This is my life...: July 2008

My blogging has been stifled a bit by the busy pace of summer. I will try to do better!

Last week Anneliese turned 4. We had a big day for her. I took off of work to make sure we could get the most out of the day. Anneliese woke up early and she and I went to the local donut shop for donut breakfast. She picked out a donut for everyone. We ate breakfast then got her ready for Vacation Bible School. She went to VBS from 9:00 to 12:15. Emmeline and I did some errands that morning (including taking a TV and computer monitor to the haz mat drop off (bad year for electronics at our house)). Liz had some errands to run too.

When we are met back at home it was time for lunch. PB&J sandwiches and summer sausage, two of Anneliese's favorites. Then we played some games inside, played sand box outside, and finally packed up the troop for a downtown excursion.

We were on a mad hunt for Anneliese's b-day present from mommy and daddy-- a new pair of running shoes. No luck at Circle Center Mall. We looked around a bit then went to dinner at Rock Bottom Brewery so that Anneliese could get the pizza and french fries that she requested for birthday dinner.

After dinner we walked around downtown for a little bit. I asked Anneliese if she ever gets tired from walking. She said she does. I asked her how else we could see downtown without walking around. We talked about cars and bikes and being carried. Finally Liz said, "look around, do you see any other way of getting around?" Anneliese looked accross the street to where the surprise of the night awaited for her. She said "we could do that." pointing to a horse and carriage. We said that we were going to have a carriage ride.

The carriage was awaiting our arrival with a "Happy Birthday" banner on the back. Our driver, Scott, told us about our horse named Dazzle. She was new to the job and learning the ropes. Her reward for the word she performs is full medical, dental, and retirement and 6 months off at a local horse farm. Not a bad benefits package. So with a flick of the wrist the Clydesdale named Dazzle was leading the way of our tour. Anneliese loved the experience. Emmeline held strong most of the night. She did get a little fussy towards the end of the carriage ride. After the ride Anneliese was allowed to pet Dazzle. She was a little reluctant at first but eventually decided to give it a try.

After the carriage ride we headed home for cake and presents. The full day ended slightly after 9:00 for two worn out little girls and their exhausted parents.

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Saturday we went to the Indianapolis Zoo with Liz's lifelong friend Kelly, her husband Greg and their three kids. We had a nice day watching the dolphin show, petting animals (including dog sharks), eating a picnic lunch, playing hide-and-seek in the gardens, and wrapping up the day with dinner at the Oaken Barrel. Emmeline made it through the entire day with only a 30 minute nap. She slept in this morning and is already napping.

Anneliese had a blast playing with Kylie and Hannah. It took her a little while to warm up but they were really having a good time as the day went on. A carousel ride, playing in the Splash Zone, and ice cream were her highlites for the day. She isn't quite tall enough yet for the roller coaster, maybe next year.