We've had a busy time here at the grandparents house. We got to drink our milk out of the Moo Cow Creamer. This is a family tradition. We have had the Moo Cow since we were children and "took turns" drinking out of it, if fighting over who was last counts as taking turns. Now the grandchildren drink from it when they visit grandma and paw paw. This grandchild's visits results in some first times for the Moo Cow--soy milk and a straw through his mouth.

We went to the park for the first time, but did not like the slides or the swing. We thought the car was a little bit fun. We took a walk around the lake and fed the ducks. Next we were off to the mall and rode the carousel. We enjoyed the stationary horse, but not the moving one so much. She did scream when we left, so I think overall it was a fun time.

Then we got up at 0330 (that would be morning) and went to meet Uncle Don at the airport. He was coming home from Iraq for his mid-tour break. Funny story about the shirts. We were meeting Don's family near the airport and had only set up a time with them. Grandma, Paw Paw and I decided to wear American Flag shirts so we went to Old Navy to get three. Don's family decided to do the same, so when we got to the meeting place, we were all dressed the same.

Uncle Don brought us a kinder egg. Yummy. The USO was giving the soldiers Beanie Bears as they came up. Julianna decided that Uncle Don should give her that bear. Now we have a bear named Don and a monkey named Paul.

Here is our last new activity for the day--eating tea cake cookies. My grandmother would make tea cake cookies for me and now Julianna's grandma makes them for her.

Julianna has done very well on her trip to Grandma and Paw Paw's. She has let them hold her and play with her and Mommy went to the bathroom alone!!!!!!! This was an exciting moment in mommy's life. Julianna is showing her strong willed nature. I'm sure it is a survival technique from the orphanage, but nap time is becoming a test of wills. She does not like to be rocked and thinks singing to her is an invitation to point out Miss Kitty's nose. It is hard because I cannot do what the parenting books say to do--lay her down and walk away. That results in some unbelievable screaming, I think because she is still not convinced that if I walk away, I will come back. It is also hard because I am used to giving orders and having them followed. Two-year olds aren't much into following orders.