Wanna be like big sister...

Happy Birthday Olivia

O-livia! There's a line in the Olivia books by Ian Falconer where at the end of a long day, Olivia the pig's Mom is trying to put her to sleep and she says "Olivia, you really wear me out but I love you anyways." And Olivia says "I love you anyways too." So true - Olivia Keil is (as Grandpa says) a force of nature. And this little force turned 4 on Monday, May 17th. I posted some pics from her celebrations - she got to spend time with her family, friends and classmates! She loves being 4, and quickly points it out if I get it wrong. We had planned to go to Disneyland on her birthday, but when it came time to leave the house, she didn't want to go. Just being 4 was enough. This little 4 year old loves ponies, hopscotch, pancakes with syrup, PBS TV shows, her friend Chili, swimming, her grandparents, riding her new bike, giving the dogs in the neighborhood treats, doing science experiments, dancing with her whole body, organizing and leading her friends in games/play, Miss Tina her teacher, running everywhere, not wearing shoes, learning different languages, her cousins, bringing money with her in case Mommy needs a coffee, cutting with scissors, playing Littlest Pet shop, singing as loud as she can and group hugs.

So Happy Birthday Sweet Olivia. The world is a better place with you in it.

We have a little spin on the Olivia books goodnight routine. Every night I say "Goodnight Olivia, I love you." and Olivia always says back "I love you more." I don't think so.... :)

God's Garden Will Never Look Better

Sigh....sweet Grammie Suzie passed away on May 8, 2010 in Grants Pass, OR. She was an incredible 96 years old. I feel so fortunate to have made the journey on May 7th to visit with her one last time. She got to meet baby Jillian ( 5mos). She opened her eyes and blew kisses at her (gulp). We only had a couple minutes alone, but I will never forget stroking her gentle fingers, rubbing her swollen arm, whispering how much I love her/how happy she makes me in her ear and telling her how lovely life is because she is my Grammie. I am going to search for photos of Gram - this is all I could find on my current short search. You'll see her napping with Dad - I love this photo. I wrote the following at the airport waiting to depart. I don't know what the future holds, but I love the past I shared with this amazing woman. She is much loved and dearly missed - XOXO

It was sad to leave 235 Glen Dr. To me Grammie is sweet like chocolate. I miss the way she said my name - Airca. I miss her giggle and winks like we shared a secret. I am thankful she met my children. I am thankful I got to say I love you one last time. I still feel like a kid at Grammies sleeping in her bumblebee sheets. I wanted to take them with me. All things considered we are pretty lucky to have such a wonderful family!