Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Bonding Time

Valerie wanted to take her sister Ashley to Universal Studios on a weekday while here from Wisconsin.  I told her I could take off May 27 being I didn't have a job yet for that day.  I was looking forward to time alone with Chloe!

We decided to start our day at Downey Park in East Orange County.  This park has a water area.  It does charge a fee for use during the weekend, but weekdays during the school year are free!  At first, Chloe didn't know what to think.  She was rather cautious taking in the squirting water.

 

But watch how the pictures transform as she grows more comfortable and confident!















Enough of getting water dumped on her head!





She even found a little playmate who was her age!



After an hour and a half, I figured that was enough sun.  We ventured home for lunch.  Afterwards we played with play dough.  Grandma's favorite pastime as a kid!

Charlotte thought she'd be able to eat some, not!



Chloe is concentrating so hard.





She's had such a big day, she's down for an afternoon nap.  It's time for Grandma to take one too. :)

Monday, May 25, 2015

Memorial Day

Thanks to all the Service Men and Women out there who are defending our freedom.  I really appreciate it.  Also, my prayers to those of you who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.
 God Bless America!



Clif's company has finally given Memorial Day back as a paid holiday, and he didn't have to work!
He has been working very hard on our bedroom furniture.  As you can see by the looks in the garage.



 All but two of the drawers are made!  Which two? I haven't a clue.  I guess saying the drawers are made is a bit misleading.  The perimeters of them are done.  He still has to put in the bottoms, then attach the fronts.



In any event, because he's been working so hard, I suggested we take the day off and go kayaking.  If you remember my blog about Easter, we went to Shingle Creek Recreational Area in Kissimmee.  It looked like a nice area to kayak, so that's where we went.



We headed north first until we reached the trail's end, then headed back south.  The bridge is US192.



I loved the mirrored reflections.  It was so tranquil.



This tree reminded me of Christ on the Cross.







North Trail's end. 



We decided to take a walk first, and came upon the beautiful oak tree.  This is near the Pioneer Village we visited which is a couple miles north of the main park.



Time to head back south.



Clif gets this nice picture of the turtle on the log. 



I on the other hand, get it splashing into the water!



The nice thing is the creek is well marked for navigating.  The north side has blue markers.
You can see one just above my paddle.



We are now on the south trail.



The creek side view of a house we took a picture of back in April.



The further south we traveled, the narrower the creek became.  We followed the orange markers.



Yep, Clif is still behind me.



Clif gets a picture from his point of view.



The sky opened up, and the rain fell.  Time to put the camera in for safe keeping.



The drowned rat!



A bunch of drowned rats!  We all came to the trail's end.  Notice the orange markers are now on the cypress trees as if one is hiking!



They want to make sure that we know we have reached the end.



I will say with such narrow straights, the current was strong when paddling back.  It wasn't until we reached the widened section that it was easier to navigate.  When we got back to the parking area, the dry compartment in my kayak wasn't dry.  It was 4 inches deep in water.  I didn't realize the silicone seal had gone bad.  Needless to say, that is where I had put my camera when it was raining so hard.  I was able to retrieve my pictures, but I believe my camera is toast.  I tried to take it apart to dry it out when I got home, but it is still water logged.  We'll see in a week if it will work.  If not, I'll be shopping for a new one.

The bright side is that Clif and I had a lot of fun today.  The rain cooled us off (and it was only rain without the typical lightning and thunder).  We enjoyed God's creation and reflected on our being able to do so because of the sacrifice of those who have fought for our freedom.

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Random photo shots

With Valerie and Chloe staying with us, there is never a dull moment.  It is wonderful having activity bustling around the house.  I enjoy it immensely! :)

Chloe finds the darndest things to use as a hat.  It just makes me giggle.



I wanted to get a better picture of her, but she tells me through her body language, "you think so? I don't.  Want to make a bet?" Hum, just make me!



It's not going to happen!  I tried, but she won.




This is Charlotte, their Samoan husky mix mutt they got from the pound in January.  She's a playful thing who likes to RUN!



She was chasing this armadillo around the yard one morning.  Charlotte would put her front paws down and wag her tail thinking the armadillo liked playing with her as much as she liked playing with it.  Only when I came out to video tape it, Charlotte looked at me like, "what is that?" and "what are you doing?"  The armadillo used the opportunity to take a water break.  Boy is it noisy when it drinks!



Valerie had bought Chloe this activity tent.  Chloe loves it, she spends a lot of time crawling in the different spaces and throwing the balls out the windows.







Right now Valerie, her sister Ashley, and Chloe are in Tallahassee for a week.  Hence why I have finally been able to update my blog.  I am looking forward to them coming back.  I will be watching Chloe on Wednesday so the girls can enjoy a sister day at Universal Studios.  I'm looking forward to Grandma-Granddaughter bonding time.

Chloe's 2nd Birthday

Chloe turned 2 on May 14.   Her party was the following Saturday, May 16.  It was a very hot day typical for Florida weather.

I took Chloe on the playground while the others set up the pavilion for the party.  I was amazed how far Chloe has come on the equipment.  Last September, she wouldn't go down the slide unless we either held her hand, or went with her.  How much growth in 8 months!

 
Send a comment to let me know if you can't view the video.
 
 
The theme for the party was By the Sea with Ariel. 
Valerie made a sandcastle cake!
 
 
Crushed Nilla Wafers really made it look like sand.
I'm impressed!
 
 
The party favors were sand buckets filled with beach toys and sunscreen.
What a great idea!
 
 
Little Chloe is excited to see everything set up.
 
 
She's also happy to see all her guests.
 
 
Michael sporting a new look.
 
 
Not much time for socializing.  Playing is of upmost importance.
 
 
Take a break.  It's time for cake!
 
 
Poor little thing is so hot, we had to put a cold rag on her head to cool her down!
 
 
Better...let's munch on some cake.
 
 
Mmmmmm.
 
 
Time for presents.
Her new chair is just her size.
 
 
Do you remember the See and Say?
I can say Chloe really likes this toy as she constantly puts it in my hands for me to hold while she pulls the handle. :)
 
 
Lots of presents...
 
 
But, when she came to Thomas the Tank Engine,
That was all she wrote...
 
 
The party was great fun.
 
 
And, so exhausting.