Jam Packed

As Spring turns into Summer, the Hoover schedule has found more space taken up with fun activities and trips to visit friends and family. The first weekend in May saw an emphasis on the latter, as Daddy and Emma traveled up to visit Nana and Poppy Henszey, and to celebrate a Quinceanera.


We arrived a little early at Nana and Poppy's, just in time to climb the play set in the warm sun.


Emma wanted to spend some time checking out the pond, where she spotted the first of her weekend critters in the form of a tiny tadpole, about 1/4 of an inch long. Eagle Eye, for sure.



Pointing to the little guy.



Literally, from pond to gown, Emma donned a lovely Simi dress Nana picked up for the special occasion, as we took off for an evening of fun with the Randolph family, and their daughter Sarah's Quinceanera at the Hanover Inn, in Hanover, NH (Dartmouth). Traditional to Latin American cultures, the special event for a girl's 15th birthday consists of a very formal, yet very fun celebration full of rituals, rites of passage, good food, and dancing.


Kaia was the "damacita," the youngest girl in the procession and very much a part of the ceremony. Emma marveled at her dress, made by Jen. They both marveled at the cake, specifically the icing.


The guests chatted over finished plates, so the kiddos took over the floor and twirled around with some of the night's best moves (aside from the headbanging and pop-locking).


Soon, speeches, both prepared and improvised began, detailing everyone's thoughts on Sarah's ceremony and what kind of a girl she was. Unprompted, and unbeknownst to Daddy, Emma walked up, taking the microphone, and turning to face the large crowd. With complete, effortless confidence, Emma proudly exclaimed, "Sarah, you look really pretty tonight.... Thank you." The crowd, and Daddy, all melted. You could almost hear them gasping in amazement when she strode to the podium for the mic, carefree and ready. Even more so, as she smiled and said her peace. It was certainly a moment not to be forgotten, and yet another example of Emma's budding confidence. Proud beyond words, we were. And to Emma, eh, wasn't a big deal. She actually said that she went up because she just felt like sharing her feelings.


She was quite enamored with Sarah, amazed at her dress and the detachable bottom skirt for extreme dancing.


Kaia and Emma rocking it out. Even at 10:00pm, Emma's motor was humming as she had to be pried from the dance floor to get a good night's rest. All-in-all, we had a great time with the Randolph family, and felt lucky to be invited to join in the special occasion.





The next morning, proving her versatility from dance floor to amphibians, Emma returned to the pond for some more exploration. Here she is holding a Red Eft who was scurrying along the pond shore. Emma wanted to keep him, but decided ultimately that he was better off in his habitat.








Loving her Nana, always.





Morning bled into afternoon as Emma and Nana talked about all the creatures and birds around her house. Emma also decided she could not hold back her surprise for Nana any longer, so she chose to bestow some Mother's Day gifts early. Emma drew pictures and came up with special book of thoughts about her Nana. When asked for 'Things My Nana Has Taught Me,' Emma said, "She taught me how chickadees go like this...Chick-a-dee-dee-dee." Under 'Fun Things I Like to Do with My Nana,' Emma said, "Snuggle her," and "Sled with Her." She ultimately said, "I love her 'cause she loves me and I love her." She put a lot of effort into drawing deer, cookies, and is such a creative little girl.


Then it was off to the Montshire Museum to meet Kaia and her dad to start an overnight visit with the Randolph family.


Though deflating from a long night of dancing, the girls still picked up right where they left off; they're such sweet little friends. Here they are snatching marshmellows and playing dress-up. The girls also harped on Kaia's older brother Josh, drawing him pictures with varying media, attempting to pull him from his room. I think he enjoyed the attention, and the purple/pink paintings.


John and Jen took on getting the girls ready for bed. Emma decided she would just take "a little nap" but after this story, they were both out. In fact, much later that night, Daddy actually had to drag Emma out of the bed as she clung to the sheets, and her dreamy state. It was another great visit with everyone, and we're always sad to say goodbye to the Randolph family.


But a Mother's Day hug for Nana awaited us, as breakfast followed at the King Arthur Bakery. Emma was too tired for a sticky bun, but is never too tired for a smile and a squeeze from her Nana.


We made it back home in time to spend most of the day with Mommy. First order of business, Emma bestowed her with our present: an Espresso maker, espresso, and a similar project full of great Emma quotes about how special she thinks her Mommy is. This included references to doing Yoga, taking baths, reading, and just how special Mommy's hugs and kisses are. Nana Hoover got a phone call and her own Mother's Day project. Emma talked about her love of Nana Hoover's visits, playing Wii with her, blowing bubbles with her, and taking picnics outside. Again, her artwork was superb.



Then Emma gave her a project she put a lot of time into. She used pencils, markers, and water-color to craft this painting of Emma, Mommy, Daddy, Jager, and an unnamed Kitty. We had it framed and Mommy loved it.


Continuing the whirlwind weekend, the three of us then went to the Cambridge Hotel for a special Mother's Day brunch, including a complimentary Mimosa for Mommy and an all you could eat buffet full of fresh, locally grown, amazingly good treats.








After some outside fun, Emma decided to set up her room for their own tea party. We were astonished by the seats and settings for each. She is getting so imaginative.


The next day saw another event, Daddy's 30th Birthday.





As Mommy cut veggies for a scrumptious casule and chatted with Daddy outside, Emma took to playing with Jager and having fun in the sun.





Ah yes, the all-important, ice cream birthday cake was lit just in time to enjoy it's soft sweetness before it melted in the heat.



Icing equals success.


Daddy had some more time off from work, so he and Emma took the following day off and spent part of the afternoon back at Mile Around Woods.


The horses were close, and very friendly. Emma loved feeding them the grass clippings she could find, just out of the reaches of their large lips.





She decided this was a mom and daughter combo, and loved their hair and coloring.


Finding a "queen rock" in the woods, soaking up some more sun. Relaxation is the name of the game after such a busy couple of days. We wouldn't trade it for the world.