July Fun Times

July has been a great time for us. Z has had lots of adventures with many of her friends, too.

Bele Chere came and went. We spent one hot Saturday there.

We've been to the Malvern Hills pool with many little ones as Z has explored the 2ft area.

Downtown Asheville's newest attraction is a splash area with fountains that spit out tall streams of water.

Did I mention all of the friends we've played with?

And how about Momma's garden? It continues to feed us all kinds of goodies.

More Z News

July has been a really hot month across the U.S. It's been no different here. This feels like the hottest summer I've experienced in Asheville. Usually we get a few days that hit over 90 degrees but it just feels like a lot of those have been happening. I am glad that the thunderstorms are back. It's nice to get a cool rain in the afternoon to take the edge off. We've had no shortage of thunder and lightning this month either.

That means that we've had our fair share of inside time as well as outside time. Z has spent a little more time at the mall than usual. It's air conditioned, has plenty of things to see and has a little playground with other kids where she can explore and enjoy some kid time. It's amazing to see the growth from when we first hit that little kid venue to now.

I'll never forget seeing Shannon go momma bear on some kid who pushed Z over when she was not walking yet. Now Z can fend for herself. She loves climbing up things, especially stairs. She loves the little slide and the bridge which offer lots of climbing opportunities.

Speaking of climbing, it's starting to get to the danger zone with her on that. Just the other day at Lowe's she was caught climbing up one of those huge service ladders the employees use to access the top sectors of the shelving. She is also fond of getting on the couch and precariously leaning over it, leaving both Shan and I nervous about the fall that will eventually come.

Z also understands so much now. She is really good with verbal commands (when she is listening and wants to do it of course). Whether it's asking her to take her shoes off when we get inside to taking something to her mother, she seems to get a lot of what we are saying. It won't be long now before she starts to expand her vocabulary and start barking out orders herself. She does that already mind you, but usually in one word commands. And those commands are still mostly basic one syllable sounds. She does know some words and can even finish one of the sentences in her favorite books when I let her fill in the the blank. I am truly grateful for all this time with her, even as I toil at summer school.

Pool Party!

Shannon comes up with great ideas all the time. This idea in particular, while not entirely original, was nonetheless brilliant in it's simplicity; Invite little kids over to play with Zahra in the backyard.

So we've hosted a few little kid gatherings in our continually evolving backyard area. We bought one of those little plastic pools (the inflatable one was no good so we had to upgrade) and hooked up the moving sprinkler attachment to the hose for some added excitement. Toss in Z's sand and water table and the little slide with a swing and you have toddler heaven.

We've had many esteemed guests come over this month of July. The Blacklow's graced us with their presence. Their daughter Maggie had a blast splashing around in the water. Of course Braden came over with momma Susan for some pool side antics as well. Isabella also had some time with us in the backyard.

The pool's still open friends!

Friday Father Hikes

It's summer so teaching dad's across the country can spend a little more time with their little ones. Craig and I have been organizing a little Friday hike for our kids to various locations around out area. Since we are surrounded by some of the most beautiful country in the U.S.A. we feel the need to get our kids out there and enjoying it. We started three weeks ago with a drip to Lower Douglass Falls. It's a lovely 70 foot waterfall just north of Asheville. The drive there was scenic as we climbed above 4000 feet in altitude. Once there, Craig and I along with our buddy Brian Mahoney embarked ona short hike to the falls with our kids (Z, Isabella and Finn). It was a pretty day and a good time was had by all.

Last Friday, it was just Craig and I with our little girls as we hit a trail near the sprawling campus of Warren Wilson College. We hiked along a creek that allowed for us to hike in. The girls we loving the water.

It's hard to believe we only have two more to go before summer is over for us. School schedule kicks in August 12th.

Mid Summer Report

Yikes! Summer's almost gone! Actually we're at the half way mark here but since I am teaching summer school this year, this is my last hurrah. It's been an amazing time since I returned from NYC to reconnect with my ladies.

I arrived last Friday in Atlanta very late from a delayed flight. We spent Saturday traveling back from Grammy Lanie and Grandpa Larry's home. Zahra had a fantastic time there. She learned the ABC song (still working on pitch) and picked blackberries and got well acquainted with the animals. Shannon also enjoyed some time to herself (read: spent time shopping!). But everyone was happy to get back to Asheville.

We had a World Cup Finals party at the house to get back into the swing of things. Then we started the week with some good old relaxing. At least Z and I have been. Shannon has worked herself into a frenzy. She has been repairing her garden and reaping the rewards of her hard work. The crops, particularly the tomatoes, have been excellent. She has also been working in and out of the house. What are Zahra and I doing while mom rocks out? We have fun of course! We have spent time at the local pool, hanging with friends, hiking, and even going on road trips. Z and I have spent lots of daddy/daughter time and it's been rewarding for both of us. It's so meaningful to make those connections. I like that Z and I have a real communication going. She is usually so easy going any how and with me, she behaves pretty well.

The road trip was really fun. We spent the day near Bristol, TN at South Holston Lake with family. The Perez family, my cousins on my dad's side made their annual trek to the mountains of TN and we rendezvoused there for a day on the lake. Gorgeous weather, fun times and lots of swimming. Z got to connect with family which is so crucial. My cousins, Roxana, Jose, Kevin and Victoria are great people and we want to thank them again for hosting us! Thanks guys!

Enjoy the video, it's been long overdue. And I'm waiting for more pictures to arrive from some of the other adventures.

In a New York Minute

Ah, the Big Apple! I have been here for a week for a teacher's conference while the girls have been living the farm life in Alpharetta with the grandparents. I am ready to get back to my girls. The city has been great (and extremely hot) but five days away has made me weary and homesick.

Enjoy the pictures of Z on the farm!

To Breed of Not to Breed

That is the question!

We have had a fun filled week of watching other people's kids and it's been a great barometer for how we are feeling right now about having more kids.

On Monday we watched two wonderful kids who were much older. It was nice to deal with school aged kids because they are so advanced. They can use the bathroom by themselves, follow directions and can carry things. Then we got to watch Isabella and she was great, too. Again, school aged. Then we watched baby Braden. The difficulty scale sky rocketed. Not that he was a nuisance or anything, he was actually really chill and relaxed. It's just that with two little ones, the parents must go man to man instead of playing zone. With one, you can pass her along to one another and go about things fairly easily. With two, you'd never see each other much until you were passed out in bed. And the amount of bags doubles as well as the constant vigilance that seems to detract from enjoying relaxed situations. I applaud the parents who take it upon themselves to have multiples.

So the message for us seems to be to hold off until Z is a little older. Having two babies sees to be a challenge we aren't ready to embrace right now. However, we want to thank our friends for letting us watch their kids and can't wait to do some more. For now, Z may be the only show in our home for a little while.