Our 1st Annual Vacation Together

Tuesday, July 31st

We left on Tuesday, July 31st around 10:30 in the morning from your home town to North Carolina.  You were GREAT on that long trip.  You didn't cry hardly at all. We made a few stops for food and two restroom breaks.

Here you are happy and laughing..................................and reaching for the phone because you love gadgets (and are very good with them!)

Fascinating with the Garage Door Opening By Itself

When we got to NC the first thing that seemed fascinating to you was when the garage door started opening all by itself.  Of course after that you were the clicker of the garage door opener every time we left the house.  You watched the entire process until the door opened and closed.  We pushed the button a couple of times so you could get used to the pressure needed to activate it, then you had it. I see an engineer in the making.

Inside the house and pictures of you, Daddy and Mikayla

Once we got inside I took you around the house and showed you pictures of you, Daddy and Mikayla throughout the house.

You ended up walking around the house with Daddy's pictures that first day.

Here you are looking at the picture and saying Daaddee...

 Once we got a good feel of the surroundings I gave you some grapes which I knew you loved. It didn't matter where you went that day, that picture of Daddy was going with you.

Pretty Feet and Toes

Your mom sent me this picture earlier today.  Pretty Feet and Toes and Girls Day Out.  I LOVE this!

When you become a teenager and wonder why you want to keep your toes and nails manicured, now you'll know why, because you learned early that it was important to look good.  I'm glad your parents know that this is important, because it is.

I can tell you that at almost 50 years old that over the years all of these "girly" things had seemed like a complete waste of time to me.  I was more focused on being smart (learning, education, degrees) than "trying" to look pretty, for who?, for what?  BUT it is great that you are learning EARLY in life that doing "girly" things is IMPORTANT.

You are pretty.  You will always be pretty (and because you are pretty, those who aren't "pretty" will try to make you feel "bad" about being pretty, they'll find things "wrong" with you - don't worry about that or them - just stay focused on being Danaja and live your life based on Desiderata).  Having manicured hands and toes is a good thing, it just can't be the most important thing.  You can't just be pretty on the outside. The beauty on the outside has to be balanced with what's inside of you - your essence - your personality - your being.  The key is that you have to live a balanced life.

Mother's Day 2012

Look at you looking all cute!  Another fashion statement.  Are you in the driver's seat? Well, you are a Leo and Leo's run the show, are in the driver's seat, and are take control type of people. I wonder what you're thinking here.  You look pretty content just enjoying your juice. Thanks for making me a grandma.

Easter 2012

This is a picture of a picture.

I want you to know that on this day,by looking at your picture you have inspired me.  By hearing your voice today, it gave me a sense of urgency. Your Picture, Your Voice, Your Future!  

I know you don't know about all the "great ideas" that I've had in my life.  All the one's I've tried over the years, all the business plans I've written, the partnership that failed, the money invested,  all the jobs I've had, all the classes I've taken, the certifications and degrees, BUT I want to document  for you that on THIS day, looking at your picture, hearing your voice, and thinking about your future has made THE difference.

Look how cute you are!  That's a great color on you.  You are such a happy little girl.  You can't really see your shoes in this picture, but they are super bad and the color is coordinated with your outfit.  I can't wait to see you as a young lady - it's going to be high fashion - no matter what you decide to do or be you are going to do it in high fashion.