Mommy and Daughter - Girls Day Out

Mondays continue to be a special day; AA and I run several errands, stop by the library, and then have lunch together before returning home for a nap. We recently had some extra time and stopped by the park for a stroll.

The next two photos are one in the "raw" with AA in the park gazebo with the bright sun all around and dark inside the gazebo. I used our free photo editing program (the only one I use, Picasa) to crop and add some fill light. I like to see if the photo is in focus by cropping, then decide about editing. Anything better I can do when it is dark around the subject? I know, I need a better photo editing program since we have the better camera. I still really, really appreciate having this camera (Nikon D40x); love the great photos it takes even with an amateur like me!

Here's the swimming pool that is fed by the spring; the water fills the pool to overflowing, and flows to the St. Johns River.

I love the many things AA and I do on Mondays; we really enjoy our girls day out together!

Black & White Wednesday - Springtime!!

In NE Florida, springtime is when the azaleas are bursting with colorful blooms! AA and I were walking in the park and wow, such color! (we have azaleas in our yard, so why do bushes in other people's yards look so much more spectacular?) We even caught a few bees in action.
As you know (and the many of you who have traveled to Orlando in the past month or so), we have had unbelievable spring like weather, just gorgeous! Still waiting to have that last frosty week in early April!
Remember to visit The Long Road to China to view more B&W photos (and to participate!).

Jacksonville - New Restaurant - Avondale

We finally tried a new restaurant in the Avondale area, called 'Town. We loved the food and great service.

There are many reviews of this restaurant and exciting things they are doing. Check this story out on viCARIous.

Book Review - The Trumpet of the Swan

My Mom gave me this book to read with AA, so I picked it up and read it as I could not remember ever reading it when I was a child (my poor memory!).
Such a lovely, well written book for young readers and it teaches many lessons about being different.

I liked the illustrations too. It has ties to our emotions as during the adoption wait, swans played a big part due to being a "sign" for us!
I can't wait to begin reading it with Alyzabeth!

Daily Dose of Alyzabeth - Imagine

Our favorite words.... Imagine and Peace....

Recorded Book - Reading by Aunti-M

AA received the book titled "bright & beautiful, a child's blessing" from her Aunti-M:

Thank you to Aunti-M who sent this book with her recorded voice; AA loves receiving the package and listening to her Aunt's voice!

Black and White Wednesday - Dylan

Our friend, Christina, surprised us with cropped photos of Dylan, our grand-baby #3.
Here's the original:

After Christina worked her photography wizardry!
She just melts our heart!
View more Black and White photos at The long Road to China.

Grand #1 - Birthday Party for her 7th

Happy Birthday to Kilee - her 7th! The party was planned at a bowling alley, with balloons and food. The kids all enjoyed the bowling, arcades, cake and plenty of room to run around.
First, explaining how the scoring works....

Sweet Christa helping AA get ready to bowl.....

The birthday girl sitting on her bowling ball....seemed to be the best seat in the house!

Hubby caught this picture of myself.... Dylan looks totally bored!

AA bowling (without the required bowling shoes)......

Grand #2 looking around......

Plenty of cake for the birthday girl.... they all like the frosting best!

Making Money - Violin Case

Last week while listening to Jesse play at one of his "gigs", my daughter #1 pointed out his "tip jar". I know I don't notice my surroundings, paying more attention to AA and talking to family, but how could I miss my old violin case? This case held my violin (which Jesse has) from mid-elementary school until I put it down for good when I was 21 years old. The violin came from my father's side of the family and with so many little ones here, I am sure someone will be taking lessons on it soon.

Loved seeing it, made me feel so good that son-in-law is using not just the violin (teaching and performing) but finding ways to use the case too!

An Evening of Music

We recently had a family gathering at a local bar/restaurant to hear son-in-law play his wonderful music (with Leroy). The Corner Bar is owned by Gypsy Cab Co. and is a basic bar serving appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and pizzas.

Carolyn came with her family of Kayla and Keith, they were spending a few days in Florida after having a delayed honeymoon in Aruba. Of course, being honeymooners, we had to have some kissing going on!

Auntie Carolyn having fun with AA!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

A little green to brighten the day and a message of peace.

Daily Dose of Alyzabeth - Peace - Black and White

Wordless Wednesday and Black & White Wednesday:
Alyzabeth tried on a "peace" dress I found at Target. AA's middle name is "peace" in Chinese. Hubby always used peace as his sign off, never yours truly or sincerely for him. Plus it reminds me of his "era" as he graduated from high school in 1969..... just all sounds like "peace" to me.
The many faces of AA:
See lots more great Black and White photos at The Long Road to China.
And at Wordless Wednesday:
(OK, now I will tell you that the "dress" is really a sleepwear, yes, a night gown!.... Sorry, I had to have her wear it hoping no one else thought it should be only worn at bedtime!)