The Empire State Building

It was time to visit The Empire State Building. Katie enjoyed the view from there.

A Toy Store

You're never too old for a toy store!

I had always heard of FAO Schwartz. It was fun to go there in person!

The Statue of Liberty

The next morning, Jennifer and Katie woke up early to find their way to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. They were able to climb up to the base of the statue.

The First Sightseeing Spot

After Jennifer and Katie got checked into their hotel in New York, they went to find the place Katie was most excited about - Barnes & Noble. She found out New York had a four story book store, and she couldn't wait to go.

I was so excited to get here in person!

I was able to find books that I couldn't find at home. The only picture from New York that I would be sharing with my friends in the picture of the books I bought. I knew they'd be excited for me!

Up, Up, and Away

Katie was so excited to go on a trip with Jennifer this summer. They were going to one of Katie's Bucket List places.

We couldn't wait to get to New York City to celebrate Aunt Jennifer's birthday!

Mr. Limpet and Katie

Mr. Limpet and Katie have one big thing in common. Both of them like to be wrapped up in a warm blanket at least part of the day.

Mr. Limpet and I both like soft blankets. A lot of times he burrows in between the layers to make himself a den.

The Japanese Gardens

We decided to try to go to the Japanese Gardens again. Like last time, there was no parking close by, but Katie and I decided to take a hike from an available parking spot to the gardens. It was worth the walk.

Waiting

You always know when Gilbert and Wilson are waiting for Katie. They look like this...

We were hoping for Katie but found her mom instead.

The Chinese Gardens

Katie had wanted to visit the Japanese Gardens again. When we were unable to find parking, we changed plans and went to the Chinese Gardens. It was beautiful!

A Trip to the Vet

It was time for the cats to get their vaccines, so Katie tagged along to help carry them in and out.

This really makes me realize just how many pets we have!

The Parks

As always, our time in the parks was so much fun. We were there a short time, but we accomplished a lot.

Until next time, Disneyland!

A First Beignet

Disneyland, or even Downtown Disney, means treats. Katie decided to try her first beignet as her first treat this trip.

Our beignets were freshly made and very hot still. I liked it a lot, but it was hard to finish the whole thing.

A Fun Trip

Katie and I had a fun, short trip to Disneyland to celebrate its 70th anniversary. The day we got to town, we didn't have tickets to the parks, so we hung out in Downtown Disney.

This was one of the first things we passed that was out for the anniversary.

A Trip to the Zoo

We started our summer with a trip to the zoo. Our biggest goals were to see the baby elephant and to have fun.

When I was little, I loved finding this peanut-eating squirrel statue!

My mom loves the polar bears, but this was as close as we got to seeing one on this trip to the zoo.

We found the cute baby elephant!

You can't go to the zoo without a few souvenirs! 

Fresh Tomatoes

Katie and I love home-grown tomatoes in the summer time. We were so excited to see the tomatoes start to make an appearance.

Why are home-grown tomatoes so much sweeter?

Hello Summer!

It was a bittersweet day...the last day of 8th grade, the last day of middle school. 

I always hate to leave a school, but I'm excited to make some high school memories!

Cooking with a Friend

During the sleepover, Katie and Leena made chocolate chip cookies together. It was her first time making cookies without an adult. They did such a good job and even offered to clean up.

Our cookies were delicious!

A Sleepover

Katie loves to have sleepovers with her friends. It was a night full of laughter, cooking, and movies!

Leena is always fun to be around!

The Bus Ride

Friends always make a bus ride more fun!

I feel lucky to be surrounded with the friends I have!

Katie's "Gotcha Day" - 14th Anniversary

Time is going so fast! I can't believe it has been fourteen years since Katie was placed in my arms in front of the hotel elevator. Even though fourteen years have passed, I still have such clear memories of that day. It has been a good fourteen years!

Another Watercolor Piece

Katie decided to get creative on another late evening. I woke up to another watercolor picture. It amazes me because she hasn't used watercolors since she was around 7 years old. She has practiced her drawing and coloring skills, but not so much painting skills. When I use watercolors, my painting looks nothing like hers!

I decided to draw one of my favorite fruits.

Happy Easter, 2025!

Katie's Easter basket had some of her favorites this year!

I love Lindor milk chocolate bunnies,...

...small stuffed animals, and...

...Only Murders in the Building!