Dora Dora Dora!

So-those of you who don't know-Nia LOVES Dora, boots, and most of the other characters. She watches it every morning on tv, and has a little dora house and the figurines of the characters. Its the toy she never gets sick of. They go with her everywhere, the bath, in the car, eat lunch with her, etc. we've had a few scares where she "lost" them, and of course they were sold out at walmart. But, she still has them! Anyways, its so cute that she has these little friends, and her imagination is so fun to see. Well, we live by the mall of america and the other day one of our friends called us to tell us that Dora was at the mall. Dora! So we rushed over, and we told her where we were going and she kept saying while she clapped "Yay, Dora!" When we walked in she was just grinning and so happy. We stood in line and she was anxious for it to be her turn (two little girls ran and cut in front of us, so she had to wait even LONGER, but what was I gonna do, run out and push them aside?? haha...that brings hilarious thoughts to mind. When we got up close she seemed to be thinking "hmmm, that doesn't really look like Dora, but she went along with it. She was a little shy, but "dora" was very cute and played along with her. You'll see in the video. I am so lame, but I really had to fight back tears. Not that I'm encouraging worshipping false idols or anything, or even trying to feed her obsession, but I just knew it was like a dream come true for her to see a live walking, talking Dora. We had a lot of fun at Nikelodeon Universe (the theme park in the middle of the mall) and she rode on the Thomas the Train, and the carousel. What a great time!

Enjoying the Fruits of Our Labors

I want so badly to plant a garden! But since we travel each summer, I had to compromise. We have a nice deck, and I planted a tomato plant, some broccoli, beans, and zucchini, as well as some fresh herbs. They have started producing! So far I've had a small serving of broccoli (its going to seed already though...so i doubt we'll get anymore :( )

My beans have grown up and around the balcony's bars.

Nia is enjoying some fresh beans. Enjoying playing with them at least. I'm just glad she tasted them.



So, we'll see how much I get out of it, but it has been fun. And Nia did have to work for it too. (it was so tempting not to pick everything) She does go out there and cradle the tomatoes in her hands, but she is pretty gentle. I told her they were "momma and Nia's baby tomatoes"
We have been trying to stay busy since Mike has had to travel quite a bit this summer.