Funny Lilly Story

It's no surprise that Rob is a favorite among the cousins: especially our nieces Emma, Kate and Sofia. During our trips this summer to Wichita and Denver, Rob was called "uncle Robby" over and over and over again. Usually Lilly was present when the nieces asked "uncle Robby do this... uncle Robby play with us that...".

Now that we are home, Lilly has started to call her dad "uncle Robby". Sometimes she even calls him "uncle daddy". It is really cute because she appears to do it without thinking. In her mind, Rob is all of the above: Daddy, DaDah, Uncle Robby, Rob and even Hey Rob (as I usually yell from across the house). The first time Lilly tried to get Rob's attention by yelling "Hey Rob!" was quite comical.

So for now, Lilly will continue identifying us as:
"Uncle Robby" = Daddy
"Mommy"= Lori (kind of boring, don't you think?)
"Honey, Sistuh, or Baby Tare" = Claire

Be careful... your new nickname could be coming! ...just like Aunt Colleen 'CoCo" was referred to as 'aunt taco'. :)

4 months already!

Little Claire is 4 months old already. She visited the doctor yesterday and ranked in the 97th percentile for height and weight. She is 15lb 11oz.

She loves to stand when being held, loves to smile, blow spit bubbles and coo. Lilly and Claire are interacting more and more each day. Lilly loves talking to Claire and watching her smile in response. It is precious.

Happy Birthday to Lori

August 6 was my lovely birthday, and I was lucky enough to spend most of the day ALONE! Lilly and Claire spent the day with their childcare mom, Monica. This was Claire's first day there, and though I was a bit apprehensive of her reaction to the new environment, she ended up doing very well. Of course, for those of you who know Monica, you know that she is extremely patient and loving with all kids.

I started the day with a trip to Starbuck's with Ang and Cristy. We shared great conversation and iced lattes. YUM! From there I met Liz and her boys for lunch. As we left the restaurant local firemen pulled up and asked the boys if they wanted to see inside the firetruck. What a treat! After the firetruck tour, I went to the mall ALONE! I was actually able to browse the racks, talk on my cell phone and travel from store to store without worrying about diapers or snacks. I have to admit I had to remind myself that I did not leave Claire in the car... that she was at Monica's safe and sound. After the mall I stopped at various stores in my quest to find the perfect sheets. Getting in and out of the car at 110 degrees was much easier without kids, of course.

Rob and I ended the day with a fabulous birthday meal at The Keg. Yum Yum and Yum. This is my one time a year when I eat a nice beef fillet. The kids, of course, were not with us and were still at Monica's. To top off my fabulous birthday, we all enjoyed a slice of heavenly chocolate raspberry cake. My dear friend Andrea (all the way in Missouri) ordered it from AJ's for me. This was a sincere treat and meant a lot!! (See the picture above).

Birthday's just can't get any better than this!

Mile High... Oh My!

We had the sincere pleasure of spending a long weekend in Denver with Scott, Monica and their children. Since Teresa was already here, she joined us for the trip. We were able to share in Lucas' second birthday celebration, visit Meirowsky's yummy bakery, see cool fish, and stay at Scott and Monica's beautiful home. Perhaps the best part of the weekend was watching Sofia (age 3 1/2) and Lilly (age 2) play together. They seemed to form a strong cousin friendship. :) We can only imagine all the future fun that is in store for Mia and Claire who are only 3 weeks apart. Thank you, Scott and Monica for a lovely weekend!

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Visitors Galore!

It's obvious that we're not in Kansas anymore... so we welcome visitors whenever anyone feels like making the trip! Arizona is the ideal vacation destination in the middle of the summer, of course. We greatly enjoy our family and friends who brave the heat. Our lovely weather peaks this time of year. But, as cousin Kevin so keenly discovered... "It's just a dry heat".

In July we welcomed Lori's super aunt Janet and cousin Kevin. Rob's sister Teresa just also happened to be coming this way. All of this company meant lots of quality play time for little Lilly.

I'd like to extend a special thanks to aunt Janet for helping me purchase a spiffy new pair of brown sparkly flip flops. Each time I wear them I will think of you! And, thank you to Janet and Kevin for babysitting the girls one evening. We were able to enjoy dinner and a movie (and a few bottles of wine) with our good friends the Glanvilles.

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Beautiful Girls

Presenting Lilly's 2-year photos and Claire's 3-month photos. :)
The girls are changing everyday!

Enjoy!

Fun in Kansas had by all!

Our trip to Kansas was full of endless fun. The morning of Lilly's birthday we flew to Kansas City to spend time with Rob's grandparents before driving to Wichita. During our trip we were able to see many family, friends and celebrate the 4th of July. On Rob's side of the family, all of the siblings and their families were together. Three new granddaughters were born this year, bringing the Z cousin count to 6. On Lori's side of the family, we enjoyed lots of fun with Nana, Aunt Amy and the girls. We celebrated Lilly's second birthday and had lots of fun with everyone. Thanks for a great time! Lilly loves looking at all of the pictures and naming everyone. We can't wait to do it again.
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