Durham Trip

Well last weekend we ventured to Durham, NC for the first time since we moved last July. The car ride was about 5 hours or so plus stops and Zoe was a trooper!

(Zoe playing with Chris' wallet as an attempt to keep her happy the last 30 mins of the trip)

It was soooooo weird to be back and see all of the changes. There is now a Lowes being built at the corner of Fayettville and MLK. What used to be a dirt lot at the entrance to our neighborhood is now a senior living complex. And Fuqua's entrance was done!!!

(it was raining so we took this picture from the car)

We had a great time seeing old friends and hitting some of our fav spots. We had brunch at Foster's Saturday morning with Kris, Johann, Jason and Erin Rife and my friend Suzanne from the Junior League. We stopped by the Red Hen in Chapel Hill (a great children's consignment store that also sells new items) and scored on some things for Zoe. We then headed to the Duke bookstore and bought some more Duke Apparel for Chris and Zoe. I think Chris may actually have more Duke stuff than USC stuff which is just plain wrong in my opinion. I couldn't visit Durham without stopping by Parker and Otis. Here is the meal Chris and I shared, Zoe had her own grilled cheese.

(This is my favorite on their menu!!! The Chicken Curry Salad on Sunflower bread. We also each got a deviled egg...yummy!)

Saturday night we caught up with our old neighbors at Church and then hit Q Shack for a most delicious dinner. I know, I know it sounds like a lot of food but we just couldn't choose! Before heading out of town on Sunday we actually did what we came to Durham for, pick up our generator that Johann had borrowed for Campout. We then grabbed lunch from Saladelia to go and ate in the car. Good choice as we never saw anything but fast food for most of the car trip home.

The first part of the trip was raining (as was most of the weekend) but halfway through Virginia that rain turned to the snow and didn't stop! Luckily we got home in decent time but the snow kept coming. Zoe was very happy to stay at home all day Monday and out of her car seat. Chris was happy to stay home as well...due to the snow he got the day off from work. Chris already wants to go back in the summer. I keep trying to remind him of what summers in Durham are like but I think he already misses the hush puppies and turkey from Q Shack.

(Zoe eating grilled cheese and holding her new sippy cup)

(Zoe and I at Parker and Otis enjoying our lunch)

Water for Elephants

I just finished reading Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. It was GREAT! I was told about it oh about a year and half ago but finally got around to reading it and was not disappointed. It completely enthralls you in the world of a traveling circus. There is romance, suspense, historical references and some comedy thrown in for laughs. I highly recommend you read it!!!

Here is the link to the summary on Amazon if you are interested:

http://www.amazon.com/Water-Elephants-Novel-Sara-Gruen/dp/1565124995

Misc.

I wanted to share some misc. photos that I have taken over the past few weeks that never made it to the blog. We were in Durham this past weekend and got home last night just in time for a huge snow storm (Chris actually got today off from work) I will be sure to post about the trip but for now here are some random pics...

Zoe walking while holding onto my hands

Mommy and Zoe goofing off with the camera


Zoe smushing her face with a bowl at lunch time (she thought this was hilarious probably because I couldn't stop laughing)

Yaya (my mom) finally got Zoe to wear clips in her hair...sometimes



Zoe with ashes on her forehead after Ash Wednesday services. She was such a good girl during mass (usually Chris or I have to take her to the lobby for her to crawl around and get her wiggles out but she was quiet and content the whole mass)

Just Rosey

Well Zoe woke up on Valentine's Day with a fever. It kept going until Tuesday morning when she then broke out in a rash. Classic Roseola apparently.....oh what fun! Chris's Mom was in town but unfortunately we did not do much but hang out at home as Zoe just wants to nurse and sleep all day (and night). Hopefully her appetite will return and she will get her energy back. Until then we are housebound so no playgroups or story times for awhile. Here are some pictures we have taken over the past few days:

Zoe having lunch at Ikea last Friday....yummy mac-n-cheese

Zoe's Valentine's Day breakfast (that she didn't eat because she was sick) Heart shaped pancake and cheerios in the shape of a heart.

Zoe and Daddy with Zoe's Valentine's Day gifts...large crayons and an Elmo book

Zoe with Daddy and Grandma (Chris's Mom) before Grandma headed home

Zoe is 15 months old!!!!!

Zoe turned 15 months old yesterday. The weather was beautiful outside so we headed to the park that is behind our building. She wasn't to fond of the slide but she loved the cushy material under the playground that she crawled on, and swinging with me on the big kids swings.










Later in the day she had her 15 month check up and here are her stats:

19 pounds 1 ounce (10th percentile)

30 inches (50th percentile)
Still no walking (completely normal the dr and my mom keep telling me)

So she will be rear- facing in her car seat for a little bit longer. She did great with her shot and the next visit has no immunizations so that will be a nice change.

Go Red

Zoe and I sported some red clothing today in support of the American Heart Association Go Red For Women Campaign http://www.goredforwomen.org/.

In order to show off our red we went to story time at bb bistro (http://www.bbbistroannapolis.com/). It was our first time going to the restaurant and we were not disappointed. bb bistro is an adorable home turned bistro owned and run by 2 women. The story/ music time was great and it was awesome to run into so many people we know. The cheddar and chive scone with a ginger peach iced tea wasn't bad either. Here is a picture of the kids blowing "fairy" dust while making a wish. The story teller then did face painting. Maybe Zoe will particpate in that when she is a little older.

What a difference a day makes

Last Sunday was a miraculous 60 degrees (after Saturday topping out at about 33). We celebrated by taking a walk around the academy and then downtown. Zoe was thrilled to not have to be bundled in her stroller for once. And Daddy seemed happy as well. What a difference a few days can make (take a look at my pictures from the previous Tuesday where snow covered the Yard)