Mr. Potato Head

Conversation with Zoe the other night.

Zoe: Daddy, I'm sad.

Me: Why are you sad, baby?

Zoe: Because Mr Potato Head has been mean to me, and he's telling Barbie to be mean to me, too. 

Me: Really?

Zoe: Yes. Barbie used to be nice. But now she's mean because Mr Potato Head tells her to be mean to me.

Camping Out

We had the week off from work, and one of the things Zoe REALLY wanted to do was camp outside in the back yard. We were able to find a neighbor who allowed us to borrow their tent. Such an awesome neighborhood.

Zoe was SOOOO excited. She couldn't wait for it to get dark!  She really did fall asleep outside, and would have stayed out there, but we had to get up early in the morning for Julian's ear procedure. So, we had to go inside and let Daddy get to sleep. We stayed out until about 2 AM. We'll definitely do it again!!!!

Zoe's Conversation

Monday Morning Conversation with Zoe.

Z: Daddy, I'm brown, and you're white.
D: Yep.
Z: I'm brown like Mommy and you're white like Julian.
D: That's right. What do you think about that?
Z: That's all I think.
She smiles, then adds:
Z: Me and Mommy have housecoats. You and Julian don't.

Well isn't that flippin' amazing? The color of my skin is in the same category as my clothing. Just little differences. If a 3 year old can figure that out, why can't grown adults?

Over the weekend, I ran into a driver I work with. I talk with him about every day. Nothing with a lot of depth, but we still have conversations. When I saw him Saturday, I called him by name as I was about 5 feet away. He nodded toward me, but other than that, didn't acknowledge me. At all. Or my wife. Or my kids. I can only assume why. I guess he can assume why his truck won't be fueled by me any longer.

I can't explain this ugliness, this hatred to myself. How will I be able to explain this to my innocent children?

Kentucky Horse Park

So has a new love: horses. Wow! She was so excited to be up close and personal with the horses, she kept hugging me tightly, and running ahead to see them all.  It was so much fun seeing the creatures from her eyes and her mind.  

She got to see where some of them sleep. She and Julian got to pet them, and Zoe even got to feed one!

She really loved that, because as he chewed, the remnants fell back into her hair!

I think we'll be making many more trips to the Horse Park, if this girl has anything to say about it, for sure!

"Frozen" Party

We surprised Zoe with her first "themed" party. Since Frozen is her favorite movie, we figured she'd love that. We were able to have our neighbor make the most awesome Olaf cake you'll ever see, which was a big hit with all the kiddos and adults alike!

Janai came up with some really fun games and activities for the kids, too!

It was a nice mix of kids for Zoe to meet and get to know. It was nice seeing her come out of her shell a little, out of her comfort zone with all the kids she normally hangs out with. 

And of course, it's always cool to show your friends, even though you're a Princess, you're not afraid of any little worms!  

The Most Amazing Words

I'm sure we all take things for granted at times. Life moves so fast; days are filled with so many thoughts and activities. But I can guarantee the world one thing: I will NEVER be at a loss of appreciation or love for the words Zoe (and I'm sure in time, Julian) utter in my presence: "That's my Daddy!"

It's not the first time I've heard her say those words. But the latest time was this past weekend while we were visiting family in Indianapolis. Zoe and her cousin were busy playing in Elona's room, as I came in to check on her. And after I played with them for a few minutes, and went to leave, Zoe announced with all the pride in her little heart, "That's my Daddy!" And my knees just about buckled with emotion. Because every single time I hear her say those three words, without hesitation, I think about the fact that I have never, ever said those words. Ever. There were so many times, so many moments in my life as a young boy, as an adolescent, as a teenager, any maybe even as a man, that I wanted so badly to say those words. To know those words. And to actually be able to feel the meaning of those words from this little 3.5 year old beautiful girl, is just about the most blessed feeling I may ever know.  One of the most amazing feelings I'll ever experience.

Back in December

It's been such a busy winter with work, with new baby, and all that comes with that, I haven't been able to post much lately.  So, I need to backtrack for my babies to read one day.

Back in December, Zoe got to spend some real, quality time with her big cousin, Elona. She really looks up to Elona. Her big cousin made bracelets for her, and also drew the sweetest little card for Zoe.  We always love the times we get to spend together. And we love the time our kids have with their cousins!

And we had a 1st, too! Zoe received her first letter in the mail.  It was actually from our credit union, though, to confirm her new savings account that we started for her.  I think she was really excited to see her name on the envelope, though!!!

We feel so fortunate that our kiddos have so many friends. Some their own age, some not so much. Either way, they are blessed!

We definitely love our new congregation and our family!!!