Summer's Really Gone Now till Next Year

Fall is here on the calendar but not on the thermometer as it was a balmy 86 degrees today in Asheville. Still, clear skies and a nice little breeze made for a great day outside. We've been enjoying the outside a lot lately. We made a family trip to the WNC Fair with our friend Juliana. Good times were had by all, especially Z who made away with a huge vanilla cone of creamy, icy goodness. Actually, it was the only way to get the kid to stop screaming for about twenty minutes. We saw goats and chickens and turkeys and llamas and cows and lots of folks. We rode on the merry go round and saw exhibits. It was a fun day.

Momma and Z also continue to do fun stuff inside, too. The girls love to paint their nails although Z wanted purple like Momma. And how about Z with baby? She loves that doll! And now she can carry it like Shan used to carry her.

For now we wait the arrival of Grammy Lanie this weekend for more fun outdoor stuff.

Laughing with Mom

These two just love to giggle and goof around. Enjoy!

PreSchool and Potty

Two days in a row? I'm feeling it!

Zahra continues to grow right before our eyes. She has moved to the big potty i.e. the toilet with the contraption that let's her sit on it. It took a few times but she is now sitting on it and hasn't missed a beat.

But the real news is about school. Today she came home with some work, school work! Shannon informed me she almost melted when she saw it. Granted, it's not the Mona Lisa or anything, but it's nice to see her making things with other folks. Kind of makes you wish you were there to see her sit at a desk and accomplish something.

The first piece is half an apple she dipped in red paint. The imprint of the apple is on a sheet of paper labeled "A". The next piece is a little sticker assignment where she pasted fish and shells onto an ocean background. Just cute. This school experiment is working wonders for her. She is confident about heading there, is getting tons of socialization without Mom and Dad around and Shan is getting some free time. Apparently she is also pretty popular around there! The kid is something.

Oh and did I mention we have a new baby in the house?

Well, it's not our baby. Shannon began her nanny job today! She was watching little Maddie, the daughter of Jen and Kyle. It's a temporary thing but Shannon really enjoyed her first day with two little ones.

Pictures!

OK, we are back online! Let's show you some pictures!

Zahra at the WNC fair, getting ready for some Dolphins football, posing for her Mommy and the 211 photo contest (which won mom and dad some free tickets to a show!) and with her backpack for school.

Labors of Love

Haven't posted in a long time so I'm cranking them out. Internet was down for a weekend and I had to travel to Hialeah to help my mom with her parents. Right now they are stable but we are still waiting. As for my mom, she is a warrior. I found most everyone in the area to be pretty happy and was treated to nice weather and lots of love.

Z and mom stayed in Asheville with Grammy Lanie. Right now she is rocking out and really growing. Her communication skills continue to blossom. She is slowly building more words into her vocabulary. She is also becoming quite the walker. Her and I have taken lots of walks lately as the weather is cooling up here. Z will talk the entire time she is strolling up the street!

Other than that we are just hanging out. Fall is almost here and we are excited about the mild temps and upcoming Fall activities. Taking all advice for potential Halloween costumes!

Schools Begins

Z has also started school! It's a great program run by a local church. She has tons of activities and has already made an impression on the teaching staff. She didn't cry or anything. She just walked right in and began her day in bliss. So far she has really taken to school. And why not? The kid is a social butterfly on par with her abuela.

No More Milk

Z is no longer breast feeding. Happened a few weeks back as Shan began the weening process. She had a great run (almost 21 months of goodness).