“Here I is!”

11/6/2012 Surprise!! My Dad walked in with a little package named Zoë for my Grandma’s birthday! She about fainted. I think my cousin David had to hold her up. I wish I had gotten a picture of her face. She didn’t cry, but the look of shock was priceless. After everything settled Zoë made the rounds to meet her family.

Zoë was greeted with lots of toys and a whole new wardrobe. But her favorite thing to play with was a tiny pot that was over 50 years old! It’s the simple things in life. There was lots of play time.

We took a tour outside. I really love my grandparents beautiful yard. One of my favorite past times was every morning we would watch for birds or deer. Still to this day I love seeing the birds flock to my grandma’s yard where she so generously provides plenty of bird seeds. Zoë however found the leaves to be far more fascinating! I love her curiosity for the world around her.

We celebrated Grandma’s birthday and Zoë got to meet Aunt Jo and our cousin Sara!

We couldn’t come to Maryland and not visit the Dutch Market. So off we went to the market! Everytime we flew in to Maryland we would stop at the Dutch Market for a pretzel. This time we decided to have lunch there as well and sample some of there treats. Zoë enjoyed a pickle at lunch and she chose YaYa’s ice cream as her treat. I picked up some strawberry licorice for Auntie Ashie and some beef jerky for Tommy. I couldn’t help my self and admire the assortment of goods the market offered! The smells that wafted from their baked goods and the pretzel counter was so delightful. It was so irresistible that I had to indulge in a pretzel before we headed back to the house.

The next day we decided to go to the National Zoo in D.C. It was only about a half hour drive and it was FREE! Once we got there the memories started to flood my brain. We enjoyed the wild cat trail, the Asian trail, small creatures and monkey. we missed the Orangutan swinging across the park on the ropes suspended in the sky. What a sight that would have been! But we did enjoy watching the elephant go on a scavenger hunt to find its food and the panda bears munch on their bamboo. It was refreshing to see all of the animals so active. It was such a beautiful day…I even broke a sweat.

On Sunday we all got together at Bucca Di Beppo’s  to celebrate my grandma’s birthday. Zoë enjoyed her peppercioni and broccoli. The waiters sang the Bucca Di Bepp’s song…

Meatballs, pasta, we made them fresh for you

Homemade marinara, lots of garlic too.

Its your day at Buca, so were here to say

Have a happy birthday the Buca di Beppo way!  Hey!

It was amazing to see my grandma’s face light up as they brought in the big candles and dessert. Watching my grandma and grandpa share her birthday dessert was the cherry on top! They were so happy and grandpa was looking like a million bucks! 

While we were there each night we would FaceTime Tommy to say goodnight. I think Zoë missed him a little, the feeling was probably mutual. We even got a chance to FaceTime Auntie Ashie.

Oh and of course it snows for the first time while we were gone…I am getting excited for a white holiday season!!

The whole visit was truly a trip down memory lane. Ashley and I used to spend many summers, and a few Christmas here visiting Grandma Mimi, Grandpa Bill, Auntie, Debbie and cousin David. It is the house that my dad and aunt grew up in as well. That house holds so many memories and it was Zoë’s turn to make some memories there! We spent a lot of time reminiscing and sharing stories. My favorite thing was finding our old home videos that we used to send Grandma and Grandpa and Auntie Debbie. It was such a treat to watch Zoë clap while Ashley and I sang Christmas songs. These home movies were a hidden treasure! I am so thankful for parents that took the time to capture some of my best memories from my childhood. The real surprise came when I heard my mom’s voice for the first time in almost five years!

I am so glad we were able to pull off the surprise! It was such blessing to watch everyone get to know Zoë. They spoiled her and me rotten! I am thankful for a loving family.

One last picture…