Lexa's Big Adventure

Some fun things to report this past week. Last Tuesday Darcy and Lexa took Daun out for dinner to celebrate her birthday at the usual pizza place (no wild fires this time). After dinner we fed the fish, if that is what you can call them. These fish look and act more like miniature sharks, even the geese were afraid to get in the middle or their eating frenzy.

This past Saturday we went to Kenbridge VA to celebrate Mitch's 3rd birthday. Lexa and Mitch played so well together and Mitch gladly shared all his gifts with Lexa. We all had a wonderful time and Lexa was very happy to see both her sisters.
Also on Saturday Sammy, Grandma, and Papa came up to visit so that Grandma could go with, and take care of Lexa while Darcy went on a business trip to Baltimore. On Sunday Lexa, Grandma, and Darcy headed out to Baltimore for Darcy's business trip, or on "an adventure" as Lexa puts it. The three ladies went to the Baltimore Aquarium on Sunday. It was a slightly cold and very rainy day, but we had a great time. On Monday, while Darcy was in a training, Grandma and Lexa went shopping and found a fun playground to go to. Monday night we were able to go swimming in the indoor pool at the hotel. This was Lexa's first time in water since last Summer and she took to it like a little fish. It's time to sign up for some swim lessons. Monday night we also went out to dinner at a Japanese Steak House. This was a first for Lexa and she was amazed and in awe of the tricks and all the fire. On Tuesday, Lexa and Grandma shopped some more and after Darcy finished the training we headed to NOVA to visit some old friends in Burke, Virginia. It was great seeing Marlene and Mrs. Jacobs and Lexa had a field day playing with all the antique toys all over Mrs. Jacobs house. Darcy was quite nervous about her playing with such important collectibles and fortunately nothing was damaged.

We we arrived home on Tuesday night and there was a wonderful surprise for Lexa. While Lexa was with Grandma and Darcy, Grandpa and Mike spent the days building a new playground for her in the back yard. Needless to say, Lexa was beside herself with excitement. Because it was so late when we arrived home, she was only able to play on it for a short time, but she stayed home on Wednesday and spent the entire day on her new playground and immediately went out there again when she arrived home from Ms. Gail's house today. Lexa wants to send out another BIG thank you to Grandma and Papa for her early birthday present.

There are a lot of pictures this week. It was too hard to narrow it down to just a few. We have another busy weekend coming up so expect another blog post next week.

Lexa and Daun feeding the fish on a very very sunny day

Check out the shark-fish, pretty ugly.

Lexa and her nephew Mitch at Mitch's birthday party

Mitch blowing out his candles.

Mitch's big gift from his Aunt Shawn, Aunt Lexa (or Little

Darcy, according to Mitch), Grandpa, and Darcy.

Can see the excitement in his face?

The Umstead Sisters

Grandma and Lexa waiting for the Dolphin Show to start.

Grandma chose to sit in the splash zone (see the signs?),

but luckily we did not get wet.

Lexa watching the scuba diver. He was paying Tic Tac Toe

with the kids on that pad he is holding.

Darcy and Lexa at the Rain Forest in the aquarium.

Oh no Daddy, a snake! (Mike hates snakes, he shivered

just looking at this picture)

Lexa in the hotel eating a quiet breakfast in front of her little

TV while Grandma is still sleeping. 5:45 am is a little early

to wake up, especially for Grandma.

Lexa posing with her friend "Shelly". One of the many

items that she talked Grandma into buying for her on our trip.

Out little fish.

Lexa is fascinated by the tricks he is doing.

Darcy and Lexa (with a mouth full of oranges)

Lexa's reaction when she saw her new playground.

Lexa's spectacular new playground. What a great job Mike

and Grandpa did.

A little video of our little swimmer.