Family Moments....

Staycation 2009 - Clearwater Beach

This weekend we did the economical thing....we enjoyed a 'staycation'. We were able to stay at my President's three bedroom, waterfront condo on Clearwater Beach. However, no matter how many times we tried to convince Madison that we were on Clearwater Beach, in FLORIDA, she continue to believe that we were in CHINA. Everywhere we went, she blurted out on the top of her lungs, "Mommy, we're in CHINA!" When we got back home, she was watching the Wonder Pets on TV; ironically, they were in China rescuing an animal. She turned to us and said, that's NOT China!" Anyhow, we enjoyed beautiful, bright, sunny weather for three days! Madison loved the sand and the water. It was very relaxing...can't wait to do it again!

Just a few pictures from the weekend...

Yesterday Madison asked me to take her to the dollar store. I gave her a dollar to buy one thing. She walked in, got her Dora jump rope and said, "Ok, now I have to pay." She walked up to the cashier, put her stuff on the counter, turned around and asked me for coins. When I asked her what did she need the coins for, she told me, "for tax Mommy!" Did you ever? Where did this 2 year old come from???? LOL

In House Artist - a plus!

Madison reading one of many books from Aunt Elka!

Having an "In-House" artist is a wonderful asset when attempting to decorate your daughter's room". Now if I can only get her to paint the walls! Must give credit where credit is due! Two things to note: In that last picture: The Madison picture was given to Madison by my mom's dear long time friend Darlene. Her only request was that we post a picture so that she could see it. Secondly, the monkey holding Madison's framed photograph was given to me by Auntie Toni & family years ago when I was in the hospital. Boo Boo (the monkey's name) was attached to a beautiful plant. Madison loves Boo Boo, however it took Boo Boo a while to get acclimated to having a Baby around. For a few years after Boo Boo became a part of our family, we paid him a lot of attention, however once Madison came along and our attention shifted from Boo Boo to baby, Boo Boo didn't like it one bit. There were days at at time where we couldn't find Boo Boo, until one day we noticed him hanging from the chandelier in the breakfast nook. We took him down and loved on him and then he got lost in the shuffle again. The next time we found Boo Boo, it was Christmas Day and he was resting quietly in the Chistmas tree, just watching over us as we were opening our presents. No one thought to buy a present for Boo Boo! We've felt really bad about this, so we decided to give him a very important job, watching over Madison in her room! (see picture above)

Dora the Explorer LIVE

Madison and I went to see Dora the Explorer LIVE at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. We had a great time. When it was over, Madison hugged me and told me that I was her best friend ever! I almost cried. That was the sweetest thing I've ever heard! I am honored to be your best friend Mimi......FOREVER!

Interviewing a two year old on a sunny day!

Good times...

Mimi posing.

My lovely mother.

Madison wanted me to take a picture of our church "the dome".

She ran over to it so that she could be in the picture! :)

Mimi running back to me.

Mimi and Guy Guy.

Mimi's funny faces!

Mimi smelling her toes! LOL