Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Sisters and Friends

The girls are so cute playing together. Every day they get a little closer, and it is fun to watch their relationship grow. They would prefer to be together as to apart, and even though Jenna isn't quite up to speed yet on all the games Zoe plays, they seem to always work it out, occasionally through cries of frustration, but most often through giggles and the sheer desire to be best buds.




Zoe helping Jenna put on her winter gear (mind you it is in the upper 70's outside!) - Zoe and Jenna managed to get themselves in the Huggies box without any help. They did however need a little help getting out! - The girls playing with the animal vet toy. Zoe is showing Jenna how to open the doors with the keys. - At the Corrales playground having fun with dad. - Reading books at bedtime together. Notice how Zoe has daddy's patches on!

Friday, April 25, 2008

Spouses' Day

On April 11th the girls and I joined Frank at his work for spouses' day. Babysitting and lunch was provided, and the spouse's got to take a morale flight on the plane Frank flies (this was a fun new perspective for me since this was the plane I flew back when I was active duty!) We had a good time, and girls just loved exploring the plane and seeing where daddy works.


Frank, Zoe, and Jenna on the airplane ramp; Jenna in the right scanner seat; the view out the ramp on the spouses' flight

Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk!

We had a great time this year following the Jayhawks through the NCAA tournament. Frank, the girls, and I all dressed in our best KU gear to root for the Jayhawks in the Final Four game. What fun! Later that week the girls and I watched the first half of the Championships, and after putting Jenna to bed at half-time, Zoe and I finished out the game (unfortunately, Frank had to fly that night). Zoe and I were both jumping up and down and cheering, especially in the last two minutes when KU closed a 9 point lead and won in overtime! What a game! We really enjoyed it. I've got to say, there's nothing quite like cheering for your college team with your kids! Such fun!


Zoe, Jenna, and dad watching the Final Four; Zoe in her KU gear for the Final Four game; Zoe and Frank in their NCAA Champions tees (yes, we had to order those right away!)

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Our Sixth Anniversary

Frank brought me to the Melting Pot for our anniversary. It is a fondue restaurant where you get your own little nook and fondue pot. First you start with the cheese fondue, then onto the broth to cook and season your meats, and then my favorite, the chocolate fondue! It is hard to explain what it's all about, but if you have a Melting Pot restaurant near you and about three hours to spare, I'd check it out! After dinner we saw the movie '21' and really enjoyed it. Actually, I think we'd enjoy just about any movie in a theatre anymore since it is such a rare occasion and quite the treat!

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Easter Trip to Olathe and Chicago

We were very lucky to visit both Frank and my folks over the Easter holidays. I drove with the girls to KC and then took a second leg from there to Chicago to spend Easter with Frank's folks. Frank flew in from ABQ for a long Easter weekend in Chicago. The girls and I drove home from Chicago with another long layover in Olathe on the way. It was a very fun trip!

Part One: Olathe


We stopped in Olathe for a few days visit. My mom was able to take a couple days off during our visit so we got a lot of time together. We all went to the Great Mall, dyed Easter eggs, took a few walks around the block, and spent a whole day at the Kansas City Zoo. The zoo was a ball and quite huge! We visited with Dan and Angie (my brother and sister-in-law) for dinner on Tuesday night.


Going on a walk with Pop-Pop; Zoe coloring Easter eggs with Grammie; Grammie, Zoe, Jenna, Gimlet and Sadie

Part Two: Chicago

We had a wonderful Easter in Chicago. Frank surprised me with tickets to see the Broadway show 'Wicked'. Nonna and Grandpa babysat while we spent about five hours downtown. The show was amazing, now if only we get the songs out of our heads! On Easter the girls donned Easter dresses which just thrilled Zoe. She jumped up and down at the news she was going to wear her very special Easter dress. We went to mass at the same church Zoe was baptized in. After Easter service, the girls got their Easter baskets and had an Easter egg hunt. A favorite toy turned out to be an old large box. Who would have guessed. The girls would get in in together and play all sorts of games. On Frank's last day in town we visited Frank's aunt and Godmother, Aunt Betty, and his cousin Edward. We spent a total of four days in Chicago and loved every minute.


Bedtime stories with Grandpa; the girls at church; Easter egg hunt; playing Legos with dad; Cake time with Nonna

Part Three: Back to Olathe

My mom was out of town for a business trip when I arrived back in Olathe, so it was just us girls and Pop-Pop for a few days. My dad, the girls, and I spent time stocking up at Sam's Club (to include having yummy pretzels and buying a huge cake) and enjoyed a morning at Zonker's which is an indoor amusement park for kids. Zoe and Jenna just loved getting to ride in banana shaped airplanes and on the train! The girls and I also spent a day with my good friend Jen Winningham. My mom got back into town on Saturday night, so dad, the girls, and I met her for dinner by the airport. Sunday was a big day - KU basketball!!! KU played in the Elite Eight, and Dan and Angie brought pizza and joined us for game. It is only in retrospect and since I know that we won that I can say it was a great game. It was one of those where we were all on the edge of our seats the whole time!


Banana plane ride; Jen and Zoe; Angie and Jenna on game day; Jenna in her favorite toy at my parents house; Zoe, Pop-Pop, and Grammie

Playing at Grammie and Pop-Pop's house

In all, we enjoyed seeing everyone and had a great visit!!! But at the end of it all we were ready to head home. The girls were very happy to be headed to their own stuff and to see daddy :)