Wormsloe

Sunday afternoon, the three of us spent the afternoon with the Englands at Wormsloe National Park. Wormsloe is:

A breathtaking avenue sheltered by live oaks and Spanish moss leads to the tabby ruins of Wormsloe, the colonial estate of Noble Jones (1702-1775), a physician and carpenter who arrived in Georgia in 1733 with James Oglethorpe and the first group of settlers from England. Surviving hunger, plague and warfare in the rugged environment of Georgia, Jones went on to serve the colony as a constable, Indian agent, Royal Councilor and surveyor, laying out the towns of Augusta and New Ebenezer. He also commanded a company of marines charged with defending the Georgia coast from the Spanish. After his death at the beginning of the American Revolution, his once-thriving estate fell into disrepair, but his descendants revived it in the 19th century. The state of Georgia acquired most of the original plantation in 1973.

Today, visitors can view a museum with artifacts unearthed at Wormsloe, as well as a short film about the site and the founding of Georgia. A scenic nature trail leads past the tabby ruins to a living-history area where, during programs, demonstrators in period dress exhibit the tools and skills of colonial Georgia. The site hosts several events throughout the year, including the “Colonial Faire and Muster” in February, which highlights aspects of 18th-century life, such as music, dancing, crafts and military drills.

Did you get all that. That is for all of you who care. For those of you who don't. We walked around trails of the coastal region in 95 degree heat. Actually, we had a lot of fun. We got to visit with Leah, Chris and Thomas. All very warm and wonderful people. We swapped stories of Savannah (our territory) and Charleston (the England's territory). The kids bonded like all toddlers do...not at all. But they did smile at each other. Thomas did a lot of the smiling while Z just stared. It was refreshing just hanging out and taking our time to enjoy our company and nature.

All girls need their bracelets when they go hiking.

Below is one of the Colonial Homesteads. It was small and very rough. At the same time we were impressed with the ingenuity of the colonial settlers. The house was built with out using nails. If you really want to know the details just ask me. I don't feel like explaining it right now.

Downstairs.

Upstairs...correction...up the ladder loft.

My child looks like a hobbit baby.

A lil' crab. Chris knew the name of it. I forgot it. Chris knew a lot of the names of the local wildlife and foliage. We were very impressed.

Isn't this cute? They're visiting with each other. Look closer and you will see Z is about to make off with Thomas' bottle.

No pictures please.

Happy Mother's Day

I have already mentioned my awesome Mother's Day gift, the camera. I snuck in a pedicure too. My mom was here and for her gift I took her to get a pedicure and well I couldn't not get one as well. I also got a book, several cute cards as well as dinner and a movie. While out with Jason, we picked up a flower for Z to give to my mom. I don't know if my mother even got to smell it. Ziva did. My mom loved watching Z enjoy the flower she had given her Nanny.

Smells good!

You smell, daddy.
(If you look closely you can see a petal stuck to her mouth.)

Tasty.

I did not let her eat it.

The Many Faces of Z

Contemplative

Crazy Happy

Frustrated

Not So Happy

Operatic

15 Month Check Up...One Month Late

We finally got to have Ziva's fifteen month check up. Everything is good. No complaints. She gained weight, which was a concern, and she is growing as expected. She was still a little terrified of the whole situation though. She walked up to the front door, waited as I opened the door, took one step in, realized where she was and then ran out screaming. It was so sad. We spent the rest of the visit calming down then screaming then calming down then screaming then calming down, etc, etc. We spent a little time afterwards looking for four leaf clovers outside of the office when we were done. That way she might not have to have shots again.

Weight: 21.11lb Height: 31.5"

"What you talkin' 'bout?!?"


There's one.

After this taking this picture Z proceeded to beat the flower to a pulp.

Happy Early Mother's Day

I got a new camera for Mother's Day. I am so excited! I haven't really got to experiment with it yet but it is nice to not have to rely on only a point and click camera. Now, I am not a professional photographer but for someone with an art degree and tons of hours in a dark room I needed to more up. Thank you Jason for my new camera!!

This pictures below are just testing the water. From these you can tell how much sharper...much more sharper...how more sharp...hmmm...it works a lot better!

Ziva is thinking about using this picture when she runs for office.

Another Girls Day

Ziva and I hung out with Ashley and Jackie again the other day. I am not sure who enjoys it more. Z because of all the attention or the girls because they get to play with Z. After fun at PetSmart, we spent forever at Toys-R-Us. That I can tell you the girls most defiantly enjoyed more than Ziva.

"No Ziva, you can not have another cat."

Yes, Jackie is that tall. AND SHE'S WEARING FLIP FLOPS!!!

How much for this doggie in the window.

It takes Jackie kneeling and Ziva on a stool to get them even close to eye level.

Loves to Read

Ziva has moved on from board books to paperbacks. I guess it's okay. I just wish she could learn to appreciate mid-19th century English literature more. Just kidding.

I Have No Words

Enjoy!

Look!

A "big girl" ponytail! Jason has been complaining that Ziva is too old and her hair is too long for a popknot (front ponytail). He has been suggesting a back ponytail. Well, here it is. I can not believe that my fifteen month old's hair can go into a "big girl" ponytail.

A Hawk!

Yesterday we were playing outside and out of nowhere a Hawk swoops down very close to our back yard. It was like he was about to swoop down and get something but then changed his mind at the last minute (about 12 feet from the ground). Below is the scene he would have been viewing. We went inside after this happened! Z nor Fulton had any idea what had almost happened. Thank you Lord for keeping my baby and fat cat safe!

Clueless.

Fulton getting his deep muscle massage.

Was that a Hawk?!?

Mornin'

Here is another set of PJs Ashley and Jackie (Ash's roommate) bought Ziva. We love them! My favorite part is Z accessorising the PJs with her ducky slippers.

Check Out that Bedhead!!!

Z's New Red Wagon

Ziva got a red wagon from her Nanny and Poppy. We just got it put together. She loves it! She loves going in circles and circles and circles in the back yard. I requested the one with the more heavier duty wheels for when we are at the beach. I can already tell it's going to work out great over the sand. Of course Z is going to ride in it more than just at the beach. Thank you Nanny and Poppy!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

This picture should explain what we were up to last week. On Wednesday we were scheduled for a 15 month wellness visit for Ziva. We had a play date before had. It was all planned out and very exciting. Well, after throwing up on my good friend's, Donna, carpet...twice...we headed in a bit earlier than expected. Poor Z threw up the entire way. There was nothing I could do about it but try to console her from the front seat. Jason had already planned on meeting us there. He loves being there for wellness visits. He gets into all that percentage stuff. Then saves the baby from the bad mommy who gives her shots. This time he was there to help hold and comfort. Also, here's a shout out to Ashley who, by the grace of God, just happened to buy Ziva PJs the night before. She ran them to us since Z had gone through all her extras. Thanks Ashley! To sum it up. Z had her second stomach virus in three months. YUCKY!

What's the difference between a tornado warning and tornado watch?

I do not remember a single tornado watch or warning the last time we lived in this area. That's almost 6 years of tornado free life. I definitely know I did not hear a single tornado siren when we lived here last. A week ago today they tested the tornado/weather warning sirens. Monday they went off for real. Now I am no stranger to tornadoes. It is just when you don't expect them, your heart really gets going. Jason was driving home in the stuff and I was at home with Ziva and my friend Ashley who was just walking out the door. I told Ashley to get back inside, get Z out of bed and go get in the tub as I gathered our purses and pillows. I got the pets set with the "kids" and when outside to wait (stupid behavior so says my mom). All was okay in the end. Just something I wasn't planning on dealing with that day.

The girls safe and secure.

Sushi Baby

This time is a struggle (over exaggeration) for Ziva and her eating habits (can it be called a habit if there is no constancy). Until a couple of months ago, she had been eating like a horse and was not picky at all. I felt blessed. Now there is no rhyme or reason to what Z eats or when. She hates it all. She loves it all. My mother suggested that I should feed her what I am eating. This doesn't work. She thinks she wants my food until she tries it...until she discovered sushi rice. She loves sushi rice. This day she insisted on the whole roll. I removed the stuff she couldn't have and gave it to her. I just knew she wouldn't like it. Three rolls later I was looking for something else to eat since Z was obviously going to eat all my sushi.

Don't worry. There is no raw fish in this sushi roll.