African Safari Adventure

Today turned out to be such a beautiful day even though to weather people again called for a day of rain. We had none. It was overcast in the am but absolutely warm and sunny all day long. So off we went to the African Safari. We decided not to tell Daria where we were going for the day because we knew she would be so excited to see all the animals live and up close, we decided that surprising her was the way to go and to see her little face was worth the wait. And I could capture it all on film. But no, Mama forgot her camera. Again! That's another story. Someday, I will get better at remembering.

Anyway, on with our day. We decided to invite Grandma and Pop Pop because they live so close to Africa, so we met them along the way and they joined us for the rest of the adventure. Daria was very excited to share the day with them too.

So when we finally arrived and was waiting in line to drive in there were animal pattern flags flying in the wind and Daria saw them and said , "Are we at a Safari?" I had no idea how she knew, but she was right. So there was no turning back now, the excitement was there and now we just needed to get into the park. As we were waiting in line, there was a whole herd of buffalo crossing the road just inside the gate. Daria was so excited to see the buffalo. And once we got in, there they were free, roaming around, and getting close to our car. Boy are they huge animals. I forgot how big they are. Daria's excitement was contagious. She just couldn't sit still. She was screaming and cackling. I was so excited about her excitement. And as we continued to drive through the 4 1/2 mile route, which took over 2 hours, each animal that we saw Daria just squealed with excitement. Towards the end of the 2 hours we came to animals that were very lazy, sleeping, hot and not interested in letting us see them. So next time we decide to do this we need to go earlier in the day. But that was OK by us, we all had a great time.

So the highlight of the day was when we saw the Giraffes. At fist they were far away from the road but then they started towards the cars and there they were standing right above us looking down at us. I felt sooooo small and vulnerable. It was a very interesting feeling. So anyway, the car next to us got the giraffes attention by holding apples out of the windows and the sunroof. This is an absolute no no. The rules all say no windows open, no feeding the animals, No No No!!!! There they were feeding the giraffes. I explained to Daria that they were breaking the rules and that could make the animals sick. Then the people in the car fed the giraffes pretzels and Daria totally understood that couldn't be good for them. She was correct. Even though they weren't doing right, we stayed there and watched those gorgeous animals close up and personal. It was definitely the best part of the day.

After our African Adventure we had a late lunch together and came home. I was a long day, an exciting day, a day that we will remember for a long time.

Blessings,

Shari

Coversations With Daria

So the other day we received a letter from Daria's Fantastic Fives teacher Miss Cynthia. Miss Cynthia introduced herself in the letter, told her how excited she was to have her in her class and explained that she had enclosed her first assignment. Daria then asked, "Mama, what is an assignment?" I explained that it is work that you need to so, homework. I continued reading the letter and it said to place 2 or 3 of your favorite items inside the bag. Daria again asked "What is an item?" I again explained that it is an object or a thing, something that you like. And I then said do you understand? This is a homework assignment that you need to do before school starts. And with that out of my dear sweet 5 year old daughter's mouth comes "I DON"T WANT TO DO ANY HOOOOMEWWWWORRRRK!!!" With all the whining to back up the statement. I just couldn't believe my ears. I felt like I was talking to a teenage. Not my 5 year old. If this is happening now then what will happen when she is a teenager. Inside I was just laughing and also crying. I was laughing because this was just too funny and crying because this was my future. Look out world here she comes!!!!

Blessings,

Shari

A Day Of Rest

So today started out to be a day of much needed rest. Tom decided this morning that he wanted to go to the beach for the day. After much debate inside myself, I decided that he and D Rose should go without me. And that I should spend the day at home catching up on all the needed rest that I manage to not get. Besides, the side affects from my treatment (I will explain later) are now kicking in. This of course is a good thing but it does take it's toll. So driving 2 hours to the shore and 2 hours home from the shore, spending time on the beach in the sun and walking on the boardwalk, although to most of you sounds like a wonderful day, to me would have been exhausting. So I made my chose and opted to stay home and I sent the two of them off by themselves.

At the beginning of the day I was sooooo happy. Alone in the quiet with my class work, my new blog, my book that I want to finish reading and of course the Olympics. I was set. I had to run to the store for a short errand and was back by lunch time. I made myself a nice lunch and then it hit me. "They must be on the beach having a great time." "What have I done, why did I decide to stay home?" And lets just say that it went on and on and on from there. Most of the time I was trying very hard to be content in my quiet and then the one in my head would start and not let up.

All in all, I had the day of quiet I needed so much. I completed a lot that I wanted to get accomplished and had rest, quiet rest. On the most part I am grateful for days like this and I also wish that I had the energy all the time to just pick up and go like I used too. That day again will come.

Blessings,

Shari

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How easy is that? Hope to see you on the winners list.

Blessings,

Shari

A Visit from my Sister

Celeste and D Rose laughing together

Celeste, Nicole and D Rose enjoying being togehter

D Rose had a very busy Thursday. First we had a visit from her best friend Madison. They got to play and play and even have lunch together. Which is always a highlight of the day. Then after lunch we were supposed to have rest time but we were just too excited because we knew who would be coming soon.

Then finally around 4pm D Rose's older sister arrived with her daughter Nicole. Everyone was so excited and the toys went a flyin'. Everyone got into the act. Celeste and Nicole spent the night and the next day we went to the park for some fun and water play. Everyone had a great time. It's always great to have a visit from them. It is a shame they don't live closer so we can see them more often.

Thanks for the visit. Can't wait til next time.

Blessings,

Shari

Testing 1, 2, 3 Testing

Here I am learning about how to blog. Yes Girls I said Blog. Can you believe it? I can't. But so far so good. Thanks Shannon for all your assistance and your friendship.
Blessings,

Shari