Mara’s Blog Influencing the world one day at a time since 2005…

A little over a week ago, before Grandma left from helping us take care of Campbell, all of us took a trip to a local park for a picnic. We have been to this park before for a picnic, as it is really pretty to sit at. It was a Friday, and a beautiful day in the 70s. We ate KFC as it was easy to pick up and just seems to remind us all of a picnic food.

After lunch Mom and Campbell had to get back home for a visit from the smart start nurse. Dad, Mara and Grandma took a stroll around the park. Mara was looking at all the flowers and Grandma was asking her what colors they were. She got most right. She would go “ummmmm” then point really quick and exclaim the color. She was having so much fun. She also would like to smell them too. Although she was skeptical that they really had any smell, saying “noooooooo.”

Click on any of the pictures to see more of the album.

Take a whiff.

Mara and Grandma having a seat.

I’m as pretty as these flowers!

Mara had a pretty full day this past Saturday. It seems to be if there is one event, there is more.

It started with Zach’s birthday party around lunch time. After a full morning of play in the house, it was off to Jump N’ Fun to get some physical play. Believe it or not there are no pics of Mara enjoying the large blow up attractions (like a “moonwalk” from the olden days, but more variety). Instead after getting a little tired she retired to the small child play area, or play pen.

Having fun with little people toys.

Happy birthday Zach! After the party we drove out to Raleigh for a errand Dad had to run. The alternative motive was to take a ride to the Cheesecake Factory. There isn’t one in Greensboro, so any time we can get out there we try to. There was someone else that is beginning to think the Factory is a hit. Here is Mara diving into her first cheesecake. Although it was really the whipped cream that peaked her interest.

Ooooh, let me have some!

Lastly as we walked out of the Factory and waited for Mom and Campbell, Mara noticed the band that had setup shop. She quickly gave indication that she wanted to dance, so instead of returning for home right away we took a break in the common area to have a listen and let Mara do her thing. On top of shaking her booty, she loves to jump to the music.

Haven’t you heard of jump dancing?

You can see a few more pics by clicking through any of the ones above.

Red Robin wasn’t necessarily a frequented location for dinner for the Evans family. That is until we realized that Red Robin came out from behind the scenes to visit with everyone in the restaurant on certain nights. He was an instant hit with Mara, in contrast to how she reacts to Santa Claus. Since the discovery we have been there to eat probably every week for the last three or four weeks.

With Grandma and Grandpa in town, we wanted them to be able to witness the phenomenon that is Red Robin first hand. So we went on up there on Tuesday to see what we could see. They got to see a kid as happy as can be with the bird.

That’s No Kid.

Whoops, looks like Grandpa got more than he bargained for in his trip to eat a hamburger. Mara’s not the only one that likes the red bird.

Uhhh, You See This Bird?!!?

Now this has officially become the first commercial building that Mara has acknowledged that she recognizes. When we drive into the parking lot she exclaims, “Red Robin!”

Mara, Grandpa, And The Bird.

Click on any picture to see a couple more photos from Tuesday. The other pics are from our first visit. Oh, and Campbell was with us, but just snoozing.

[photopress:IMG_0448.jpg,full,centered]

[photopress:IMG_0449.jpg,full,centered]

So Sunday, April 1st, at the hospital Mara took a class called Big Sister/Big Brother. It’s designed for 2-5 year olds to prepare them for a sibling. She brought her baby doll as you will see by the pictures. They were taught how to diaper their dolls and wrap them up in a blanket. The blankets were crocheted and donated by volunteers and Mara got to pick hers out and keep it. Of course she picked the pink one for her girl doll! After those lessons we went upstairs to the nursery to see any babies that might happen to be in there. Luckily there was a little baby boy. She looked thru the nursery window at him and said, “Hi baby”! After that she got to visit an empty patient room so she will have some familiarity with it when she sees her mom there. All in all it was a good class and at the end believe it or not she “passed” and got to receive a certificate with a gold seal on it. She was ran up to the front of the room when they called her name to get it. Upon returning to mom and dad she showed us her gold seal saying, “ooooooo”!

[photopress:IMG_0443.jpg,full,centered]

[photopress:IMG_0444.jpg,full,centered]

Sure her baby is upside down in a photo and also her head is covered up with the blanket but hey, she’s working on this big sister thing, right? Click on the any picture to view the entire album.

[photopress:IMG_0445.jpg,full,centered]

As you well know from visiting the blog Mara is a huge fan of the water. If you say pool she’ll run to her chest of drawers and try to get her bathing suit. We headed to the pool just weekend before last with our little tadpole in tow and here are some of the photos of her splashing around. We also got a few shots right afterwards in the locker room getting cleaned up. She was worn out and ready for a nap. Usually on the way home from swimming we have a very hard time keeping her awake.
We are hoping that all this pool time will pay off with her somewhat able to swim/doggie paddle by our summer vacation. She already will kick, blow bubbles and put her face under with no problems. Usually she will do these things unsolicited too as if she’s showing off for us.
Click on the picture to see the all the photos!

Its a surprise to think we have gone one year already since the last party for Mara’s birthday. It was a smaller affair back then since the weather wasn’t so great that day. Grandma was the only one that made it. This year is a different story as we planned a larger party out of the house at The Little Gym. Mara had been there once before, but at that time she still wasn’t walking. So this was a totally different experience for her this time. She really loved it. It was even better that she could enjoy it with all her friends. Buddies like Zach, Anslee, and others…

Helloooooo Zachary

Jump Like This

Give Me Love Elephant!

The good people at The Little Gym had their act together and kept things moving with activities for the little ones. They blew bubbles, played with balls and basketball hoops, and even took a ride on a parachute.

One Of These Kids Is Doing Their Own Thing

The party wrapped up with some cake which everyone enjoyed. Mara then got to open some presents that her kind little friends brought for her. Thanks friends!

There are lots of pictures that were taken. Make sure you have some time, then proceed to browse the next link. 94 in all.
2007 Birthday Party