Father's Day Weekend

It was a wonderful Father's Day weekend for Merrilee and her daddy.

On Saturday, the family ventured to the Hippodrome Theater to see Nickelodeon's "Storytime Live!" show. Merrilee loved the live stage show. It feature Ni Hao Kai-lan, the Wonder Pets, Dora the Explorer, and the Backyardigans. She especially liked the Backyardigans because Mayor Stinkypants (Austin) has forced the dirty townspeople (Tasha, Tyrone and Uniqua) to take part in the annual Festival of Dirt. It was a journey through Purewood Forest as Robin Hood the Clean helped clean up the village of Filthingham. Since then, everybody has been "Mayor Stinkypants" to Merrilee.

Then on Sunday, daddy's side of the family gathered together for brunch at Johannsons Dining House in Westminster. It was a delicious meal, and a special thank you to Merrilee's cousin Doug who picked up the tab. It was the first time the family had seen mommy since she returned from her tour of duty in the big sandbox.

After brunch, it was time for some daddy-daughter pictures outside on the sidewalk...

Merrilee had some very special presents for daddy. His favorite is a talking picture frame that Merrilee decorated herself with stickers. Merrilee's message was a simple "Happy Father's Day! I love you, daddy!"

That gift, and the memory of this special day, will be cherished forever!

Turning Three

Merrilee celebrated her third birthday today. It is hard to believe she's that old already. It seems just like yesterday that an innocent and apprehensive 15-month old was being placed into our arms for the first time.

Today, mommy took a break around lunch and went to Merrilee's school. She treated Merrilee's class to a birthday pizza party, complete with birthday cupcakes. It appears a good time was had by all, as they say...

Merrilee's class even sang happy birthday to her!

Merrilee got a few nice treats for her birthday. First, there was an unexpected birthday package from Billy, Nikki and Kassidy, our forever friends from our trip to China. She got a musical card from Doug, Kadie and Jordan. (She had to take it along in the car when we she went out for her birthday dinner...) And, we found a nice little tune on the answering machine when we got home -- Merrilee's beloved cousin Jordan singing "Happy Birthday!" to her. It was great!

Nemo Pool

It was blazing hot in Baltimore this past weekend.

And while daddy was busy working on the grown ups' in-ground pool (powerwashing it in preparation for a new paint job...) Merrilee was enjoying her new Nemo toddler pool.

School Pictures!

What happened to the little girl named Merrilee? She has grown up so fast. These are her latest school pictures from the Goddard School, taken in May 2010.

The girl has attitude!

Baby Got A New Set Of Wheels

Well, Merrilee finally got to go for a spin around the block!

Back on Christmas day, Merrilee got a very special present from Cousin Doug, Kadie, and Jordan. They gave her an electric, Disney princess, FJ Cruiser.

We didn't put it together while mommy was in the big sandbox in the Middle East. Merrilee wanted mommy to be home to see the first ride.

So, for your viewing pleasure...a short glimpse of Merrilee's first turn behind the wheel, and her first ride around the block...

Now Available For Weddings!

Thanks to the musical birthday card from Uncle Bart and Aunt Andrea, Merrilee has learned to do the "chicken dance."

She wants you to know she is now available for weddings, bar mitzvahs, and retirement parties....