Well today was one of those days that as parents you will remember, not for anything other than the pure joy we experienced together.  1st we filled up the baby pool and played in the sand turtle but it was hot and dad was fixing the sprinklers so we turned them on and had our own splash park!  Followed by many laughs and Madalynn not wanting to come in…next we grilled chicken and had dinner "al fresca" meaning outside:)  Both girls behaved and my toddler sat in a big girl chair.  Good times!

I had to blog this…yesterday at the pool my 20 mo. old said "aaauuuuu" while floating on her back, for any of you moms who watch Dora than you know the episode with the whale and the sound he makes:)  She thought she was a whale, love it!

http://web.me.com/abel711/Briannas_Swim_Journey/Briannas_Blog/Entries/2009/6/16_Our_Letter_-_Please_Read.html# 

 

"We were all sitting around the pool, in one moment Brianna was literally at her Daddy's feet saying Daddy Daddy look at me, the response, yes baby we are so proud of you… The next 10 minutes or less will forever change not only our lives but the lives of the 15 or so people that were still there and had to witness the horrific scene that followed. Brianna's little body was fatigued from having been in the water so much that day. There was no splash, no sound, no nothing. She was only a few feet from us face down at the bottom of the pool. My heart is beating so fast now as the tears flow down my face as I write these words…. Our beautiful 4 year old daughter was without life she was purple, her face, her hands, arms and feet… she was not breathing, unconscious and without a heart beat that could be found.."

Read more at the above link, powerful story

O.k. so I had 4 over ripe tomatoes that needed to be used so I made this concoction-yum!

Cut up tomatoes and simmer with 1 tbsp. white whine vinegar,

very small amount of garlic (unless you love garlic), salt & pepper to taste, oregano, basil for about 8 minutes, remove from heat add a handful of fresh shaved parmesan cheese & stir in 2 tbsp. of feta and toss with kid friendly pasta-pinwheels, farfalle etc.

Madalynn loved it but she picked out the feta:)

Milestone chart: 19 to 24 months Reviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board Last updated: September 2006

http://www.babycenter.com/0_milestone-chart-19-to-24-months_1496591.bc?scid=mbtw_post20m:842&pe=2UvTgsn

Child's Age	Mastered Skills (most kids can do)	Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)	Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
19 months	• Uses a spoon and fork • Runs • Throws a ball underhand • Enjoys helping around the house	• Understands as many as 200 words • Recognizes when something is wrong (e.g., calling a dog a cat)	• Washes and dries own hands with help • Points to picture or object when you call it by name • May know when she needs to pee
20 months	• Feeds doll • Takes off own clothes • Dumps an object in imitation, such as throwing garbage away	• Learns words at a rate of ten or more a day • Can walk up stairs (but probably not down)	• May start exploring genitals • Draws a straight line • Names several body parts
21 months	• Can walk up stairs • Able to set simple goals (e.g., deciding to put a toy in a certain place)	• Throws a ball overhand • Kicks ball forward • Stacks six blocks	• Names simple picture in a book • Can walk down stairs
22 months	• Kicks ball forward • Follows two-step requests (e.g., "Get your doll and bring it here")	• Does simple puzzles • Draws a straight line • Names several body parts	• Puts on loose-fitting clothes • Might be ready for a big bed • Understands opposites (e.g., tall vs. short)
23 months	• Names simple picture in a book • Uses 50 to 70 words	• Opens doors • Sings simple tunes • Takes more of an interest in playing with other kids	• Talks about self (likes, dislikes) • Asks "why?"
24 months	• Names at least six body parts • Half of speech is understandable • Makes two- to three-word sentences	• Talks about self • Arranges things in categories • Can walk down stairs	• Begins to understand abstract concepts (e.g., sooner and later) • Becomes attuned to gender differences • Learns to jump

 

babycenter.com

 

We'll after many months of hearing about the famous Five Guys we finally tried it!  And I must say it was as good as they say.  The atmosphere was just wood tables and chairs nothing fancy and you have to go up to the counter, order and pick up your own food this isn't a fancy place much more a super casual kid friendly place.  They do have outdoor tables and that's what we opted for, we each had the double cheeseburger! YUM YUM perfect amount of toppings, cheese was melted nice and the fries we split a large were very good.  We got our toddler a hot dog and it was a little pricey for a kid at $3.50 but total we spent $20 with a drink.  When your craving a burger give it a try.

This is a new restaurant owned and operated by the owners of the Garlic & PJ's.  Upon entering there is a similarity to both restaurants with both the outdoor seating & unique atmosphere.  When the front door opens a large glass globe hanging from the ceiling turns giving patrons something to eye while browsing the menu.  They have a wood burning oven and we tried the pizza of course!  Take us to a pizza place and we gotta try it!  Although they have $5 specials weekly.  There are many things to look at hanging from the walls and ceiling.  It kept our toddler busy.  We ordered 1/2 marguarita pizza and 1/2 the classic.  Although the marguarita pizza was "good" we've had better and the garlic was overpowering so much so that it made my poor newborn gassy the whole next day because I am nursing so keep that in mind. We did however love the greek salad & the other half of our pizza the Classic with just cheese & sauce.  We spent about $33 with tax, 2 sodas & tip. 

My hubby made this last night and it was oddly delicious.  I wasn't sure about the combining of peaches and salsa over heat but it was very good.

1/2 cup salsa

2 peaches-cut up and bring to a simmer 20-30 min. depending on how cooked you want them

Rub chops with any grill seasoning fit for pork, Grill 2-4 pork chops for 8 minutes each side (indirect heat) then top with the above mixture

Serve with a salad of mixed greens, fresh tomato, feta cheese, olives and a italian dressing

So today was a fun day full of spur of the moment fun, grandma came to play and then after naps we went outside and filled up the baby pool and played in the sand turtle.  This was followed by a family dinner at the famous five guys in Port Orange.  We've heard how good the burgers are but man, they are that good!  So when the heat gets you down or you need a change of scenery the Port Orange Pavillion is a great family outing and if your not in Volusia County then find your nearest burger joint and enjoy some family bonding over a delicious, gooey concoction we all ate for about $20.