2016 Remain Loyal to Jehovah Regional Convention

It came and went by so quickly. We look forward to the announcement of the dates and location in January, and before you know it, it's over. This year was no different. What was different was how much more Zoe was able to get out of the program. There were so many more videos, and because they had the songs in "karaoke" style with the words on the big screens, she was able to read some of the words and feel like she was singing and participating more. 

The videos were certainly powerful. And emotional, which Zoe wasn't a big fan of. She doesn't like seeing people be sad. And she definitely was NOT a fan of the final video on Sunday. It was too scary because of the mean people. She hid her face in my shoulder more than once. 

But the kids loved seeing their friends and family during halftime, and being able to stretch out their legs and expend all that pent up energy! 

DAY ONE

DAY TWO

DAY THREE

Until next year . . . 

Memorial 2016

Well, as a parent, you worry about how your kids are going to act at big events. There are none more important than the Memorial of Christ's death. And we're proud to say that this year was a success! Our little humans were well-behaved: before, during, and after. No running, no squirming, no talking. Julian did very well in his little man suit. I think he was really digging his hat and bow tie, even if he did look like a train conductor! LOL! We're pretty proud parents!

And Zoe was pretty proud, too. She was too nervous to touch the plate of bread, but mustered up enough bravery to touch the glass of wine for her participation.  She felt pretty good about that progression. And we were, too! :) 

New Dress

As I was getting ready for work the other night, I heard a sweet little voice call my name. "Daddy, close your eyes . . . "
"Come on in here, ZoZo. I'm getting ready." I hurriedly said.
Undeterred, she again called out from the other side of the door, "Close your eyes."
This time, I complied, and alerted her, "OK, my eyes are closed."
Her little footsteps sauntered toward me. "Open your eyes, Dada!"
As I did, I was overcome with emotion. My baby girl was not standing in front of me. Miss Zoe Grayson was standing in front of me, proudly showing off her new dress. When I looked at her, it was like the last four years of her life, my life, rewound and was fast-forwarded in an instance. I recalled every milestone in an instant, and then here we were. She may only be four, but she IS growing up. And the bittersweetness of that truth left me with tears in my eyes. I couldn't hide it. I rarely try to. I want my kids to know who I am: humanly flawed; weak and vulnerable at times.

And as I looked into her eyes, I saw Daddy's girl. She knew I'd love her dress as she modeled it for me. She knew that I'd think she was beautiful. And my reaction validated her feelings. She came over to me with hugs and kisses, even taking her hands to my face to force a smile out of me.

There's many times when I look at her, and I see my features. And probably even more times I look at her, and see Mommy. But really the most beautiful thing is when I look at her, and I see Zoe. I see who she is: a loving, funny, sweet child. I love who she is, and who she is becoming.

Journey of Zoe's 3's

Here's a little video of Zoe's life as a 3-year-old.

This may have been her funnest year, yet.












This year, Zoe had several cool firsts and milestones: 

• First Prayer
• First Comment at the meeting
• First time Participating in the ministry
• First movie @ the theater (Mr. Peabody)
• Memorized book: The Foot Book, by Dr. Suess
• Climbing rock wall @ the park
• No more crib: graduated to a toddler bed.
• Potty trained!
• Full conversations!
• Learned ABC's, colors, counting
• Became a big sister!
• Grew 3 inches, and gained 4 pounds
• Funny: has an imagination doggie and also has a red house up in the sky

She has LOTS of favorites, too:

• Book: The Foot Book
• Animal: Dogs and lions
• Colors: Pink and red
• Movie: Frozen and Happy Feet
• Toy: Minnie Mouse
• Play time: building castles with her blocks, or ANYTHING outside
• Song: Life Without End-At Last! and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
• Food: pancakes