owe her at least 2 or 3 dinners now). We are very lucky to have some really nice neighbors.

chowing with your buddies

hammock time

Ahh…while I am still attempting to crawl out of the funk I’ve fallen into over the last couple of weeks…these small tastes of sunshine and spring-like weather are helping at least a little.

Love you kid,

Mama