Holiday fun is back!

There was quite a Holiday lull after Christmas. I had gotten used to the continuing onslaught of holidays starting in October and very much enjoyed the events surrounding them. January and February didn't offer up anything, so I was excited when March arrived bringing with it the start of the Spring Holiday season. According to Mom St.Patricks day and Easter are two holidays that wouldn't disappoint.

Living in a place like Dublin, people go crazy for the St.Patricks day holiday. Mom told me all about the holiday celebrations that were going to happen. There were many events planned for the weekend of St.Patricks Day, but I waited with much anticipation and enthusiasm for the parade the city was having. The weekend came and our excitement was soured as we awoke to the sound of pouring rain. Mom and I threw open my curtains to reveal a torrential downpour falling from the sky. I was disappointed and a little worried that the days festivities would be canceled. Mom assured me that the parade was taking place rain or shine, so we dressed in our rain gear (a far cry from the great outfits Mom had made for the event) and braved the storm.

We met my friends in downtown Dublin and got the party started. Here I am as the parade was beginning...

Macie enjoyed being bundled up with Dad under the tent, and didn't seem to mind the downpour around her.

Watching the parade was exciting, there were floats, dancers, musicians; it was really neat to see. One of my favorite parts of the parade were all the goodies being handed out. I stood on the curb with my candy bag wide open waiting for it to be filled.

Despite the rain I was having a great time with my friends.

When the parade was finished I was drenched from head to toe, but had a bag full of candy, toys, and stickers, and couldn't have been happier had it been bright and sunny.

The rest of the weekend stayed wet and cold so we took advantage of the icky weather and slothed around the house.

At the beginning of the week we got to celebrate another awesome holiday- Daddy's birthday!!!
We had a special birthday breakfast for Dad and when he left for work we began the process of preparing for his party. At the store we searched for the perfect decor, but I was adamant that Daddy needed a princess party. Mommy thought that was silly, but knew that Dad would appreciate the fact that I hand picked everything myself. After all our stops were complete we headed home with everything we needed to throw Dad the best Princess party in the whole world.

Back at home Mom surveyed the decor I had chosen and couldn't help but laugh. EVERYTHING was princess- even the 10 balloons. Mom bet that Dad would have never predicted he would get a princess party. He came home from work as we were setting up the dining room, so I was put in charge of occupying him and keeping him downstairs. When all was ready Macie and I brought Dad upstairs to get the party started!!!

When he rounded the corner he was so excited and surprised that he was speechless!

Daddy's birthday party was tons of fun, and my crowns were a BIG hit!!!

I was too antsy to sit through dinner, and couldn't wait for the best part of birthdays- dessert...

Dad really enjoyed his party and told me "it was the best princess party he's ever had."

With the rain gone, it was finally time to play in the back yard and I couldn't have been more excited.

Even Macie joined me outside to take in the warm sun. She has gotten so big that she is able to sit in her car and cruise around the deck- look at how much fun she is having...

In exciting Macie news, notice anything about her up close picture??? She has her two front teeth!!!

The family can't believe how quickly she is growing. Now that she is 7 months old she can do so much! She can roll over from front to back and back to front, although she only does so when it is completely necessary (she is a little lazy); she says dada when addressing daddy; and she is starting to sit up on her own. Mom tells me that this is just the beginning of all the things that she will begin doing.

Check out this video of her in the pond hanging out and chattin' it up...

Macie has become one of my favorite play toys, but my obsession with Disney princesses has not subsided. I still eat, sleep, and, breath princess. As Mom was cooking in the kitchen the other day I asked her for a fork- she handed me one then asked me what I needed it for. Instead of telling her I showed her...

Mortified, she asked what I was doing. "Brushing my hair like Ariel", I replied- she couldn't help but laugh!

With Easter rapidly approaching fun activities are happening everyday. When the weekend came around it was time for our community Easter egg hunt. Despite the chilly weather (in the 30's), Mom dressed me in my holiday tutu and we were off.

All my neighborhood friends were there, and we couldn't wait for the hunt to begin.

When we got the green light it was a mad dash for eggs. Kids were running everywhere, and it was every man for himself.

When it was over I surveyed my basket and decided that I had done pretty well for myself-

so well in fact, that I had a tough time carrying home the goods.

That afternoon we heard that a rumor that the Easter Bunny may be stopping at the grocery store next to our house. Mom and Dad put Macie and I in the car and we rushed to Kroger. Inside I rounded the home goods aisle and came face to face with the Easter Bunny himself- I couldn't believe he traveled all this way! Without hesitation I jumped up next to him and took a picture- much different from my experience with the Bunny last year (good from far but far from good).

Mom and Dad were shocked when Macie plopped down next to the Bunny and started laughing! They had been unsure how she would react, but it couldn't have gone any better!

After our Bunny pictures we got to decorate cookies and go on a scavenger hunt through the grocery store.

We are already having tons of Holiday fun and Easter isn't even till next Sunday. I can't wait to see what is in store for Easter...

Back Home Again for some Birthday Fun!

Getting back into a routine at home was difficult. We were still catching up on sleep and adjusting to life in Ohio. The first official morning back I spent as much time with Dad as I could. Because it was a weekday and he had to work, our time together was limited so I helped him with his morning routine.

When Mom hadn't heard from us in a while she came in the bedroom to check on us. Here's what she discovered....

Mom spent the rest of the day explaining that women do not shave their faces...

After Dad was off to work, Mom, Macie, and I had to come to terms with being stuck indoors surrounded by 4 feet of snow. Returning home to COLD weather (in the 20's) was hard to get used to, but Mom tried her best to provide Macie and I with fun indoor activities.

Here is Macie in her swing we put up in the garage. Unfortunately it was just as cold in the garage as it was outside, but at least we were safe from falling snow. At first Macie wasn't sure about the new set up,

but once she got into the "swing of things", she was all smiles!

When the weekend came the backyard had accumulated an additional foot of snow. Dad and I bundled up and went outside to build a snowman!

Macie and Mom didn't want to get their hands dirty, so they supervised from the porch.

After an hour of hard work and heavy lifting, mostly on Dad's part, our snowman looked pretty cool!

Mom lent a helping hand when it came to the decorating- check out his awesome brussel sprout eyes, carrot nose, and teeth made of almonds.

Apparently Mom wasn't the only ones who thought that food made good accessories for a snowman- when we weren't looking that afternoon Jackson ate his face off.

On the 25th of the month we celebrated Macie's 6 month birthday! The family couldn't believe that 6 months had gone by since Macie came into our lives. She has been such an amazing addition to our family, and we couldn't imagine life without her!

As usual she woke up in the morning with a BIG smile on her face, and kept that pleasant disposition throughout the day.

We did some fun things in the house, but cold weather kept us from doing anything fun and exciting outdoors.

We had a photo shoot and Mom took some of her signature pictures for Macie's baby book.

Isn't Macie getting SO BIG! At Macie's 6 month check up the doctor told us that Macie weighed 16lbs, putting her in the 50th percentile for weight, and measured 27 inches long, in the 90th percentile for height!!! She is growing like a weed and has the potential to tower over me at any time. Good thing I am not only tough, but head strong- regardless of size I don't plan on giving up my title as chief any time soon.

Macie has come so far in the last 6 months. She is able to hold items with ease, and even reaches for things she wants. She has started to roll over (first time on valentines day, but Mom told Dad that it doesn't count since she was on a slight decline), but she seems a little to lazy to do it on a regular basis. She has started to find her voice and uses it any chance she gets.

That night when Dad got home from work we had a birthday party for Macie. She LOVED all the attention from the family, and couldn't keep a smile off her face.

She thoroughly enjoyed her birthday dinner of sweet potatoes,

but I told her to save her appetite for desert, so she didn't eat much. We all sang Macie the birthday song before she could dig in it her yummy treat.

She didn't enjoy it nearly as much as we had anticipated, so Mom, Hayley, and I helped finish it off.

After dinner Macie took a birthday bath and relaxed in the warm water while reading a book.

When it was finally time for her to go to sleep Mom didn't want to put her down. She had finally realized that Macie was too large, and too old, to be sleeping in the bassinet next to her bed, so she was placed in her own room. I know Mom had a tough time letting go and I am sure she checked on her throughout the whole night, but Macie went down without a fight and I didn't hear her make a peep all night.

She woke up the next morning with a big grin on her face, and Mom was proud of the two of them for surviving their first night apart.

Macie and I are having more and more fun together as she gets older. Mom says she really looks up to me, and wants to be just like me. I don't think the world can handle two Riley's, but check out the two of us in action:

Mom and Dad are in for it- listen to how much Macie is beginning to babble. Soon their won't be ANY silence in the house (hard to imagine that there is now).

One of the indoor activities that the family has taken an interest in is puzzles. Mom doesn't have to much tolerance for them, so she mainly watches while Dad, Aunt Hayley and I do all the work.

Even Macie has been helping from time to time.

By our second weekend back home the sun had finally come out and the temperatures reached the high 30's. For those cooped up indoors, it was time to go outside so we went to the Zoo!!!

Macie was finally old enough to get excited to see animals, so this Zoo trip was extra fun.

Aunt Hayley and Holly came with us and we stopped by all our favorite hot spots.

We didn't stay too long, as the warm sun didn't do much to warm the chill in the air. Thank goodness the following week was full of sun, because it helped to melt the remaining snow. Mom was glad that we could see the roads again, and was finally willing to leave the house. I persuaded her to make a trip to the big red barn and put on what has come to be a new favorite (bright colored petticoats).

While I run around and burn energy Macie and Mom play on the swings. Check out all the fun Macie is having, and watch as she shows off one of her new tricks (clapping!)

Although we have been celebrating many of Macie's new accomplishments, Mom and Dad still make sure I don't get ignored.

I got my first gold metal in gymnastics, and was on top of the world. Mom and Dad were SO proud of me!

Now that Macie has discovered how fun it is to talk, we can't keep her quiet. I can't wait to teach her all I know...

Mom has started to lighten up a little with her "rules" and has loosened her tight policy of feeding Macie. I am able to help her eat all kinds of baby food by myself and have even given her some "real people" food with supervision. She has been teething lately as one of her front teeth is trying to break the surface, so Mom tried giving her some banana.

Macie took to it right away, much different from the first time I had a banana with Susan in California. I didn't like it, but Macie couldn't get enough.

Mom says that this is just the beginning of all the cool stuff that Macie is going to do. I am excited for what the future holds, and can't wait for the real shenanigans to begin!

California Trip; Week Three!!!

After some sushi and a sunset we went back to Grandma Judy's to clean up for our long car ride to Anaheim. Mom packed the car for our weekend trip while Grandma kept Macie and I occupied. When she was sure we had EVERYTHING we could need, all of us loaded into the packed rental car and hit the road. Macie passed out shortly after we hit the freeway, but I was too excited to sleep, and stayed awake ALL THE WAY to the hotel (we didn't get there till 9:30 PM.) We checked into our hotel and Mom immediately went to work getting the room ready for bed time. She set up my crib, put on my music and went through my nightly routine (story, prayers, etc.) Knowing that I wouldn't fall asleep with distractions in the room Mom took Macie into the bathroom to give me time to fall asleep.

Rumor has it that she kept Macie in her car seat and set a DVD player on the toilet, allowing Macie to watch a baby movie while she sat Indian style in the bathtub and ate a night time snack of pop corn and peanut m n m's. She called Dad and laughed at how silly the two of them must have looked. When she determined that I was "out cold" they ventured back into the main room and got ready for bed themselves, but sleep didn't last long for the Frankwick girls as Macie and I woke up really early. Macie was having a rough night, and being in the same room with her wasn't much fun. The second one of her cries jolted me out of sleep I was up. "Hello Macie" was the first thing I said, the second was "can we go to Disneyland now". Mom told me that the park didn't open for another 5 hours (since it was 5am), so we ate breakfast, watched some cartoons, and cleaned up the room for check out.

It seemed like 9am was never going to come. When it finally did, Mom, Macie, and I all took off for Disneyland. When we arrived outside I was SO excited I could hardly contain myself!!!

Because we got to the park right as it opened we beat a lot of the crowd and were able to walk around and meet some of my favorite Disney characters. Minnie was full of smiles, and so was I as we posed for a picture.

After going to see the Little Einstein show we rode some rides. Here I am in a Chinese Take-out carton on the Ant ride.

Can you believe they let Macie ride as well?!?!? Mom was proud of her for being so brave since the ride went super high and spun around.

After a ride on the caterpillar train I took a break to hang out with my good pal Pluto.

So much excitement, and the day wasn't even close to being over!! When Macie and I were both too exhausted to keep our eyes open Mom placed us in our comfy stroller and we took a much needed 2 hour nap. We woke up refresh and ready to go!

On our way to check out some attractions we ran in to Mickey Mouse himself! It was great to hang out with him for a while- the two of us danced and laughed before I had to give the other friends a turn to greet him.

By the time it was 3:30 I had worked up a HUGE appetite, and was anxious to get to Ariel's Grotto to eat "lunch with the princesses." We arrived a couple minutes early and were escorted into the restaurant where Ariel was waiting. I ran straight for her and greeted her with the biggest hug ever. She was so beautiful I couldn't believe it. I monopolized all of her time, and forgot all about my rumbling tummy until the waiter called me over to my table for lunch.

I was served a lunch of mac and cheese with goldfish in it and wondered why Mom had never served up this fancy cuisine at home- guess its too advanced for her level of expertise. As tasty as it was, I found it hard to concentrate on my meal because everywhere I looked there were princesses!

The first princess to stop by our table was Cinderella. Mom caught me mid bite as I struggled to talk to her while the camera snapped a picture. Mom says that princesses don't talk with their mouths full, Ooops...

Belle came to our table next, and this time I put down my food to smile properly.

Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) was one of my favorites, she was so nice!

She even posed for a picture with Macie!!!

The last princess to greet us wasn't a princess at all...It was Minnie Mouse. Mom said she wanted to play dress up too!

After the princesses left, the waiter brought out desert. Check out the platter in front of me- I thought Mom had died and gone to Heaven. Without hesitation, or consideration to acting like ladies, we dove into the desert.

While Mom was inhaling the chocolate cake, I went to work on the white chocolate conch shell.

Not wanting Macie to feel left out, Mom let her try her very first taste of chocolate. She loved it, of course, I mean she is a Schafer after all and I believe they carry that gene.

After a whirlwind day of food, fun, and fairy tales, we were pooped! When the sun set and the day turned to night we drove inland to Huntington Beach to see Jeff and Susan!!! I was so exhausted from the events of the day, but nothing could have kept me from running into Jeff and Susan's house to greet them with enthusiasm. After 3o minutes of hellos and hugs, I was forced to retire for the evening.

I woke up early in the morning ready to hang out with my buddies. Jeff and I played with their new dog Charlie whom I endearingly named "Charlity Char Char."

We spent the morning catching up on the last 8 months of life, and both Jeff and Susan really enjoyed getting to know Macie. At noon we loaded the car and headed back to Disneyland. Macie and I took naps in the car, but the drive was only 20 minutes so I was still in a deep sleep when we arrived. Mom carefully transferred me into the stroller and I slept the whole van ride into the park.

Mom woke me up when we reached "It's a small world." I jumped on Jeff's lap as we got in line for the ride.

The ride was a little overwhelming at first, but Susan helped me sing the song and my apprehension quickly disappeared! By the end of the ride I was singing the whole chorus and wishing we could go back for more. We had the best day at Disneyland riding rides, looking at all the amazing sites, and spending time with one another.

We stayed at the park long after dark, and even managed to catch the end of the Disney parade. I go to see all the characters dancing and singing. In the van ride back to the car Macie and I got to sit in our own seats like big girls,

and Macie even got a pin that said "my first Disney visit!"

Needless to say we both crashed as soon as we got to the house and slept through the whole night. We woke up early the next morning ready for some more fun. I entertained Jeff and Susan with some antics that they had been missing for all the months I'd been away.

Sage and I even enjoyed some lounging time on the couch.

As usual, they had the house stocked with my favorite cuisine so I dined on nuggets as I ran around the house playing. After I ate breakfast Jeff and Susan surprised me with some unexpected gifts. Mom says that they spoil me way too much, but boy am I glad that they do!!! While Mom and I had been driving some cars at Disneyland, Jeff and Susan had been secretly shopping for me. They bought me all of the princesses; Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Ariel, Tinkerbelle, and Snow White!!! I could not believe my eyes!

Not only did I get gifts from Disneyland, but I also got to open some Christmas presents! I was super excited when I opened an Elmo kitchen for the fridge. Now I can cook with Mom in the kitchen! I don't know what I did to deserve all these wonderful things, but whatever it is I better keep doing it!

In the afternoon Mommy's good friend Heather came by the house to visit with us. It was great to see her again, and her and Mommy got to catch up with one another while walking on the boardwalk as Macie and I slept in the stroller (just like old times in HB).

Back at the house, and refreshed from our naps, Macie and I played with our new toys. Macie is tolerating being on her stomach a little more every day- notice how she actually looks content...

Before we left the house Macie and I snuggled on the couch with Jeff and Susan.

Before driving back to San Diego we all went out to McDonalds to eat and burn some steam before our long car ride. Wendy and I played around on the playplace together, and shared some laughs. I really love hanging out with Wendy and can't wait to see her when I get back in the summer!

While we were tearing up the playplace Macie soaked up some love and attention.

When the food was gone and I was pooped from all the running it was time to hit the road. It was very hard to say our goodbyes. We LOVE spending time with the Jacklin's and are so grateful that they are a part of our lives.

I am really looking forward to coming out to Huntington Beach in the summer and seeing everyone again!

The next morning I woke up in Grandma Judy's room and concluded that I was back in San Diego. Grandma and I went straight out to the beach, ate a picnic and played in the sand.

Macie was glad to be outdoors, and is looking forward to playing in the sand when she gets big!

Grandma had some work to to that afternoon, so Mom took Macie and I out to Lake Murray for a nap outdoors in the warm sun. When I woke up we went right over to Pa's house to hang out (and when I say 'hang' I mean hang.)

All of us drove over to his baseball field to spend some time together. While I ran up and down the play gym Pa nicely shared some of his orange with Macie and she really enjoyed it. Just like I did when I was little, she kept cooing for more...

When Macie was done with her snack the three of us explored the baseball field. We got to sit in the dugout with Pa and see what it was like to be a ballplayer.

One of my favorite things was taking a walk with Pa around the bases!

At dusk we headed over to the Umbarger's house to say goodbye to the family. As soon as I arrived I went straight for Chloe and chased her through the house. She was super excited to see me and I was glad I finally found someone who could keep up with me!

I had to admit that I was a little envious of Macie when she got to sleep on Chloe's dog bed in the first week of our trip, so Aunt Connie graciously allowed me to snuggle up in Chloe's kennel. I bet Macie's the one whose jealous now...

I had such an amazing time hanging out with my family, and am going to miss them more than I can say.

On our last day in San Diego Mom spent the morning running some errands while Grandma Judy and I went to the Ocean. In the afternoon Mom took us out to La Mesa to say our goodbyes to Pa. Before we got to the park to meet Pa Mom made a pit stop at our favorite Ice Cream place. She was determined to give Macie a few bites to celebrate her upcoming 6 month birthday as she had given me when I was little. At the park we dove into our treats. Macie seemed really excited when she held the cup in her hands,

but seemed unsure as she was tasting it. I think the problem is that Mom got vanilla instead of chocolate...

By the third bite Macie seemed to enjoy the icy treat, but not nearly as much as I once did. I guess that's a good thing because we don't have any GoldenSpoon's in Ohio, and I don't want her to go through withdrawals on a daily basis like Mom and I do.

Macie gave Pa some big hugs, and told him that she was looking forward to seeing him in July when she would be moving and talking (we hope).

I had a harder time saying my goodbye to Pa- I didn't want to leave, and was SUPER sad that I wouldn't be able to see him everyday.

Back at the beach Mom returned our rental car and packed up the house before we went to dinner. I insisted that our last meal in San Diego be eaten at my Sushi place, so Grandma, Macie, and I walked across the street for some rolls.

I ate until my little tummy couldn't take any more. We went back to Grandma's house where I took a bath and passed out. In the morning I was rudely awoken by Mom. Apparently it was time to get dressed and go to the airport. I wasn't too excited to travel, but was eager to get home to see my Dad. We made it to the airport and through security without incident. Like Will, Grandma Judy was able to get a special pass to help us to the gate, so Mom was very grateful. Macie sat in my car seat with Grandma Judy while Mom kept tabs on me as I ran around the terminal.

Time flew by and before we knew it we were called to the gate to board our plane. We gave Grandma Judy big hugs and thanked her for a wonderful trip!

San Diego was AWESOME, and I know that this summer we are going to have tons of fun at the beach. I plan on learning to swim so that I can get on a surf board in July!!

On the plane Macie made herself comfortable in my car seat, while I got to sit in my own seat like a big girl!

Before long I was rubbing my eyes and Mom made me a bed across two seats (she sat on the floor where our feet go). I was out cold a few minutes after my head hit the pillow and slept the whole first leg of our flight.

As we were walking off the plane Dad surprised us by coming into the terminal to meet us. I was SO excited to see him that I shrieked and ran into his arms. Our trip to California could not have gone any better; We were able to spend time with family and friends, as well as visit some of my favorite spots. I am thankful to everyone who helped make our trip such a success, and have many memories that will last a lifetime.

Despite the cold weather, and 4 feet of cold snow I am glad to be home with my family. Don't get me wrong, I am counting down the days until I get to go back again, but for now I am looking forward to spending some time at home!