Grandma Claire Rocklein

Grandma Rocklein passed away 7 years ago today at the age of 88. I know I don't speak for myself when I say she is missed more than words could ever express. She made such an impact on my life and I am blessed each day by the memories I hold dear to my heart. I know Addison would've had so much fun with her. She sleeps with her special blanket that her Great Grandma made and is blessed to have Claire as her middle name. We went and "visited" Grandma and Grandpa Rocklein, but explained to Addison that they live in Heaven with lots of family and friends. Grandma and Grandpa were born and raised in New York, had 7 children there and lived most of their lives there before moving to Florida. We enjoy remembering Grandma at family gatherings with the songs "New York, New York" and "What a Wonderful World". I hope you enjoy the pictures and wonderful music. As you can tell in the pictures below, Addison was right at home while we were there today.

Grandma and Grandpa Rocklein

We Love You, Grandma!!

Pics from the Weekend

Trying on one of Daddy's old shirts... WAY too big!!

We celebrated Grandpa Barry's Birthday with dinner at our house on Saturday evening.
Addison loves to help open other people's gifts.

Playing at home Sunday morning before breakfast.

Addison used her bench to get on her chair to put her shoes on by herself. She is getting to be such a big girl!

These shoes are tricky- the strap has to go around her heel and she can't quite get them on her own.

"Daddy, help me please!"

Grammie and Papa took us to Palm Aire to have breakfast at the buffet. We didn't eat again until dinner!

Full tummies- now ready to go shopping at the Outlet!

Kisses and hugs goodbye.

Dinner video

Here's a short clip of Addison tonight at dinner. She loves her best friend Taylor and often talks about her. Of course she talks about her favorite cousin, Isabella too! It's fun to ask her new questions to see what her answers will be... especially when I asked her where Isabella lives and where she (Addison) lives. Too funny!

Fun times...

Had a fun time at game night Friday night with friends from work. Unfortunately we were celebrating a friend/coworker's move far away. We will miss her but know she will be happy with her big move!

We will miss you, Jessica!
Game time!

On Saturday we met Kelly, Bob and Taylor at Addison's favorite toy store to see Elmo! Then had a nice lunch with them afterwards. Addison and Taylor love spending time together!

Taylor is such a cutie!

The girls playing grocery store.

Elmo had lots of balloons to share!

Addison had TONS of hugs to share with Elmo!

Both girls decided to "feed" Elmo the various produce items from the grocery store. Too cute! We had to keep reminding them that there were other children in the store that needed to visit with Elmo, too!

Elmo sure did love spending time with Addison and Taylor!

Addison has always loved this big bear!

And she loves to jump!

And of course the chiming marble maze... super fun!

Here's how we found Addison as she was calling us to wake up from her nap on Sunday.

Addison loves to be a ballerina with her many tutus!

Video of our Ballerina!!

Addison's First Haircut

Mom and I took Addison to Yellow Strawberry for her first haircut! Her hair was getting pretty long and we thought it was time for a cut. I had been growing my hair out longer too so I could pull it back for the summer. I got tired of that and decided to cut mine today too. So we both had appointments- Addison went first and got a cute cut from Summer. While at Yellow Strawberry, we ran into Aunt Nel who was having her haircut too! After our haircuts, we went to the mall and went shopping. While shopping, we saw Kelly and Taylor (Addison's best friend) who were also shopping at Macy's. We talked about all the fun we'll have tomorrow when we all go to see Elmo at the toy store! Then we ran into Aunt Nel again! We went to lunch with Aunt Nel at Cosimo's and had a fun time. We did some more shopping then came home. Such a fun day!

Before Addison's haircut

Before her haircut Talking to Summer about what we want to do with Addison's hair- she wasn't so sure at this time what was going to happen! This was before my haircut too- it was early so I didn't dry my hair- just came wet since I knew it was going to be cut :-) Addison started out on my lap but then asked to sit with Grammie. We gave her a lollipop to help keep her at ease. She was very nervous. Grammie helped make her feel better.
Addison has some bangs! When her haircut was over, Addison was back to her normal "chatty" and independent self. She looks so much "older"! Showing off her new haircut. She is very proud and was so funny today!

Trying on Mommy's new shoes at Macy's.

Checking them out in the mirror.

Having lunch