Another Night at Pizza Barn

I think I should buy stock in Pizza Barn (actually it's Pizza Ranch but old habits die hard). Melissa wanted to get out of the house and what better thing to do on a hot day than to go to a pizza buffet. Besides it doesn't make me so nervous with Violet when you consider all the kids that go to Pizza Barn. They're all running all over the place.

But this time Violet was content with just sitting, eating her pizza and watching and waving at all the people. It's times like this that I wonder what devilish ideas she's thinking of.

Quack, Quack, Quack

Violet loves ducks and it's so cute to hear her say "quack, quack".

Melissa took Violet to Bass Pro today so she could see the fish, ducks, bears and other wildlife.

As soon as Melissa saw Violet getting sleepy she brought her home so she could have a nap before Thursday night dinner. But as usual Violet got her energy back as soon as she got home.

Another Thursday Night Dinner

Violet got all dressed up and showed off her new shoes for Thursday night dinner.

She even has the keys in her hand ready to drive us to Famous Dave's. Not my favorite place for bar-b-cue but we had a coupon so it shot to the top of the list.

I've posted many pictures from Thursday night dinners but I don't think I've posted one of just Melissa and Dad. So tonight's dinner is dedicated to them.

Melissa 1984 - Violet 2014

Melissa recently had Violet's picture taken and I was amazed at the resemblance between Violet and Melissa - both at 15 months old.

Violet does have her own special features but you can definitely tell whose daughter this is. Even the hair is about the same. Plus the photographer was able to get Violet to smile. She's at the age when she sees a camera she usually looks the other way and will not cooperate.

Melissa also took the opportunity to get an updated family picture taken. Getting pictures taken is such a stressful situation for Melissa. Everyone's clothes have to match just perfectly. And don't get me started on the hair.

Then there was this cute black and white photo of Melissa and Violet. I don't remember all the fuss when I had my kids pictures taken. Ummmm let me change that. I still have about 50 copies of Michael at 6 months old. I just can't make myself throw them away - and I'm not a saver!

Haircuts, Pedicures and Butt Shaves!

That's right - haircuts, pedicures and butt shaves are the standards when Lola and Khloe go to the groomer.

Khloe was so happy to see Melissa after her day at the salon that she smiled all the way home.

Lola just gave Melissa the stink eye and wanted to know why her water bowl was on the counter. Violet strikes again.

Update on the Taylor House

Things are moving fast on completion of Jamie and Melissa's new house.

All the painting, inside and out, is complete. The cabinets are all set, stained and varnished. Right now Jamie is working on the tile. The electrician and plumber are scheduled and the fence is ready for construction. Projected move is the first of August. I'm thinking it will be closer to the middle of August or the first of September.

Playland at the Mall

Violet gets bored playing with her toys so Melissa tries to think of other options to keep her occupied.

We took her to the playland at the Mall. She was the best dressed kid at playland with her Coach purse! It takes her a while to adapt to all the kids running around. But she finally abandoned her purse and played on the toys.

Her favorite is the recycling car - that is until it starts screaming "Recycle". It even scared me.

After thirty minutes of play time I don't know if Violet was ready to go but I surely was. We had a quick lunch in all places - the food court - then headed home for a nap - me, not Violet!

A Visit from Michele

It's been quite a while since Michele has seen Violet and she changes to quickly.

Last weekend Michele made a quick trip to Kansas City before she and Bruce headed to a geocaching experience in northwest Missouri. Violet really likes Michele. I don't know whether it's because Michele plays with her or because Michele reminds Violet of her Grandmother.

Made in the Shade

Lola and Khloe spend most of the day sitting by the front door longing to go outside. My yard isn't fenced so they can't just go out and play. When you do let them out Lola usually runs to the creek and takes a dip in the stagnant water. Melissa and Violet went to Sedalia today which left me to watch the puppies. I decided to take them out while I watered my flowers. So what did they do?

They ran to the shade in the front yard to sit. Ahhh - a dog's life!

Happy Birthday Aunt Pam!

I was looking for a new project a couple of months ago and Jamie told me Aunt Pam's birthday was the end of June. So I started an afghan for her during my trip to Florida taking my time, no rush. When I got home on June 7th, Jamie told me Pam's birthday was the next week.

So then the crocheting began in full force trying to finish the afghan in a reasonable time. This is a diagonal stitch - one of my favorites - in a white, black and red color. Tonight we took Pam to dinner for her birthday. Before we left the house I had Violet pose for me with the afghan. The post its are her new thing. She sneaks into my office and takes them out of my drawer. But it made her happy so I could get a picture.  (By the way, Pam isn't my aunt, she's Jamie's aunt. But I'm so used to the kids talking about Aunt Pam that I tend to do the same.) Happy Belated Birthday Aunt Pam!

Happy Anniversary Melissa & Jamie - 8 Years!

It seems like only yesterday that Melissa was living with me before she married Jamie. Oh wait, it was just yesterday and today and tomorrow and last week and for the last 11 months!

The other night I told Jamie - "8 years ago I gave you my daughter" - and he replied - "And 7 years later I brought her back!" He's such a funny guy.

Since Jamie had to work today, Melissa and Violet joined me for my monthly lunch with the girls. I don't think Violet's ready to commit to lunch every month. We're all so busy catching up that we don't have time to devote all our attention to listening to Violet's stories. She wouldn't even tell one story about her puppies. Happy Anniversary Melissa and Jamie.