La Porte

First thing we did this morning was strip some of the kale we brought so we could share it with our friends.  Lia showed how. 

Audrey was a great reader to Lia.

The girls went shopping in the afternoon!

See all of these animals in their home?  They are all ones hunted (and mostly eaten by the family) by Dean.

Owen loved - and shared - the Lego set we brought for him for his birthday! 

The hostess, fixing fish that Dean had caught! 

Ms. Lia with an early birthday present I couldn't wait to give her.

La Porte IN here we come!

Lia and I went on a trip to visit a friend of mine from college, Diane and her family.  We got in today and she took us right over to her blueberry farm (not far from their home) and a-picking we went! 

Lia did a GREAT job picking! 

Next stop out to dinner at one of the Ott's favorite local places for burgers (and the beer is good also). 

This is Owen, he's the silliest. 

And Dean and their daughter Audrey with Lia. 

Someone is having a good time already!  Lia loved being around Diane and Dean's kids!

Crushing Tomatoes

Lia instructed me today, how to "crush" a (cherry) tomato in your mouth. 

First, start with the tomato.  

Place tomato in between your cheek and teeth.  Get your fist ready. 

Bring your fist up to your cheek and "crush" this in your mouth!  YUM!

Veggies and Shoes

 Beautiful & delicious harvest today.

And my daughter and her beautiful princess shoes!  She is all about princess (and looking at my phone pictures!).

St. Petersburg

For our last night in Florida, Dad drove us up to my friend Jane's house, which is so much closer to Tampa's airport.  Jane has a daughter, Maddie, a year younger than Lia.  And a friend who has a fablous pool!  We hung out at the pool all day and the kids got to do some major swimming! 

Check out this backyard - it is awesome! 

After swimming we went back to Jane's for dinner.  Here are our girls being silly before bedtime!

Hearts & Pies

Today Mom cut into her egg that I hardboiled and found a heart!  

Since many foods don't taste good to Mom these days, I know she likes Key Lime Pie so I decided to make her a home made pie today!  Here's to you Mom!   

Evening with Poppy & Lia

Who's in Poppy's chair?!?  Hmmmm 

The grill master! 

Lido Beach

Lia and I took off to Lido beach today. 

We mostly played in the sand, and of course, had to build a sandcastle! 

After our beach time, we went for oysters at lunch time at Phillipi Creek! 

Our FAVORITE spot to eat in Sarasota!  :) 

Lia and Nana

Lia in Nana & Poppy's bed...she loves it in there and gets to watch a little bit of TV in this room. 

Lia's been really helpful with Nana, keeping her company b/c she rests quite a bit since she's going through chemotherapy.  It makes my Mom feel good to have Lia around!

Story time with Poppy

Ruck and delish

Using Arugla from my garden I made this Gnocchi, Sweet Corn and Arugula with Cream Sauce and served it with: 

Five-Spice Beef Kabobs.  Not pictured is a yogurt mint sauce for dipping! 

This meal was delicious, and very rich!

Garden Harvest

Lots of yummy cucumbers and broccoli and some tomatoes, oh my!

Last Day in Rochester

Good morning Lia!  Eggs and watermelon for breakfast! 

Time for Aunt Mary! 

As evening came, we decided to take a trip to the pier. 

Our little runner. 

Sunset in her eyes. 

A great place to rest, on Daddy's shoulders. 

When at the Pier we are alwasy up for a ride on the Merry Go Round!