A Very Busy August!

This picture is priceless! Each expression is worth a thousand words! Ricky has no clue what is happening, David is becoming one with the bat, and Soleil is sporting the deer-in-the-headlights look! It's a classic!

Soleil and David, Ricky's adorable cousin, checking out the huge fish at the zoo.

Trying to navigate the goldfish fountain at the zoo. These things are made to be climbed on....

Soleil and Bella, who might be up for the most tolerant dog on the planet award. Soleil constantly chases her around the house, sits on her and rams into her with her stroller. And yet, Bella loves her! Dogs really do live in the moment!

Granny is visiting from Nassau for two months and Soleil basks in all the attention!

Soleil has learned to smile on demand and this, folks, is the result!

Soleil started school on August 18th at First Baptist Church of Brandon. The transition was very difficult for her, but she LOVES it now. Plus, her best friend, Ricky, is in her class. The transition was equally difficult for me. I miss her terribly! But, it does have great benefits. Soleil talks all the time now and has better social skills (read: not clobbering her friends as much!).

My two aunts, Hazel and Jeannie, are visiting from Scotland and we are having so much fun with them. This is in Plant City, sitting on the Strawberry Throne. Beware future visitors- this is a rite of passage if you visit us!

What's that? There's a hole in my boat, you say? Dear Liza....

Posing for a family photo in one broke-up boat on the shore.

The family eating sea grapes off the tree, in the parking lot of the restaurant. You can't take Bahamians anywhere...

Granny and Soleil went down the slide together....then needed to be extracted!

The day at Anna Maria Island/Ellenton proved to be way too much fun. Soleil, Elmo and Dora passed out on the way home!

Soleil at Babytime

Some of the crew: Michaela, Brody, Ricky and Soleil enjoying Babytime at the library. We have so enjoyed this program of stories and songs.

Wait, everyone avoid eye contact! Now!

This is Ricky, practicing his non-confrontational face. He has become allergic to me lately and this is his reaction to me taking his photo. He and Soleil still love each other, and will be in the same class beginning on Aug. 18th.

Granny reading nursery rhymes to David and Soleil. David has the broom just in case there are any messes he needs to clean up!

Raindrops are falling on my head!

It has been raining here A LOT! I mean A LOT. Today we decided to take advantage and play in it! Soleil loved it!

Thank you, God, for the rain!

Whoa, that is wet and cold!

Bahamians everywhere are shuddering at the fact that we let Soleil play in the rain. Contrary to popular belief, she did not catch a head cold! She did catch a case of the giggles,though.

One day in July

The two readers sharing a common love!

Sharing a smile together-precious moment!

A cupcake extravaganza!

Soleil goes to the zoo!

It was the hottest day I can remember and Soleil was well aware. She thoroughly enjoyed the zoo's water play area. It was her favorite attraction, for sure. You practically had to hold us back from jumping in, too!

Playing in the water area.

Checking out Soleil's favorite animal, the giraffe.

We were here to check out the elephants. Soleil? Checking out the mulch!

This beautiful llama was on display in the kid's area. Do you think Soleil was interested? Not so much. She did like studying the leaf in her hand, though.

Soleil got stuck in the slide and couldn't get out! Luckily, Daddy squeezed in and pulled her out!

Okay, so here is my disclaimer. I have never been one for zoos. I don't believe in them! I do not like the idea of animals being confined and away from their natural habitats/families. However, the things you are willing to do for your children may just outweigh my zoo principles. I am not jumping with joy at the thought of ever going again, but I think it may be inevitable.

Look-alike or not?

This portrait is of Darrin as a toddler. We were interested to see if Soleil and her father looked alike. I think the photo speaks for itself.

It's the same hair!

Abaco Experiences

Soleil worked in Papi's office for a few seconds!

Taking a moment to smell the oleanders.

Do you see the rainbow?