Maryland and Family

What a wonderful trip we had to Maryland! It was such a treat to be able to visit with family and let Lola get to know her extended family. We went to the zoo in Salisbury, and Lola loved the playground.  It was still a little cold to really enjoy the beach, but after Lola's last experience with the ocean, I don't think she would have been quick to indulge in beach activities anyway. We did go to Ocean City and did the board walk. We went on the huge ferris wheel, and thankfully, Lola had a healthy fear and wasn't too squirmy.  She LOVED the carmel corn and french fries. We took a trip to the "Homestead" to see what was happening there. Hallwood hasn't changed much, it seems. There was a little thrift shop that we stopped at and I found these two great hats! Both hats for $6! Now to find a great outfit to wear (Probably at Halloween) with them. While in Hallwood, June remembered the cream puff place--best cream puffs in the world, by the way, in Onancock. So we headed that way. I told Rodney he was in for a real treat. Lola was asleep when we got there, so we couldn't all go in. Mom and Aunt Betty argued about who would buy the dozen...so we got two. Rodney agreed, they were pretty tasty!  Before we got back to Salisbury, I think we were a dozen down! Lola was able to get some play time with her cousins. Sarah, Kaylee and Shelby came over for a big seafood feast! When she and Sarah saw each other for the first time, they ran and hugged each other. It was so sweet! I so wish that we lived closer to all these cousins so that Lola could grow up around her cousins. She so seemed to enjoy it. And she did pretty much enjoy the clams! Since she was under two, we flew with her as a lap child. Gamma and Honey wanted some coffee and didn't wait till we got through security to get it. As a result, we were the last people on the plane. Fortunately, some nice person changed seats so at least Rodney and I could sit together in the very last row.  We made it, and on our way home, we made sure that we checked in early!

Kate and Lola

Lola had a fun couple of days spending time with her BFF Kate. Kate came to see us this week and Lola and Kate were able to spend some time getting to know each other. It was really fun to see them interact with each other. What I learned is, "Every toy is A LOT more fun if someone else is playing with it first." Lola wanted any toy that captured Kate's interest, whether it was ok with Kate or not!
I posted some pictures on the other site of Lola playing keep-away with Kate with her little car. I find it interesting that even at such a young age, they are all about ME. MINE. Though Lola could not articulate "MINE!" she certainly communicated that sentiment! Even when it wasn't, "MINE!" We played outside  in our back yard for awhile, Lola has gotten very very good about climbing to the top and going down the slide. This inspired Kate to get pretty good at it too. Which was impressive since she had not been on our slide before! After her nap yesterday, and when she woke up this morning, Lola woke up saying, "Kate. Kate. Kate. Kate..." So I know she really had fun having Kate here. When I went in her room this morning, she was in her diaper, and her PJs were across the room along with all her pillows and stuffed animals. I changed her diaper and then ran out for a second, when I came back my little girl was N-A-K-E-D and her diaper was nowhere to be seen! I really hope this isn't the beginning of a trend!
Last night we met up with some friends at the park, but not before going to Chino Bandido's (One of Rebecca's favorites and she can't get it in Colorado). While we were waiting for our food, the girls played on the statue of the Bandido. I turned my video on as Rebecca was scolding Kate for knocking Lola on the head with her fist, and caputred this:

It isn't funny that my little girl is somewhat of a bully...but it kind of is...they were ok, and loved on each other again, but see what I mean about those MINEs and MEs?

Bubblers and Slides

It has been a whirlwind visit but oh, so fun! Gamma got to take Lola to the train park, ride the train and carousel, and play in the park. This is the first time that Lola has gone up AND down the slide all by herself. Usually, she just sits at the top of the slide and the other children get backed up behind her until I finally have to go move her out of the way.
Gamma and Honey left this morning. They got to see Lola in FINE form! Gamma let her out of the cart in Sam's, and there was no getting her back in. So I was finally the mom that got "looks" from other customers. She is very methodical about her fits, she very carefully puts herself down on the ground before she starts kicking and screaming. Fortunately, that doesn't happen often!
This morning we went for breakfast and played in the bubblers. She had a blast and now is down for a nap. Gamma and Honey wear her out!