On your mark . . . get set . . . whoa

A new idea and a 1st Haircut!

2010-09-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

As much as I want to blog it isn't happening. The only thing I'm any good at updating is facebook. So I'm stealing an idea from a friend what if I update this and post it on facebook.

Worth a try...

Parker Pants is 15 months old. He is so fun but I'm not gonna lie a piece of me is sad. Where in the world has the last year gone? Where is my little baby? Today I lost a little more of the baby. There is cute longer hair styles and then those that aren't cute. We were getting a little to close to the wrong one. It was time to cut that crazy hair.

Here are some pictures of my sweet boy. He was a good sport. Like his sister Mai he wanted NOTHING to do with the cape. He about climbed out of his little car to get away from it - Funny since he always wants things (necklaces) around his neck. He loves his pearls :) Once that was established he let her work her magic.

And just like that he is a little boy.

A Taste of Spring!

2010-03-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

We spent the day with some friends at the Dallas Arboretum. We had such a fun time. The flowers were amazing and I tried my best to get some pictures...

It started out rainy and a little cold but ended up a fantastic day.

Mai told me when we got there that she was "an expert nature adventurer"

Lead the way girl.

Looking to find her "very favorite" flower. Yes, I did panic just for a second that she was going to tromp over the ones in front to find it - she was just fine though - remember she is an "expert"

Not only pretty - they smell good too!

Parker likes the flowers too!

Hmm these look good enough to eat...

Problem solved... Thanks Ava.

I think...

This is how I feel about not getting a picture of all three together :) hmpf.

We just might have to go back.

Cowgirls

2010-03-12T20:59:00.001-08:00

It was Cowboy day at preschool on Thursday.

Mai's class had a rodeo.

Not the best quality videos but I thought they were cute.

I was told Mai might have a future in barrel racing :)

Love is in the air.

2010-02-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

Love of greasy Pizza and crazy girls!

Love of toes

Love of socks. (they are always in Parkers mouth instead of on his feet)

And yep, of course a LOVE for football.

Parkers ready he's mastered TOUCHDOWN!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Snow much fun!

2010-02-12T22:01:00.000-08:00

It's true more snow then we will probably ever see again here in Texas. It was a fun taste of a real winter snow. Brought back some sweet memories of snowsuits and moon boots. (I really wished that I had both:)).

Texas snow bunnies.

Let the fun begin!

Some working

Some eating :)

Helping build the biggest snowman ever (in our yard)

What are we doing?

I don't want to make a snow angel!

Awww but look it's so cute.

We made an Ava snowman too!

We had so much fun. What a great treat for this Texas crew!

And so it begins

2010-01-14T20:54:00.000-08:00

At just barely 5.

I picked Mai up from school today and a little boy asked me if he could date Mai.

Her teacher told me he had told her earlier he was going to "date Mai" and that he knew she would want to because he "is hot" seriously those words came out of a 4 or 5 year olds mouth?

I was telling Galen the story and Mai joined the conversation. With a smile on her face she told us she was going to go on a date with a boy named Riley. Galen not liking the idea asked her if she even knew what a date was. "Yes, we are going to go to a nice restaurant, and have a special dinner". "It's going to be amazing". Was Mai's answer. Galen asked - what does it mean to date someone Mai. She without hesitation answered "to spend special time together with someone".

Hmm yep, we're in trouble.

4 months and counting...

2009-10-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

The state of my blog is so incredibly sad to me. I need a blogging weekend so I can catch up. I keep thinking maybe I need to just start from where I am instead of playing catch up. I can't bring myself to do it - the things I've missed are to big to just move on without covering them. Babies, a vacation, a 3rd birthday. I would so love a day to sit and catch up. It will happen I will be back.

Swimming up stream

2009-09-09T16:54:00.000-07:00

It seems these days no matter how fast I work or how late I stay up I just can't keep up.

I do okay with the "normal" daily activities but throw in something extra and I just can't swim fast enough. I have been itching to update this blog but told myself that I couldn't until I got my thank you notes written... They aren't done but, I might as well do some of each because I seem to be getting neither one done.

So if there is anyone that still checks this blog keep checking I am slowly but surely going to catch up!

Past due

2009-07-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

I'm not really past due like the ticker says. Just a little behind on my postings. Hopefully I can get caught up soon and you can meet the new love of our lives Parker!

Is it seriously July?

And then there were 3!

2009-06-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

Here is the story with quite possibly more detail then you could ever want to know.

This morning started earlier then usual. I woke up about 4:00 am and was having contractions. After waiting for a couple of hours I had decided that this was it! I wanted to be for sure since this time we were going to have to disturb the peace of lots of people. 6:30 we dropped the sleepy girls off with Lyndsey and headed to the hospital. They decided to have me walk for a bit to make sure things were going to keep progressing. After our walk they decided I was a keeper and then the fun began.

I would have never guessed that baby #3 would take longer then the first 2. Time passed so quickly I couldn't believe it when it was suddenly 4:00pm. Mai I pushed for 2 hours, Ava for 1 and this time maybe 15 min. We soon discovered why this baby took a little longer to find his way out. Dr. Trylovich at one point said "Wow it's a baldy" and as she tried to pop the chin out and help a bit she realized she wasn't seeing the back of the head but rather the forehead! Z3 was sunny side up. Without giving all the details all I have to say that this was my best labor and delivery experience yet! What a great experience. I seriously loved every bit of it - I loved my nurse, loved my Doctor, and I loved when Galen said "It's a boy". I don't know when I last have had so much fun!

At 4:06pm We Welcomed

Parker William Zimmerman.

7lbs 19 3/4 inches.

3 weeks early but picture perfect. Except for the forehead bruises from where his had been resting on apparently something hard :).

I was instantly in Love.

Who wouldn't love this sweet face

and that lip.

Bath Time!

One happy Daddy!

Grandpa and Grandma Mailand were there waiting to meet the newest little Z and found him a new hat as soon as they heard the "It's a boy" news.

The fun continued.

After some time getting to know Baby Z3 (who had no name that day) and visiting with my parents we moved up to our post pardum room. We were starving! Tuesday night we had gone to Babes and I ate so much but 24 hours later was a long time to wait to eat.

Storms were brewing so I told Galen to go fast so he could get back. He left and next thing we new they were yelling "Code Grey" from the hallway. My mom was with me and we opened the door to see what code grey was and what was going on. We were quickly moved to the hallway and told to keep all the babies away from the windows. We no more then got out in the hallway when "Code Black" was called. They moved all of us to a back hallway. Moms and babies everywhere. It was all pretty exciting. Since I was so fresh from delivery they left us in by the elevators to give us a little more space. It was quite the ending to an already exciting day. (And yes, Galen did eventually make it back safely with food).

Ready as we are going to be

2009-06-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

This belly seems bigger then it's ever been. I believe this baby is cooked.

The big sisters have their bunk beds all set up and are loving sleeping in the same room.

There is plenty more that could be done but I feel like things are semi in order and we are ready to meet Z3.

Any day now :)!

Calling all Cowgirls and Cowboys

2009-05-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

Mai and Ava were invited to a party that included hayrides and animals. I have posted a lot of pictures but they had so much fun I couldn't choose.

Cowgirl Ava ready for a hayride.

And Cowgirl Mai

After the hayride and some food it was straight for the animals.

Mai made it her mission to feed everyone.

She loved the Lama. Can't say I have ever been to a party with a Lama...

She wanted to feed the really little spotted piggy but the bigger black one was getting in the way.

She named him "Bad Piggy".

After everyone was fed. She decided she needed to pick everyone up.

She did take a short break for a pony ride.

Ava LOVED the pony - which given her history with animals surprised me.

She would have ridden the pony all night but had no interest in petting or feeding the other animals. She watched from the outside of the fence and was perfectly happy.

They let the kids help "catch" the animals to put them back when it was over.

Mai likes a challenge.

Gotcha

They even helped carry them back to the trailer.

It was a fun party and a great night!

You know they've had fun when after their bath they are still dirty!

Crazy Kid

2009-05-27T22:12:00.000-07:00

This is what Ava looked like when she came downstairs from taking her nap at Lyndsey's house today. She apparently had some lip gloss in her pocket that Mai had gotten from a birthday party. Her lips must have been REALLY dry?

She might need some make-up lessons.

Silly girl.

This makes me happy.

2009-05-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

New landscaping.

The best part is I didn't have to do it!

I would show a before and after of this bed in the back but the before was too embarrassing to share. I had big plans... that I never followed through on. They transplanted the things from the front to the back and I think it's perfect.

Yippee! So glad to have this done.

Big Sisters

2009-05-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

With Certificates to prove it!

Mai and Ava got to go to a Siblings class at the hospital today. What fun! They made picture frames that we are supposed to take to put in the baby's isolate when the big day gets here.

Here is their finished product.

They got to practice diapering and swaddling their own babies.

I love how Ava got her baby all comfy

They also got a tour of the rooms where we would be staying. I think the favorite part was the visit to the nursery to see the babies! Mai was right up front asking questions and soaking it all in -

When we were leaving Mai told me she wanted to get her baby now. I told her it wasn't quite time we had to wait for the baby to get bigger. Her response- "I don't want a big baby I just want a little one".

I have a whole list of things that I need to get done to be ready but I think Mai and Ava are all set to be big sisters.

Kind of funny.

2009-04-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

But just kind of.

Mai talked me into letting her take a porcelain tea set to school today (I know I'm one of those parents but it got us out the door). It was all boxed up and she just had to take it to show her friends because "they would just LOVE it". I told her the only way she could take it was if she promised to leave it in the box. Deal.

Or so I thought...

As we were getting out of the car at school I reminded her of our deal. The tea set has to stay in the box. She quickly replied. "Okay Mommy, but don't tell Ms. Dawn that - because when you leave I'm going to take it out of the box." And out of the car she jumped...

Really Mai? I guess I have some more work to do...

Easter Part 1

2009-04-11T13:29:00.000-07:00

Grandma Mailand and Herman were in town so we celebrated Easter with the Mailand crew on Saturday. We had to skip our annual trip to the Trietsch Easter Egg hunt but we had a great time celebrating with family.

Right Ava? (She thinks we're crazy)

It was a great day for playing outside and bike riding.

Ava had to eat standing up she is not a dog lover and they know right where to stand when it's time to eat.

I still seem to be last minute on err uhh everything so I took the easy route with our egg coloring but we got it done and they had fun! Next year we'll probably have to do it the real way.

The Windiest Easter Egg Hunt Ever.

2009-04-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

And I'm not kidding. It was more "chasing" eggs then hunting them. The eggs were blowing across the yard and don't you dare drop your baskets or you had some serious work to do. All in all it probably made it more fun. Or at least it made the fun last longer. It definitely made it more fun to watch.

Here are the wind blown egg hunters.

Would you sign up for this job?

2009-04-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

Working Conditions:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent districtwide and statewide travel;
frequent prolonged and irregular hours; outdoor exposure to extreme sun and heat.

This is just a small section of a job description - Sounds fantastic to me...
All that said we are proud to introduce to you the new Head Football Coach/Athletic Coordinator for Frisco Liberty.

Yep, I need a different picture of Galen "on the job" but hey, I try.

My Shoe Girl

2009-03-31T20:39:00.000-07:00

Ava loves shoes! If yours are out she'll have them on her feet.
Last night I went in to check on her before I went to bed and this is what I found.

Who sleeps in shoes?
Ava does.
I left them on (don't wake a sleeping baby). When I went to get her this morning she still had them on. Funny girl.

***by the way when did my baby get so big?

Spring Break

2009-03-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

We're going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo how about you, you, you...
If you live in this area there was a good chance you were there too too too.

We chose the day to go the the Fort Worth Zoo that everyone else in the DFW area did - why not the weather was perfect, it was spring break and it was half price. Any of those should have been clues that it might be REALLY busy. We paid no attention.
So we joined the crowd and had some fun.

Flamingos are always a favorite for Mai. Ava's told us her favorite was the monkeys.

Here is what most of our pictures look like.
The back side of our crew. Thanks Bradley's and Carr's for including us in the fun!

Surprisingly the animals were all pretty lazy. Must have been nap time. Mai tried as hard as she could to wake up the rhino's with no luck. The giraffes were out and fun to watch.

Ava and Kiersi talking about the fun they had.

Or Kiersi wishing that Ava would let go of her neck.

Either way they're cute.

For some reason we never found the lions. But have no fear we had Mai to play the part.

I'm sure it was just as impressive...

Super Hero Ava

2009-03-03T21:12:00.000-08:00

That's what she calls herself these days.

We are working on potty training and I'm hoping that her super powers kick in fast!

Gma and Gpa Z

2009-03-01T19:27:00.000-08:00

Came to visit us last week and we had a great time. The girls got to spend a lot of good time with them and loved every bit of it - I of course loved the company and all of their help!

We even played tourists for an afternoon and went downtown to see the Cattle Drive.

Mind if I catch a ride?

and a rest

Ava will feed you some rocks.

My girls. Mai really did have more fun then her face shows.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for coming to visit us! We can't wait to come to Illinois!

Happy Valentines!

2009-02-16T21:12:00.001-08:00

I think just about every year since we've had kids. I've tried to make some sort of "cute" Valentine with pictures. This year I just couldn't pull if off. I thought for fun I would post a couple pictures from Valentines past.

Mai 2005

Mai 2006

Ava 2007

Sweet Valentines 2007

Mai 2008

Ava 2008

This year we were able to spend Valentines Day with family celebrating Cooper's 5th Birthday.

It included some pizza making

and of course some cake eating.

It was a fun night and we were glad to be able to spend it with family.

Ready for Spring

2009-02-06T20:54:00.000-08:00

Some days I let them pick out their own clothes (that's not always easy for me).
True it was a little warmer today- but this might have been a little too big of a jump. These girls are ready for warm weather and summer clothes (and yes this was the best picture I could get).

January turns to February

2009-02-05T20:30:00.000-08:00

We've been busy but having fun. We were lucky to get a surprise visit from Mai's BFF and our good friends the Kaufmanns. They came to help family out so with my job and theirs we didn't have as much time to play this visit but we got to see them several times and had so much fun. Always a treat. Here are the girls enjoying some gator fun. Yes, I should take more pictures.

A couple of weeks ago we got a peek at baby Z and things are going great. Everything looked good which is always a relief to see. Here is a glimpse at #3! I can't believe that we are already half way there.

2nd times a charm

2009-01-31T20:40:00.000-08:00

Mai got her hair cut! Not just a trim this time but a new sassy hair dew to go with her sassy self.
It's cute and she was a model client... just depends on the day (err ah moment). You never know which Mai you're going to get.

The good and the bad

2008-12-30T20:55:00.000-08:00

We show it at any given point with no warning ...

The good - Ava's got her first haircut!

While we were in Illinois we went to see Ellen to get the girls hair cut. Ava went first (because Mai said so - I thought she should go first to show Ava how it's done. Nope. I should have known I was in trouble right then). So Ava got her first haircut complete with a wash and she did great.

Isn't she cute? We just had her hair trimmed but it looks good.

I do think she was a little nervous though she had this funny tongue thing going on the whole time.

As easy as that was next came Mai.

The bad (this time) -

Remember this?

She's 4 now so it was a different version and Ellen isn't scary but today was still as messy. She has had her hair cut since the car and by Ellen and she's loved it but today was a different story.

She was not going to get her hair cut, she was not going to wear the cape, she wasn't sitting in that chair she just wanted to keep her own hair she said. I had flashes of past Mai moments so after I tried all of the tricks I could think of to make her think it was a good idea it was time to go outside and discuss it further. It was really cold outside though so after some "talking" we went back in to the bathroom. In Mai fashion she found a penny on the ground in the bathroom and suddenly she was going to get her haircut because she had money to pay for it - we had to wait our turn since we had missed it but she was willing. Our turn came and the chair became exciting the cape was still not happening, (don't ask I have no idea). No hair wash. No hair clips. Poor Ellen tried to clip up her hair and it sent Mai right back out of the chair... okay, no clips. I held her hair up (I really wanted her hair cut and no way she was going to win - but I was willing to compromise). We didn't get a "cut" but we got a trim. Here's the nut.

Thanks Ellen for putting up with us. Aren't you glad we live in Texas :).

A little sassy but kind of funny.

2008-12-29T20:50:00.000-08:00

Just don't tell her I think so.
Mai has been fighting the colder weather for a couple months now. She doesn't want socks, jackets, anything warm. Some days in Texas that's fine other days it's not. In Illinois it isn't okay in December so we were always trying to get Mai in her jacket. She was frustrated with Galen and with a big huff she says "Daaad you're wearing me out!"

Baby Names...

2008-12-25T11:09:00.000-08:00

Ava got a new Bitty Baby from Santa. Galen and I asked her what she was going to name her baby and her answer without hesitation was- "Baby Jesus". Hmm that one's taken Ava...

Christmas Cards...

2008-12-20T21:01:00.001-08:00

It's December 20th and I still don't have a picture I can use. I have been trying. If only my friend Tracy hadn't moved away... For more reasons then our Christmas picture but I know she would have done a great job and I would have cards to mail!
I had the perfect opportunity - Santa came to our friends house. He was great. He took time with all the kids. Let them warm up to him, gave them gifts. Should have been perfect but not for these Z's. Here are our Santa lovers who were SO excited to go see him. No chance they were going to be peeled off Daddy! At least he and Santa look happy.

Mai did warm up once he called her over for her present. And even gave him a big thank you hug.

Ava got close enough to grab her present and offer a quick thank you but she preferred to keep her eye on him from a distance.

We tried again last night at the Gaylord (another perfect spot) but with a late start and Ava feeling a little sickie it was another bust. I'll post those fabulous pictures soon.

4? Really?

2008-12-10T19:56:00.000-08:00

Seriously how did it happen. Has it really been 4 years since "baby Mai" joined our family. What a ride it has been so far. I just don't see that changing anytime soon and I'm okay with that. Mai decided she needed to have a flower party this year... so much for my winter themed parties. I new it was going to end but it's hard to give up control. I guess we could have gone the poinsettia route but that just doesn't seem very 4 year old :). Since I'm still barely keeping up these days we celebrated at Prosper Pizza/Party Place. It was great fun and had all of the essentials on Mai's list - friends, balloons, cake and goodie bags. Throw in some bouncing, dancing, games and pizza and you've got a party!

All of my pictures of Mai are seriously a blur so here's Ava bouncing! She had great fun using the blow ups as tackling dummies.
Here is a little Mai after the party action. She got a new guitar that she direct quote "rocks out" on. What do you think? A future star?

So Thankful

2008-11-28T15:43:00.000-08:00

We truly have so much to be thankful for - certainly that includes these little Zimmerman Turkeys!

The biggest news we have is that next year we will have another Turkey in our family!
It's true we are expecting baby Z #3!
We're really excited to meet our newest little one in June!

Time keeps on ticking, ticking

2008-11-17T12:50:00.001-08:00

ticking into the future.... Seriously, is it really the middle of November?!
Our jack-o-lanterns have rotted, our Tinker Bell and Sleeping Beauty have become dress up clothes, the neighbors have up Christmas lights... I'm behind.

I really really don't like being behind - it gives me that "ship is sinking" feeling...

As much as I don't like it I've had a hard time getting caught up. This blog is long overdue for an update. So much has been happening around here. Pumpkin patches, Halloween, football, a weekend in Houston and plenty of visitors (which we love). All that fun that I haven't shared.

To make things a little harder - I got a nice new camera for my birthday and for some reason the pictures are trapped on it - I'm not sure if it's me or my computer (which hasn't been behaving) but they are stuck and that makes catching up tricky.

But this is a start - we've un-buried our heads and I've at least decided to start bailing water...

Any Suggestions?

2008-10-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

This is not safe...

I cannot get Ava to keep her top buckle buckled. I even ordered a new one hoping it would be tighter and she wouldn't be able to do this. I've tried everything - I've been firm, I've explained, I've pulled the car over a thousand times. I don't really blame her she can reach things this way - but it's not safe and I simply can not get her to stop! When I tell her to hook her buckle she grins at me in the rear view mirror and does it but just until she wants to reach something...
Mai had a lot of tricks but this is one she never pulled.

Meet the Redhawk.

2008-10-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

Mai loves the Redhawk. Ava trembles in fear. So here are Mai and her friends with "Rocky".

Although she doesn't love the hawk she does right along with her sister love football games.

Mai helping draw up some plays while she watched.

Parenting little Z's...

2008-10-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

As a parent there really are a lot of things you worry about for your kids. There is one however that Galen and I can check off of our list of worries.

NO ONE will ever push our kids around. They might try but our girls both will defend themselves and what they want or have at all costs. The part we will have to try and mold is exactly how they stand their ground... The toddler version makes my cringe.

In case you don't believe me - this is Ava's newest friend.

After going home yesterday with a scratched up nose (her 2nd injury with Ava involved in a week). She showed up today (to the preschool/daycare that I'm helping a friend with) with this -

Yep, that's right - a big red bat.

In she walked with her scratched up nose carrying a bat. Her dad saying, "this is to protect her from Ava".

It was really pretty funny. I think...
In Ava's defense they truly are just both going after the same things.
Ava's daddy's response to the whole thing - "at least she's winning".

Hmm, I wonder which one of us they got this trait from?

This Girl

2008-09-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

does not make me think Ballerina... and I don't think that it's just because I'm not really the ballerina type.

Ballerina is what she is all about. You should see her moves!
She wants to be a ballerina for Halloween AND she wants to have a ballerina birthday party.

Not Princess, not Fairy - Ballerina...

Time for a football update.

2008-09-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

It's a busy season and we don't see much of Galen so we sneak Daddy time any chance we get.

Galen had the girls come up to hang out with him during a freshman game. They always have fun up at the school with Daddy. Especially when it includes Gator rides. (They really were more thrilled then they look).

Friday nights have been going all right for the Redhawks. They are 2-2. Not so bad for their first year playing varsity. Hopefully they'll keep adding to the win column. We are having great fun going to the games to cheer them on.

I do try to get some good pictures at the games but so far it's been a bust. Good thing we have at least 6 more games! I WILL get some good ones... I hope.

Let me introduce you

2008-09-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

To the two newest Super Hero's!

There's "Super Mai"

Who with lightening fast speed will gladly save you.

And her little sister "Super Ava"

Who prefers to not show her face...

Super Mai's response when you thank her for saving you...

"My pleasure"

(Think possibly she has been to Chick-fil-a too much?)

Thank you Grandma Z for turning ordinary into extraordinary!

For those of you who have ever tried to photograph a super hero toddler it is a tricky job...

Crazy or Confused?

2008-09-08T21:02:00.000-07:00

So, tonight I was packing Mai's lunch for tomorrow and she has been disturbed that her name on her lunch box is spelled Mai - crazy I know - what was I thinking?

Getting quickly irritated she told me -"but mom that's not how you spell me" Trying to not set her off I asked her to tell me how it's spelled. She started to write it in the air (starting with A of course). I stopped her and said don't write it just say how it's spelled. Her answer was "Mai". So then looking at her lunch box I asked innocently "and what does this say"?

Her response? Shouldn't be documented. We'll just say it was ugly and lasted for a good hour and a half... After what seemed like forever we finally got her reasonably calm and to the bath- almost. She quickly fell apart again when she saw her towel hanging there with her name spelled "Mai".

She insists it's not right and I can't figure out why... Is she really confused for some reason? Is she just being Mai? Is she wanting control? Who ever thought 3 little letters could cause so much trouble. Maybe we better call her Mailand all the time.

This is from today - she wasn't even "Aim" instead "ima"

question her at your own risk...

Milestones.

2008-09-02T20:17:00.001-07:00

Today was Mai's first Day of preschool. She was so excited!

She kept making sure that I would be leaving... I don't think because she was concerned about it - I think she is just really ready to be big.

I don't know about you - but the teacher side of me thinks this face looks like trouble.

When I picked her up I tried to get a picture of her and her teacher Ms. Dawn. Mai was not having it- I tried to sneak one when she gave her a good bye hug. Documented - but I'll be trying again.

Her update: "I had a lot of fun". "My favorite part was playing outside". I asked if she learned anything new - her answer, "oh yes" when I asked what - "things". Nice.

Friday Night Lights.

2008-08-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

Our version of Friday night lights has begun! Liberty started their first varsity season off with a 30-19 win.

It was a HOT and HUMID not exactly "football weather" night- But regardless there is something special about being out there under the lights with all of the excitement! It looks like I might even be able to catch a few more plays this year. The girls were a little easier to keep up with then they have been the last 2 years :).

The best part of the game for the girls is still running out on the field after the game with Daddy.

Flip Flop Fun!

2008-08-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

Ava is our shoe girl so a flip flop party seemed fitting to celebrate her second birthday. It wasn't easy finding "theme related" items the end of August so we threw in some beach accents (also fitting since we visited so many this summer). It turned out to be the perfect mix.

We had such a fun day with family and friends. We even were lucky enough to get a few clouds to help with the surface of the sun feeling Texas has right now. Those of us not in the pool sure appreciated some relief!

The cutest sandcastle cake I've ever seen! Straight from Illinois. Why not have your cakes driven in from 13 hours away? Grandma and Grandpa Z and Aunt Lesley are truly the best and have helped make both Mai and Ava's birthdays amazing.

Our "sandy" cupcakes. And some of the cute cookies Grandma Z made.

Party favors and presents. What fun!
Yes, it was a pool party -those Zimmerman girls are trouble. Next year maybe we should have a shower party?

We had BBQ chicken, salads, fruit, and some hot dogs and chips for the kids. All served out of sand pails.

What''s a party without snow cones? Uncle Chris helping make sure Ava got just what she wanted.

Birthday treats and birthday kisses!

I love Ava's happy face in this video. She is so excited to be the birthday girl!

I know it's a little blurry but I this picture shows how much fun Ava was having. She was SO excited about her new purses, jewels and fancy shoes. She was hilarious trying to open the rest of her presents and keep her two purses on her arms. She wasn't putting them down for anything! Finally she trusted her friend Makayla enough to hold onto them so she could finish opening all of her fun presents.

Grandma and Grandpa Mailand got her her very own big girl bike. She is so excited about it and screams "my bike" every time she sees it.
Grandpa and Grandma Z and Aunt Lesley got Ava her very own Gator! She loves throwing her purses in the back and she's off. Part farm girl/part city girl.Mai has been more then happy showing Ava how to drive. We've joked with the neighbors that Ava got a gator and a driver for her birthday. They are having lots of fun cruising around the neighborhood.

Our Ava girl is 2!

2008-08-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that this little face

Is now 2 years old. I look at her and am amazed. What a gift she is - she is full of smiles, full of love, and has a healthy bit of fire about her. There are great things ahead for this little one. Happy Birthday Ava girl. We love you to pieces.

**next post our flip flop party/beach bash gone poolside

"Mai's Corn"

2008-08-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

On our way back to Texas we made a stop in Illinois to check on the sweet corn that Mai had helped Grandpa plant (and of course see Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Lesley and Great Grandma Z). Mai had been itching to check her corn all summer long and we couldn't get there fast enough.

Hurry Grandpa!

She approves!

Ava's approves too.

Mackinaw

2008-08-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

We made it to Mackinaw too. Not to the island this time but, we did Mackinaw City, saw the "big" bridge, bought some fudge.

chased seagulls

built some more sand castles

and of course a swim.

It was about 150 degrees in Texas (probably 200 on the football field) while we enjoyed this... sorry Galen.

We took a break from our day trips and were able to enjoy a few more days with Grandma and Grandpa Herman before we had to head home. We can't thank them enough for letting us stay. We loved being able to be there and with them and are leaving with some great memories.

We're sad to leave, but we'll be back!

"Great Lakes and Great Times" just like the sign says.

2008-08-19T17:33:00.000-07:00

The last week of our Michigan road trip we spent at my Grandma Mailands. We took some day trips to some old familiar favorites. We went to one of my very favorite places - Boyne City, MI. The girls got to swim in Lake Charlevoix and see some of the places that hold such great memories for me.

Who wouldn't want to spend time here?

REINDEER HUNTING

Our next big stop was to find some "reindeer". Mai had been looking in the woods at Grandma's and just couldn't find any that weren't "shy". It was frustrating to her that when she got close they would scurry back into the woods. So we found some "reindeer" and elk that couldn't get away. Her face was priceless as she was talking to and petting these animals. Now if only she could figure out how to get one home. Don't think she didn't try.

This last one is my favorite! They had to have been laughing at each other.

A Week of Camp

2008-08-15T22:56:00.000-07:00

We had such a great time at camp and yes, I ended up taking lots of pictures... I'm trying to be creative and put together a slide show so you'll have to check back. The Raymo/Jacobs crew was so good to us we can't thank them enough for including us in the fun!

While you wait this is from the kids program on Friday night. The girls had so much fun being on stage for the first time!

Okay, I couldn't decide which one to post so I have to add another.

The Mailand Reunion

2008-08-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

I knew at some point Mai's name would be confusing to her. She has never said anything about it - having Grandpa, and Grandma Mailand, Great-Grandma Mailand, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins... I told her as we headed to the Mailand reunion that we were going to see a bunch of Mailands. Well, we did and we saw goats, chickens, dogs, and kittens too. The day was a lot of fun for everyone. About 3 weeks later we were talking about the fun day we had and Mai says "But I never saw any other me's". Ha, in the mind of a 3 year old she was expecting a lot of crazy little Mai's running around! Here are some pictures from the day.
Mai and Ava both LOVED the goats.

They were fed an incredible amount of leaves while we were there. If they tried to go in the barn Mai would stand at the fence and yell - "Goats! Hey, Goat!" They usually came right back out.

We did give them a few breaks while we played and found lots of other fun.

This is Lucky the baby goat. I don't think she's so "lucky" that Mai and Ava were feeding her.

This is the sign of a very good day!

We got to see chickens too and they even caught a couple for the girls to pet (or if you're Mai kiss). Those pictures are on my phone so I'll have to see what I can do.

6 States Later

2008-07-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

We made it! The girls actually did really well for what we just asked of them. Ava an otherwise great sleeper and car rider decided to go on a sleep strike and "I want dat" repeat. Granted it is probably frustrating to be surrounded by things that you can't reach but please just tell me what "dat" is you want. Once we hit Michigan we stopped and saw my mom, her sisters and my Grandma Bush it was a refreshing break from the car and although short, a nice visit.

Aunt Barb gave piggyback rides, and Aunt Janet let the girls "bury" her in the sand.

Dolphin rides, ice cream, kittens it was a fun stop.

It was good to see my Grandma and she really seemed to enjoy showing the girls all of her "favorite things"

We made it the rest of the way to Grandma Mailands and have laid low. Today we went to the beach and then spent the rest of the day looking for "reindeer tracks", bunnies, birds, and bears. Tomorrow we head to the Mailand reunion and then we are off to camp for a week!

Are you ready for some football?

2008-07-21T22:58:00.000-07:00

It might seem early but today marks the end of summer and the beginning of football season. I use beginning loosely since I don't really remember there being an end (that is the Texas way). But meetings officially started today which means not much Daddy time for awhile. We've enjoyed having him around more this summer. Here is how we feel about that changing.

My coping technique. Leave town. The girls and I are headed here.

We're taking a "little" car ride with my Dad and headed to spend some time with my Grandma and some Michigan family and friends. We plan to see the "great lakes and have some great times". I hope you're ready Dad! My dear friend Melissa also invited us to join her and her family at camp for a week while we are up there. I love that I have a husband that will let us go on these adventures. I'll keep you posted as this "Texas Tornado" blows through the North. Mai is planning a bear hunt . . .

Name Changes.

2008-07-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

I was impressed. Mai had started writing her name without coaching and it looked pretty good for a 3 year old. Granted there are only 3 letters. Those three letters are now causing problems. For weeks she did it right (well, except for her A. She insists, "an a isn't a "circle with a tail" - there is no convincing her she is sticking to the capital A). Last week her name changed to this.

This week she is AIM. I tell her it says AIM. She says, "no Mom M A I is Mai." Next week maybe she'll be Ami.
Lucky for this girl you can't mess up Ava in quite as many ways.

Monday=Fun Day

2008-07-17T15:03:00.001-07:00

Hawaiian Falls was where the fun was Monday. Mai and I had a "big girl" day with a couple of friends while Ava spent some time at football with Daddy. (I wasn't ready to take on 2 toddlers at the water park especially one with a broken head.) Mai's description of the day "I went on the BIGGEST water slide ever." Don't tell her it wasn't really the biggest - she was too short for that but, there was still lots of fun to be had in this just right spot pictured above, we also played in the wave pool (not quite like the ocean) and floated the river. It's a pretty wet place and since I had already ruined my camera with water I wasn't about to risk another. Here are a couple of after shots of some beat kids.

Ahh Vacation

2008-07-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

What I wouldn't give to be in San Diego right now...

Our trip was great. We loved the weather, time with family, the beach, and all of the fun adventures. Here are just a few highlights from our week that went way to fast!

Sea World was excellent. The girls both loved seeing the animals. We even got to see a really fun 4-D Elmo show. We watched the Dolphin show and Shamu, Mai got to feed and pet the dolphins, we saw penguins, turtles, star fish, and flamingos... Mai was pretty excited about the these for some reason? When I think Sea World -flamingos are not the first thing that come to mind.

We were able to go see Galen's cousin Tony and his family. They live in a beautiful area. The highlight of that trip for the girls was picking oranges right out of their back yard.

Of course we LOVED and spent a great deal of time at the beach. Mai had a "to do" list that she had been talking about since at least April -

1. Sand Castles, 2. Sand Angles, 3. Be buried, 4. find sea shells, 5. surfing . . .

Ava didn't know what she was in for and it took her several days to "enjoy" the sand squishing between her toes. She wasn't so sure about that sinking feeling

Mai was building a sandcastle with Galen one afternoon and they were working the the mote. Mai came back and had some water for the "remote" we corrected her "Mai, it's called a mote". Her next trip back with water - "here is some water for mo-town." Ha! Here is a look at mo-town.

Mai and Ava loved their bike rides with Grandma and Grandpa. Ava even picked out one of these trailers in the Target ad this week and said "I want". She was probably thinking it was safer then the wagon . . .

Everyone loves fireworks. Ava was one and Mai wanted her picture taken with one?

Every vacation needs a theme. Lesley thought this crew needed some special shirts.

"We put the FUN in Dysfunctional" - it was fitting.

We had such a great time and I have sorted through a lot of great pictures from everyone to keep this a "summary". If you want to see more just let me know I have plenty on snapfish. Just think how many I could of had if my camera didn't bite the dust thanks to a wave. . .

Last night

2008-07-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

We got to meet these people

Thanks to this. . .

While we were out for our walk Ava apparently stood up in the wagon. I didn't see her do it and when I started to go again she fell right out the back. We kept walking, I carried her and she cried for a while but then settled down. I passed her off to Galen to carry and we quickly noticed she was falling asleep. Not normal for Ava out on a walk. She started to make us nervous so we tried making her walk. Instead she puked. Mai and I ran ahead home to call the Dr. while Galen and Ava walked. She was staggering and lethargic she just couldn't keep her eyes open. We decided we couldn't wait for the Dr. to call back so we quickly loaded in the car and headed to the hospital. We made it about a mile before Galen called 911. She was a rag doll and we just couldn't keep her awake. The very nice Propser EMS and Fire crews got to us quickly and loaded us in the ambulance. There were all crowded around her and even with all the commotion she was fighting to keep those eyes open. Even though she had been up walking they took the precaution to put her on a back board burrito like thing and in a neck brace. She only cared for a couple seconds then once they finished and covered her up she just laid there staring and licking the edge of her neck brace. She was quite the sight. At the hospital they were great and quickly did her x-rays and a cat scan so they could unwrap her. Probably about 3 hours into the adventure she snapped out of it and was the wired little Ava you would expect at 11pm. They did find a small fracture in the back of her head (skull fracture... that just sounds scary). Thankfully it isn't anything that needs fixed and should heal on it's own. So, by midnight she was asleep in her carseat with a broken head and a concussion on her record- quite a night. We are so thankful that it was nothing more.

This was our last check before they let us go home.

Rough night huh Ava?

California here we come. . .

2008-06-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

We'll be back after the 4th.

VBS

2008-06-24T19:11:00.000-07:00

I was going to wait until the week was over for a post on VBS but I thought I would share this video clip from today. We are on our second day of "Power Lab". I wanted to take Mai's picture by the decorations. She wanted to perform. She is having a great time and maybe by Friday she'll know some more words to this song!

(I've said before this girl is not much like me and this conversation confirms it) we were driving home and I told her we were going home for dinner. Her response, "No thanks, I already ate earlier this morning. That's enough food for today."

More heat = More water

2008-06-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

Our neighborhood had a summer party this weekend and we got a chance to have some fun and meet some of our new neighbors. Snow cones, pizza, water slides, swimming, what more could you want? Here is a glimpse of our night of swimming, sliding, snacking and socializing.

Mai loved the dolphin slide and it was hard to lure her away to anything else.

Ava was all about the snow cones.

She was willing to share. . . but just a little Daddy!

Which view do you prefer?

2008-06-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

The one from yesterday?

Or the one from today?

Rules are made for breaking.

2008-06-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

Or at least that's what this kid thinks. While I was making lunch she told me she would just sit at her table and wait. This is "her table" and really who am I to mess with that idea?

If you're not convinced how about this "great" idea?

I suppose it's best that I still don't have any "good" makeup.

Fathers Day

2008-06-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day!

This is where I would put the great picture of Galen and the girls if I had taken one. . . I'm still going to do it when I can get some cooperation. ** In case anyone checks back I did try and get a picture of Galen and the girls. . . Not the "great one" but here they are.**

This is why I didn't get a great one. Don't try and take a donut away from a toddler and expect cooperation for a picture. As you saw we gave it back but, she was still not pleased with us.

We had a fun day with family. The crew headed this way for some fun at the pool and a cookout. It was a really pretty day and plenty hot so the pool was the best place to be. Have you noticed a theme to our summer? It seems all of our activities revolve around water - that's what happens when you live in Texas/the surface of the sun.

Towels - check, swim toys - check, life jackets - check, kids - check, camera - oops it didn't make it to the pool with me. I thought I had put my moms pictures on my computer but I can't find them so that leaves this post a little empty. I'll add those later too.

Here is a glimpse at what the day felt like to me and what Mai and her cousins managed to do to her room. It is safe to say I like to have a bit more control then this.

I know, I know, sometimes you just have to let go. . .

and a storm did brew. . .

2008-06-14T23:04:00.000-07:00

Those summer winds that were blowing blew the girls and I all the way to Houston. And a storm we did bring. Galen was going to be exceptionally busy so the girls and I headed to Houston to see my cousin and have some fun. It was going to be great . . .

Mai who must prefer flying about an hour into our trip asked where we were going. I reminded her that we were going to Houston then once again listed all the fun people we were going to see. That obviously wasn't where the confusion was. After a moment of silence she responded with "so is big jet sick?" Big jet (thank you Little Einsteins) is who usually takes us on our trips and if we weren't flying he surely must have been sick! I love the way that girl thinks. Mostly.

Without reliving all the damage "the storm" caused we'll just say this wasn't our smoothest of trips. Thank goodness they're family and they love us no matter what. . . We did certainly mix in some fun and I'm sure we created some good stories for 20 years down the road.

As hard as it is for me to get great pictures of 2 toddlers - it's even harder to get them of 3.

Here are just a few. Can you see the love we shared?

We had some fun at the pool with the bathing beauties.

This backseat was full of fun as well. Ella has a look of concern but she loved the company. We think. . .

Thank you Condreys and Houston Mailands for loving us.

Summer is blowing in . . .

2008-06-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

It has been HOT and WINDY around here.
It's bad news when your toys start to blow away. Mai was a little concerned about this. So the Princess tried using her "super powers" to save the day.

She just couldn't fight the wind so she and Ava decided they should "take cover".

Her wind concerns didn't end there. The next day we were walking to the pool and the wind was still blowing something serious. All the trees in the neighborhood are new so a couple were coming right out of the ground from the wind. Mai and I were noticing them and with a big sigh and much drama she said, "great, now my neighborhood is going to be ruined!"

Got some gobbles

2008-06-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

Mai has been asking for "gobbles" since about January. What she really was wanting - goggles. I finally got her a pair, she was so excited and couldn't wait to use them. "Thank you Mommy, now I can go swimming and not get water in my eyes!" She followed that up with "now all I need is mouth gobbles so I don't get water in my mouth."

She did tell me later that she would have prefered orange over pink. . .

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2008-05-29T22:44:00.000-07:00

We know it was your best birthday yet!

Because Mai told us so and what Daddy wouldn't want his gifts wrapped in cars paper with a big pink bow.

Mai was so very excited to wrap up a "beautiful" princess bracelet just for her Daddy. She could barely wait for him to open her gift.

(Ava did get to help too but she couldn't be caught long enough for a picture).

It's not Lake Charleviox...

2008-05-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

Lake Grapevine has nothing on Lake Charlevoix as you can see by the brown water - But it included boating, family, and fun!
After a fun weekend of friends, crawfish, and just some good 'ol hanging out we finished our weekend off Monday with a trip to "Grandpa's boat".
I don't know, do you think this tube is going to be big enough?

Mai was ready from the start. Saftey first right Mai?

Ava was more cautious.

She found a safe place.

The girls practiced their driving skills.

Mai took it very seriously, Ava needs to grow into her job.

We also celebrated Galen's birthday which is this week. Cupcakes on the boat and a great dinner afterwards. Heidi made yummy cupcakes for us. Little Miss let's pretend that it's a birthday everyday and is always blowing out pretend candles Mai was very disturbed that there weren't real candles. I'll be sure to have some on his actually Birthday!

We hope your weekend was equally fun!

Do you know who your daughter is dating?

2008-05-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

I don't.

I should, she is only 3 after all. . .

I went to dinner Friday night with a friend and Mai quickly made friends with the boy sitting near us. Before we knew it she was helping him get more chips from the bar. They never came back. They sat at the bar chatting, drinking sprite, eating chips, and coloring for the rest of the night.

After he left she stayed right where she was and chatted away with the bar tender. Maybe a little too comfortable? We'll worry about that later. . .

It did leave me to enjoy a very fun dinner. Ava kept busy as she was quite smitten with her date Gage, don't worry we know him! I agree Ava, he sure is cute!

A Friday Picinic

2008-05-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

Clothing Optional . . .

Looking for a new style?

2008-05-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

Ava is our girl with style on her mind. In case you are wondering what the up and coming styles might just be - here is a sneak preview.

I was sorting clothes this morning that we've out grown and Ava put this git up together all by herself. Yellow socks with pink tights all over top of shorts. She might have something . . . just remember you saw it here first.

I'm really quite impressed she could get these tights on.

Mothers Day

2008-05-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

Mothers Day has come and gone but in our house we are still celebrating. Several times a day Mai will announce "It's Mothers Day, it's your special day!" Then she runs over and gives me a pop your head off hug and says, "you're the best." I love it!

We spent Mothers Day in Illinois and this was the best we could do for a picture with Mom. . .
We had a great week and as always it went too fast. Mai made it there just in the nick of time to help Grandpa plant sweet corn. (Now she is wanting to go back to check on her corn). We got to go see the Backyardagins Live which was super fun, and we got our hair cut (not everyone gets to go all the way to Illinois to have their hair done). Those are just a few of our highlights! We didn't get a great taste of the Midwest spring weather it was flat out cold but it was a great visit none the less. Sadly I've become quite the slacker with pictures. It isn't nearly as fun when the subjects are so hard to catch. Hopefully blogging will inspire me to do better.

Let the Blogging Begin

2008-05-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to give blogging a try - all the cool kids are doing it right? With some encouragement from a few of those "cool kids" here is the beginning of my blog. From what I've seen I have a lot to learn. Hopefully I can add some creative flair to this as I go.
I love reading blogs, I love the glimpse into peoples lives, the stories, the pictures, the love, the faith, the creativity and simply how life is being documented. All these same things are a little intimidating. . . My world is full of crazy and sometimes it just has to be shared. The things that come out of the mouths of these little Z's needs documented. If for no one else then me. So read along, and I hope you'll enjoy the glimpse into life in the eye of the storm. This is my journey of life, "Liberty" and the hot pursuit of my children.