My Big Fat Greek Wedding?

Well, it wasn't a wedding, but it was a Greek Festival. The annual Atlanta Greek Festival was this past weekend and my family decided to attend. No, we aren't Greek, but who cares! We parked in a huge parking lot and were shuttled in a passenger bus to the cathedral. It was like being in Disney World! We arrived to hear the festive music and the wonderful aromas of the food that I cannot even begin to pronounce! We walked around the grounds, scoped out which food we were going to eat and then toured the sanctuary. We sat through a rather boring informational session about the history of the Greek Orthodox Church. I say it was boring because it was SO QUIET and I was praying that Caroline didn't interrupt the silence. She managed to crawl under the pew and entertain the couple behind us. The best thing about the presentation was the speaker's appearance. She looked identical to the mom in the movie! I should say however, that the mosaic tiles were incredible. I didn't take any pictures because no one else was...but it was amazing.

Caroline and I split a gyro made with the freshest lamb. She devoured it! We also split some Greek potatoes. I WANT that recipe! Caroline doesn't eat french fries or potatoes but LOVED those! We then walked around some more and then ate some more. DESSERT! OH MY! I bought us some Greek wedding cookies (pure heaven!) and some kind of dessert that I totally butchered when I ordered it! It is similar to baklava, but shaped differently. I saved it for tomorrow.

After much eating, we found some seats near the stage to watch some dancing and listen to music. It was just like being in the movie. There were tons of "real Greeks" dancing in circles, lines, and yelling "oopa". I think Caroline may be Greek because she loved the food, loved the music, and immediately started dancing. Guatemalan or Greek? :) We are looking forward to next year's festival. :)

Do you know what really fires me up?

Incompetent people! We live in a subdivision that is protected by a convenant that we all signed when we bought our houses. However, lately, the "powers" have really gotten on my nerves! Due to a horrific hail storm last June (when we were in Guatemala), we had hail damage on our roof. This past week, we had a new roof put on our house, so we have a sign advertising the roofer in our front yard. Now, this sign is not an approved sign, but it's not going to be a permanent fixture in my landscape! Well, we got a violation letter last week and today the mail lady delivered a certified letter from our subdivision services. I refused to sign for it and immediately called up the "powers". I was furious! I let them have it! I am furious because I am trying to better my home but there are some homes in my neighborhood with little punks who vandalize the community area (pool and tennis courts). Why are we worried about someone bettering a home when the water fountain has been pulled off the wall at the pool? Pathetic! Needless to say, I don't anticipate another letter!

Getting Fired Up For Tennis!

Pardon the interruption...if you have your speakers on, you may notice a change in music! Don't worry, it's not a permanent change, but it's to get me fired up for tennis. I like to listen to certain songs before I play to get me jumpstarted! Enjoy!!!!

Just some coloring fun...and a little bit of water color

Caroline is YUCKY!

We had our first "sick" doctor's appointment this morning. I've been struggling with "is she sick or is she teething". Where is the answer book??? Oh, it doesn't come with a manual??? WHAT??? Caroline has been VERY irritable, screams at the drop of a hat, pulls on her teeth, has some fever, loss of appetite, and now has yucky diapers. Teething or Sick?? I called the nurse on call to see what she thought and she said that I needed to bring her in since it has been going on since Tuesday. The great thing is, we got to see her regular doctor who happened to be on call today. It turns out that she did have a virus mixed with teething. Since it's a virus, there's nothing she can do for her. I did learn that she shouldn't have ANY milk while her stomach is hurting. Why didn't it occur to me? I have no idea! So, now we have moved onto watered down gatorade and plain water. The doctor said that she's not contagious anymore, but the milk hasn't allowed her stomach to get better. Now that I am thinking back, I was sick last week and so was my sister and niece. $40 to learn not to give milk to babies with upset stomachs! I also got scolded since the doctor is a good friend of mine and I didn't call her first before I went in. I always feel like I am bothering her when I call her for doctor advice. She assured me that she's not being bothered and that's a perk for being friends. Oh well, $40 down the drain! :)

Fish, Fish, and More Fish

This week was fall break for the local schools. I took my niece, Savannah and Caroline to the Georgia Aquarium for the day. We had a great time! Caroline loved staring at the millions of fish and loved watching the beluga whales. I think her favorite exhibit was the sea otters. She liked how they were swimming and climbing on the rocks. But, I think what sold her on them was the fact that they LOVED playing with balls! She didn't want to touch the rays, sharks, or crabs. I tried to put her hand in the water with the sea anemones, but we barely got in the water before she started shaking her head no. The water was really cold, so maybe that freaked her out?? Savannah was such a great helper and was a true joy to have with us. I can see now why my mother waited 10 1/2 years to have another child! They make great babysitters!!! hahaha Some of the pictures we took came out dark because of the "no flash signs", but you can still get the point.

What Has All of Caroline's Attention?

Why...it's Jacks Big Music Show!!! Caroline doesn't really like television, so she has never really had a favorite show. In the last few days, I have turned the television onto Noggin. It's the funniest little puppet show with the silliest music, but she LOVES it! As soon as we turn it on, she stops and immediately starts dancing! Too Funny!!!

Playground Pictures

Tim's tennis practice is every Friday, so Caroline and I have a "date night" with the playground that overlooks daddy's tennis courts. She LOVES going to the playground and sliding down the slides! She really loves picking up pinecones! I'm wondering why we even buy toys when her favorite things are rocks, mulch, and pinecones!!