Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Counting Down....

Where does the time go? Hard to believe we haven't updated this blog in a couple of weeks. We've just been so busy.

This past weekend, Merrilee and daddy went to Pimlico Race Course. But it's not what you think. Daddy's good friend, Mr. Chick Lang, passed away a few weeks ago, and his memorial service was at the track. Mr. Chick was the former GM of the track, and his wishes were that he be cremated, and his ashes scattered in the winner's circle. That's exactly what happened. It was a moving sight, as jockey Ryan Fogelsonger took Chick's ashes for one final ride around the track. You can see more about that HERE.

Next, a little proof that princesses can grow into angels. Remember Dorothy Hamill? She's all grown up now and living in Baltimore. She is a wonderful person, and gives freely and willingly of her time for worthy causes. One of the nicer athletes you'll ever meet! See more about her HERE.

Next, mommy is counting down the days for her return to the U.S. She's done her duty and we are all proud of her. Here she is with General Ray Odierno. He's the big man running the show in Iraq.

Finally, no one is counting down the days more than Merrilee. She has talked to mommy on the phone often, and she has Skyped with mommy almost every weekend. Technology has made the world much smaller. Today, Merrilee got some more books from mommy. These were the last of the books mommy got as gifts for Merrilee before she was deployed. There were story books, coloring books, and Merrilee's VERY FAVORITE -- STICKER BOOKS!

Merrilee is so excited about meeting mommy at the airport. And like she said today, "Daddy, I can't wait til mommy gets home. I need to get my hair cut!"


Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Skinned!

It was 95 degrees today in Baltimore. Not very humid so it was really nice.

Merrilee went to school in little shorts and a short-sleeved T-shirt.

They got to spend a lot of time on the playground -- so much so that by 7:30 tonight she was asking to go to bed.

So day one of heat, shorts and the playground. That has to mean the first SKINNED KNEE of the season!


Ah, kids will be kids. And so the summer season begins!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

The Hunt

On Easter, Merrilee went to her cousin Jordan's house for an Easter egg hunt.

The hunt was put together by Kadie and Doug -- Jordan's mom and dad.

Merrilee was teamed up with Jordan and they helped each other find the right color of eggs for their team.

Merrilee loves Jordan. She says, "Jordan is just like my big brother."


Merrilee is very glad to have cousins like Doug, Kadie and Jordan!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

A Stinky Slinky!

Our friends Nikki, Billy and Kassidy sent a nice package with treats.

It was filled with stuff for Merrilee.

There was Disney lipstick (chapstick,) sunglasses, a cute little outfit, glow stick, a Minnie Mouse snapband for her wrist, a Disney Princess ball and something else.

Merrilee got her first SLINKY!

She hasn't quite figured out all to do with it, or even how to say it. She kept asking daddy if she could play with her "stinky."


There was also something very special for daddy in the box. It was a coffee mug with some very special pictures not just of daddy and Merrilee, but of mommy and Merrilee and Nikki and Billy and Kassidy.

When you travel to China, and you share "Gotcha Day" with a small group of people, a bond is formed that lasts forever. We are Merrilee's "forever family" and Nikki, Billy and Kassidy are our "forever friends!"