BOOM!

This past week was full of new adventures. Tuesday night we had a big thunderstorm, and it was a big one. This is the first thunderstorm we can remember having since the beginning of last summer and we found out that Lexa is now officially scared of storms. She ended up waking up around 1 am crying and did not want to sleep in her bed anymore. She ended up sleeping on a little bed on the floor in our room for a couple of hours. Actually, we are pretty sure she did not sleep during that time (due to being so scared) because when the storm passed she immediately asked to go back to her own bed. Needless to say, mommy did not get much sleep that night either (Daddy can sleep through anything, torrential rain, trees falling, children crying, etc.).

On Wednesday evening we met Aunt Tracy, cousin's Riley and Kyle, and our friend Daunetta at Chic-fil-A for dinner and play time in the indoor play area. With some gentle encouragement from sweet Riley, Lexa ventured to the top of the playground for the first time ever and even went down the big twirly slide all by herself .

We had planned a trip to the Richmond-Metro Zoo on Saturday, but the weather would not cooperate so we headed back to Chuck-E-Cheeses for a day of indoor play with Aunt Tracy and cousins Kyle and Riley (check out the Surratt Blog for some pics). The two girls tried to climb up into the play tunnels (just like they did at Chic-fil-A), but unfortunately the big kids kept knocking them around so Mike had to climb in and save them. They still enjoy playing all the games and eating the pizza. Our little Lexa ate 4 pieces of pizza! We are not sure where she puts it all.

Saturday night Shawn, Corey and Frankie (Shawn's puppy) came to visit and we ordered Dominoes Pizza for the first time. Yes, we have a Dominoes Pizza now and they actually deliver to our house way out here in the middle of nowhere! The small shopping center where Dominoes is located is only about 1.5 miles away but we had the pizza delivered anyway, just because we can.

A little over a month after becoming a cancer survivor Shawn is actively looking for a full time job and is ready to move out on her own. We spent Saturday night looking for jobs online. We are so proud of you Shawn!

Frankie and Cozmo did not have the same bond that Sammy and Cozmo had and poor Smokey was harassed again, she just can't catch a break.

Lexa has also added some new foods to the wide array of things she likes to eat. She now loves celery, raw tomatoes, and raw broccoli. She is a wonderful eater and is always willing to try something new. We believe we have Ms Gail to thank for introducing her to so many raw veggies. During the summers they usually pick fresh veggies from Ms. Gail's garden.

Oh, and we can't forget to mention the first dance class last Friday. Lexa did a wonderful job and paid attention and followed the directions very well. She seems to like ballet better than tap, but tried very hard with both. We can't wait to see how the second class goes.

Until next time . . . . . .

Ready to go to Ms. Gails. Lexa dressed herself today, even the tights, which is quite difficult.

Lexa and Riley waiting for dance class to start (can you see the excitement in their faces?)

Lexa ready to start the tap portion of class

Paying attention

Lexa wearing one of Shawn's wigs. Last time she was very scared of the wig and would not touch it.

Sisters. Look Shawn has hair!

Lexa, Shawn, and Corey with all our Dominoes Pizza boxes.

Lexa and Riley doing ballet

Poor Smokey (Frankie is a cutie though)

Listen to Cozmo, he is not happy with Frankie and does not like sharing Mike with him.