Merry Christmas 🎄 Dear Guillianna and Elijah - nana and poppy along with Great grandma Sally and great Grandma Sharyn Great Papa and all the rest of your family from moms side of the family are sending you wishes for love good health and happiness on Christmas and ALWAYS !    We are hopeful your joy and excitement were over the top and you both feel loved. we miss you so very much.    The last time you Poppy saw you was in the photo above.  The love you had in your hearts for him was pure and so genuine.    There are no words to say how much he misses you.    How much we both miss you - words could not begin to explain with any adequacy the heart felt loss that we share over not seeing our own daughter and her kids.   Now that guillianna has turned 13 and Elijah has turned 10 we meet the four year mark since you’ve been allowed to have a relationship with any of the people that were such a big part of your lives for 9 and 6 years.     Time will erase most of the memories.  …

Happy ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Birthday ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Guillianna❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️   We  miss you both so very much !  Here are just a few random memories for you to hold and keep close to your heart - the love letter for this your birthday - follows a series of photos from through the years …. Times you will not remember and some you may  - but they are all memories and images that we remember vividly -     Yes these are JUST A FEW OF SO SO MANY MEMORIES - Random photos from years ago - I have so many to choose from …. Thankfully ! THANKFUL THAT WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE LETTERS WRITTEN TO MOM- written  IN AN EFFORT TO HAVE HER SHARE IN EVERY STEP OF THE JOURNEY DURING YIUR STAY IN THE MITTEN - please keep them and read them all, and see the smallest of nuances to your early years through to the age of nine for you,  and six for your brother.    One day you’ll be an adult - one day these letters will offer you keys and insight to your past and will meld the actual memories you have with the reality of a joyful time…

vm.tiktok.com/ZMR73cQR1/ YOU’LL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS - This artist is singing the some from the Disney classic - but one day if he records it we hope you’ll listen - carefully  and let our love for you fill your hearts We will always love you and wish for you to be healthy and happy. We miss you and want you to know no matter where life takes you no matter how far the distance you are loved and you can,  and will light up this world. We are always in your heart Always and forever - to the moon and back XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪

[caption id="attachment_10539" align="alignnone" width="576" height="1024" alt=""] Happy Birthday Eli![/caption]   POPPY AND ELIJAH LOVED HAVING MATCHING  SHIRTS This is so hard for us to believe - but oh my goodness, you have gotten so much older since this picture was taken.    We hope you will have a fantastic birthday and that you will be celebrated ! Dear Elijah - We cannot believe that we still are not able to see you and that there has been no contact for so so long!   We wish every day for you your sister and parents to be healthy and happy! Please know we are wishing you a truly happy birthday.   There is not a single day that goes by where we are not wishing you and Guillianna great adventure and happiness.   We wish the same for your mom and no matter what has been said the reality is our daughter is loved and you two are so special and in the hearts of so many here in the Mitten State ! The years you spent here are truly amazing great memories.   The laughter the smiles are forever bound in the pages of this website and forever embedded in…

                                          Wishing you a VERY HAPPY and very special birthday !   (more…)

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Wanting so much for you both to know that no matter what challenges life brings - no matter how much heart break or sorrow has been in this life, there is a love that existed since inception or Nana and Poppy’s journey.    That love has been tested and tried -  it has been questioned and it twisted ... it has brought a man if true integrity to his knees.  All he ever wanted in this life was to be good, to be kind, to have a family and to help others.    Each day he and I pray you will always be the best people you can ,   Choose goodness and kindness and allow love in your hearts always.    We hope that you will know real love and truly know who all of the people in the Mitten state who have loved and supported you both and your family since the inception ...that brought your journey to fruition. This is your Poppy.     He has been the patriarch of our family and he has experienced so much in recent years that words couldn’t possibly begin to explain it.    But the one…

Photos of the two of you,  and memories of our time together of -  are FOREVER imprinted on our hearts forever.   HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELIJAH... WE LOVE YOU AND YOUR SISTER SO VERY MUCH MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW.... more than words can express! The time is passing by, and as you grow, you will likely forget so many of the memories made in the Mitten State.  However we will not ever forget and we will keep these treasured pictures, love letters and documents for you both to help you when your grown.  Until that day, we hope you will learn, grow, and always give your very best.   Be good for your parents and teachers, and always keep spreading your smiles, your kindness and follow your dreams, while remembering to stay humble, kind and grateful. [caption id="attachment_10539" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Happy Birthday Eli![/caption]   Dear Guillianna and Elijah: Here it is the day Elijah was born, and it is a great day to hold close to our hearts.  No amount of distance or time will ever change how we feel about our grandchildren.   Somehow, I believe to the depth of my soul you both know exactly how loved you are…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - While most all I wrote is not publicly visible I sent this love letter to make sure that in the midst of all the heartache in this world- all the things that are happening you need to know you’re loved to the moon and back! You are missed beyond any words I could ever write, and your memories of the people in the Mitten state, the love you felt, the friends the aunts uncles and cousins are all here loving you, missing you, and wishing for you and your family to be healthy and happy. We LOVE YOU two so very very much. No matter what happens in life no matter where your journey takes you - the truth in who we were to you two, who you were when you were here, and what was real will always live in our hearts in our memories and in the words And photos I have preserved for you. Love you to the moon and back , Always and forever XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy 🍪❤️

[caption id="attachment_8" align="aligncenter" width="500"] SLEEPING BEAUTY....[/caption] Dear Guge and Eli, Today is a very special day, it is the day I became a Nana and Poppy became a Poppy! [caption id="attachment_48" align="alignleft" width="141"] First Trip to Nana's[/caption] Today marks Guillianna's 11th birthday, and while we are so happy to know you are now 11, we are so very sad to not be able to speak to you.  To hear your laugh, or see that amazing smile we always knew.     This is the second birthday to pass since your parents decided to keep the family from seeing you.  Luckily she maintains a relationship with Arrianna, and you can at least see her on FaceTime.   I know all your Aunts and Uncles miss you as do your great grandparents.   The amount of love everyone has for both of you cannot be measured.   Elijah had gotten to receive his birthday gift in 2017, since Aunt Kiki brought it over, but he couldn't hear from us or get a gift this past birthday in 2019.  So he has missed one birthday and what will be two Christmas' if things do not change.   Two children who are loved so very much by so…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, Today is Sunday September 29, 2019, and yesterday from out of no where Poppy and I were out in the early evening and Poppy's phone rang.   It was a FaceTime call.   It came in to his phone as we were with Papa Alan and Great Grandma Sharyn.   IT WAS THE TWO FACES WE HAVE MISSED MORE THAN ANY WORDS COULD EVER SAY.   We did not see our daughter but she was holding the phone for you to see us.   How grateful we are to have finally seen the two of you.  Two faces, two little lives that have been absent from all of us in the Mitten for so so so so long. the pictures above show you're personalities.   The sunshine that radiates from inside you both when ever you are near.   I think guillianna took and labeled the selfie above and the photo of Eli shows the super hero he is,  at making others smile! Your Aunts and Uncles and all of your cousins, the ones that you knew before you moved, and the ones you have not yet gotten to know... all truly miss those faces.   Great Grandma Sally, teachers and friends…

  Dear Guillianna and Elijah - This is love ... no amount of time, no distance no matter how far -  will ever change the depth of the love we have for you both.   In life people have the ability to try to alter lives of others -  They will say what they will, do what they can, and often try to guide others - yet eventually truth and one's own dreams or memories lead them to find truth and live life on the terms that is theirs and theirs alone.   It's a fact of history - children will be educated and they've will grow and become individuals who have the free thinking ability to assimilate and develop their own  values, beliefs and principles- their own dreams.   When that day arrives it is our hope you will take all of your memories and the truth - that you'll find in your souls - that there will always be love, happiness and joy!   The reality is that  lives and cannot ever be contorted or manipulated in anyway ... not ever.    You have the poster to be mentally strong and prepared. To use all the tools we…

  Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Our time with you was a gift     A very special gift of time with two very loving and special kids who we do good and so happy - you need to know that we love you both and that we feel you to be a gift in our lives. We think of you with love and warmth, happiness and compassion for the dilemma you've been channeled into - a situation that was not in your control - that was never intended to be full of sorrow or the dysfunction that has evolved, a purely innocent and loving set of children subjected to an emotional pull no child should ever face .    our time with you a gift to us and all the family in the Mitten - to all your Aunts and Uncles to all your cousins, to all of the teachers and friends over 9 and 6 years - and to this day all of us send love and hope for your continued smiles and continued happiness.    The gift of family - of connection - the gift of love is and will always be yours to keep regardless of…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - We are thinking of you - missing you and wishing for you every happiness. We hope you will one day understand how much love everyone in the Mitten has for you both !      The adventure you’re on is not one we have been allowed to physically share with you for about a year we have not seen your faces heard your voices and have been treated as though we have done something to harm you.    It’s unimaginable what you could be thinking or have been told and even more terrifying is the emotional torment your hearts must have been feeling.  To know how much you loved being with us and the years you spent , to know you cannot show those emotions now or have been conditioned to have hate or distrust ...oh my, it is all of that- all of the above,  is the current  motivation for our love letters.   To make sure you’re aware that we will always love you - no one in the Mitten ever saw this coming , to ensure you  that you have wonderful childhood memories and that this entire situation is not your fault.…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - It was so sad that your parents didn’t make the trip in for great Grandma’s 90th birthday.  They did not call, did not text, did not RSVP, did not send a card.   This has been the same pattern for every holiday, every birthday, every single day.   The reality is you will not get the opportunity to share in your family, at any level, because determinations they make on your behalf.   As parents are priveleged to do, to protect their children, it seems they have themselves make clear that you will not love, you will not see, you will not have any family that they do not choose for you.   Yet without cause.   No justification, no rationale, no one deserved any of this, yet it seems that regardless of whether or not you deseved this, whether it was right or wrong to deny you the family love, the family connection, or if it made you happy, whether or not 'family matters', or if  having all of us to share in your lives had any value, the fact remains, if they don't ever want to acknowledge the value of us as parents and mom's grandparents, you certainly…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- The truth is , you’re innocent little lives deserve so much more than where you’ve been placed.   To love us is to defy, hurt and  be maligned with you’re mom and dad .  How sad is that ? The truth is - based upon choices that were not your own, you may not ever remember all the wonderful memories the  two of you had in the Mitten, with us, with family.  The reality is that we have seen in these past moths the distortion and misconceptions that will become your future opinions and will prevent you from ever having the continuity and stability you one had, you will hopefully have new memories and love with stability and  even if we the Mitten family and memories , even if all are forgotten -  or turned into evil for you to build your lives upon these pages and all the truths and facts will be yours to rest assured and know none of it was you doing anything wrong,  no one left your lives by choice, no one stopped caring , loving and hoping .... we all are at a loss for any sign of common courtesy, decency…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- It occurs to us,  that as the year mark  since you last FaceTimed Nana approaches, we are becoming all but a distant memory.     One that has been altered to fit the new agenda - we have been molded in your minds now as people who did bad thing - bad enough to warrant your removal from our lives and the lives of every single person you ever knew for the first 9 years of Guillianna’s life and the first 6 almost 7 years of Elijah’s life.       The truth is we loved you, and love you both,  more than words.   Always remember that ❤️   We still ❤️You so much.     The truth is we also  love our daughter, your mom,  but her mind has painted a picture that only she insists is ’real’.    Her father who loved and cared for her, her mother who loved and cared for her have come to realize how broken the heart of a little girl in Romania truly was.    She too experienced the loss of all she knew for 8 years time.   The person, her biological mom was the primary…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Great Grandma Sharyn’s birthday came and went without hearing from mommy, her grand-daughter.... so sad , and also  another birthday passed by in your home , one that we have been told - “no gift no contact” or we would “be taken to court for harassment” !?!   Family events, birthdays, connections had always been among your favorite things.    I read one of the letters I received from your mom a while ago, as I was preparing some documents - and it was clear that the intent is to make you hate... hate all you once knew and change what was once fact into fiction or have it be forgotten.   It is clear that in order for you to press forward to ‘earn’ the support and love every child desires from their parent you must hide all you ever remember.  You will be taught to hate and resent.    It’s also clear that the distancing, the name calling that is our burden will likely become you’re view, that your Nana and Poppy are “toxic, narcissistic” people.      It was our hope that your good memories would be sincere and deep rooted in…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- Last year on this day we thought surely your mom would have you call and tell Great Grandma Sharyn HAPPY BIRTHDAY - she did not. Great Grandma has always been kind and loving. She has supported your mom though out all her life.   She has only ever shown unconditional love and has never done anything mean or harmful to anyone.   Her greatest joy is when her children and their families are happy.     The truth is the truth and she is as good a person as anyone could ever hope to be.    Nicer than anyone we know and deserving of respect and kindness.   Today she has another birthday and we can hope our daughter will take a close look at how she has been supported by her family and especially great Grandma Sharyn and ask herself when it is enough.     It seems that even a criminal would be treated with greater kindness than the mental anguish and torture that has been brought upon so many in this family great grandparents.   Your grandparents , and mommy’s  grand parents have no value to some , but we do know the…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Wishing you a Happy St Patty’s day !   The Irish games at NDPMA will be in full swing and we had lots of fun memories of those didn’t we?     I bet you likely have report cards coming out soon or just out and I want you to know we are so proud of you both !   You have been at the new school for about a year now.    Less the summer break.    Yet I am sure you have so much to be proud of.    We love you both so much and we hope that you will always give your best effort in all you do.   There are things that can't always be measured in the letter grade, things that show in how you treat others, how hard you try, the attitude you have about learning and all of these combined are so important as you grow.     We are certain you are making yourselves proud as well as everyone around you proud !    All  of the people in the Mitten who have known and loved you all your lives til you were removed from all…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Hopefully you have had an excellent fourth and first grade year.  Crazy to think that it is coming to a close  pretty soon.  We are hopeful you have continued to love school and learned so many new things !   The end of a school years  makes me think of the letters Poppy and Nana would write to each of you at the end of each school year.  We gave them to mom , and  Mom was supposed to be saving them for you.    Hopefully that will be a promise kept.   The love letters for now will be sent via this site will one day eventually they will  get to you, and you’ll know the how proud we are of all you do.     The academic success and the personal victories you experience  not only in this year, but through the future will be many and our hearts are with you all along the way.   You  will learn that you’ll both be rewarded by your own efforts and  self worth. We may not be able to see, or are not “allowed” to know how amazing you two are doing in the…

 Dear Guillianna and Elijah- With each day that passes we hope you will one day know - we are so very sorry that you’ve not been given the opportunity to see us, or the rest of your family in the Mitten.   It is truly so sad that you have been denied something like family,  those you have always loved or possibly have been swayed to no longer care for anymore -  you’ve been not been given the opportunity to share in the lives of people you loved so much for all of your lives, not your Aunts and Uncles, cousins that you grew up around for your entire lives, not your great grandparents and your Nana and Poppy, the friends who have written you and tried to be pen pals or FaceTime friends  -   No matter what you have been told, or what  it may seem... we are all still loving you both, proud of you both, wishing happiness for you both and imagining and hoping  a wonderful adventure is before you.    That you’ll heal from the trauma of all this and that all of us can one day understand love doesn’t just slip away,  and that…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, We have given so much thought to the reality, the absolute fact, that when we last saw you there was so much love in your hearts, love for us, for everyone in the Mitten, there was so much happiness, laughter and fun every single day, and then as you left there was clearly so many tears, sobbing and so much desire to be in contact; however, now the claim is that you do not want to see your Nana and Poppy.   Verbatim, the reasons for this change in your feelings, we heard months after you left - , is that you were “lied to”, and you were made to "drink vinegar".  No child,  and I mean no child of ours, no grandchild, was ever made to "drink vinegar".   Yet, it is evident, that someone has taken minuscule pieces of half truths, and has manipulated  them in such a manner, that it is truly more than just sad , it’s viscous.   These contortions, are and have been leading to the premise, or an inference,  that your grandparents are vile people.   The accusatory nature is reminiscent of a pre teen behaviour once known , something peeveiousky…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Sending you lots of love today and always.   Hopeful that the weekend was full of laughter and fun.     We are thinking of you and we know youre likely in store for a busy school week ahead.   Make it amazing.   The more you learn the faster you’ll grow and before you know it - you will be teaching others all you’ve learned - and the best part is the whole world will get see you shine !    The love in our hearts will hopefully be felt and something you can always be a source of energy and we will always hope that little piece of happiness that no one can ever remove from your lives.       So stay focused on your reading and your math science and history. All the subject you are learning and blend it with all you learned in the Mitten - all of your life experiences will help you in the days and years to come.   We are so proud of you both.     Always know to ask your teachers for help any time you need it.  They will always look to make sure…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Always know the bravery and the courage within your hearts is amazing.    Your lives were always happy and full of love while in the Mitten.   Since you’ve been born we had always been there - loving you , holding you, helping you, and every single thing we ever did with you will NOT disappear.   You may think we are gone.    And that battle in your hearts/minds is very real because of the love you have for everyone, andcthe love we all have got you.   It is real and nothing can change it.    But... we want you to know there  no need to feel torn.    Our love will not leave.    Your travels to new adventures will take you both to lots of places and you’ll experience so many new things -  these pages are not a negative reflection of your past, not in anyway is there anything negative upon anything you are - they are all evidence of the happiness that is your early childhood.  They won’t deter you or impact you negatively from any jobs in your future, they are not  be a poor reflection as you…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- Are you getting your Leprechaun traps set or planned out?   Hard to believe it’s going to be spring soon and we still haven’t been able to speak with,  or see you two, absolutely devastating and so traumatic to you both both.    If you’ve been swayed to dislike or have been brainwashed  into the idea that life was bad in the Mitten the saddest part of your new potential ‘dislike’ for your Nana and Poppy - well, that would be 180 degrees from where you two were the day you left ?   To take on the mental anguish that would have to occur for such a drastic change is unimaginable and we are so sad if that is what has happened.    Or  if you are hiding your feelings and compensating for, bury the sorrow of missing us and your lives in he Mitten, all for acceptance ... no matter how we try to imagine what has happened here , how you went from so much love for us to either never wanting to see or speak to us ?  Or wondering why we were here for grandparents day or having no answers to so…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - The days continue to pass and the intent is clear, the disconnect has continued and the personal feelings and adult decisions continue to impact the innocent little children and many other innocent adults of this family.  Today, as we do everyday, thoughts of love, and fun stream to mind and tears continue to stream on the face as they represent what the heart and mind cannot hold inside.   Sadness for our children as we look at the value of family which is complexity lost upon some,  others who have love for family and are hurt by those who don’t- and the cousins who deserved to know aunts and uncles , who deserved to continue a bond with each other.  The loss and number of people impacted by the decisions adults made - the fallout felt by everyone else when one lives with a mindset  “to cut people out of lives like paper snowflakes” is so enormous- that it makes it hard for anyone to comprehend. Yet it is true.    What can one do, knowing that innocent people are hurting because of untruths or misguided representations?   Despite it all- We can believe.    …

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- I can’t t imagine anyone ever saying this is my  “sob story” - when in actuality it’s your life story from birth to ages 7 and 9 years of age!    Oh my - such a wonderful  and happy time it truly was for all of us!    These memories are not sad - if there is any impression  of a “sob story” the reality is that the observance may be by those it label these images these words these memories as such would be their own self introspection.   Maybe the idea that mom and dad could not share those memories because of work demands is their own sorrow and maybe after all these years - after missing so much time , it has caught up and the action was to force detachment and gain the attachment they wanted and missed.    That is possible and we may never know why or what triggered this, but a “sob story” it will not ever be!    The story of your lives is a wonderfully happy and love filled journey to be told it was anything else or manipulated to believe you were victims in any way…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - With Spring approaching there are so many birthdays coming - aside from the one in your household there is Great Grandma’s Sharyn now in her 80’s and great Grandma Sally entering her 90th year - last year neither of you were able to call or send wishes - we hope that now you’ll be given that opportunity for these people have been so good to both of you and you spent all your lives growing up around them -  we sent an invitation and we will hope they will see this invite and reach out to say let’s talk - let’s see how we can make this situation better.... for these matriarchal people have so much love for you both and have given so much of themselves , shared so much , taught so much, through the years - they  have value beyond measure  -and are the people who gave Poppy and I our opportunity to live life - if not for them, you and your brother would not have been here .    Family does have value and does matter - each day that passes where you have been disconnected from all you had…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - When Poppy asked to come visit, we want to very much to see you two,  he left it with your mom to let us know when you have any time and he would make a plan to visit all they need do was say when it was convenient for them.    We hope and wait - thinking the time spent together since leaving the Mitten would result in eventual understanding and seeing of truth- that this enlightened version of what truly was, would change the situation.    And please know as always has been the case,  The invitation to visit the Mitten is always open - Never give up hope - and always know our dreams are to see you again, we cannot wait to hear about your new adventures, and all that you are learning !   We imagine that as the school year is coming to its last months you’re bigger and looking forward spring break and to summer vacation.    We have every hope you’ll spend it doing all kinds of fun  things !  Our hearts wish you to be happy, grow happy healthy and always know all of the people you’ve…

 Dear Guillianna and Elijah- Please remember this last photo - it’s the night we went to dinner.   We took you both and mom to the Royal Park, and it is the last time you saw us .     You were told you’d be back to the Mitten in a few weeks.    You’re belongings were all left behind.   To some they were worthless.   All new belongings were purchased  and  anything you were attached to or loved ( less one small box of things) were left behind.    A basement full of toys and all your clothes and favorite “nana loves me” jammies.      To detach you.  And present you with all new lovely things and let you reconnect in your new environment.    To  help you learn “how to cut people out of your lives like a kindergartener cute out paper snowflakes”. I am so sorry you have missed out on time with this man .  He is pure good , pure in heart and in action.    And he has only ever loved you both.    We both love you to the moon and back - we will not ever be able to understand…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- This says it all.    We do love you - so much and hope you are having a wonderful week. Every day we hope you will be strong and never forget all the good memories you’ve always had even if you’re being conditioned to do so -    The saddest  part about the position that has been taken by mom and dad to date - is what it or this does has done and will do - to you both.   Being that they cannot see what loss  of people and trust in those they loved did to them , and how they are affected by the childhood experience .     All that is visible to them currently gis that they t they don’t think it matters now.     That inability to see clearly the emotional hardship the past  created - the lack of understanding could have a  very negative effect on so many others.     They have nieces and nephews.  They have family in the Mitten and they have abandoned all of it.    Under a false pretense.     Time is something we never can get back.   And the lesson…

 Dear Beanie & BoBo- aka Guillianna and Elijah -😉❤️ So much time has passed by and we find ourselves thinking about all the good times we spent.    Hoping that you are happy and having many more wonderful adventures.    I am sorry that mom has chosen to abandon her family.   She has had a great deal of pressure to support all that transpired since they returned from Korea and through the years - we hope that one day she will see what exactly parenting truly involves, and that she  finds  her dad, your grandfather and myself are worthy of her acceptance and then shows that she values us as important individuals in both of your lives.   He always was in your years with us and in her childhood, and still  is a wonderful person.    Soon great Grandma is to have her 90th birthday.      She wanted to have a birthday party and we have invited all of our children and their children to attend.     If mom and dad didn’t wish to attend,  it is our hope they would be able to see that the two of you should have that opportunity.  Where there…

  Dear Guillianna and Elijah- We are missing you both so very much -  we cannot imagine what must have been said to you both, or rather when we try to envision how two innocent kids went from needing hugs and kisses all the time,  living with us day in and day out, - to our disappearance from your lives? It’s simply the saddest emotion imaginable.    For your innocence and your heart break has been caught up in the disdain or objectives of your parents , not a result of your years in the Mitten.    The possible effects of such emotional duress is what drives the continued written love and support.   These pages have been compiled for you when you grow older and hopefully when the smiles and memories are seen we can only hope it will allow you to feel a sense of love and true devotion we have always had and will always have,  to your happiness as childrenand future adults.   We hope  that you will know the love  have otherwise been denied in these past months and seemingly into the future.   Poppy is the eternal optimist and is hopeful one day soon…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - This is a photo moon taken from my moving car last night so it’s kind of blurry - but it was so bright  -  we hope when you look out and see the moon at night you remember that we love you to the moon and back ,  or each day when the sun comes up -  even if behind clouds you’ll know you are our sunshine you make us happy  - no matter the day or show far away - thoughts of you can warm the coldest day, and bring sunshine to the soul in the greatest of storms !   We love you - today tomorrow and always - from here to the moon and back  forever and for always, XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- It’s likely you have a mini school break and a possible four day weekend on board - so we are hopeful it will be full of fun and memories made.     We will always hope to hear from you two and mom - but until that day comes - know this... we may not have seen each other for months, and no matter what you’ve been taught to think, what you feel may be the cause, it is not your fault, we love you both, we always will.  We want mom to be happy and her children to be safe, happy and know how much they are loved.    Grandparents have all kinds of different roles in life, but one thing is for sure these two grandparents are proud of your courage, your strength, and we hope you will always be able to remember the years you spent with us - even when we are old and cannot remember - let these pages be a source of comfort and happiness.    Love you both to the moon and back you will forever hold our heart! - forever and for always .... XOXOXOXOXOXO forver and for…

  Dear Guillianna and Elijah - These photos and letters tell a story.   Not a “sob story” .  Not  a fiction tale, but a love story.   The story of us, our lives have been a journey.   It’s a story of how Nana and Poppy love you and have every hope and dream that you will both be healthy and happy, yesterday, today and for all of your tomorrows.     Your Nana and Poppy started our lives together with hope and a truly special love that has brought us and others so much,   It has brought good, wonderful happiness and joy  - yes there has been - so much sorrow and unhappiness too.    Life is full of so many things , during your time In the Mitten you both learned to crawl, to walk, to talk, to play, color, write, read .... and you learned so much about how love felt and somewhere inside if it isn’t manipulated or brainwashed away, you both know who we as your grandparents are, what we meant to you and how you felt when with us.    There is much you will forget about us if it is continued to…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah... Every holiday that approaches or passes - thus far Christmas and now Valentine’s Day ,  it is beyond  words and beyond sad to us both that we have been forbidden to send you cards or gifts to let you see or hear from us ... and it is so disheartening to not know how to convey our love.   We don’t know if you wonder what happened? Why we would ever stop?  If you believe anything untrue? If you think we have forgotten you.    We personally feel that by following the demand to not send cards and gifts we have played into the hands Of a very sad plan.  If anyone was looking to vilify us, to say we didn’t care or create a new bond by deprivation of another - it is beyond words and impossible for us to comprehend, let alone to expect a child to.   SO  despite how confusing this all is, despite how sorrowful it is, all we can do is write this journal.   For today - We will simply wish you both a  HAPPY VALENTINES DAY - never once have we forgotten, never would we ever forget a…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah We are wishing and hoping you will always remember ❤️ the love and be able to have peace.    We know it’s likely that as small children you will adopt the discord towards us  that exists in your home.   We understand this and simply leave you these photos today because we want you to know you were happy, that you loved life, that you were  and are still loved by mom, dad, Nana, Poppy and all your cousins, Aunts, Uncles and Greatgrandparents so very much!    That everyone in the Mitten only wishes you happiness!  The love is important to remember.   The tomorrows will bring questions and the answers can be seen in your hearts, your memories and as they fade in the photos through these many years in the Mitten.    All our love to the moon and back - forever and for always XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Always a good idea to hug longer -  love stronger ... we are wishing you both lots of hugs and love.   Today I was preparing cards to send for Valentine’s Day and my heart broke yet again.    Knowing that a card is not welcome in your mailbox right now,  I could not help but remember lunch love and cards of the past promises to you both that we would always be there for you and thinking how you must be wondering where we went.    We are unsure what has been said or how we went from two children who loved Nana and Poppy so deeply,  to not hearing from you - and no matter how many different ways we envision this - it always comes back with images of your hearts being broken -   To know you cannot show the love for your family, people you’ve known and been with all your lives, or to imagine you left to wonder why no one was able to protect you from this sense of loss?  Why nana and Poppy didn’t call or didn’t see you ?   No matter which possible scenario you…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - it is not possible to do justice in photos to the many wonderful memories you’ve had in the Mitten - like these , it shows Elijah having a friend over on a play date or Guillianna at dance, playing with doll houses or with friends at school.   These images cannot begin to touch the laughter and joy that was experienced with Nana and Poppy in the Mitten.     We hope that when you see them it makes you happy to know the reality of Mitten life as happy as it makes us to have had the opportunity to be such a big part of your lives.     We hope you know that we love you to the moon and back - forever and for always XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Thinking of you both as always - with another weekend coming to a close.   Uncle David is still not doing well - we all continue hope every day for a change in the direction of his health.   He has to have more surgery.     We are wishing for him to have success so that he can go to his son ( Steven’s)  wedding .   I want to tell you that Great Grandma Sally will be turning 90 in April.    I know that it’s wishful thinking but I will not stop wishing and hoping that your mom and dad think about how nice it would be for all of you to come into town for her birthday  party.     I am not sure of the exact details but think it will be the weekend of April 13/14!   We can always hope right?      Wishing you a good evening and hoping for a great week ahead , we love you both to the moon and back forever and for always XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪    

 Dear Guillianna and Elijah  The weekend always was fun time in the Mitten do we hope that is still the case.   Activities to keep you busy and happy, and a lot of laughter too .    Maybe you’re baking a bit these days !   Hoping you always choose to be happy and choose love ❤️ over negativity.    You’re so very loved and one day likely when you’re grown- all that you remember of tuck always in your heart  will be uncovered released  and warm your souls! Things in the Mitten are cold then warm then cold then warm.   Not our usual winter for sure.   We are missing you and hope you had a good week.   Sending you love from here to the moon and back forever and for always ❤️Nana and Poppy ❤️🍪

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - I hope that when you’re grown that you’ll never have to ask yourselves “what if?”        To imagine our own children asking themselves  “what if ? I had just listened,   What if I just trusted? , what if I didn’t cut out my grandparents and parents and siblings, nieces and nephews from my life like paper snowflakes? , what if my parents have loved me all along the very same way I love my children? , what if it was I who simply could not allow myself to trust?”    I wonder if Aunt Alyx would be here today if she could have asked “ what if I listen to my mom and dad and stay away from drugs ?”  “What if I trust the people who love me?”   What if everything Nana and Poppy have ever done with and for me,  And my kids, Guillianna and Elijah,  was pure love and yet  the past didn’t allow it to be seen?      What if Nana and Poppy should not have been removed from your lives ?       All of these “WHAT IF “  questions are not in this…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- Hope you will one day know how loved you are by so many people -  we hope you are working hard at learning, building the very best possible lives for yourselves and always know that we are so sad for the fact that grown up problems  have so severely affected the two of you.    The most important thing we can try to accomplish is to spare you both from ever thinking it is your fault, that it is abnormal to love your grand parents, that anyone should ever have to choose between love and approval from parents and their grandparents.     Grandparents are meant to help you as you grow, to allow you to feel happy and safe when in our care,  and for you to ever imagine anything less than that,  while living in the Mitten,  is more than just unfair, it would be hurtful to you and your future happiness.  So today we will say again - we love you, we hope you are working hard at making your tomorrows bright and that you are treating others the way you would always hope to be treated.    I hope our daughter can…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Today would have been Aunt Alyx’s 31rst birthday ...   and it is exceptionally hard to be uplifting in writing about such sadness, especially when Nana and Poppy can’t see Aunt Alyx- and equally sad when people we love who are living yet choose not to see us.    The words I write in my letters are to keep looking for what is good and what I am grateful for. To remind myself and you both to keep the chin up, look at the positive and the good that all of us have in our lives and while we can be sad for the choices others make we can hold on to the good memories. It’s true Alyx had many emotional issues.   The doctors tried to help her but she often didn’t listen.    After being left in an orphanage she felt abandoned by her Romanian family.  She then came to the United States of America and began a new life.   The emotional scars of young children can carry so much unforgiving weight and some of our children have had real difficulty handling the adult reactive challenges they faced when grown. The fears, the…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - From here to the moon and back was more than a favorite- it was played so many times you used to put it on repeat and it would go for hours, you’d sing it and act out the tipping of your hat and tell us how you loved us!   This song plays on in our heads and hearts repeatedly.   We hope you will always know our love is forever - every day we hope that we will get  to see you - to talk to you both - and that mom will see the truth about how loved you both are by everyone and that everyone in the Mitten has only ever loved and given you great happiness.  Learn that families are to be valued and all of those who have always loved her are worth more than words could ever say.    For now - and until you’re able to find a way through all of the confusion,  we will write.  We leave you these memories  and hope for you to have great smiles one day that can be  freely shown and shared with mom and dad and all of the rest…

https://youtu.be/RyLbz6OcQPk https://youtu.be/DKr6d7bucrc https://youtu.be/oX8w5l-nEms https://youtu.be/z01KJguyp7o https://youtu.be/Z3xDNdNnK-A Dear Guillianna and Elijah- The videos speak for themselves, so much love, so much silliness and fun for so many years -  simply adorable ! We love you both to the moon and back, forever and for always XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪    

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- Some of todays pics are from a long time ago and bring back lots of fun memories! It is your Aunt Allyssa’s birthday today and it is Super Bowl Sunday - Lots of fun and family today.  We saw great Grandma in the morning where we snap chatted this little pic, and some of our kids in the evening !  The cousins are getting so big - and Aunt Allyssa seemed like she had a nice birthday.    You were all missed, very much!  It’s always been fun to celebrate with family, and we never gather without thinking how much we all wish you were here l, celebrating with us ! Sure do miss baking with you two - haven’t baked much since you left and didn’t bake this cake either .... just added some caramel and “honey chocolate” to it .... which is what you always called chocolate covered caramel !       Move you both so very much , to the moon and back - forever and for always .... XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪    

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - These smiles - just a few images of thousands and thousands of memories and smiles that will ALWAYS speak for themselves !  We love you - to the moon and back - keep being amazing - be kind , love family and work hard at all you want in life, you’re always in our hearts and on our mind, forever and for always- XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- To believe in love, hope ... kindness, good things, it is all we have ever done.   It’s what we do everyday.    It isn’t easy to do when your in the middle of something so difficult there aren’t words for it, but we still try as we hope you will always do as you grow.   We have to believe in what we know, who we are, and no matter how hard it is to have hope, believe in good, love,  and better days, we  do it.   We take each day and battle all the things that try to dim the idea of love, kindness and helping, the things that live inside of us.  Kindness does win, because when you try to give of self, when you try to do right, it may not always feel like you’ve succeeded, and not everyone will see your effort,  and you may fail,  your love may even feel as though it it was in vain, for there will be those who don’t want you, but YOU will always know that as imperfect as every single person can be, if you try your very best, that is what…

 Dear Guillianna and Elijah - What may be worthless to some,  is more than just okay, and very valuable to others, to you, to us, to all those you’ve touched during your many years in the Mitten - hold on to the many memories, the love and happiness in your hearts ♥️ and know you’re always loved to the moon and back - forever and for always- XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - We hope you’re having a great week - right around now is when you two used to have a special week at school.    Irish week or other names for it can be taking place nationwide- so maybe you’re in the middle of some fun times! Crazy hair day was always a blast, as well as the Irish week games! No matter if it is or isn’t a special school week of different or varied activities,  we are thinking of you and woud gladly come and cheer you on, or hear all about it.     Until we do we will hold onto memories and laughter  and keep telling you how we love you to the moon and back, forever and for ALWAYS, XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy ❤️🍪

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - some more memories for you to think of when you think of the Mitten and your Nana and Poppy !

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- Here are a few more memories for you both!  The words for what we feel when we see your smiles cannot do justice to the reality of your happiness while living and visiting  in the Mitten.   The way you’ve been missed is sincere and the truth is - never would we miss sending love to you,  not ever miss sending wishes on our daughters birthday, your birthdays ,  or Christmas- not ever!  Yet that is what we have been asked to do.       The heartbreak it must be for you two is so sad and we wish that there was reconsideration in all of this.   A ways for older people to see that you are worthy of being loved by so many others , loving your grandparents , great grandparents, aunts , uncles and cousins... so worthy of having a healthy life with all of these things as well as loving parents and new beginnings... they can and should go hand in hand after nine years of letting you bond and attach, it would only seem fair to allow you to have pen pal friends, and active grandparents  and other relatives in…

  Dear Guillianna and Elijah- In our photos and videos we have a series of videos that were sent to your mom and dad over the years- always keeping them close to heart, sharing with them special moments every day moments birthday and holiday wishes, activities you participated in so very many memories.   The importance of keeping children close with those they love was something we took very seriously, believed in and were so dedicated to doing for so many years.  It was completely worthless to some it seems but to us, it is just another piece of this puzzle that supports the truth and dedication of parents to their child for us and show the love and dedication of two children to their parents.   You can always be proud of your time in the Mitten, the love you have in your hearts for your Nana and Poppy and all the relatives who have always loved and supported you both for all of your lives.   Our love is sent to you both,  today and always,  as you begin another new week and surely you’ll have so many things planned.   We are hoping for a perfect Sunday,…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- Today is Saturday and we are sending happy birthday wishes because someone we love is having a birthday this weekend. [caption id="attachment_9616" align="alignnone" width="768"] Always remember the fun![/caption] We are hopeful when you’ve found these letters that you will enjoy seeing the smiles and they will  assist you sparking good and positive memories .     I do hope you will find a way to cope with knowing how to handle the loyalty to your parents and still having love  and care for your grandparents.  It may be when you’re much older, and you may need to ask for the help of  a skilled counselor or professional who can help you not have any guilt for the good you remember.  For loving people your parents dislike-    Help you cope with possibly being torn in half and being so innocent in all that has happened.   We want for you to know that there is no way we would ever wish you unhappiness. You will see how strong you both are, how loved you both are and you will understand  We love you both to the moon and back - forever and for always, XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah The weekend is almost here and it should be a special one since there will be a very special birthday to celebrate!    We know how special you two make the day every day but we remember so many birthdays with you both and I am sue you will have a great weekend celebrating another one!       Surely the best present will simply be to have you all together for this special day.   I am careful to not write much detail or in anyway make angry our daughter, as I have been threatened with being taken to court.  Taken to court for writing these love letters?   I know it’s crazy to think that anyone would ever want to stop these letters and photos, take their own parents to court.  They hold so much joy and happiness yet the truth behind them seems to threaten any untruths that may have been told.    There is no negativity intended.   They are the only way two people who love you can communicate.   To send you love and ensure that you never feel abandoned by two people who have been with you since birth,…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- be strong in all you do, know you are loved by so many in all you do, think of happiness and the love that has always been yours in all that you do and take the love and pass it along. Make the dreams in your hearts become reality and know we will always love you both - day in and day out.  The value the honor we taught you to have for the work of your parents , the pride, we always have had in being of service- and the smiles it brought to you as you learned these lessons ! Always know - we love you both to the moon and back, forever and for always, XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪

  Dear Guillianna and Elijah- How many ways can a Nana and Poppy say they love you ?    How many different words can we send to make you feel our love and our wishes for happiness?     The hope that you are loving new adventures is sincere.   The hope that you’re all doing well and adjusting is constant.     Things in the Mitten have been icy and cold in terms of weather and all your family here is doing well. Uncle David continues to work hard every day to fight his own medical battle and he is a true warrior.    All of your great grandparents are doing well and surely send love and kisses.    Poppy and I keep as busy as can be and have settled in to our home a bit more, admittedly it has been very difficult.    This past year has brought us so much change for us as well .    The time both of us spend sending these love letters is important to us both and it is so full of happy memories that it brings our love and gratitude to the forefront each day or when ever we…

  Dear Guillianna and Elijah- This is a memory from my “on this date”.    Cheerleading was your moms idea.  She loved it as a girl and then you loved it too.    They did not however love the traveling aspect and level of competition you were involved in and decided to change you into other activities. One of many changes in your world that happened overnight.    All changes leading to good things and happiness,  we are hopeful.    Yet since these photos came along - in my photo stream and we looked at them and said look at that smile ... look at the pure joy ... there is no way we will ever believe you were unhappy and nothing will change that you were literally begging to call Poppy last time I spoke to you on FaceTime.  You were promised that you could the next day.   Never happened.    There is something so very wrong and yet the dilemma is, how does a small child chose - knowing it would sadden their parent or parents  whom they love deeply,  parents whom have shown or proven to  them they are all powerful, will change every aspect of…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Today is Monday and it is Martin Luther King Day- whom I am certain you are learning about at school.   I  also think you may have today off school.   As your long weekend comes to an end and you prepare for a new week this love letter as are all the others is to send you a message of more love.     This holiday is supposed to remind us of the importance of  treating others with kindness, respect.  To value human life.   To live in a world where all humans are treated with equality and diversity is not only acceptable but welcomed.     We hope that one day soon your able to see us again, that the feelings of kindness prevail and a bridge can be formed to see that everyone loves both of you,  no matter where or how the love originated no matter if we are grandparents, or “just babysitters” or “dispensable” to your parents, no matter what issues have clouded the vision of dreams and  have precluded the potential that exists for love to win; we hope you will always know that when you allow the heart…

 Dear Guillianna and Elijah- We are almost to the end of January 2019 already ?   Time sure does have a way of moving forward.    Despite anything that happens time does keep going forward.   But long ago - will not ever mean forgotten.    Not for us.    The thousands of photographs we have of you two from birth thru all your lives up until last December are so precious to us.  They are the proof of truth and the reality of what happiness look like!   Where you spent your early years and how happy you were will always be an important part of who you are.    The love and support you have known are not a guarantee for future success and happiness but the memories are without doubt pieces of happiness that belong to you, to all you’ve touched in the years in the Mitten,  in an otherwise crazy world.    Moments that if kept special and pure in your mind can grow and blossom into all kinds of good and wonder.  These snapshots or glimpse of the past can translate Into positivity, joy, understanding,  and all kinds of other gifts for you both  a…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - The weekend is here and we are hoping it’s a nice long one for you since Monday is MLK Day-  and maybe your able to have some extra time with family. These are the times where there is extra time from school and visits could have been planned.    We would have - will, and always hope that we can travel to see you, or to take you for a weekend excursion or simply dinner or lunch, watch you on an extra curricular activity- simply be grandparents - we wish daily for something to happen that allows for that change.    One day, what ever you’ve been told or feel you have to believe, will be cleared up and the images upon these posts will speak volumes  to you both.    For now they speak to us !   They fill us with loving memories, and the warmth of your laughter and happiness!     We love you both Guillianna and Elijah - to the moon and back , forever and for always XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪  

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- Today is Friday and as you likely remember it is the day Sebastian comes to play ! He is now 2, he finds sneezing so funny - so much so that he fake sneezes to see what you will say, and looks for you to say “bless you “.  Super cute.    You would love to see him do this and how big he and Cole have grown.    Babies especially,  seem to grow so much and so fast the first few years of life.     The two of you have likely grown so much since you left too.     We truly can’t wait for the day we get to see you again.   We had hoped you’d be able to visit soon- and cannot give up hope that we will.     We simply take each day - one at a time and hope for the phone to ring or a photo to be sent.  Sending us a picture after the thousands of photos and videos we used to send regularly to your parents would be so simple and kind, yet nothing .    That in and of itself says a lot of…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - There is some snow headed to the Mitten  which makes for thinking of warm sunny places !    And as memories of summers or trips to places where palm trees grow are seen in the photos of you both -  it warms a cold day.   Just like seeing images of happier days warms the heart.     We are always wishing for you both -  happiness .   The same wish we share for every grandchild, every child and for our parents. In everyone’s lives there are good days and there are days where things can be seemingly more difficult than the years should be .... when things seem hard or challenging, when change seems out of reach - we look to get thru one moment at a time, another day at a time, and we focus on the good.   We hope you will one day have all these good and happy memories and so many more new memories that you’re making, to help you on your journey through life.    To be loved, to feel loved, to share love and know happiness!   This  is and always will be our wish for…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- We have made it to the middle of another week!   You may be preparing for vocabulary tests or practicing spelling words. Maybe you are learning all about history and science, or  you may be having new experiences in art class and learning so many new things.  As a general rule growing up is all about asking questions and learning ....   The one question you may have, that seems to have no answer is “why?”    Why did this happen?  Why can’t we call, see or love Nana and Poppy without making anyone else sad?   Why did Nana and Poppy let this happen? Why didn’t anyone stop it ?    Why doesn’t mommy want to love her parents?  Why is it our memories and love for Nana and Poppy are good but we no longer see them?   Forever people have wondered  Why all of the bad things in the world even happen at all?    There are so times in life we ask why?      And you could ask 10 different people about any one of those “why” questions and potentially get 10 different responses to each question.     All we…

  https://youtu.be/RyLbz6OcQPk   Dear Guillianna and Elijah- For as long as we can remember both of you have been an example of kindness, love and brought so much happiness to everyone around you.   We hope you continue to be the same in your day to day lives.    We know that things happen in life that can change you.   Especially in situations where you could feel helpless or frightened .   We know that growing up is a hard job, and so is being a parent.    They say the best job is being a grandparent.   Poppy and I definitely 😍 love it.    We love you both to the moon and back !   Things in the Mitten are ok, as you saw in our letter from the other day Elena turned 5!   Uncle David is out of the hospital and back home !  It is his birthday today !   Your mom will have a birthday soon- and we hope you make it extra special for her.   Despite what it may seem to you as small  children in the current situation Nana and Poppy are sending birthday wishes to our daughter and hoping that…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- Some photos to show a few more moments in time that bring smiles to our faces !   The hope is one day they will do the same for you both ! Bursts- of happiness like fireworks on the Fourth of July! The days are cold here in the Mitten but the heart is warm when looking at so many images of the two of you, our other grandchildren, and our kids, as we sit and write you,  we see things as they were - not as they seemly have been imagined to be by others - The smiles, the laughter cannot be erased and while time may fade your memories of us, the truth is - you came to the Mitten so small and left at ages 9 and 6.    There are a plethora of memories that are real, the shaping of the caring souls, all of the love and snuggles, the games, and playtime, the family, the friends, as well as the early years of education- all of this and more  will always be a part of you. These memories go back the beginning of your lives and will stay with us to…

 Dear Guillianna and Elijah  There could not be more true words than those above!     Poppy and Nana are always in your heart and we love you both so very much.  It is so important that you remember this - through out all of your life you will face so many different challenges, varied changes, and amazing outcomes from all the efforts you put forth towards your dreams. The courage you have inside, the happiness that lived inside of you for all your lives in the Mitten will be a strong force for your entire lives.    The love of family to both of you as well as the ardent love you both have always shown is  and will not ever forgotten by anyone here.    May it always be a driving force in your hearts to bring you to the place that is “home” and allows you comfort no matter where life leads you two!     You’ll return to school on Monday and the weekend has passed without any connection for your cousin's birthday, yet we certainly will make a wish as they blow out a candle,  at our end.  We will wish, as we do every day,…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- Today is Elena’s 5th birthday!   She was so sick last week I was worried she may be sock for her birthday ... but look at her so happy and fully recovered!    Her birthday was at The trampoline park and she seemed to have had a good day !    Holidays and birthdays without you two are so difficult but please know that you’re always with us in memories and through the love we have for you both. Crazy how time flies by - 5 years since you got to meet your little cousin and of the five years you shared in four of her life !   Wishing Elena a very happy birthday and may she get to see you both soon .   She is so grown up ! I know that she misses you both!  As do we all... but remember this ,  our love for you will not fade with time, it is the kind of love that travels to the moon and back,  it is the kind of love that lasts forever and for always, XOXOXOXOXOXO  ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- Another day has come and gone but not without many good and wonderful memories of you both.    It’s the weekend and hopefully the two of you have lots of family fun time ahead in the coming days.   We will likely see family over the weekend  here in the Mitten.   That is always special !  We are continually wishing and hoping that you have great happiness and that you will feel our love through out each and every day, and the peace and knowledge that we will always love you both to the moon and back, forever and for always XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪  

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - So yesterday I reassembled most of the fairy garden given to Guillianna by Coach Becky and Mr Brian.  It’s  been something I didn’t do for quite a while,  since we moved.      It occurred to me that even though it was so sad that wasn’t taken with you when you left, it had so so many fun memories.  I simply felt I should reassemble it and hope one day in a perfect world you can see the image that may help you to remember Thinkerbell, Jasmine, Musilina, Beanie, and all the rest of them.  To think of mini marshmallows and the magical happiness.         I have been accused of lying to Guillianna, and making you both “dependent” upon  DreamStarters.   I believe in childhood dreams and fantasies, in reading and building stories to help little ones sleep.  Or bring excitement to the morning stories that would unfold when we would expound upon DreamStarters.   All fun things and joyful memories!  I only wish there were a way for me to understand  or to believe that any of what  happened, how you lived, and your experiences while   living  in the Mitten…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, Field trips and birthday parties, and fun times !   I hope and am certain you will  have new friends and new adventures-  yet it will be fun one day for you to look back and remember so many Mitten adventures.    The photo above is when Elijah went to a birthday party for Annalise.    Guge was not invited to this one so there is not a photo of her on a horse but instead she went to an ice skating party for a friend, Kate, that Elijah was not at.   Or an organized trip to a pretzel factory where one child is invited  and the other is not- We have heard about how we didn’t let Eli ice skate but we’re  never asked why, nor did we hear how we didn’t let Guilliana ride,  and ironically all to build an impression to small kids that we were unfair!   Hopefully now as active full time parents  more is now understood about  how when invited to birthday parties it can be difficult to always have the sibling attend too, (especially when siblings are not included), rather than to tell innocent children and build a…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- This is a “selfie” sent to me from you two one day long ago ,  looks like the two of you are doing some  “sha guge eli agins” -   Fun times for sure ! The school week is underway and the first full week after s holiday break is always a little hard in that you have to get back into the routine of school, the holidays are over and the lessons at school begin , however there IS something GREAT to look forward to.  VALENTINES DAY !     Making Valentines for classmates, the memories of Valentine’s Day passed- it is after all the day of ❤️LOVE ❤️ That is something everyone has in common when it comes to the two of you.     Love!    Last year for Valentines  day  Nana and Poppy were just beginning to see what would be ahead.    A year ago today Youd only been gone a few days and we had thought you would be back for a post operative check in a few weeks.     After all  that was what we were told when we asked why everything was being left behind- we were told all…

  Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Yes so this photo popped up in my memories from a few years ago - and you may not remember but Elijah fell in love with this one song in Arizona long ago - it  ironically caused him some grief at school once fit to the wording but oh my how you both love music and how much fun we had taking turns picking songs on the way to school every morning.  So many good memories for sure.    Morning sillies were the best !      Music,  dancing and singing !   From the minute you woke up- we would start with the “Good morning song that Eli would finish off and well there was no stopping the little singer and dancer in Guillianna too! We can remember The two of you putting on shows for us and when all the cousins or friends came over the productions that would be created !    Rylee’s mom has videos she shared of some of the playdate productions too that are just so adorable.   Again these uploads can be kept for viewing on a private page since for Nana the technology skill set is…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Wishing you forever smiles like these.  The journal of our memories is so much more than just a way for you remember the Mitten and all of your family and friends. We hope every single day to meet with you again, to talk or FaceTime!  It’s hrd to believe the second half of fourth and first grades  have begun and in a few short months you will have the entire summer ahead of you to do all kinds of fun things! We wonder have you begun band or music ?   Is there new activities or continued with old loves like  dance, gymnastics, karate,  or cheer?    It’s highly likely you had to change all of those activities but we are sure mom and dad found new ones they wanted for you and we know how they love you and want you to grow happy and healthy.    We simply wish for you to know we think about all these wonderful new beginnings and hope you're doing well and know we are super proud of the courage and strength we know it has taken to separate from what you knew so long and begin again.  But…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - In the Mitten today the sun is shining there is no snow around Nana's house, with some up in Northern Michigan for sure but these photos are from a few years ago on this very date and there was SO MUCH SNOW ! Oh my goodness you were both so little ! I would think you two have returned to school and being it’s the weekend you’re hopefully enjoying a nice Saturday.    I am on my way to get Grandma Sally some groceries and she surely misses you both.   Sewing with Guillianna and teaching her on the sewing machine, and Elijah with his special bond with her !  Eli would always have  both she and Grumpy laughing all the time  !    Grumpy loved Elijah’s spikey hair phase and when he decided he didn’t want it spiked anymore Grumpy used to tease that he was going to go get some glue !   And Elijah you would play along with him and eventually you would tease him and tell him you brought some glue.   Laughter  and your time spent, the  visits surely was the best present ever for them and all their…

    Dear Guillianna and Elijah- it doesn’t matter how far I look back in our memories or what pictures we have of you two, there are just so many amazing memories attached.     From your births to December 27, 2017 the time spent was nothing short of amazing and packed with fun love and growth.    So much learned during those years and hopefully the love of family and reciprocal emotions of attachment to family and friends was foundational in your early years,  enough so that you will be able to reflect one day on happiness and peace,  knowing you have been loved to the ends of the earth and back by mom by dad, by us,  by all of your family and so many friends. We know something has happened to change things for now as your mom and dad find their own way and follow their own dreams.  We have no idea what though.     Longitude and latitude- and nothing that is untrue if that is the scenario, nothing that has been perceived if that is the scenario, nothing misunderstood  if that is the scenario,  nothing  could , nothing could  restrict the love that is sincere…

 Dear Guillianna and Elijah- While we cannot begin to imagine how hard it has been on you without seeing us, or how sad it made you to have felt that you must choose, or even what could possibly have been said to you that could make your hearts ♥️ no longer wish to see or hear from people you simply loved being with ( if that is even true)  ... we do hope you can rest assured knowing that we know you are strong and brave and you will always have memories of wonderful experiences. Guillianna loved this outfit.  She had one in black and one in white .   Maybe you Guge will remember this trip to Indianapolis for cheerleading.    You loved that activity more than words could say the smile on your face at the end of each practice or competition was priceless.    You were so proud to have learned so many things and looked so forward to it.    The time spent supporting you in this was so worth the happiness it brought you.      You had the biggest cheering section for sure !     You were able to make your whole team…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Every photo has a story and oh my goodness do we have a lot of photos ... if we can tell you about the photos it will help you to remember things.     The story or time gone by and so much love ... the drawing made in this list was made by Guillianna it was a self portrait of Gugu and “mynana”  the two words you used to say together so often they became one !   Always playing with toys when you were small and I would be making dinner for the family , but stopping everything to tell everyone, “I have to go see mynana” , then returning to play after helping me in the kitchen for a second.    I am pretty sure when your love for helping in the kitchen sparked ,  This was our THIRD visit with Guillianna, we had flown in the day she was born, and mommy brought her to the Mitten when she was just days old for some extra help that moms sometimes need after a baby is born - she then  for you to see dad, and to pack up for you to…

WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR Dear Guillianna and Elijah: It is January 1, 2019  at midnight, just a quick short note to say - you’re in our hearts and thoughts as 2019 rolls in...  and as a brand new year begins - we are wishing you all - the very best year.  There is a very old song that is traditionally sung at midnight - it’s about Kindness, love, old friends and forever love about how time fades memories and yet it doesn’t - there are some things that lay deep within the soul and Poppy and I believe that despite the truly horribly sad situation brought about by any untruths or your having  to disassociate yourselves from such significant bonds in your lives - we have to hope and believe that beneath the surface the old feelings and love will emerge and your memories will rise up and help you understand that the love that exists, it  is true and real ... tonight as I listened to that song and our hearts break for two little ones who always would have wanted to see us or wish us Merry Christmas or happy New Year ... please know we…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - 2019 is about to begin and it will be so odd to not physically see you as the New Year begins !   We hope you have so much fun ! Believe me when I say that we will be thinking of you and will be with you in your hearts.      Life has had so many big changes this past year and as it always has through out time,  life always evolves and brings surprises,  challenges,   happiness, tears  and then great adventure.   You’re both growing and learning so many things but will hopefully always keep the memories of your yesterday’s close to your heart and use them when you need a smile or a little courage.     Remember who we really are and  how we have always cheered you both on and helped you always -  along the way,  when ever you needed a Nana and Poppy you knew we are there and when you need us now we still are just not in the same house and not able to physically see, hear or touch - but still have our arms wide open and full of love for two…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah Today I learned of a new movie coming out this summer 2019... a Disney movie, a remake of the Lion King and I could not help but remember Ms Gifford’s play and the fun that was had!    I hope ( more than you know ) we can visit you two or that you can visit us when the movie is out so we could take you.   The thing is - that would take a special sort of gift .... The hope for a future that is full of love happiness continuity and us seeing you is in the hands of those who can only make it possible with seeing truth - by putting aside the falseness or a seeming hate  or poison that has suddenly spread to levels that are hurting so many relationships - while these feelings of “toxicity” are a  is very personal choice ,  it seems to have been transferred onto innocence.  At least that is what we have been told .    That two little ones do not ever want to see of hear from us ?      The hope that someday,  some way, my daughter will see the…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah We  missed you both so much at Sebastian’s 2nd birthday.    Carlos 1 and Ms. Nancy  bought a new home and they had everyone over for his birthday.  Aunt Kiki Uncle Ricky and the kids as well as Aunt Allyssa Uncle Dwan and their kids came too.   The great grandparents were also there Papa Grandma Sharyn and grandma Sally,  they enjoyed themselves as well.     It was a Mickey Mouse theme and it was very nice it was missing some family for sure and we can hope one day things will be different.     Wishing you could have come !   Gray got the piñata to come down this year.   I am certain you remember the piñatas from prior years !  So much laughter for the little ones and many little candies too !  The whole family was always there to support you two for your birthdays... and now that there are decisions made that won’t allow you to have this extended family in your lives we hope you will always know we are with you always even when it seems we are far. I hope you have had a lot of…

  Dear Guillianna and Elijah, Well we are almost at the end of another week and today is the anniversary of your leaving the Mitten 😳 a whole year ago .  While the circumstances of these last few months have left us heart broken and more than worried, we are hopeful that you will both be okay.   That history of our own children’s trauma of being displaced and the lack of control over their lives,  is not repeated and that you both will rise and soar above this painful time and loss and live fully in the love of your mom and dad who also will always love you and who  also want a life for you that is full of great things and above all happiness!    They simply have a different view point or value on family than what you’ve been accoustomed to in the past nine years. It is a great new adventure for you both and a new chapter in your lives.    I wish it was completed with the family and friends of the past nine years!  That would have made for perfection in your lives.   The love and support of so many…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- My phone chimed this morning and it was an “on this day” reminder in my photos.    There was the photo of the special dinner we went to before your mom took you to meet dad.     The last time Poppy was able to hug you since you left the following day while he was at work.    The multiple times he has asked simply to see your faces and talk to you are countless.   We went from hearing the response you got when you asked through your tears,  “yes, you can call anytime”,  and “you’ll be back in a few weeks for a doctors appointment “,   to  this present day - never seeing photos, no time for FaceTime,  or hearing voices on phone calls, and they don’t want to speak to you! Comments that we have done things like lied to hurt you, that you were made to ”drink vinegar”,  that you were abused to the point of turning and doing a 180 from the children who had so much love and need for hugs goodnight kisses on the monitor and laughter, wishes for pick up or drop off by Nana at…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, It is the day after Christmas and we are still shocked that the opportunity , the hope and Christmas wish that you’d be granted a call to us for Christmas, came and went unanswered  .   The chance for you two to see all your cousins and wish great grandparents and us too,  happy holidays-  missed opportunity at the chance to share in kindness and love from the family you two have always loved and spent these holidays with has vanished from,  but  despite any holiday or birthday or marking of significant dates you must always know — EVERY DAY we love you from here to the moon and back, forever and for always ... and no distance no manipulation of reality or truths,   will ever change the memories we have or the love felt for you both . The fact that small children must disassociate themselves from people they loved so much ,  to please others ,  is simply gut wrenching.   It’s is all we can do to simply hope hope you had a beautiful Christmas and were able to spread Christmas cheer to new people, maybe some in your daddy’s family and…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Merry Christmas to you both.     We want you to know this being the only Christmas ever in your lives you did not hear from us or see us or get a hug , we love you 😍 both so very much.     TO THE MOON AND BACK FOREVER and FOR ALWAYS - Wishing you happiness, peace, days full of laughter, love and memories that warm your soul ! There are no words for the loss and sorrow  that is likely shared by so many at this time- The only gift we are “allowed” to send to you both this Christmas , as we have been forewarned they are “unwanted by you two” -  is our hope ( and hope is something no one can take from another person) ... so please know we send our hope, our dreams, our love!   You two have a shining light inside your hearts,  that will always know truth.     May the days and nights always hold on to that light inside and keep you free of any emotional harm, and  any sorrow of loss,  that you carry into adulthood. We love you to the moon and…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - As the holiday comes again, only this year  is so different - being a first year ever - for you two without your Nana and Poppy active in your lives to share in it - We will continue to write and some of our letters will open fully and others may be a excerpt and the letter more private will not post completely .    The objective of our letters  is quite simple - an attempt  to ensure that two very innocent and wonderful children who left the Mitten  and were very much in love with family and friends are never in a position to think they have been forgotten or to share with you later in life a pictorial and real look into the foundation of your time in the Mitten!   Of course it is our  hope they will see the love is constant and never ending .   To make sure you understand that you are amazing to so many and are not and did not deserve any of this of this situation.  The love letters - are a gift,  not meant to be an antagonism, but rather a loving tool or a…

Dear Guillianna ad Elijah- Today is Sunday and I am making things for Christmas Eve as I always do ,  while Poppy is at a Detroit Lions football game.   I am thinking to myself it’s almost one year since we have been able to hug you.  For you two hugs, Nana Poppy fun and laughter was everything when we last saw you.  It remains an unexplainable and surreal tragedy for you two and for everyone else this has encompassed.   So many relationships harmed and so many people hurting .   Parents - grandparents  siblings and cousins other children you two had befriended it’s all so sad.    It’s true that we cannot and could not have ever imagined  anything that has transpired in this past months !     We hope you will learn all about trust again  and know that mom and dad love you and have big plans for what they want for you -  I know that great grandparents also have great hope and wonderful dreams for your mom and for her children.   They love you all.   The same for Nana and Poppy , we love our  family and your mom included -…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - It is your cousins Sebastian's 2nd birthday ! Where does time go? Seems he was just born and the two of you were so excited ! When he can home from the hospital it was Christmas Day, and he came straight to Nana's to visit with you two ! You've been at the birth of he Gray Elena and Cole and we're always among the first to hold them when they were little newborns. I know you send love and kisses to your little Bash and I still remember you playing with him on Friday's! For his birthday/Christmas present he found out is going to be a big brother to a new little brother late in May or early June. We will hope you'll be in town for a visit so you can keep your tradition of welcoming cousins to the Mitten ! For his birthday he went to SeaLife and loved it !       There are so many wonderful memories that it is hard to choose just one photo. But one thing for certain you two loved your little cousins and your time in the Mitten and we will always cherish that…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - It is now the beginning of winter and here I the Mitten it means we will likely wait until the end of May for nicer weather 😳.    It’s okay though since  the snow will be nice to look at and memories of playing in it will abound , and the seasons are all so different and fun!     We will not have a white Christmas here in the Mitten this year!   Which is likely fitting as it is a very different Christmas all together for everyone in the family. The one thing that is the same - that will never ever change is you have a Nana and a Poppy who love you both to the moon and back,  forever and for always you will both always be our sunshine!   You make us happy ... simply thinking of the many many many memories and the idea of all the new memories you are making now.    We can imagine your smiles on Christmas morning and having a party on Christmas Eve!    We imagine you wrapping gifts for each other and laughter and playing that makes holiday time so special.  …

Dear Guillianna and Elijah This photo was a few years back when we were decorating the Christmas tree ! Oh my goodness you're both SO LITTLE ! Maybe this week you're having fun putting up a tree 🌲too and getting in the Christmas spirit ! It was always so much fun to do with you both! We would put on the Elf story and you'd help Poppy so much! The photos above Poppy took while standing up high putting on the angel! This is quite a long time ago but warms the heart for sure! The excitement must be growing and we wonder what wish or wishes you may have on your Christmas list! The latest toy or crafts? Is this year a time you will wish for bikes or games, clothes? It's certain you've been good and our Christmas wish is that you are happy healthy and full of love ! We send you hugs and kisses and wishes for lots of exciting days ahead while on your Christmas break ! We love you to the moon and back.... Forever and for always, XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪

we love you ! Dear Guillianna and Elijah- You are in our thoughts today and always! This is a difficult to write for it is written because today would be the day for me to shop gifts to you both for Christmas .  The hope that there would be a change and visit or something of some sort to improve by this upcoming holiday .   So today will be long and full of emotion. I spoke to Aunt KiKi today and she is still so sad and so shocked that she was not even allowed to see you or Eli when she came by for your birthday and that you were not going to be allowed the gifts.    No more gifts from Nana and Poppy ! 😥😢 She asked can she just say hi - she and all her family we sent away .    The tears were real and they were unnecessary for she has been a very good Aunt.     She says “what did I do?”  “Why is this like this ?”  She  loves  you and now she sees first hand  how Poppy and Nana are in shock and disbelief at this - something that…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah: Hi from the Mitten ... Nana and Poppy hope you have made it to or at least close to Christmas break from school.     Usually most schools start ending for break this week or by the end of the week so it will be a nice change of pace to be able to stay home  or holiday shop, bake cookies, build gingerbread houses, or wrap presents ! Wonder if the school has a Santa’s ship like your old one did?     That was always a lot of fun to shop for gifts and then bring them home all on your own.     I still have my gifts tat the two of you bought at school for us. I remember how excited the two of you were when you got them you could hardly wait to deliver the little foil packages you brought home ! We are hoping you are full of happiness and excitement for the holidays that approach ! We want you to know we love you and miss you so very much . We will always hope that we will hear from you soon and if we don't we will know…

[caption id="attachment_11590" align="alignnone" width="1024"] kindredspiritillustrations.com[/caption]   Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Christmas Eve is a week away!    So exciting  to imagine you two on a Christmas morning with new traditions and new special things to look forward to.   I hope it is all magic and fun for all of you - We do wish we could see a Christmas concert or play from school.    I have to imagine you’ve done something along those lines.     You both used to love the performing for a crowd ! This is the week where Nana and Poppy will plan a holiday dinner for the family who does make it into town,  or can be there.     You can be sure that I will serve some Guguberry pie and some kind of mini grilled cheese for Elijah ! (more…)

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, So today was the day we learned the new grandchild is a little boy.    They played a game where they smash hard boiled eggs that are either blue or pink, except one egg is not cooked.   If it is pink it is a girl, a blue raw egg would mean its a boy.   It was blue that was raw, and it got squished on Carlos 1's head.    Sometime near the end of May, or early June we will meet your new cousin. Youve been there for the birth of all your cousins in the Mitten and we can hope you’ll be able to keep having relationships with them as time goes on.     We did hear some additional great news today, Daddy has contacted Uncle Dwan!   It seems possible he may let you see Gray, Elena and Cole and Aunt Allyssa and Uncle Dwan on FaceTime.   So that is amazing for all of us, to know you can see at least some of the people you used to love to see and be with all the time.   It has been so long, they saw you once before this and well that is seemingly  not enough…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, December is usually full of so many different events.   Just like you know, early December is someone you know who has a birthday!   This year Papa and Grandma Sharyn had celebrated Hanukkah early in December and Aunt Nori has a birthday today.   Life is full of all kinds of events and special things .   Today is a Saturday and we are going to drop off an ornament at a special Christmas gathering, then go visit Uncle David in the hospital, and then babysit baby Bash for a bit.   Your Aunt and Uncle are having another baby next year in late May or early June likely, and tomorrow we will find out if Bash is having a brother or a sister.   We do not know what all has been on your schedule this weekend but we are hopeful  it was a great one.    No school at least, an any day you can hang with mom and dad, and not go to school has to be fun.    I know your cousins are all thinking about you.  Aunt Kiki came to your house the other day to wishing you a Happy Birthday and I am serious…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah This is Nana when she was small - visiting Santa, and every time I hear certain songs at the holiday season I can see so many magical memories I my head!   Christmas in my home as a child was always so special.   I tried for many years to bring the same kind of memories to our children and to their children too.    Those memories are so special.     Poppy as I hope that there will be some  same kinds of instances that occur for you two- maybe not so much with music but maybe  who knows may for Gugu, it would be PIE?    Or maybe it will be music from Christmas concerts or the smells of food, the taste of punch, or decorations or gingerbread houses?      We hope when you remember Christmas morning and all fun on Christmas Eve  it is that the warmth that keeps your heart warm and full of happiness . There are so many new things in your lives, and we hope they are warm and wonderful and bring you both great happiness.   Always remember, we love you both to the moon and back, forever and for always, XOXOXOXOXOXO…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Ten years ago when Nana started this website it was a labor of love since she doesn’t know much about technology and had to teach herself ... after all , when I grew up in school there were typewriters and to look things up you had to go to the library or use books called encyclopedias there was no Google, which likely makes you think Poppy and I lived with the dinosaurs !   But no ... Great Grandma lived in a time before television and at almost 90 years of age - she has come a long way and seen so much - She loves her iPad. she loves Alexa and always says “I will never forget Guillianna teaching me how to use it and telling me ‘Grandma Sally you don’t have to even use manners with her ‘   She loves seeing photos and following all her grandchildren and great great grandchildren seeing the activities of people she can’t normally see - it keeps her current with news and life in general  too!    Great grandma Sharyn and Papa also are pretty good at following the family.    As I have learned more…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah While waiting for the repair man today I was thinking about this “no gifts for you two” rule ... and while I am not understanding any of what has happened or what could possible be going on inside of either of you after such a long and happy journey with us - I have decided this ... there once was a story called the Inconvenient Christmas we shared with our children at Christmas time.    Every year at this time we used to do something that was service oriented or that was a contribution, something that help other families in need.    This year - as our hearts yearn to see you and hear all about the wonderful things you have learned and are doing,  we will do that in honor of our love , in honor of the two of you.    That through our own sorrow and the deep sense of  loss we are feeling, we will put all of the energy we can find to in some way  honor the good ... for the good in you , the contagious smiles and laughter we have always known , was a gift and the…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- We hope you're doing great.  We wonder how your classes at school are doing, and then we say to each other, that we are sure you're doing great.   You both were such awesome students and all the teachers always were so happy to have you in class.   We can only imagine that has continued. We think about the gymnastics, and how Eli was progressing, and wonder what activity he must be in with baseball season over for a bit now.   Maybe more karate, who knows,  but oh boy, how he love Ninja Warrior Training at Stars and Stripes.   The other day I posted a memory that popped up in our photos of a Guillianna Frozen Birthday cake from a few years ago, but today I found Elijah's American Ninja Warrior Cake! The other memories on this date, several years ago, Guillianna lost a front tooth and could literally sing, all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.   Cheer photos also on this day since it is the middle of cheer season.   A few years earlier your Liberty Cheer team was really having a lot of fun together, it was a definite favorite of all…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, Today we went into downtown Rochester, and there is a new place, it is called Dino's Cookie Dough Bar... and yes they sell "cookie dough".   It is a place we hope you will get to go to.  You would love it.    All different kinds of edible cookie dough.   Peanut butter, double chocolate, or chocolate chip, funfetti, or Monster, that has peanut butter chocolate and chocolate chips just to name a few.   After baking with you two, I am telling you, YOU WOULD LOVE THIS PLACE. The evening was quiet and stayed in, watched a little television which is highly unusual for us, and started making a list of holiday shopping stops we will need to make this week.   We had seen Uncle David in the hospital and he is doing okay, healing from his surgery.    We had lunch with great Grandma Sally and then did a little grocery shopping.   All in all it was a quiet day.    We always remember spending Sunday's at our children's activities be it hockey, or cheer, and then more recently your activities.    We miss Elijah gymnastics, or Gugu cheer, and the breakfasts we would have .... when…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, It is Saturday, December 8.   Today Poppy and I will see some friends from when we were just kids.   We will eat dinner with classmates that we may not have seen for many years.   Life has a way of bringing back good friends and good memories, and so tonight we will go into the town, the city of lights and share a meal with old friends. We hope you two will have a wonderful weekend.   We hope that you have lots of fun planned, maybe a birthday party?  Maybe a movie, or dinner with the family.   What every you do we hope you smile an enjoy it.   We will share photos with these friends of ours,  all of us grandparents now.    We will tell stories of you and all the other cousins, and we will be so grateful for our memories.   We will surely hope to build more memories with you both, trips to the Mitten or during school breaks, but for now we will tell stories of the many years and happy times spent. We know that Aunt Kiki and family came to see you both to say happy birthday.  We hope you know…

LOVE  -LOVE - LOVE,  is all we have for you both! Remembering birthday parties ...   Dear Guillianna and Elijah-  The days for us begin with photographs from our phone and the photo stream, displaying “ on this day”  .... and then photos from this day for the past four  or so years will appear !   These photos always bring a smile , and certainly almost all of them will have something we did together, school events, gymnastics, karate, dance, cheer, play dates , and all kinds of Elfie and Snowflake activities.       It makes us think of 'ShaNANAgins' and fun we had day after day year after year.   While it makes us happy thinking of you it also makes us so concerned as to what could have happened or what has been said if you in fact actually hate and no longer wish to speak to us,  and how you both are coping.     It is likely that you keep your feelings of loss or sorrow to yourselves not letting it show for fear you’ll be making people you love and need to love you disappointed or sad.  Fear that if you show you’re sad,…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - it is a very special time of year ... one where children and adults celebrate family, love, kindness and wish each other good cheer, happiness, good health and they offer help to others in need. The countdown to Christmas morning begins and the magic of the holiday season is everywhere.    You must believe in good, in doing good, in spreading good .    It makes the magic come to life ! The colder weather is definitely upon us so I imagine there is a possibility of a White Christmas here in the Mitten - which is always extra nice to Poppy and I as we have many memories of snowy Christmas’.    Many people spend Christmas in warm climates and never see snow for the holiday !  Either way we don’t mind so long as you two and all the rest of the family are able to enjoy the spirit of the season ! We love you so very much - to the moon and back and hope you will be able to remember all the love and good wishes sent to you from the Mitten ! Forever and always - XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - The crazy thing about love is - when it’s the kind  of love that a Poppy and Nana have for their grandchildren it is a love that can’t  go away just because you can’t see us, or hear us, we love you and are wishing for you to make every day great and special.  Sending our love to you both, we absolutelywill continue to love you both -  to the moon and back , forever and always. ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪

Dear Guillianna and Elijah: KISSES AND HUGS FOR YOU ON THIS SPECIAL DAY This is it, TODAY IS THE DAY.... the big    "1" "0" ... double digits and so big!  TEN YEARS OLD OH MY GOODNESS    I hope you have a wonderful birthday, and that Eli, Mom and Dad enjoy celebrating this special day with you.  We wish we were there with you all as well.  Please know you are loved TO THE MOON AND BACK, FOREVER AND ALWAYS!  WE HOPE YOU LOVE THE BIRTHDAY GIFTS!    ALL OUR LOVE TODAY AND ALWAYS. Please know everyone here in the Mitten does in fact wish you happiness and joy today and always. This photo is one Guillianna made herself ! We hope it will be a fantastic day despite any fear you may feel that we all forgot or that we have not called.    We love you both so very much.    We also wish  everyone especially adults - could see truth of the pure, honest, genuine, love that exists here.     Or explain to us what happened that could ever warrant this kind of action.  The human mind as you were once told by your mom…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, Hope you have had a great Monday.   Nana and Poppy are so excited since this is the week we can imagine how you will all celebrate Guillianna being born.    This is always a time where we used to decorate for the holiday and so many festivities began.  Today I will send you some pics that you may think to yourself... I remember this.... or maybe it will make you smile to just think of the fun and laughter.   I hope you will begin so many new holiday traditions and that your home is bubbling with birthday and holdiay fun. We love you both so very much.   Hope you will have a special day tomorrow and always remember to stay sweet, be kind, continue loving and work so hard to grow and make good choices.   Love on your Mom and Dad, and listen to your teachers at school, we hope you have lot's of wonderful days, and do lots of wonderful things.  Know you are loved, to the moon and back, Forever and always, ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪

Dear Guillianna and Elijah: Here is a photo of what I was doing last year  this time according to my  image memories.    Someone was going to have a birthday party !    We sure did have fun baking didn’t we.   Eli and you always had your own mixing bowls and I don’t think we could count the number of times we worked with baking real food or even when we would get creative with play dough !   We have a busy weekend ahead and yet we will surely think of you since so many events at this time of year are connected to memories of All kinds of holiday fun. I wish for you both to have a great first weekend in the festive month of DECEMBER ! So much fun ahead   Please  don’t forget as I explained yesterday  and have tried to say over and over each day, NANA AND POPPY LOVE YOU BOTH TO THE MOON and BACK, forever and always, XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪  

Dear Guillianna and Eli- As the weekend gets going we are preparing for the holidays !    We are so excited for you and all the grandchildren since there is a special feeling around the holiday season.    Shopping and getting gifts for friends and family, putting up decorations, holiday music, baking treats, parties and special food we eat only this time of year.    The extra effort to spread kindness and gratitude is a great to experience and we can only imagine how exciting it is for your both. For today- we wanted to say that we hope you will always remember how important it has been to Nana and Poppy to believe in this holiday spirit.    To spread good deeds, kindness and love.   The magic of Christmas is amazing it makes you feel love even when you may not be here with us - we hope you laugh and sing and dance to extravaganzaglorious  “metaphorically speaking “ all season long and beyond.     Traditionsay be changing for you as you begin to journey though new ones with mom and dad but the feeling in your heart will live if you try to remember, have dreams…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, Do you remember this chocolate smelling stuffy you got Poppy?    It still smells like chocolate!    He walks by it everyday at his desk and of course thinks it smells delicious but mostly thinks how much he wants to give you both hugs and talk to you for hours just to catch up on all that has been happening in your lives     Playing baseball ⚾️, running, video games,  new interests, school   There are so many possible things to hear about ! Hard to believe Thanksgiving was a week ago isn't it?   This means you are almost done with another week of school and so much closer to Guillianna's special day. Today's photos are like all the rest we have , super adorable, and super special to us.   Hope you will enjoy them.   I wonder what Guillianna’s birthday party plans are, and what special things you will do this weekend with your friends, and family.    Never forget that photos of birthday number ten will surely get taken and one day even if it is not soon - but one day -  we will see how happy the days events have made you.  …

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Dear Guillianna and Elijah: We figured you would really enjoy seeing your cousin getting ready for Christmas!  So cute, right?  Actually this photo was taken for Christmas by Carlos 2, and yes it is a real tree on top of the car!  He is getting so big isn't he?   It's so hard to believe time is going by so fast. I know you must miss him so much.   The two of you truly are good cousins to he and all of your cousins !  We know you must think about them all.   Just like we think about you two.   There have been a lot of changes for the two of you, and good things are hopefully happening for both of you. Things generally in the Mitten are pretty much the same, and it is our hope,  or our true Christmas wish that your family will get to come visit.    We say that as a dream or our hope, since in reality I am sure you all have plans already, and like with Thanksgiving you may be making all kinds of new happy memories.  It will surely be a very different Christmas this year for everyone.   What matters most is…

  Dear Guillianna and Elijah: Today on my phone came up the photos of this time a year ago, and this time two years ago, and it goes on for so many years.   The first photo needs no explanation - and is a memory from last year.   Hope all has improved and know we hope you are both healthy and happy.   So many memories and they are so special to us.    The time we shared is so wonderful and such a big part of who you both are and who we are!    Always use these memories to feel brave, strong and happy as you grow bigger and find your way through all the things you face in life.    Love is the focal point of all things good, and love is the two of you, your family, our entire family.    No matter how confusing it all seems-  LOVE IS AND ALWAYS will win, it WAS our BEGINNING AND WILL STAY INSIDE OUR HEARTS FOREVER, no matter what decisions are made by any of our children, or our grandchildren,  our love for all of them,  is at it's  beginning .  We hope that by choosing kindness and love,…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, Today is Monday and it has been a busy day to be sure.  You've likely returned to school, and Poppy certainly returned to work.    We are thankful as always, for the family time we did get, and missed very much the family we could not see.   We are looking forward to the Christmas holidays.   This is such a fun time of year.   We know, it is almost birthday time.   We had sent Elijah's birthday gift, and mom's idea for the traditional big sister gift.    Now it is time to send Guillianna's birthday gift with the little brother gift.   I will get it in the mail tomorrow so that it is there in plenty of time for the special day and will make sure it is sent full of hugs and kisses for you both. Poppy are I are both hopeful that the Christmas holiday season will bring you both so much joy and happiness.   We also would love more than words could say to see your happy little faces, and share in your joy.   Until that day comes we will continue to remember fondly those smiles, and share with you our memories.   Poppy…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - It's that time of the evening - Sunday night after a nice weekend or the Thanksgiving holiday school break - where kids are on their way back to college after break or back to elementary, middle or high school after a nice little break. It's the time of year where there is only s few weeks left before Christmas break and it makes getting your thoughts back to all the business of work or class time a little difficult since it is such an exciting time of year.  Glancing back into time, look how little you were.... In a little over a week someone will turn ten years old ! How amazing is that. Hopeful we will get to say HAPPY birthday, hear your voices - or see your faces. We have been wishing and hoping for that daily and surely will not ever stop. Today we have had dinner with Great Grandma Sally, went to see Uncle David at the nursing home and got to see Aunt Kris there too!   Before that we went to Poppy's work to take down all of the Thanksgiving decor and put up Christmas / holiday decor So…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, Today is Saturday, and yesterday was BLACK FRIDAY, AND THIS IS THE VERY FIRST TIME IN ABOUT 30 YEARS Poppy was off work and able to just stay home for four consecutive days.    He was off Thursday for Turkey day, yesterday, today and tomorrow too.    It will be so nice for him to not to have regular work.  We will likely go decorate for Christmas at the office tomorrow, but that is not the same as work.    I have a few photos for you to enjoy today, hope you love them as much as we do.   Poppy and Nana will likey go see a show tonight.  We haven't been to the movies in a while.  Aunt Allyssa said the Grinch was a good movie...  and you have likely already seen it.   Poppy and I have lots of fun memories taking you to movies, plays, and activities.   We hope you are doing lots more activities, and fun movies.   There sure are a lot of good Christmas movies out this time of year.  Classic favorites and new ones galore.   Hope you can watch some, or read some good stories this holiday season. Action heros, or…

Tonight instead of turkey left overs Poppy took Nana to dinner ! We had a date and it was so much fun! Downtown is all lit up for the holiday ! The town is bright and people are enjoying the light show. Do you remember when we came to town to show you both all the lights ? Definitely a favorite thing to do this time of year ! We even went by Santa's mailbox to send our wish ... it's a wish for you two to have a most Merry Christmas 🎄 - one that is full of love and Christmas magic. We can wish and hope that we will see you soon , and it's no surprise that forever and always that WILL BE our wish !  More importantly our wish will be that you are ALWAYS happy, and know THAT TO US you are always super amazing for being so brave, and we think of you both with great love and wish for you continued perseverance and strength - strength like what  you've each had to find inside yourselves when you had leave behind almost everything you ever knew as home ....  all of  your toys and clothes,…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Today was a day for turkey and all the fixings that go with it ...( this photo is from last year at Nana's house when you were there) the food is always something to be grateful for but we also are grateful for family. You are two very special kids who everyone is grateful for the time we were all together . We are all also grateful that you get to have a new kind of Thanksgiving with mom and dad, it will be fun making new Thanksgiving Day memories ! Aunt Allyssa and Uncle Dwan came with Elena , Gray and Cole and uncle Nick, Aunt Liz and Sebastian came too. Great Grandma Sally was able to come as well. Some other family had plans and were just as busy celebrating Turkey day . Came across some photos that popped up on this same date a few years ago ! You lost a tooth ! Look at the adorable photos ! You should have a few more days of Thanksgiving break from school so I hope you are spending it doing favorite things. I went to drop off a piece of art work the…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah: Today is likely a travel or meal prep day. Wishing you lots of happiness and fun for these next few days as the Thanksgiving holiday weekend begins. You have had so many turkey days with Nana and Poppy! For that we are so thankful ! This year may be spent with Daddy's family which could be a super fun change for you, or maybe the two of you will help mom and dad with making some "Guguberry Pie"... or a special Pumpkin cake ! No matter what the plan is, we will be thinking of you with smile on our faces hoping you feel happiness and make some fantastic memories to add to your memory book. We have a few pics here that will bring smiles for sure !   Look how little.... Oh my goodness.... Next thing we knew .... you're 9 and 6 years old at our house, hard to believe Eli is now 7 and Guge is turning 10! CRAZY ! Love you both to the moon and back, forever and always , wishing you the best Thanksgiving break where ever you go, what ever you do.... XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - How long is a minute ? 60 seconds ! How long is an hour ? 60 minutes! How long is a day ? 24 hours ! How long is a week ? 7 days ! How long is a year ? 365 days! Today is Poppy's birthday and here IS A PHOTO OF A PRIOR BIRTHDAY WITH POPPY AND HIS FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND IT.... There are some things that you can measure or count .... and some that you cannot .... How deep is the ocean ? ??????? Depends on where you measure it I suppose ! But not deeper than the love we have for both of you ! How much love does Nana and Poppy have for both of you ? Pretty sure you cannot measure that! The love we have for you cannot be measured. It cannot be explained and it is endless! Maybe you wonder, Where does love a grandparent has for a grandchild go ? This I know for sure .... Love for grandchildren doesn't ever leave , it cannot and will not ever go anywhere... it's forever ! The fact is , grandparents look at all the days…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, Add New We have had so many birthday's together, I am certain, it feels weird to you when you cannot celebrate with us, but we want you to know something, we understand.    When we are not able to see you, or share your stories, of the day at school, or new and exciting things in your life, we are able to think back to times where we were so very close.   When we say listen to the little voice in your heart, that says how special the days in the Mitten were, it is because we want you to be happy and be able to cope well with all the changes in your world.   After much discussion, and help from others, we use those happy moments, to help us too.   So it is kind of like "Where Ever You Go, What Ever You Do... " we too are going through this together. Here are some photos that popped up on our digital memories, hope you will enjoy them and that you know you are missed and loved very much, forever and always, (tonight they lit up the city of Rochester, this photo is from prior…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- Some good memories and Mitten photos to bring smiles faces and to your hearts! Thinking of you both with love to the moon and back ... Forever and always ... XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪

Dear Guillianna and Elijah: This weekend we went up North and there is nothing more beautiful than Mitten water- and Lake Michigan ! This is a new area in the north we've discovered - trying to find more hidden gems in the Mitten. You can bet when we come up here Nana and Poppy think of so many awesome memories. I grew up as a little girl spending summers in the Northern Mitten and then we brought our own children here- which made taking you and the other grandchildren up here so important to us. This weekend we are here with Elena, Cole , Gray,  Aunt Allyssa, Uncle Nick, Aunt Liz and Bash! Uncle Dwan had to work - and Aunt KiKi had Uncle Ricky out of town for work and was unable to make it since she has family coming to her for Turkey Day .    This year she too will not be in the Mitten for the Holidays.   All of us are missing you and all the rest of our family . We think of you with pure love and hope you are happy healthy and loving your days and nights with mom and dad. We…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah:     Yes here we are almost Thanksgiving break 2018 and I think 🤔 the area your in is having some crazy weather and may be bringing additional fun days off ! Hope you're having fun and preparing for holiday festivities. Found some really cute pics to share with you today and hope they make your heart as happy as it does ours to see them or at the very least bring back memories to fill in any gaps since you may be grown when you actually see these! Always know we love you to the moon and back, forever and always - XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - We are seven days always from the day set aside for giving thanks .... you'll likely have not school for a few days and who knows , hopefully you'll spend it with some of dad's family. We know you have always loved family gatherings and hope you four will have something special to do. Whether you travel and see family or friends, or make a special dinner at home ... no matter what your schedule is, we will be thinking of you with so much love, gratitude and wishing that you will know how grateful we are for you- We gave your mom our very best through her entire life and are grateful for the chance to be her parents - when kids grow up they make their own choices , have their own ideas, based sometimes on things that are not in anyone's power - and no matter what happens in life we will always "choose love" and be grateful for our family! You two have been a very big part of many lives here in the Mitten - and we can list so many who would say they too are grateful for your…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, Just wanted you to know your thought of, and loved today and every day.  Here is a bright burst of love and laughter for you to see, may these images remind you of all the fun you have had in the Mitten, and all the love for both of you over all these years and still today.   THESE LOVE LETTER SNIPETS  ARE just a glimpse into your time spent with Nana and Poppy-as well as all your other family,  to make sure you always see how happy you were, how loved you felt.   Everyone I know in the Mitten is hopeful you  enjoy the new changes in your lives, hope that you will be happy and remember well the friends and family who love and care for you, and that you're surrrounded by the love of your mom and dad as you adventure though the rest of your Army life with them.   Who knows where you may travel next, where ever work takes them, and what ever journey you are on, our love will travel with you.   We all want you to live as happy as can be, and we the hope the tears shed when…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - We are still unpacking boxes and finding so many adorable things you’ve made us  or  have drawn for us.    It’s always fun and heart warming  to think of the memories!    Today I came across a giant Santa you and Eli made out of paper.     His arms and legs were almost as long as yours and his body  was giant too.     So creative!   Do you remember - We hung him up on the door in the kitchen !   When I begin to think about all the many fun times - the memories , they just keep pouring in .... Do you remember Beanie and Bo Bo?     The good morning song and our own version of  carpool karaoke! Until we can see you or talk again we will keep sharing these amazing memories and hope that one day they will carry some value for you both.   I will write what we  are thinking, or about the every day activities and typical life photos we have collected over the past 9 years.  The purpose is  to keep full the hearts of love that were here for so…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, Poppy and I as always are wishing you good things, great days, happiness and love.  We are a little more than a week away from the day we are supposed to remember gratitude.   So many years ago, people who were very different, had different opinions and different ideas of what "should be" celebrated the first Thanksgiving feast, and showed mutual respect for each other. Poppy and I  keep hope, if we love enough, if we wish for good things, happiness and love for you and your mom and dad, there will be many more celebrations in your future, celebrations with great grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and your Nana and Poppy. Nana knows so many people who have been removed from a place they knew as home.   So many people in my 56 years of life, have been, and not all of them as babies.   Some were 8 or 9  or 6 like you two, some older, and every single one of the people I know has their own unique perspective, and some have adjusted well, and others truly struggle with it.    Every person with their own story, and yet some common factors.   We hope you…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, Today is Sunday and it was a day to spend visiting family, after Poppy went to work early in the morning we got the rest of the day going.   Todays love letter has a few of the people we got to see today.   We saw Great Grandma Sally who sends her love and is finally feeling better from a cold she had.   I will put up some random pictures for you both to help you smile ! There are just so many pics to go through, and I want you to get to see them all.  Despite the fuzzy faces if you just look the real memories are inside your heart ! We also saw Aunt Allyssa and Uncle Dwan and family.   They are remodeling a portion of their house, and are all doing well.  They send hugs and kisses and cannot wait to see you again.  They have only seen you on Facetime once in the past 11 months,  briefly, but miss you both every single day.  They are super busy too.  School and activities keep them going all the time as well. Uncle Nick had to work out of town and Aunt Liz and…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah: Veterans Day - usually a time to think of all the people who have served in any of the armed forces - but I seriously do that every day ❤️ - have always been a person who has great appreciation for the sacrifices made by men and women serving their country -  and I am sure you can  remember  how we always lived this philosophy.    We have said how mom and dad are doing important work,  and time and time again we told you how it is a very nice feeling to serve.    Do you remember when we got uniforms so you could see how it felt to help others -  at the children’s leukemia Halloween event.   Hope you all had a good day and we’re able to feel the gratitude of others for all mom and dad have done. I have a few days left to sometjing for Poppy's birthday.   I am trying to make him a  little surprise gift!    He loved the hand-made gifts/pictures and surprises you two would for do for either a birthday or even for no reason at all.   So since its so hard being so far…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah ... The first snow around town arrived this morning ! Aunt Liz and Uncle Nick posted a photo of Bash seeing it, it was so cute ! We hope that you have good memories of playing in it too! You were ready to go out in the snow in these photos ....   and yes I know they are blurry ... but it's ok. Poppy and I will keep the originals safe if you should ever want them. This website has been around a very long time -  and it has taken so many hours of effort to create it over nearly ten years, so updating it has been a process - and is taking some time,  but we will always work on keeping it for the two of you to enjoy someday 😉 !  Every day I get photos from through the years popping up on my phone or computer- photos of all of the grandchildren as well as family and friends, events we have all shared.   It is a nice way to start the day, it is so hard for us not having seen any  "new" photos of the two of you, and therefore…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Yep, it was Aunt KiKi's birthday and we got such a nice call- they used two phones and, both Poppy and I were able FaceTime with them, but we were all at separate locations.  It was fun to be with them and celebrate. We sang Happy Birthday all together, and then shared (even if only on camera) some dessert and watched as she opened presents.  It was fun to see all of them and celebrate her special day.   I am so sure she misses and loves you so much, but she knows how busy you both have been, and understands so she is not sad when you can't call or see them.   She too wants  you all to be happy.   I'm pretty sure that they won't be able to travel to the Mitten for a while - so we were grateful for technology. Poppy and I hope you're both doing so good -  and we are just about through another week.  He will be taking off some time from work, and wanted me to be sure to tell you he sends you HUGS AND KISSES! The picture above was taken when we all went away…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - There are so many questions in life, things that happen that we can't understand. Things you hear in the news or in history class at school - that don't make sense. Or things that are discussed in politics, medicine or sports that you many not fully understand now - but eventually learn about, or things we think we do understand or know, things we believe in for a while suddenly change or become something different. It can be so difficult to understand the why or how of grown up things? Yet as an example of how it will all work out try to imagine this ... when you go from kindergarten to fifth grade or fifth grade to high school you learn more and more and understand things in different ways - in kindergarten you can't do algebra. But you can when you're older. When you are first learning letters you cannot read but you eventually can. But there is something you can both be certain of today, while young, is something that you've known since you were babies. You are and always will be loved ! The real sincere feeling of comfort cannot be…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Today was Election Day and tomorrow will be Aunt Kiki's birthday ! poppy will be in a few weeks and then before you know it - THANKSGIVING ! To be followed by Guge's birthday and then the magical time of Christmas, S A N T A, and all the happenings of that holiday! We have gifts already for you both and we hope we will see you soon ! So much to look forward to. New memories and new experiences. I hope Aunt KiKi will get to see you on or near her birthday - she has always loved you both so much! We have gifts for you for Guillianna's birthday and for Christmas. We will send them if mom can't come to the Mitten. The most important thing to remember is that the smiles and happiness you have always had are priceless! We want you to keep them where ever you go, and in what ever you do .... isn't that as the song said - "where ever you go, what ever you do, we're going to do it together ! Through thick and through thin" Used to be a favorite remember ? No…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah: Hello to both of you, we are a day away from Aunt KiKi having her birthday, and about 2 weeks from Turkey Day.    We sure will be super grateful for all the time we have had with you both and all your cousins over the years.   We will hope that we can see you, talk, or FaceTime.   That will always be our wish.  Until then we will write, and you can one day know our intent, and hope.    We sure did have some fun times  - didn't we?     Hope you each had a great school day likely as its Monday.   Do you two remember when Monday was dance for Guillianna and Elijah and Nana would go to the park or have Eli Nana time, often  we would even get to go home and play, since Poppy picked up Guillianna.   Eli and Nana would have so much fun on his specials and I for one feel extra lucky to have had those kind of opportunities.  On Sunday it would be Guillianna Poppy Nana time since Elijah had gymnastics.  Good times for sure.   In addition there are so many times where it was all four…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah: Today is Sunday,  last night we turned the clocks back, oh my how I wish I could turn the clocks back to last November !   We were just getting ready to go take one of you for some surgery remember?   In my heart I feel that was a significant time and many changes began for us all.  Too much to really understand now but can be explained when you are much older.   For now, I just wish we had more time, so many choices were made, by lots of people in our lives, and since then we have lost some special people we all loved, like Grumpy who had no choice, and then saying good bye to Aunt Alyx.  There has been so much sadness and huge change for so many people in our family, all separate from all of the changes in  your own lives last January.   Great Grandma Sally is missing her Grumpy so much.   It is hard to be almost 90 and see so many sorrowful events happen in the lives of people you love.   She has lived long enough to see so many changes in the world. She never imagined some things.…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Even without much 🌞 sunshine and with a whole lot of ☔️ rain we can still see all the beauty and color in fall! We have had you on our minds and in our hearts for months and today is not any different. The weekend will hopefully mean some family fun time for you both and a little reprieve from the every day school day. We imagine you getting to sleep a little more or play a little more on weekends, maybe picking apples 🍎 or making crafts ? If we use our imaginations we picture smiles ear to ear and all four of you finding fall activities together. That makes us smile ear to ear ! Yesterday was Friday and as you know it's a Bash day ... here is a glimpse of him during his nap ... Cute as ever right ? I also got a very adorable video from Aunt Allyssa ... which if I can upload it your sure to smile 😊 she is so cute ! If you look Cole is standing in the background too ! https://youtu.be/pISfFsQYxrA   This photo of Bash is super adorable and figured you would…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Here are a few photos and a love letter from Ms. Campbell - the visitor posts on this site must go thru a moderation process and she wanted to upload some memories for you to enjoy .... so here you go ! ( this is one of Coach Beth's favorite ... she says she loved watching you cheer - because you were so proud and happy! ) Thank you so much Ms. Campbell for warming the hearts of these two kiddos and making the years they spent here so much more than memorable in so many ways. Friendship for both Eli and Guillianna was a gift beyond measure- as well as for Poppy and I ! ❤️ Anytime we can upload love letters from friends and family we will - so please feel free to text Nana - or leave a comment - we love them to know how important they are to everyone who has loved on them for years ! Love you two -  to the moon and back, Forever and Always, XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️🍪

Dear Guillianna and Elijah : The busy holiday season approaches and we hope the joy and excitement of the holidays brings all of you so much happiness. The beginning of the school year has likely become the end of a card marking and we can hope and would bet- it's been a great one for you both ! The memories of great students and excellent citizenship and IB awards will carry both of you through where ever your educational path leads you no doubt. Keep being amazing ! November is Aunt Kiki's birthday and Poppy too. Turkey day and then we will be at the double digit birthday of Guillianna! Ten years old ! Amazing. The Christmas holiday and New Year will rapidly follow... with maybe a Christmas pageant or concert in there ! Mrs. Hall surely misses the two of you in class preparing for the concerts since you both loved doing them so much ! Great Grandma Sharyn and Poppa are doing good and visit with Uncle David quite a bit since Papa retired. They miss and love you very much ! Noah and Rachel have gone off to college and they are doing very good. Great Grandma…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- This was surely an odd Halloween 🎃 for us.  We are so used to having you around for this holiday !   I can't help but wonder if you're both thinking of the trick or treat times here in the Mitten too ?  Hopefully not, and you are just having too much fun where you are instead, but just in case, here are some photos for you of this years trick or treat  and old times in the Mitten ! I went to your old school today to do a small favor for Ms.Campbell, And look who I found ... They all miss you two very much ! Uncle Dwan , Aunt Allyssa, Gray, Elena and Cole came by, and so did Uncle Nick, Aunt Liz and Bash. aunt Kiki, Uncle Ricky, Janai and Anthony FaceTimed. Sadly,  we cannot call you since mom and dad changed their numbers and feel you do not want to see or talk to us, but instead we still continue to send cards and hope you get them. We had pizza and salad and yes there is always  lots of candy ... but truly everyone missed seeing you both because let's face…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, DONT FORGET YOU CAN LOOK AT A LOT OF OTHER Love Letters, dating back all the way FROM 2009 AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.  JUST TYPE A WORD INTO THE "KEYWORD" SPOT.   TRY TYPING "KIKI", OR "HALLOWEEN", OR "VALENTINE" AND YOU WILL GET TO CHOOSE FROM ANY POST WHERE I USED THE WORD YOU SEARCH. LOTS AND LOTS OF PHOTOS WITH SO MANY LOVE LETTERS SENT TO MOM AND DAD over the years.   MEMORIES FOR YOU TO TO SEE WHAT YOU MAY NOT REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE SO SMALL but that show your happy faces, your good times, and your true experience in the Mitten. I have been finding so many fun photos to share with you.   We hope you are both doing well.  I know that you have been busy with your activities and school, and hope you know that we are so proud of all you must be doing.   Please keep working hard at school, keep being kind, and remember all of the wonderful things you used to learn at school here about ardent love, and the IB profiles.  Caring awards and the brag tags, that you earned, the amazing students you have always been,…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- Today is Friday , and I definitely still get to enjoy Bash visits ... it reminds me how much you both loved when he came to Nana's on Friday's or to your school. You used to make him laugh so hard ! Click over the link and you'll find a video memory ! https://youtu.be/6o4t3Dk6Zdw Then there is the video where Poppy took you and Elijah on a special date night... to show you how amazing it is to have a date with someone special and how you should always be made to feel.  SPECIAL! https://youtu.be/ui4kbMpW8MQ Today in this photo he is just a few months shy of two years old. He is still so adorable and to me it sure seems he is growing fast. Today he tried to fit into Guillianna's doll stroller. He found it very funny ! I remember Guillianna and Eli both doing this with this same toy! It must be true that the older a person gets - the faster things and time- go by. We can't imagine how you two have likely grown. I wonder if you even remember us ? Or if you've changed so much from what we…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - https://youtu.be/RyLbz6OcQPk I hope you had a great day today ! Poppy does too! We imagine you're busy every day school and maybe even have taken up running 🏃‍♀️ to make mom and dad happy 😊 since they love it so much. Elijah always loved it. Guillianna not so much in her cheer days but surely will learn to if it wins her daddy's heart. I remember doing the 5k with you both at Notre Dame and I asked mom in an email recently to please consider coming to the Mitten for homecoming. I never heard back. It would have been fun for all of you for sure. Maybe next year? Maybe you're rock climbing too - we have no idea how you've been spending your days now but what ever you do we hope your healthy happy and safe. We hope you know you're loved and missed. https://youtu.be/M0OjcS7JVU8   I hope you also carved some pumpkins ! It's almost time to turn back the clock for daylight savings time. Wish I could turn back time for us all to last year this time. So we could see each other. Poppy and I send hugs love…

Dear Guillianna and Eli- What a cool  VIDEO !   https://youtu.be/xB-DXdYBUBE   Videos like this with memories of all the fun we had make us wonder, how we can make sure that you know forever- just how powerful love is! It has strength bigger than any super hero - more powerful than you could ever imagine. When something is true and right - no distance, no amount of time, no stories or perceived ideas can change what the heart knows. I know that when you lived in the Mitten we had so many days weeks, hours, months, years of love and laughter. School field trips and play dates. Birthday parties and friends. These flood to mind when Poppy or I think of you both ! We have the philosophy that family is important. We have the philosophy that our children were lucky to have grandparents and they saw them all the time. They loved when they came to hockey games and we'd meet them just like we did when you were here weekly for meals or gatherings for all sorts of reasons. So this way of living without family is very different to us - to all of us !…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- While I didn't take these photos they are from this morning at your old school and were posted on Facebook - So I am using them to show you the amazing fall colors around here! I hope it's ok 😉 there was no one's name for a photo credit on the pic ! So pretty ! I want to ask how are you ? To know how your day was or how was your sleep last night? Did you have any happy dreams or silly ones ? Poppy and I keep on thinking about all the wonderful memories we have made - together with both of you. Keep the warm fuzzy feeling of these memories in your heart with you where ever you go what ever you do. Look forward to more some day some way- "Where ever you go what ever you do ...". Remember? Here is a little boost for you to see that may help ... some memories to brighten your day! We are hoping to see and talk to you - we wish for that every day and night. So many fun times. We hope one day all these memories will serve…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - Hope your Monday was good and your week is off to the very best start! Things are getting changing in the Mitten - fall is here the days are getting colder and shorter for sure. It doesn't seem to matter how hard I try though - I think about you both day and night. Wonder what is happening in your lives and if you know how we are wishing you every happiness. We wonder if you remember all the silly singing Nana did and dancing with a Poppy. Do you remember Moana ? And the dances. I am going to try and upload a video and hope that it works in the next few days. There are so many videos and photos that I look at and can't help but wonder what more I can do to help your family see the love we have. The love you experienced in the Mitten and how important it is that after so many years of being here or around your Nana and Poppy that it must be terribly sad for you both that you cannot see us. I know that last I heard mom say would be…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah- It's that time of year again. University of Michigan vs Michigan State. Do you remember when you had to pick a school you wanted to win it - So much fun wasn't it? Well this year the University of Michigan won. Michigan is so pretty in the fall and this year is no exception. These are some photos my friend Miss Donna took. I am hoping you have good memories of Michigan like Poppy and I have of the two of you during all your years here. We miss you so very much. We cannot wait til we can hug and kiss and play with you both again. Everyone here is doing well. They all send love- hugs and kisses and they too cannot wait to see you again. Here are a few memories for you to hold on to and make your heart warm with love . SO MANY SMILES SO MICH HAPPINESS... Keep being the sweet wonderful people you always have been and know that we love you forever and always .... XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy ❤️🍪

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, I know you likely miss seeing all your cousins here in the Mitten so I will post a few photos to warm your heart ! Gray and his Halloween costume at trunk or treat ! Sebastian and his pancake ! Elena as a flower girl in Uncle Dwans sisters wedding ! Mia ( we don't see Mia often since she is back in school and with her mom. But we hear from her and she still asks about you and Eli ! Cole and Aunt Allyssa ! Anthony who we hear is now playing football ! Hoping we can maybe go see them and you someday, waiting to hear from mom and dad when will be a good time for you ! This looks like the sun was getting in there eyes doesn't it... but so nice to see them all together for sure ! Janai at Coles birthday party! And of course there is you two since you're part of the cousins ! Do you remember this we were eating breakfast with Poppy before school at the Stuffed bun I think ! I hope we can all get together soon because we all have a…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah So it’s been a few days since I have been able to write you - this site has been a challenge to get up and running smoothly since Nana is not the sharpest crayon in the box when it comes to computers!    I am sorry for the delay but please know I am thinking of you both all the time - even when I am not writing to you  - We think of you both all the time- songs come on and I can see you dancing around the living room with Poppy in my head ! If we go to a restaurant and everyone asks how you two are doing!    I know there are lots of people here that want to send love to you both - that miss you !    Rylee and Liam for sure say they miss play dates and I promised them when you do come back to visit we are having a big party to celebrate the visit !   FOR SURE ! Aunt Allyssa made Nana a picture for the new condo and the whole Hamlin family came over the other night to give it to me…

 Dear Guillianna and Elijah... In preparing these love letters for you Nana and Poppy have literally thousands of photos, this is Guillianna at one of her early visits.  She stayed here in the Mitten  for a year on this visit, where in I cannot count the number of photos taken to share with Mom and Dad while in Iraq, aka the "Land of Sand".   The good thing about this web site, is you can look up any of those love letters and your early years are documented beginning in February of 2010. Biggest baby photo book ever! When Elijah came, the domain name for the website was already www.guillianna.com and had to stay that way, but we then changed it from All About Guillianna, Love Letters to Mom and Dad, to All About Guillianna and Eli, Love Letters to Mom and Dad. Now, it remains the same domain, only the name has changed to All About Love, Love Letters to Guillianna and Elijah.   The next photo is Guillianna in September of 2011.   You had been staying with Nana then too.  Pretty sure you were ready for the arrival of a baby brother, and you loved practicing with your babies.   …

  WE LOVE THESE FACES... WE MISS THESE SMILES.... WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU BOTH!   Dear Guillianna and Elijah:  We know how hard change can be ! We have missed writing you love letters for several days while Nana made some changes to your website ! The changes were a must since the design of the program I had been using to write you these letters - was a decade old. By upgrading the technology the site is even more secure and can be navigated more efficiently. IF YOU TYPE A WORD, at the magnifying glass icon, any word, it will find you a post with that word in it.  You will find so many memories on these pages.  Please hold on to the memories made and the joy you always had in your hearts when we were together.   I have lots more love letters for you to read - and have so many stories to share with you . If you move over a LOVE LETTER TITLE now shown in Blue the title will turn red, and take you directly to that post.   You can leave comments.  For anyone in our Mitten State, who may visit the site, or …

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, I am so very sorry that I have not been able to post for a few days ! I had wanted to keep the web site in its original format and since it was such an old platform it was having so many issues and I didn't want to lose any of the memories and data so - we have given it a new look better security and using this site we want so very much to preserve the reality and truth of your lives up until last January 2018 - the life you spent with us - and all the love we have for you. This new design is hopefully easier to read and has the ability for you to search through all the memories made here in the Mitten. I will continue to work on this site and hope that it is easy to navigate.  There is a little tiny arrow in a gray box, about half way down the page.   That arrow will lead you to the next post! Not a minute goes by where we don't miss you and think of you. We dream about seeing you again soon and laughing hugging…

grandparents are friends for life... Dear Guillianna and Elijah: It occurred to me that you likely go to sleep at night, or when alone, you could get sad.   Sometimes you may even find yourself crying or missing certain people or things but then we understand, yet at the same time you also know that if you're sad that you miss us or the Mitten state - people in the Mitten, or things you did, it could make your mom and dad sad.   You could think, "if I tell anyone or show anyone, Will it make them mad, or sad, or dissappointed in me?'.   We could never be dissapointed since this is not anything you can fix. PLEASE KNOW WE DO NOT WANT YOU SAD... Our only wish is to see or hear that you're happy and that you feel our love! We too feel tears come down our faces, because we cannot make others value the time you spent with us - we do know the value you put on your grandparents  - its awful, when you're in such an unthinkable situation; and it may never be possible for some people to ever change the value they put upon parents,…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, Nana and Poppy are thinking of you both, and we always will.  We write these special love letters to you, because of the unusal circumstances we face.  Luckily we  do get to speak to and see the other grandchildren, and we hope every day that we will soon be able to speak to and see you again. The other day, I promised you both a look at Sebastian.   So here you are.   He is growing - as is Cole.  Babies grow so fast.   Luckily you got to see Coles one year photos a few love letters ago, so here is a couple of Sebastian. We love and miss you both so very much, and we hope all is well with you.   We are wishing for you to be happy, having fun, and building dreams.   Poppy and Nana will have an anniversary in a few days, we will celebrate by thinking how lucky we are that our marriage brought us our family, and from there, it brought us all of our grandchildren.   So when the end of September passes by each year, it is like the birth of a "love" that brought a lot of people together,…

Dear Guillianna and Eli- It's another Sunday ... we imagine you two are recovering from a birthday weekend- and getting ready for another week of school. The weather here in the Mitten was really nice today. Poppy and I went to breakfast together and on Facebook there popped up photo memories of you cheering at the Notre Game game, as well as photos of Eli and Joey and Sophia at the game. So we started our day thinking of you and the fun time that game was .  This is Eli at his first football game! Then Poppy was getting his office bag ready for tomorrow,  and it made me think of the hidden notes and cookies you'd leave him to find at work.  Oh my goodness.... he loved those suprises! Tonight we took Grandma Sally out for dinner at the restaurant on the lake by her house. Couldn't help but remember eating there with you and Eli- so as you can see we think about you often! It's true it's always good memories we have of the two of you. Hope you will always know how special it was for us to share in your lives and that we…

Elijah and his NDPMA SILLY SOCKS   Dear Guillianna and Eli - Thinking of you today and always - our hearts were hoping that maybe we would hear from your mom so we could wish Elijah a Happy Birthday and while that did not happen your Poppy and I were both thinking ... WE HOPE HE HAS A GREAT BIRTHFAY PARTY, and imagining themes and what you’d be doing this weekend.    See even grown ups can use dream starters to help them smile or create new ideas and DREAMS.   Please know we would have been there if invited and we will dream of that day when we see you again.    All our love today, forever and always, XOXOXOXOXOXO Love ❤️ Nana and Poppy❤️?

Dear Eli and Guillianna ! Today is the big day ! You turn 7 years old ! HAPPY ? BIRTHDAY ! While I cannot say in this love letter things about how amazing and proud we are of you at your school, the hard work at reading you do, or your baseball or other activities, since we have not been told anything about you in months ...   We have not been sent a single photograph of either of you, so we dont even know how big you are, how you have changed.  That is pretty ironic since this entire journal is a small sample of the thousands of photos we have always sent your mom and dad.   Bridging the distance gap and making sure nothing got in the way of its imporatnce.    What WE CAN TELL YOU  is this  -  based upon what we know of you - what we saw - and how awesome you are ... THE LITTLE MAN WHO LEFT HERE 9 MONTHS AGO IS WITHOUT A DOUBT.... SO SMART. SO HAPPY. SO SILLY. SO FUN. WE KNOW HOW YOU LOVE HUGS TICKLES SNUGGLES AND RUNNING FAST. WE KNOW HOW YOU LOVED BAKING WITH NANA. HOW…

Dear Guge and Eli- Look at this - this artwork is from when Guillianna was super small. I found it in my boxes of papers and important things I have saved... I have artwork from both of you that both of you made for either Poppy or myself. I don't know if you know this - but I packed each and every paper from school during the days and years spent with us and made certain they got to your parents. I shipped some to your mom when she was in Korea since she would have evenings when not at work to see what you were doing. The rest - I packed up and I gave to her, all set - and ready for her to keep. You did such amazing work and can be so proud. I am still unpacking some things from our move. As I unpack it's a sad reminder that mom and dad didn't have you take hardly any of the belongings that were yours- when you left. There are so many years worth of belongings- toys clothes and memories - all of which were just left behind. ? When I asked mom, why daddy didn't…

Today is Wednesday and it's T minus 2 days til the big "7" ! Dear Guillianna and Eli- You're almost there to the end of the birthday week ... only two more days. Hope it's an amazing day. Hope you loved the gifts we sent and hope you will laugh and smile because you're having a big birthday party. I wish we could see pics of you with missing teeth ! Some day, maybe someday. This week Sebastian has been visiting Nana a lot since Ms.Nancy is out of town. He sure does miss playing with you both. You'd be surprised how much bigger he is. I will see if I can snap a photo for you tomorrow. Until then we love you to the moon and back forever and always, XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️?

Dear Guillianna and Eli, Last year the rain was so bad they had to move the Trunk or Treat inside! The temperatures are still warm and summer like , but it is not too long before we are enjoying cooler crisp air and falling leaves here in the Mitten state. Remember when Poppy was Robin Hood in the forest!  Sebastian was his horse ? ? so funny right ? You guys had so much fun that night. Rylee and Guge... best buds for sure... I saw her the other day.  She says they have written you guys and she still has her little stuffed tiger!   She misses you as well they always tried to help us with getting into dance, and being kind.   I know it was very important to your mom that we have lots of play dates, and make friends in the years you were here.   The plan was always to allow you five years, in one place for the sake of continuity.   Education, friends, extra curriculars.   We did all of the things she had asked.   Truly tried to make sure you both were happy and tried our hardest to make sure our daughter was happy.     We…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah: Do you know what we have been thinking about... LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE We have been thinking how much we love you both, and how happy we are that the Birthday box was delivered safely.  I sent it early so it would not be late if there were any shipping delays from the bad weather in the Carolinas.   So many flights were changed and cancelled, that it affects every area, even if you dont live near the bad weather.... but there was no way that we were going to let your birthday gift be late.  So happy... so sweet.... We hope you had a great weekend, lots of fun with mom and dad, and feel rested and ready for a new school week. Today we saw both of your Great Grandmothers, and Papa Alan, yesterday we saw Aunt Allyssa Cole and Elena, while Gray and Uncle Dwan went fishing....  look he has lost his two front teeth. He's getting big too isn't he ?   We also saw Uncle Nick, Aunt Liz  and Bash!   When you think about how he is getting big.... it is pretty clear that so are you two.   LOOK at the images of…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah: Next week is Eli's birthday, and I sent a package to you.   Inside are Eli's birthday gifts- to celebrate how amazing you are, and a big sister gift for Guillianna, to say what an amazing big sister she has always been.   It is hard for us to pick out your favorite things, since we do not get to see or talk to either of you.   We still hope that you will like them, and have fun.   I sent them special delivery because with all the airlines having issues due to predicted storm/hurricane expected to hit in the Carolinas, I did not want to risk it being late.   I did get notification from UPS that it was delivered to your home thank goodness. https://youtu.be/AcGtxXV1wOc This is a video of Eli the day he was were born.  Since you arrived so early,  Nana, Poppy and Guillianna were still in the Mitten that day, and Daddy had to be in Afghanistan.  Guillianna stayed with us in the months before you came while Mommy was letting you grow big enough to come meet everyone.   And after you were born, she stayed at the hospital every minute to make sure sweet…

          Here is a blast from the past- AND THIS IS ONLY A FEW OF THE MOMENTS WE HAD FUN ... some adorable costume choices !  From dressing up for big dances, dressing up for Halloween and even just for fun, fall fairs, birthday parties, Irish week's crazy hair day!   All kinds of silliness and fun.  Hopefuly you will keep those fun times in your hearts for ever. Wonder what you will chose to be this year for Halloween ? We had so much fun with costumes for all kinds of different things and sometimes for no reason at all like the face painting and silly SnapChats with your cousins. Above are just a few!  SO MANY HAPPY DAYS, SO MANY FUN COSTUMES AND SO MANY SMILES....  Nana has so many wonderful pictures for you to keep and enjoy as you grow older.   If you only knew how much love and care went into making good memories for you.   WE DON'T KNOW WHAT HAS BEEN SAID THAT YOU COULD EVER THINK ANYTHING SAD.   WE WERE SO HAPPY SPENDING TIME WITH YOU.  NEVER WERE SAD ABOUT ANY PART OF HAVING THE CHANCE TO HELP  MOM AND DAD, TO LIVE…

LOVE FOR YOU BEING SENT YOUR WAY, WISHES FOR HAPPINESS EVERY SINGLE DAY! Never forget the Nana you two always loved is always wishing you happiness and love ! And so does your Poppy ... ❤️   TODAY TOMORROW AND ALWAYS.....     Dear Guillianna and Elijah Today's love letter is to remind you how important it is for us to see you both happy! We hope life with mom and dad is so much fun! That you are doing lots of good work at school and enjoying all kinds of activities! It's true we wish we could see and talk to you - and everyday we wonder how your day is going ... but we also want your mom and dad happy. We want them to build trusting loving relationships with you both. I think it was very hard on them being away so long from both of you. Poppy and I love our whole family- every single child with all our heart and soul. We have learned that all our children grow up to follow their own dreams. We hope they will make good and safe choices. We hope they will learn to love others and treat others with…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah: A new week begins and as you both know like every Monday Poppy is at work. About a month ago we emailed your Mom and asked her if we could please come to visit you. POPPY SAID ANY DAY ANY TIME. HE WOULD DO WHAT EVER DAY SHE SAID COULD WORK. At first she said you had baseball, and track which we explained that was fine we took you both to all your activities for three years and loved every second - we said we would love to come and see- but she then said no. No way would they allow it. We had hoped to take you for dinner or swimming at our hotel for the weekend- or during the week since you were not yet in school - anything at all - but they feel that your time in Michigan was not good and have said you two do not want to see us. They said some very unusual things that are not making any sense ti us but I what I do think is that they want you to have a easier time adjusting to your lives living together. We can't really be…

Today is grandparents day and I wonder in your your new school they have a scheduled day where in your grandparents are able to come like at Notre Dame? If so whether it is today or any other day ... we are there with you! We live in your hearts. Forever ... there is no amount of time or distance that changes a persons memories. Today I unpacked boxes at the storage facility. I found so many memories. Letters to poppy and I from your mom when she was small. Photos and box after if box of memories. All will be preserved and kept for you guys to one day see. I also found the wedding dress I wore when I married poppy. The train of the dress is now little bears. You may remember that you asked me to make sure Grandma Sally didn't cut up the dress. So she didn't. It's also kept with all the other special things Poppy is saving. Grandparents day is every day really. If we see our grandchildren or if we don't we ALWAYS will love them to the moon and back. All of them. So don't worry - we know and have…

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, Sending you both hugs.... and love.   Wishing I could know you're both doing good.   I know that you must wonder so many things.  Depending on what you have been told or not told, we are always worried for how you handle the very hard and difficult road of not seeing us after being with us every day for so very long.   I know that it is not easy, and I am hopeful one day soon things will be better and you will both be comforatable and happy like these photos again.     We just wanted to send you both a hug today - let you know we love you.. and hope that today brings you lots of smiles a good day at school and fun that brings laughter ! We don't really know that you will ever read our love letters, until your grown but it is is important to both Poppy and Nana to let you eventually know how everyone you loved in the Mitten- still loves you and always will - ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Love you to the moon and back, forever and always, ❤️Nana & Poppy❤️?

Dear Guillianna and Elijah, Here is the video montage I was sent from the photos on my phone.... I want to share it with you because it is such an awesome memory and I thought you may enjoy seeing it.   https://youtu.be/_mGZHkoQ4Ic   This was super fun ! Love always and forever, from here to the moon and back, X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0 ❤️Nana & Poppy❤️?

THE MITTEN GAME DAY JERSEY! Dear Guillianna and Elijah: Remember when we made this photo into a phone case for your parents as a present.   Its been a long time since you were this small, but it is still a favorite.  Do you remember when you two could choose to wear your favorite team shirt to school?    Everyone here in the mitten state usually has a favorite college team to root for.   Nana loves them both, and the two of you in these shirts, well who wouldn't love the representation of BOTH of these two schools ! One day who knows, maybe you will still be fans, and want to attend one of them.   Where ever you should end up going to school, you can bet Nana and Poppy will wear those jerseys or love those schools too.   Oh wow, we will have to prepare to be getting jerseys to all the grand childrens favorites right?   Who knows by then Poppy may not need to wear a tie to work every day, and he can have a collection of school shirts to represent all the grand children!  That would be fun, right? One thing is for sure, it will…

We give you our hearts forever !    You always gave Elena Sebastian, Gray and Cole all  your  Love in the Mitten .    And you’re the best cousins ever ! We always hope you get to see Aunt Kiki Uncle Ricky, Anthony and Janae ( Mia when she is there )  since they are so so so so close!    I did send KiKi over  to deliver those special goodies once - so hopefully you know she is so close by .    You were both always helping others and even earned IB awards for being caring and Brag Tags for simply being the best kids ever.  Hope you remember those things when you feel sad, or lonely. You just have to have faith and know that one day it will all get better- some how some way !  Until then here is a new love letter for today ....   Sweet baby Eli.... and also...... Sweet baby Guillianna...       We have thousands of photos to share with you two, from first smiles... first teeth, first foods, first crawl, first swim, first steps, birthdays, holidays.   These love letters are only a glimpse into the foundational time you…

Dear Guge and Eli, So its Labor Day and Poppy had the day off work.    He did go into the office for a bit, but it is always nice when he doesnt have a full day right?   Hope you all did something fun and enjoyed the last days of summer. Things to look forward to: Cooler temps, falling leaves, fall colors, pumpkins, trick or treating, apples and cider with doughnuts.   Football season was always a favorite of daddy's and you will likely get to decide on Halloween costumes soon if you haven't already.   No word yet from the other cousins what they will be but I will certainly pass it along when I do learn. What is even more crazy is that Christmas is a little over 3 months away.   That is so crazy.   We are hopeful every day that today will be the day we see your little faces, and until then we look at the photos, and Poppy and I share stories of you with all your Aunts Uncles and cousins.   Aunk Kiki and Uncle Ricky went home today from their visit and likely wont be back until after the New Year.   Hope they will get to…

Today was Coles birthday party. Aunt Allyssa did a very nice job making his birthday special. He was not a big fan of cake -  I can remember baking a lot of cakes with you two.   Eli loved mixing ingredients and Guillianna frosting cakes... It didn't rain and it was a very nice party. You were definitely missed and we hope you will know that we think of you . We also are sure you will be spending Labor Day doing something amazing with mom and dad since it's a holiday hat mom usually gets off and you tie certainly get off from school. Weather here ended up being nice without rain ! Thank goodness since we were out side at the party. Next week will be a shorter school week for you and that ha to be something to look forward to. Aunt KiKi and Poppy took some of these photos and we hope you will enjoy seeing your cousins. We love you both to the moon and back , always and forever, XOXOXOXOXOXO,     ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️?

Dear Guillianna and Elijah:   Crazy ? No - it's not Eli curls - it's just nana's hair next to his adorable face .... just thought I would add these pics in today's letter to you , since I saw them while driving home from the wedding. These faces sure do make a person smile! And here is a little Gugu face up close to Nana too! Lots of fun photos, right? Hope you have had some fun today and some laughter too. Wishing you sweet dreams, make a dream starter for yourself it will have you smiling all night long! ALL OUR LOVE Forever and Always, ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️?

A year ago we were together at the hospital with Aunt Allyssa and Uncle Dwan - and your little cousin Cole was born. We will go see them tomorrow for his first birthday party . Poppy and I went to a wedding today where your other cousin was part of the ceremony. He was pretty cute and his job was to be the ring bearer. He got paid with "chicky nuggets" He did a great job. Your little cousins are all growing and we make sure to tell them how much you loved playing with them. I have pictures and videos they will love to watch. We love you to the moon and back and hope you feel our love every day ! XOXOXOXOXOXO Love- always and forever ... ❤️Nana and Poppy ❤️?

an old video that is so adorable... Click on the above link for some cuteness overload! Oh my goodness,  do I have some amazing videos... I am going to see if I can embed some of them for you to watch. You have always loved watching old videos. I have Elijah laughing so hard... its just so adorable.  I have Elena saying Dora, when she sees a picture of the explorer girl, but it doesn't quite sound like Dora.   So many of them,  I will work on how to get them to load. This is the shortest one I had, and it fit into the computer upload format, just barely! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO Love you both, always and forever, ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️?

Dear Guillianna and Eli, Today is Friday August 31.  Hard to believe it is almost September.   It seems like July just ended.  This July was very different,  when we usually would go up north with you and celebrate Nana's birthday with all the family ... but this year we didn't go. There were lots of reasons why but one of them was that we felt since it was the first summer without you two here, and we were all supposed to go back, well - we figured that you'd be thinking ? about it and like feel bad if you couldn't  go or even say happy birthday. But DO NOT FEEL BAD we know you both have the biggest hearts and always made the best cards and cakes !!! Honestly - when everyone's birthday comes and goes, we all know you really would love to be celebrating too. Grandma Sharyn turned 80 in March. And Grandma Sally 89 in April. I hope to plan a nice party for her when she turns 90... in April of 2019, and hopefully you can be there for it. ( we could try and coordinate around your school calendar even !) Uncle Nick and Uncle…

Hello Guillianna and Elijah ... It is truly hard to believe that a year ago Aunt Allyssa was having Cole isn't it? How lucky it was that most everyone in the family could be together to welcome your little cousin. He is having his first birthday party tomorrow. We hope you will come into town for it but it's the Labor Day holiday weekend and maybe your parents make other plans. I will send pictures for sure so you can share in the smiles on his GOLDEN birthday. And yes I did say your cousin Bash is walking down he aisle but I didn't mean he is getting married. He is a little ring bearer in a wedding. I am sure I can snap a few photos of that too for you. This is him the other day ... so cute right? As the holiday approaches I am sure you will be off school Monday and that will allow for some extra fun family time. Hope it is great and the weather is good. Remember when Poppy would get an extra day off how much fun it would be ? We can only imagine it will be the same there.…

As summer comes to a close today we thought about how we used to spend time at a cottage and play in the waters and enjoy sandy beaches. There is not a minute when we don't think how amazing Michigan summers can be, how lucky we have been to spend so much time up there, with our family and how we would love to go up there again. Sand dunes and swimming. Roasting s'mores. So much fun! I know it seems you are now so far away but you must remember that we are hopeful that you will be back to visit soon. That we will spend time together when you don't have school and that if we can't for some reason ... you will use these memories and photos to help you when you miss us. All our love today and always, Always and Forever ... XOXOXOXOXOXO Love ❤️ Nana and Poppy❤️?

Dear Guge and Eli- So this is what popped up on my phone today when I woke up. You had so much fun with your lemonade stand and selling cookies and all kids of stuff to raise money for the Children's Leukemia Foundation ! So many people came by the house just to buy from you two. Grandma Sharyn and Papa, Uncle Nick neighbors and well we were so proud of you two for raising money. Then you were in an article for making such a nice donation so they came and took your pictures. This time it was for Halloween for kids and families who fight cancer !   So nice - Serving the community again and again. Do you remember when Nana had you both dress like mom and dad. To show what it is like for them to serve the country. We always tried to make sure you both knew they were keeping you and Americans safe by doing their jobs. To be proud of them and know how much they loved you ! We hope you two will not ever forget your time here and how it really was for you. That you never forget all…

Do you remember how we would stop at THE STUFFED BUN for breakfast sometimes before school. So much fun ! I know it had your favorite pancakes and eggs with bacon . You two loved having poppy with us at breakfast sometimes ! This is Eli and poppy at the stuffed bun wine he FIRST STARTED GOING TO SCHOOL. IT WAS ONE OF OUR FIRST BEFORE SCHOOL BREAKFASTS... you and poppy at the bun! And here is Guillianna and Poppy always smiling .... ❤️ We went there this morning and all we could do is think about you guys and those fun mornings. Hope you had s great Sunday and making new breakfast memories and have a favorite spot to stop for favorite foods or treats or fun on a Sunday ! We love you forever and always and we hope everyday that today is the day we will see your face and talk to you to hear all about your days. Wishing you healthy happy days and dream full nights of ❤️??????❤️ XOXOXOXOXOXO Love ❤️ Nana and Poppy❤️?

Dear Guillianna and Elijah - This was the first game Guillianna ever went to .... And this is the last one we all went to with uncle Nick and aunt Liz and Aunt Kiki ! LOOK HOW HAPPY ! Today was one of the nurses who works with Poppy birthday. Your momma knew him when she was small. For his 50th birthday we went to the baseball game. Remember bringing the two of you here and riding on the baseball Ferris wheel. So much fun. We love you so much. Hope you are having a great day and that tomorrow is a fun Sunday for you. Love you to the moon and back XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX Love always and forever ❤️Nana and Poppy ❤️?

Normally Sebastian would be here today and I had said in my previous letter was going to post some photos for you to see. However - Uncle Nick was off work today and I had to take Grandma Sally to a doctor appointment. She is doing good. Misses you both so much. So does Aunt Liz Uncle Nick and Bash ! Actually all of your Michigan family does. A few weeks ago Aunt Kiki dropped off just a few very special items mom and dad didn't pack when you guys left she told you she was on her way to visit us. Here is a photo of some of us above one day when she visited we aren't all in the photo ... so I posted one of Uncle Nick and family below . Just so you can see some faces - I hope your week ended with smiles and school was good. Maybe you have special plans for the weekend to look forward to. We are hopeful we will talk to you one day soon and until then we send our love to you. I wonder how many teeth Eli has lost ? And I wonder if Guillianna is…

SO MANY GOOD TIMES ... Today is Thursday and youre likely looking forward to the weekend.   Hope you are doing great and that these new pics bring a smile to your faces.   We love you so much and hope you had a great Thursday! Love you to the moon and back! Love Always and Forever, Nana and Poppy

There are so many good memories! Tonight Poppy and I went to dinner together and we were thinking how much we love you both! The photos we have from before you left pop up and we will sit and look at them with happiness. So I thought I would share pieces of the happiness with you both. Love you both to the moon and back ... XOXOXOXOXOXO Love - Always and Forever ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️?

These kids all went back to school today. They surely miss you both. I can't believe how big everyone is getting. Poppy and I hope your school days are going well. We really hope you both love your new teachers. I also hope the lunch love stickers I sent were a fun surprise. When Sebastian comes out this week I will capture some new photos. I thought maybe you'd like to see him. With Coles party coming I can get more of him too ! I don't know if your in gymnastics baseball cheer soccer or what ever after school activities you could be involved with but I hope they are so so so fun. we will be excited to hear all about them sometime. We hope every day to see your faces hear how your days are and make plans to visit ... until then you can be sure you're loved so so much. That we keep you so close in our hearts and we never have ever said anything different than what is true. You are the best kids and we have had the best memories. Never let anything change your memories and this journal will keep them…

Today I was lucky to be asked to help Ms. Beth - it's the day before Notre Dame returns to school here in the Mitten. Seems Rylee Liam and Haleigh needed something to do and I was given a chance to visit. So I hung with them for the day. Oh how Rylee misses Guillianna and Liam misses Elijah. We all hope you'll come visit soon, and I told them whenever you did come we would have a play date for sure. They wanted to go and eat crab legs for lunch and then we went shopping. I think they had a fun last day of summer - at least I hope so I know it was so nice for me to spend some t me with them. We know school there started a bit ago but it also gets out before school here does. Wondering how your days are going. And hoping they are full of laughter and smiles.   You are in our hearts on our minds and forever we are holding your hands sending hugs and smiles today and always. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX Love always and forever ❤️Nana and Poppy❤️?

Dear Guillianna and Eli - We always are hoping you've had a great day and that you did something fun. Do you remember how we would have breakfast with Poppy? There was Gymnastics and just enjoy time together And for a while we would have cheer too. Busy busy right ? ?. I hear today was the day that all the Notre Dame kids went to find out who they have for new teachers and when I learn I can't write and tell you. There was some discussion that Ms Stuk would teach 1st grade this year and Mrs.Kriesel would do kindergarten since Liam K was to be a first grader. But I am not sure if that happened. I am going to help Ms.Campbell out tomorrow and will see Rylee Liam and Haleigh. Poppy and I hope you will remember some of these fun times I sent photos of. We hope you have a great day and remember WE LOVE YOU TI THE MOON AND BACK XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO love ❤️ always and forever Nana and Poppy

Hello Guge and Eli, Todays date is 8/18/18 at nearly 8:18pm,    That is a lot of 18's. We love you two very much, and hope you are having a great weekend.   Today I was in Poppy's office and saw all the photos from the photo booth at Safari Cafe, also known as Rainforest Cafe.... So many smiles... you two and Poppy were so so so silly.   I know we smile when we think of you both and hope you two know how amazing you are.   Hopefully you will have lot's of fun times with more photo booth sillies in your future. In a few weeks little Cole turns 1 already.   Aunt Allyssa and Uncle Dwan are making his birthday party and I know you are all welcome to join.  It's likey so far for your mom and dad, or they have made other plans but I will put some pictures up afterwards.  Gray and Elena also are so big.   The other day Elena was telling me how she has to change her clothes a lot of times in a day, she said, "Nana I am four now" so I guess that means lots of clothing changes.   So cute and…

NEVER FORGET THIS - ❤️❤️❤️?   If ever there is a tomorrow When we are not together, there is something you must remember ... You are braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. XOXOXOXOXOXO Forever and always, Nana and Poppy ❤️❤️?

CARVING PUMPKINS. GOOOOOEY! Dear Guillianna and Elijah: That special time of year is coming soon.   Okay not that soon , but the faces in this photo are so awesome. I was flipping thru pics and thought I just have to post this today. It made me smile. It's that goooey time after you have selected the perfect holiday pumpkin.  This photo is last years special carving session.   Great memories... loved getting to share those times with you both. School is started for you two.  We are hopeful it will be an amazing year.  Full of a lot of new wonderful memories you will one day share with us. Love forever and always... XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX Nana and Poppy

These are the gifts we sent you and we sent them insured to guarantee delivery. We just got confirmation that you've gotten them and we are so glad. Then I stumbled on these pics from long ago. Yes very long ago .... but look how happy! ? You guys we're always so happy! Dear Eli and Guge, We were sent an email today that the packages with the lunch love stickers and gifts we sent were delivered. ❤️❤️❤️ So happy they got delivered. We hope you love them. I know you're not able to call - but I bet you were both smiling. Both of you were always was very fond of these lunch love and stickers! I know it's been rainy there. Aunt KiKi told me about it today . Hope the sun starts shining there soon! We will go to see Great Grandma Sharyn and Papa Alan this weekend. They too always think of you, and when ever I see Great Grandma Sally she too keeps you both close in her heart . Tonight we are getting ready to go to sleep and Poppy and I send kisses to you both. Like you always asked.  “Send kisses” -…

YOU ARE THE BEST ARTISTS! Turns out we keep these ❤️❤️❤️drawings ❤️❤️❤️up and around so we can see them all the time. We loved when you both would surprise us with little notes and pictures you made. Thinking of you both with love and hope you are having a great day. Soon the weekend will be here and you will surely have lots of fun. Wonder what activities you have during the week ? Hopefully you keep on drawing and sending notes to mom and dad like you did in Michigan you're both amazing artists. All our love today and always , XOXOXOXOXOXO Love always and forever, ❤️Nana and Poppy ❤️?

Hello from the Mitten! Everyone here sending love to you both. Hope your Tuesday was wonderful. Poppy is working at the office and I am at home working on the computer. I just wanted to take a few moments to tell you I jist got and email saying that your back to school "lunch love" package should be delivered by Thursday ! I am glad that you will have a surprise headed your way to start the school year off nice! I also sent the gift Kate Hubbard made for Guillianna! (Its the one I sent you a photo postcard of her making ). In a few weeks baby Cole will be a year old and have his first birthday party. How crazy is that a whole year. Fall will be on its way. It's been so long since we have seen you. Longer than ever in your lives. So I write daily so one day you will know that even if miles between are great our hearts are still full of love for you both. XOXOXOXOXOXO ❤️Love Nana and Poppy❤️?

When we think of you we smile and hope you do the same! I know there is a lot of things that keep you busy and active that makes us so happy. We await the chance to see your happy little faces. Hope you have a great day ! Missing you here in the Mitten but we stay in your hearts ♥️ for sure, where ever you go ! XOXOXOXOXOXO Love always, ❤️Nana and Poppy?❤️ ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

We send you a love letter today that tells you you're loved. Elijah you have likely lost some teeth and grown. I bet you played sports. Maybe baseball or went running with daddy ! So much fun and we hope you're doing great. Guillianna I can't help but wonder if you are still watching kids baking championship episodes or what is your new latest passion. I can't even imagine since you are always so creative and inquisitive. Over the past three years we have watched you guys do gymnastics and cheer, and so many fun times were had that I am sure your summer was full of good times. We love you guys to pieces. We always said "To the moon and back". It's still true!. Hope our package we sent comes your way quickly. All our love ... XOXOXOXOXOXO Love you, ❤️Nana and Poppy?❤️

We love and miss you both  so very much and hope you are doing great !    Today is Saturday and while Poppy is at work I wanted to write a quick note to say have a great day - when I woke up the “ good morning song” popped into my head  and  I remembered waking you guys up singing it everyday !   As I did then I still do today hope that every day starts with smiles for you both!    Poppy has a great smile doesn’t he... he likes to start every day happy!   Thinking of you both makes us smile ! XOXOXOXO All our love, Nana and Poppy  

[caption id="attachment_9787" align="alignleft" width="225"] Love this pic![/caption] THIS WAS TAKEN LAST DECEMBER - At the royal Park hotel when we had dinner !❤️ Today Poppy is going to pack up a back to school “ lunch love” for you both.      Every day I would tuck one into your book bags so you would have an extra smile in the day while at school.    Today we will send a package  to you for your new school. I enclosed a bunch of stickers like your old favorites from "lunch love"  We hope they will bring some smiles to you this year. We love you both so very much and hope your day is full of smiles and laughter. All our love, XOXOXOXOXOXO Nana and Poppy

Its Friday and we will go pick up Sebastian for the day ... he used to love how you guys made him laugh - SUPER GREENS always made him laugh out loud !     You’d be shocked how big he is.     He is walking and yes running ... he is learning to talk.     I saw some other photos of you guys with him I thought you may like to see. And look at this.    You both at beginning of school last year !    I bet you’re so much bigger now. Look at how adorable you both are ! There is a lot of new things to learn now that you’re  in fourth and first grade.   Can’t wait to see how awesome you do.    All our love today and always - YOU ARE AMAZING KIDS AND ARE LOVED BY EVERYONE IN THE MITTEN SO MUCH ❤️ XOXOXOXOXOXOX ❤️ Nana and Poppy❤️? 

Hello - it’s a new day and just like every other day we are feeling so lucky to be your grandparents.   We have so many memories to share.   While we want all the grand children to know how much we love them.    Some live closer than others, or we talk to or visit with some more often than others, some things are not in our control.  Work schedules and school schedules, activities all play a role  but the truth is they are all close in our hearts.    This site is about bridging gaps and making sure after so many years of living in the mitten, you two know you are thought of and loved.  So many times we wish we could give you real hugs, not virtual ones and  for now this must do.    Today while working Poppy walked by his little stuffed chocolate chip cookie     ?     It was a gift that you, Guillianna had gotten him and it still smells like chocolate chip cookies even after all this time.    He smells it every time he walks by it and it makes him think of the notes you used to leave in…

[caption id="attachment_9743" align="alignright" width="300"] This was when baby Cole was in Aunt Allyssa’s belly .... but it’s such a fun memories  Thank you Aunt KiKi for this lovely photo... it's a great one![/caption] OH BOY...  how you two love SUMMER! Hello from the Mitten! Today I was thinking about our cottage fun times.  how quickly summer passes by !    Then this photo popped up and I decided to share it with you two.     The beaches and sand so much fun !    Swimming always a favorite for you both ... the hotels and diving down for toys.   SO MUCH FUN ❤️    Hope you have a great day and enjoy these remaining summer and early fall days and nights.   THE BEACH WAS SO FUN.   SWIMMING AND THE SAND DUNES.   MOM AND DAD EVEN GOT TO COME LAST SUMMER.    THE GOOD NEWS IS, MICHIGAN BEACHES ARE ALWAYS AROUND AND WHEN YOU COME VISIT, YOU CAN ALWAYS GO UP NORTH AND SPEND TIME IN A COTTAGE WHETHER YOU ARE LITTLE OR BIG, ITS A FUN ADVENTURE!   XOXOXOXOXOXO Love always, Nana and Poppy      

So here is your cousin Sebastian getting his first chance at walking thru the water in the spray park.     He’s gotten so big right ?      It was one of many moments where we wished, very much, you two could have been there.   You would have protected him for the girl he met there who wanted to push him around !     The summer is winding down and school is about to start.    I am so excited for you both.    Poppy sends his love and so do I.    We hope it’s going to be an extra special year for you.   I know how much you loved your time in Michigan and all the dream starters , fun times and fun memories.   We are hoping you will come back and visit sometime soon.    We have tried very hard to co ordinate with your mom and dad, asking to  come  to visit you, we have tried text, calls, emails, pretty much everything we could do but they say it was  and is not possible.   We will keep sending you lots of love and hope,  and we will always wonder when…

[caption id="attachment_9717" align="alignleft" width="768"] Silly starts to the school mornings![/caption]   We had a blast on our way to school ... silly songs and laughter !    We hope your new school year is extra special!   It’s so hard to believe you will be starting the fourth grade and first grade !    So proud of you.     Every one that I still see at Notre Dame wishes you well and thinks of you often.    I will post pics for you of Joey, Annalise, Liam K and Liam C as well as Kate, Rylee, Sadie, Piper and all the rest of the old friends we see from time.   When we do I will get photos for you.     We sent about forty cards or so to you and have given the address to your closest friends.   I heard from Aunt Kiki that Anthony started today and she sent me photos, I simply can’t believe Eli is going to start FIRST GRADE AND GUILLIANNA, oh my gosh the FOURTH GRADE !   Wow ? so exciting ! We hope this new school year is amazing for you. Work super hard and read read read !  …

[caption id="attachment_9616" align="aligncenter" width="225"]                  Always remember the fun![/caption] Dear Guillianna and Elijah: This a the first in a series of letters written to you by Nana and Poppy.   I do not know why you have not been able to call, or take our calls, I do not have an explanation to help a nine and six year old to be able to understand mainly because neither Nana or Poppy can understand it either.   We have not been able to see or speak to you and we had thought after a while things would change and you would be able to talk to us and tell us about your days.   We write these love letters to you so that you will always know how much you are loved, and that we know it is not your fault for not being allowed to  call or see us.   We know you are small children, and we want you to always be good for mom and dad and believe us  we truly know how you always want to make everyone happy.   So to make sure you know and always remember how…

Dear Mom and Dad, We are having an excellent week.... First grade and Junior Kindergarten are going great!   I got a 100% on my last test and Elijah is learning all about the "human body" and the "breathers" aka lungs.   We had dance class after school and tomorrow we are taking Great Grandma and Grumpy to dinner.   Then Wednesday we have Karate!   Hard to believe this is one year ago already.... Nana is taking us to get new pics for this season.... I bet you can't wait! [caption id="attachment_9690" align="aligncenter" width="221"] one year ago....[/caption] Until we write again, always remember we love you and will always be your little prince and princess...  aka Little Mr and Miss Adorable... Love always, Eli and Guillianna

THIS IS ME.... WHEN MY AUNT KIKI WENT INTO THE ARMY..... Here we are the day she left.....  Elijah was not here yet..... AND TOMORROW.... WE SHE IS COMING HOME HONORABLY DISCHARGED FROM THE ARMY! YAY!!!!!!   WE CAN'T WAIT!                Dear Mom and Dad, Some day you guys will also be able to retire from the army.... it will be a day to celebrate.   Can't wait to send you pics of Aunt Kiki's return from Italy. All our love your little Prince and little Princess, Elijah and Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad:   We are having so much fun... Elijah and I are going to see our cousin graduate from pre-school tonight.   It will be so much fun.   We are also going to see Great Grandma Sharyn, Great Papa and our cousins Marisa Rachel and Noah...  One thing is for sure, lots of people here love seeing us.   This weekend Aunt Kiki comes home and Uncle Nick is having a birthday.     We also get to start our gymnastics on Saturday!   I am so so excited and so is Eli.... We love you both very much and hope you have an awesome day!   Happy Thursday Mom and Dad, all our love, your little prince and princess, Eli and Guillianna!  

Dear Mom and Dad, We are giving Nana and Poppy a lesson on Shopkins and Micro Drifters.    Appearently Mitten folk don't know about these tiny miracles... but rest assured we have educated them properly.    So I informed Nana that Season 3 Moose Toys Shopkins were released on June 1, 2015.   And since Nana lives in a bigger city than Fort Huachuca has, there are a lot of stores around.   She succeeded in finding me some season 3 shopkins... and I am super excited.   She also found the Micro Drifters that Eli loves.   She says, we have to earn these little magical packs of sunshine, our little bundles of fun... that's what I like to call them.... yep, Eli and I love these sooooo much.   She also says you and daddy have to decide now that we are on summer break what the rules are for getting to open one of them. I know you and daddy are busy busy busy... and dad is traveling to where the "cheeseheads" are said to live, right near the mitten state.   I know you are preparing for your big adventure to the land of  'rice and…

Dear Mom and Dad... It's a rainy day here in Michigan and we are having a Jammy party..... stay in our pjs most all of the day. Should be fun..... plan on making it fun that is for sure.... Love you both, from your little princess and your little prince....

[caption id="attachment_9629" align="aligncenter" width="768"] hanging out with cousin Steven![/caption] Dear Mom and Dad, Today we met some new friends, and had a play date at Nana's. We had so much fun, played in the basement, played outside, and had pizza and then popsicles. It really was fun. Things are going great here in Michigan. Can't wait for you to see the green grass! It is so soft! We then went to visit Great Grandma Sharyn, Great Papa Alan, Great Uncle David, Great Aunt Kris, Steven, Marisa, Rachel, Noah, Great Great Aunt Shirley, Great Aunt Nori....and Great Grandparents, Cyd and Larry! It was super fun and we loved the attention. Played pinball at their house, just like you used to when you were small mom! Played chess, and all kinds of fun stuff, and of course I brought my shopkins, and Elijah brought his cars.... so we taught all the cousins a thing or two also....

[caption id="attachment_9622" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Good Morning![/caption] [caption id="attachment_9623" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Good Morning[/caption] Good Morning Mom and Dad, It's a beautiful day here in the Mitten State.... and we are having so much fun... today we will go to the Library .... We will post about our day later. Love you always, your little princess and prince... Guillianna and Eli

[caption id="attachment_9616" align="aligncenter" width="700"] We are here![/caption] Dear Mom and Dad, We are here... and it is fantastic. We are enjoying some relaxation in the Mitten State and can't wait to show you all sorts of fun Michigan Summer fun stuff! Eli and I are being super good and we are having a blast.... Hugs and Kisses, all our love from your princess and prince.... Guillianna and Elijah

[caption id="attachment_9597" align="aligncenter" width="753"] Big news.... We are going on a vacation to the Mitten State![/caption] [caption id="attachment_9599" align="aligncenter" width="753"] Mitten State.... HERE WE COME![/caption] [caption id="attachment_9598" align="aligncenter" width="753"] and so am I ... we are ready to see if Nana and Poppy are as excited as we are![/caption]

HAPPY  EASTER!   Dear Daddy and Mommy: It was so nice to talk to you  daddy on the phone today, and mommy too, but I get to Tango her at least every day, I miss you daddy.... it is so hard to hear because of the delay and the interference but so nice just knowing you are okay.   This morning I woke up at the crack of dawn, we decided we would try to see the Easter bunny!   And guess who I got to see.... Can you believe it daddy ?   We got out of bed, went to the window and peeked out to find the bunny delivering me EGGS!   LOTS OF EGGS!   It was so fun!   I bet you could see them all the way over there where you are - there were so many!  Try clicking this link and maybe you will see the bunny! http://youtu.be/P0k1k8aZ0YU As I was peeking out the window, he turned and waved to me, then blew me a kiss and waved good bye as he hopped away.... down the street!   It was so neat!   I turned around and there was my basket full of Easter crafts and games.  Eli got a basket too!   It was so awesome.   We got dressed and…

Dear Daddy... Get Ready... here is Eli's real first photo shoot.... we are back at the Hood, but Nana took lot's of picks for you and now she actually had a minute to put them up for you.   We are doing good, Eli is getting a tooth and starting drooling right before we flew home... and guess what he is just like me... when I was getting my teeth... I was always running a little fever and always pretty miserable when one would make it's way through... but Eli is like me in a lot of other ways too... he has been feeling so much better, and smiling up a storm.   Take a look dad! I think you're gonna love these pics... Nana tried very hard to get some while we were there... but we kept her pretty busy - so here are more of your prince and princess! I hope you are loving our photo shoot, I think I get more pictures though since I am always on the go go go and I love to pose... like these .... He is not quite big enough for some of the action shots yet, but soon daddy.... very soon.... personally…

Dear Mom and Dad, So here we are at the end of 2011!  This is great news daddy, it means you'll be home sooner since 2011 is leaving and you are coming home in 2012.   I can't wait!   Today's photo shoot was brief... Nana grabbed a few between my patient's and my grilled cheese.   Yep, I am DR. GUILLIANNA now... and while I am working hard... and so busy that Nana can't keep up, I decided to hang out and chomp the cheese to let her grab a few pics for you! CHOMPIN' THE CHEESE!   It's true, I love grilled cheese but Nana doesn't make them as good as Mommy! What better way to enjoy a sammy than to hang out on my favorite toy, the GUGU COASTER. I am relaxing Daddy and Momma, I have a blast here at Camp, who wouldn't ?  Laying around chompin the cheese, and playing all the time.   I am also learning my letters and so far my favorite one is 'G'.   Go figure.    Nana says I will be learning how to spell my name.... sometime soon.   I think I will send you snail mail daddy and show you how I progress!    So, you…

MERRY CHIRSTMAS DADDY! This moring I woke up and SANTA CAME BECAUSE HE KNEW I AM "NICE"!    Yes Daddy it is true Santa came to visit me here at Nana's. Look daddy, there were so many packages, and a tea cart too... I love tea partys as you know.. but this is one tea party cart you will really love.   Can't wait to have tea with you. See that yellow thing daddy, it's my new ROLLERCOASTER and I love it. Here I am riding the indoor RollerCoaster... and it's a blast. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhp09MqQzcQ[/youtube] Doesn't it look fun! Here is a better picture of my tea party cart ! I got so many things, including new princess "glass slippers" that light up when I walk.  They are AWESOME! There were so many things I didn't know where to turn....  I even got a cardboard paintable house, can you see me inside my house with my new toy ice cream set!   Here Daddy have some chocolate chip mint - a single scoop! Here is baby Eli on Christmas morning.   He got lots of things too, so Santa must think he's a very good boy!   But his favorite is still his bob! Here is Mommy Eli…

Dear Daddy, Mommy and Baby Eli, Here I am ready for my princess party, and I am sending you pictures because I know Daddy cannot come from Afghan - he had to work... and baby brother Eli has been in the hospital at Fort Hood, so mommy has been taking good care of him.   Nana and Poppy are sad they have so many things going on, but they promised mommy and daddy I would have a special princess birthday party ... and I did.... SEE ME IN MY PRINCESS PARTY DRESS!      I hope Mommy and Daddy will love seeing me at my princess party..... cause I know I had so much fun! I am so excited.... let's get this party started.... These are my friend RILEY  and GRANT she was so excited to go to my princess party.... here we are getting ready to go.... the princess carriage is going to pick us up soon and take us to the PRINCESS TEA PARTY CASTLE! We all piled into the princess carriage, and I had so much fun! My Aunt Kiki, and Aunt Allyssa were ready to have tea... the guys.... well they were good sports and went with smiles! Hey where is…

Dear Daddy, I am sending you some pictures to show you what is happing around here these days...  I went back to Fort Hood!   I am not at Camp Nana anymore because I had a special day... I got to fly back to Texas, and Nana and Poppy got to come.   We all got to meet Baby Eli!  Elijah Robert arrived on September 21, 2011 at 8:44p.m.   He weighed 4lbs. 8oz.! Yep, I really am a big sister! Look at this... a baby.... for me! Everyone clap... yay! He is so tiny dad!   Mommy says, someday he will be bigger than me, but 'not today' as I always like to say...  I am enjoying being a big sister.   After our long trip back to Texas, and getting hugs from mommy, I finally got to see the little guy and it was so exciting... He is very good baby daddy, he doesn't cry - he makes little noises that tell mommy it is time for some of his 'bob'.    I was curious and I still am.   He makes noises, and squirms a lot.   Mommy asks me to help her and I do.  My first day home, I got right into the big sister…

Dear Daddy, I finally got to hear you all the way from the far away place you work... and it was nice.   I was getting some string cheese in the grocery store a personal favorite as you know, and the phone rang.... it was you and mommy!  What a treat.... I am glad you are doing good daddy...  I don't know if you get to see this site anymore, and mommy says you have not gotten any of Nana's packages.    So Nana sent an envelope with some pictures of me, and just in case that didn't work she thought she would put a few up on the web site.   I love you and mommy, and just wanted to tell you, I am doing great.   I use a big girl potty now.   I am eating good, and I am really so smart!  Nana and Poppy are always telling me what a good job I am doing.  I am getting ready for Baby Eli and will be home soon with Mommy.    Until we see each other Nana keeps trying to find a way for you to see me.... so here we go... Until we see each other again daddy.... I love you…

Dear Daddy, How are you today?   I got the picture of you in your tent.... and see you are surrounded by pictures of mommy and I.    Today I got a big girl bed, and Nana is going to put up a picture of you and mommy for me to look at when I go to sleep.    I love my new bed daddy, it is so much fun.... and I have sweet dreams in it .... Mr. Joey made it for me... he makes special beds for all kinds of kids.... he MADE THIS BED FOR ME BECAUSE MY MOMMY AND DADDY ARE SOLDIERS AND HE KNOWS I MISS YOU.... HE MADE IT FROM SCRATCH AND PUT IT ALL TOGETHER FOR ME.    HE DROVE HERE FROM FAR A WAY TO DO IT.... AND DID IT WITH GREAT GRATITUDE FOR YOUR SERVICE TO ALL OF US HERE BACK HOME!    THANK YOU MR. JOEY - your CustomKidz Beds are awesome!   Mr. Joey... my daddy and mommy say THANK YOU.... because they know you made me very very happy!  Night for now.... sweet dreams daddy and momma, as always your Little Miss Adorable, YOUR SWEET PRINCESS, Guillianna!

Dear Daddy... I am loving Michigan summer....and hope you can see it in my smile.   I have been enjoying Camp Nana and am really making a lot of friends.    Last week I went to the Kid Rock Water Park in Clarkston for my friend Riley's birthday party and Nana left the "beast" home, so no photo ops.    This week it was my friend Kennedy and Reagan who had a birthday party and invited me!   I have so many pictures to show you, here are just a few.... are you ready to see your sweet Little Miss?   So Daddy you can see I am having a blast .... and Michigan is really fun!   Hope you are having a great day, and know that I love you and miss you very much, as always, your Little Miss Adorable, Guillianna!

Dear Daddy ... I am missing you!   Can't wait to send you some pics... Nana is trying to get some of me to put up on my website and when she does... I will write you again!    Nana hopes you got your care package from camp and that you are okay. Love Little Miss Adorable, Guillianna!

  I had so much fun today.... just wait and see...... Dear Mom and Dad... I am having a fantastic day in the Mitten State!  Yes it is true.. I am the only one of my buddies without my safety helmet on (Riley has one too but has it off for the photo) ... and you can bet Nana won't let that be going on very long.... something tells me... I am in for a helmet fitting trip to the store in the near future. Today I stayed at camp and played with Nana all day.  I went to lunch with Poppy... and well, didn't feel much like eating.   But later I was a very good eater... and made you both proud. The weather is actually nice in the Mitten State... rare but true. I love playing outside, and especially love when buds Riley and Grant come over to see me.   I am starting to see how sisters and brothers share... which is a very good thing... that I will need to practice a bit for my new baby brother. I am now fishing in my tubby.   Yes ... fishing.   It is so much fun... and I am very good…

Dear Daddy,  and of coarse mommy too... but today I want write to my daddy cause he is on a trip far far away! I know you have to go away to work, and will be missing me each day.   So Nana and I decided to write and tell you every day... just how lucky I am that you love mommy and I, and that you are always in our hearts.   No land of sand this year for you... instead maybe a cave or two.   I am hoping you will be okay, and soon return... I will count the days! I am sending you snap shots to see me today... and look at the hard labor I too have when I play.   Don't feel alone when you are out roughing it... I am also pulling my load and keeping busy a lot.   I have WAGON DUTY and it is quite a chore.... Here I am trying to determine just how daddy would do this.... It's hard labor Daddy, and look I too am in my Camp Nana fatigues (ACU's)!  I know you wear boots but look daddy  I wear light up shoes!  ( They are so awesome in the dark) Pull! Pull!   I…

I am so so big.... can you believe it... look at me! Do I look bigger....  Until next time, I am as always, Mommy and Daddy's Little Miss Adorable.... Guillianna!

The Royal Wedding was yesterday... and it was beautiful... but my Nana says I wll always be her ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS GUILLIANNA..... and she thought all of my loyal subjects.... would love to see me in my most recent... ROYAL pose! Happy Spring everyone... I am doing good at the Hood.. and my Mom and Dad are well.   Life is good.. and I am truly everyone's ..... Her Royal Highness, Princess Guillianna... Love to all.... Little Miss Adorable... Guillianna!

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN.... GOODBYE TO ALL MY MICHIGAN FRIENDS AND FAMILY!   Love, Little Miss Adorable, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, I am getting ready to come home.... Nana has a bazillion photos of me at my dance classes.. me at the zoo me hanging with the campers... and she promises to put up pictures.... soon.   Here is a quick peek of me last Monday!   I was at my last class... Miss Wendy was so nice... for now though Nana has to pack up my stuff and we are off in a few hours to see you.   Until then here is my smiling face to keep you ... but in a few hours you will see the real deal!  As always...  Little Miss Adorable, your sweet Guillianna! Saying good bye is sooooooooooo not easy...KNOWING GUILLIANNA IS BACK WITH MOMMY AND DADDY IS A JOY!  She will be home in a few hours... and the rest of us... will have some photos to enjoy until she comes again.

Dear Mom and Dad, I wrote you the other day about my "special".   And now I am writing you about Uncle Nick's "special".   I went to see him have a "special" day.  As a matter of fact it was a special week... first my Great Grandma had a birthday... and then you daddy you had a birthday... but with Great Grandma in Florida and Daddy at work... I haven't photos to share... just lots of love in my heart... the photos I do have... since I am hangin' at camp these days... would be with Uncle Nick.   Don't you worry though  I CELEBRATED ALL THOSE SPECIALS... ONE THING I DEFINITELY AM IS GOOD AT 'CELEBRATING' Guillianna style. Yeah, I stole it... I stole his cap... he is just lucky I didn't steal the gown too... Uncle Nick graduated this weekend with his 2nd college degree.   Personally I think I look amazing! Uncle Nick and Aunt KiKi take time out to pose for the "beast".  As did.. Uncle Nick and Aunt Alyx....and ... Uncle Nick and Aunt Arrianna... Uncle Nick was a busy guy with the beast snapping photos left and right..  Uncle Nick and Miss K!    And what kind of photographer…

Dear Mom and Dad... Things here are excellent.  One minor exception however.   SNOW yes... more of the wonderful white stuff that these Mitten State dwellers seem to be pretty used to.   See, for me... while it seems I was noticing that the white stuff had disappeared.   AND YES, I was looking forward to warmer days... and hoping for a trip to the park...hmmm, maybe not this visit.... it's just a little to "wintery" around here.   The good news... IF SPRING SHOULD ARRIVE...I am ready for it...  yep, we had a few nice days and Poppy brought me a "special".   Yep yep yep... I helped him put together my new and wonderful WAGON.   All the campers hoped that since the snow had melted we would be able to go out and take walks... so we worked, and worked and worked... (seemingly FOREVER) on building my new "special".   I am telling you this project was big.. I worked and worked with Poppy and Aunt Alyx to create a masterpiece. From smaller pieces to huge pieces... and pieces I have no idea what to do with... we worked and worked. My 'special' is coming along.... and I can hardly wait... but I don't mind... not one…

Dear Mom and Dad, Yes it is true, Nana had another one of her "nana moments".   I have to say... it's wierd... she says that "there are times when (she) is just so sad that her daughter cannot be here" - just like there are times when she is "so sad that I am in Texas and she misses seeing me"... well today was one of those "Nana moment" days...   Nana... was all teary because she wished mommy and daddy could be with me at my first class... so she brought the beast... and decided she would GET A BAZILLION PHOTOS AND BORE EVERYONE WITH MY EVERY STEP.... but all the while knowing that mommy and daddy will love seeing me... so here we go.... I HAD MY VERY FIRST BALLET CLASS... YES IT IS TRUE... and I was sooooo happy.   Now keep in mind that I am not a fan of being out of Nana's sight... and at first I was a little unsure... but once the music started I was part of the class and having a blast. The little girl in yellow... well she was having fun with me... kinda like I was her personal little ballerina...…

Dear Mom and Dad, Finally Nana has the her computer working.   I have been photo ready... but ... well we will just say.... sometimes Nana is a slacker.   In her defense though... you will have to remember she never ever missed a day of posting when you were in the land of sand!   Now she gave her camera to Aunt Arrianna... and her settings for downloading photos all changed.   I am a lot busier now than I was as a baby... so she cannot fix this in the daytime... no way!   If we sit at the computer... its to go on Sprout on Line or Nick Jr.   That is the only reason I will sit still... I love playing the computer games that these two preschool channels have on line.   None the less... I have had a very busy time... and here are some pics so you can see what I have been up to... Now I know most folks... go down a slide... me... I am more the climbing type... and is it fun... that is not to say I don't love going down too... either way... as long as I am in motion... I am happy! I think…

 (OKAY... SO WE ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY WITH PHOTO UPLOADS... STILL.............. SORRY....)  Dear Mom and Dad, I am so happy to report.... I am feeling like my old self again.... I kicked the fever in the butt!  I have "passed" the flu... and will be happy to never see it return... I am back at work... being adorable, being a princess and running camp in the manner in which it should be... Yes it is true, I have shared my little "bug" with camp... but hey... I share everything. I have dance class on Monday, and missed last Monday... so I am hoping to be able to go this week.   Nana is entertaining me while I have been under the weather.... we get to read a lot... I definately have favorites.... I did get extra tubby time when my fever was high and that was a total treat.... I have been coloring a lot of pictures and I am a real fan of SPROUT ON LINE.COM  They have so many games to play and I got to dress Chicka and all kinds of fun activities.   I had great fun vaccuming with Nana today.   There are hair bunnies under the furniture here from…

Dear Mom and Dad, Its been a few days but with good cause... between Nana having to get all the components back in order for my website... and the simple fact that Camp Nana has evolved this past week into a "Sick Bay"  well... it's been tough to even get a photo shoot in...  I was having a "flu" bug... and I thought I would like everyone to share because that is what I do... it's just how I roll... ya know... and well all my fellow campers were cool with it... so far... I shared with Nana, Aunt Arri, Aunt Al, Aunk KiKi and now... Poppy is skating on thin ice... Uncle Nick has escaped for now... and Nana has disinfected every square inch of camp so maybe he will luck out.... Mr. Griffy, Liberty and Justice are uneffected.... and Nana says thats a good thing... since she is not a fan of cleaning up after sick doggies.... she say's she doesn't mind taking care of sick princesses one single bit.   I am ready to go now though... as a matter of fact... I was so hungry this morning... that when I woke up I wanted PANCAKES.... YEP PANCAKES …

Dear Mom and Dad, I am sending you a love letter... I hope you will love it as much as I love you... I have a little secret... I am ready for dance class... I love my ballet shoes and tights, I love my leotard... and I love twirling... but not as much as I love you.... You know I was not feeling well... but today... I am back in the swing of things... and feeling like my ole self.. I am just relaxing... taking it easy and yes I am watching a particular favorite show.... seems I am getting limited on my t.v. time... because if I could I would watch Sprout all day... so.... now I will dance... and read books... which I love to do too! I am deep in thought in both of these photos... and I have to say... I was pretty excited when Nana took out the Beast.... I LOVE THAT CAMERA.... WHEN SHE TRIES TO TAKE PHOTOS WITH HER PHONE... IT'S LIKE EH.. NO BIG DEAL... BUT WHEN SHE BROUGHT OUT THE BEAST... WELL I WAS ALL ABOUT THE CHEESE!  Don't I look like I am loving the photo shoot thing...? I have…

A year ago... we sent Holiday Wishes ... by way of the internet to you and daddy... so Nana put it up today - for you to remember how lucky we are... and that we really did get the best present ever.... [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWWI5gOz7qU[/youtube]  LAST YEAR our wishes were sent to you in the land of sand... THIS YEAR.... I AM HOME WITH YOU.... Every year...NANA HAS GOT HER SPECIAL GROWN UP CHRISTMAS  LIST...and on it ...is the wish for ALL her campers (kids) to find their way home... to be with their family... to be safe... healthy and be able to face the trials of life together! All of us at Camp Nana.... are missing you... but we are happy to say.. YOUR DOING GREAT AND HAD AN EXCELLENT CHRISTMAS AT HOME WITH  YOUR MOMMY AND DADDY AND WE HEAR  SANTA WAS VERY GOOD TO YOU! It's the last day of 2010.... and we are about to begin a new year.... We hope that 2011 is full of wonderful and amazing new things to learn, and moments spent with mom and dad.    We hope to keep your web page up ... in case we find daddy deployed again this year... so he will be able to visit it…

Before my visit to the Mitten State ended, I went to make my Holdiday Wishes... and while I know he says "HO HO HO"  where he was, I didn't know... I looked and looked for the man dressed in red...and yes it is true...  I was an itty bitty bit scared of you...   I love that he is jolly and brings me gifts and toys....  yet for me at age two.... the idea of sitting on his lap just simply annoys.... So I stood gathering myself...afraid of the elf.. They say he is very smart... and I wondered if he knew the wish in my heart.   I wish for my mom and my dad to be safe....and  that all those who love me know they are so great! I am so lucky my mom and dad love me so... and to all friends and family.... I LOVE YOU... YOU KNOW.   Congratulations Aunt KiKi... your a college graduate now... I hear you too will be in the Army now...WOW!   Poppy and Aunt Kiki proud as can be... One day Mom and Dad, this will be you and ME! Love ... LITTLE MISS ADORABLE, Guillianna!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!  I had a blast.... I am dressed as a super hero... and I played with everything I have!  Watch this... I do not think anyone can count the number of times I did this particular slide but if you cannot tell.... it was very fun!   NOTE TO ALL PARENTS... THIS IS REALLY REALLY FUN! There were all kinds of slides... Tube slides that twist and turn... and places to climb climb climb... My daddy is a soldier... and I can out last him!  We had a blast... and I hope he had as much fun as his little PRINCESS GUILLIANNA.... I can tell by the look on his face .... he was scared but not me! I wanted to go again.... AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND WELL LETS JUST SAY.... I am not the one who wanted to leave ... Want to see how high I climb? Here is my birthday cake.... isn't it cute! Hey Nana , can you build one of these at Camp Nana for me?  Huh?  Pleeeeeeease? It was a great day.... I AM SO HAPPY.... and as always I am Little Miss Adorable... Little Gugu Bee... EVERYONE'S LITTLE PRINCESS!

Happy Thanksgiving .... I went to my Great Grandma's house for TURKEY DAY!   I HAD SOOOO MUCH FUN.... here I am looking sweet and adorable... as always.... hope everyone had a nice turkey day... and Nana is thinking of all the things she is thankful for... there are so many.... it may take her a while.   She says it is easy to wish for this .... or want that.... but its the things we have - that we are to be happy about.... me... I have a lot... I have a mom and dad who love me to pieces.... and a whole bunch of loyal friends and family everywhere.... Nope your computer is no broken...I AM UPSIDE DOWN... I AM JUST PLAYING WITH POPPY! and see... I am right side up again!  Here I am on the day after AT GREAT GRANDMAS 'S AND SHE IS FEEDING ME ICE CREAM! Who needs a spoon!   Man this stuff is good! HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY .... TO EVERYONE.... MAY YOUR DAYS BE AS GOOD AS THIS ICE CREAM! Love always, Little Miss Adorable.... and sticky... GUILLIANNA!

Ummmm.... well let's just say... Nana went shopping for groceries today... yep on the day before TURKEY DAY.  Not her best plan... but we had fun anyway... us and the rest of the bazillion shoppers.  Yes I said BAZILLION... and can anyone PLEASE EXPLAIN TO NANA....there are several other days before THURSDAY .... and I was willing to go any of them.   I said Hi to so many shoppers... and not to say she is slow or anything but I almost needed a nap during the trip... If my photos make me look exhausted.... well we can blame it on the Nanster...  (by the way, I am not whining... cause I am a personal fan of field trips... it's just that Nana who is not an "alone" shopper,  had Poppy and Aunt Alyx, (who MISTAKENLY thought she was getting a lucky break not having school tonight) GOING UP AND DOWN EVERY AISLE... AND BACK AND FORTH... AND WELL LETS JUST SAY... I was the happiest camper... SO THIS IS AUNT ALYX'S FACE AS NANA ASKED TO GO BACK TO PRODUCE FOR THE THIRD TIME.... Here is Aunt Alyx's reaction as we approached the check out....  Personally I have experienced the Nana grocery experience... and…

I have so many things to be thankful for... is one day enough to give thanks? I cannot brag too much about mommy and daddy cause they are Army people... and well what happens in the Army stays in the Army.   But since I am on leave... visiting the Mitten State... well Nana and Poppy are not ARMY they are just regular people with no secrets they are just hangin' out and love all the campers.   MY BIGGEST THING TO BE THANKFUL FOR HOWEVER IS THAT IN JUST A FEW DAYS I GET TO SEE MOM AND DAD AND I CAN'T WAIT.... I AM THANKFUL FOR MOMMY AND DADDY! I had a great day.... I woke up and played with Aunt Mikayla, before she left for work in the afternoon.   Uncle Nick and Aunt Arri had school and Aunt Alyx and Poppy worked today.    I hung out with Nana and the furry campers.  Best part of my day aside from a quick lunch with Poppy was.... TUBBY TIME.   Here I am ... post tubby and getting a blow dry.   Simply irresistable...   Okay... So it's true, I like looking at my self in the mirror.... Wow... that is some hairstyle Nana.…

Happy Birthday Poppy!    This is us - YOU AND ME....  last May, Yep, right before I left camp Nana to go to Fort Hood,  I bet you thought I would forget, but no.... no way Poppy... ITS YOUR SPECIAL DAY AND I LOVE YOU SO HERE YOU GO... H A P P Y    B I R T H D A Y  DEAR POPPY... HAPPY BIRTHDAY .... TO YOU!     I could never forget your birthday because, well... if your momma didn't have you... then there would be no ME!   Maybe you will have a fresh start to a brand new year.... no more worries, no more troubles... just things that make you smile.... like you are smiling here.... LOVE YOU... GUGU BEE!

Where does time go... this is me ... Can you believe it? Poppy and Nana as well as all the campers are really missing me .... hard to believe I am sitting in a little rocking chair made for a stuffed bear... and Aunt Arri had to hold me up... Now... I am so busy.. and no one has to even help me get into my big girl chair. I am busy playing and laughing and singing... I am talking and well let's just say.... LIFE IS GOOD.... Nana came to visit me at Fort Hood... she loves coloring with me.. and yes we watched Dora together! Nana loves me... can you tell?   Hi to all my friends and followers... I am doing great... and growing fast. As always I am Little Miss Adorable... Guillianna!

Hello to all the campers and my loyal  readers... it is I, GUILLIANNA!    Lovin' life in Texas!   Too bad the Rangers lost the series... but congratulations Aunt Nori and family!

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Yes it is true... Nana has been trying to keep all my loyal readers updated... and she really misses and loves me.  She calls me Pi'Zoo, which I really don't know why....  but she says it has something to do with when I was staying at camp. I am called Guge, Gugu Bee, Pi'Zoo, Princess... and a million other cute things, basically because.... I am cute! I hope Mom and Dad will let Nana update you with some photos soon.... but until then... just know... I appreciate that there are still so many of you checking my site every day.... checking in on me, and my day.   They are full of fun and I am loving being the boss of my mom and dad.... Without a doubt.. Life is Good! Love always, Little Miss Adorable, Guillianna!

I am really sorry.... there will not be an update... not for a while anyway.... thank you for all your support... I know I am loved! Sincerely, Little Miss Adorable, Guillianna!

Hey there friends and family.... Aunt Arri's battery died.... so I am sorry to say... THESE ARE THE ONLY PHOTOS OF ME TODAY! All my love, Little Miss Adorable, Guillianna!

Say Cheeeeeeeese! So yea, I love to say cheese.   I love to pose for the camera... and I love my Aunt Arri for coming to visit.   Nana loves seeing "Little Miss"  everyday... and says Thank You for sending so many sweet photos of ME! I love sitting in my Princess Chair and watching my favorite television show!   Hurry Aunt Arrianna let's watch together.... Oh no, it is over... but it is okay, because .... I don't sit for long,   I will be off doing something else!   I am the most fun, and exciting little girl ever.   We  are off to play with my toys, and until tomorrow please remember I am as always Little Miss Adorable, Guillianna!

I WANT YOU! I am telling her... I WANT YOU!   Yes ma'am I want you to stay in TEXAS!   We had fun hangin out.... It's Sunday, and well a day for rest here at the 'hood'. Playing and hanging out at Camp Le Guge!  Decisions, decisions, what to do next? Well, I was a sweet baby today.... Aunt Arri said so... we sang... (thanks Nana) and we enjoyed the day... Until tomorrow... I am as always, Little Miss Adorable,  Guillianna!

Well I must say that I love Saturday's!   Today, Aunt Arrianna and Daddy took me to my Gymnastics class while Mommy is in her special training mission.  Every day Aunt Arri has been sending photos to Nana from her cell phone... and that way all my loyal subjects can see how things are going with me! Thank you Aunt Arrianna!  So as I was saying it is Saturday, and I get to have some extra fun today... Come on Aunt Arri, let's go!   On our way to GYMNASTICS !    I love it, and we are going to have a blast.   I am told Mommy, and Aunt Mikayla, Aunt Alyxandra, Aunt Allyssa and Aunt Arrianna used to go when they were small....  I am "TUCKERED OUT"!   Nah not really, just watching some of my favorite stuff on television.   It was so much fun today.   And believe me, I am really not so tired, as a matter of fact, I am just kidding you... ARE YOU READY AUNT ARRI .....LET'S PLAY! All of my love, and yes, I am still Little Miss Adorable, Guillianna!

I have a great idea.... I think all the MITTEN STATE campers should come to the Hood and visit me at CAMP LE GUGE!   Can you believe how big I am?   I have grown so much, and love playing. Rumor is that Nana's broken back is on the mend... YIPPEE!   She had her central line removed, and no more antibiotics!   I am so happy for Nana... and can't wait for her to visit me at my camp... Aunt Arrianna is having so much fun she may never go back to the MITTEN STATE!   Nah... her kitty and all the furry campers miss her, as does her brother and sisters... her parents...well there aren't enough stars in the universe to measure how much they miss her.  Sorry guys, I am holding her hostage for a while.... and maybe one day soon you too will visit me... here in TEXAS  HOME OF THE HUNDRED DEGREE AND 1000 PERCENT HUMIDITY!      But you gotta love it... cause it is where I AM! Mom and Dad, thank you for having Aunt Arri come and be my personal play thing! Love always, LITTLE MISS ADORABLE, Guillianna!

TINY BUBBLES Tiny Bubbles... Make me Happy! So here we are, day three of my mini vacation with Aunt Arri down here at the Hood.   I love having her, and she is helping Mommy out while mommy finishes some very important training.   I am such a good girl, and for me.... life is good!    I miss everyone, and am getting so big.... all of my love and all my kisses.... LITTLE MISS ADORABLE, Guillianna!

I am hangin' with Aunt Arri, and here I am in my "stang" !    I am pretty serious about driving... and playing... and having fun.   No Aunt Arri you cannot drive my Mustang... sorry.... but I am glad you are here to play.   We had a fun day...  but I hear Nana and Poppy are pretty sad... they miss Aunt Arri, and me, and mom and dad!   They are still plotting a way to move TEXAS and THE MITTEN STATE CLOSER TOGETHER! All my love, Little Miss Adorable, Drill Sarg EXTRODINAIRE OF CAMP LE GUGE..... Guillianna!

Today my Aunt Arrianna came to visit me!  I sent to Nana photos of me, and now all my friends can see AUNT ARRI BE A CAMPER AT CAMP LA GUGE! I am so happy you have no idea! Well Aunt Arri arrived from the Mitten State, and since it is over one hundred degrees here at the Hood, she will not need mittens.... I have some great ideas on how to spend our days..... someone pinch me.... is this real? Love, Little Miss Adorable, Guillianna!

I am back at Ft. Hood!   I had a good trip to the Mitten state, and I was  very happy to see mommy at the airport.   Nana and Poppy flew me home, and then got on a plane and went back to the Mitten State.   So sad that Texas and Michigan are so far apart.   I hear from Nana.... that a person is only as happy as their most unhappy child..... hmmm...... ( and for those without kids, like me.... well we are only as happy as the ones we love like our mom and our dad) it was a very sad ending to a very nice week for everyone at Camp Nana.   Good Luck to all the campers.... Good bye to all my fellow campers both the furry ones, and the non furry ones.... and good bye  to Nana and Poppy.

Dear Mom and Dad, Today was my last day in the Mitten State.. and Nana and Poppy though I may like to go to the water park.    I agreed, just to please them. I was so anxious to go.... but had to wait for everyone to change into bathing suits.... hmmmm..... by the way, mommy packed me several bathing suits, Nana even bought me one before I came, I have five of them AT CAMP NANA, BUT NOTICE.... I am not wearing one.... nope, not wearing a bathing suit because someone forgot to bring the bag with the suits in it... Nana?   HOW MANY FINGERS HAVE STRINGS TODAY?  Yes mom it is true, I went swimming in my Onsie... oh my!   Poppy got me little swimmers but Nana forgot my bathing suit... YIKES!  I had Aunt Arri roll up my sleeves so I looked adorable anyway, but geez Nana... I am glad you have a lot of people who take care of you... cause, if I didn't know better I would wonder how you remember to put on your clothes!   (Scary) We all got ready and into the park we went.  It is an indoor water park by Camp Nana, there…

Dear Mom and Dad, It is Friday, and as with most of my Friday's spent here in the Mitten State.... I had a fantabulously funtastic Friday.   My day started early  I got dressed, hair done and yes watched a little bit of my absolute favorite show.   Then I had a super breakfast where "I ", yes ME, I was a HUGE surprise for one of my loyal GUGU BEE followers - Ms. Sherry!   Yep she was here in the Mitten State visiting the same time I was visiting... and she didn't know I was about to barge in on her breakfast with Nana, GG-ma and Great Papa.  BUT IT HAPPENED... AND WE HAD A FANTABULOUS TIME!  Miss Sherry was sooooooo happy to meet me in person, but when you think about it, who wouldn't be..... I am allowed to say that about myself since I am still small, still absolutely adorable, and allowed to be loved on like a princess!  I was so busy and was  of laced with Princess charm.   I walked through greeting patrons with my "Princess wave".   Now you would be seeing thisentire thing pictorally, if  my "Never Remembers" Nana would have brought THE BEAST, aka, Mr. Nikon with her.  But…

Dear Mom and Dad, My time here has been so action packed that Nana is wiped out at night and goes to sleep when I do.... so she had been a little tardy putting my love letters up... but today is Thursday and I am going to fill you in on yesterday and today! Wednesday was busy for all the campers.  Everyone had work or school, so Nana and I were off to GG-ma's and Great Papa's house.  Nana needs a babysitter these days, (not me, I am a big girl)  and she doesn't stay alone since healing from her surgery.   We packed up and Uncle Nick loaded our stuff for the day trip... and Great Papa unloaded it.   We don't travel light, we have lots of baggage.   I have to put up gates at stairways and stuff so Nana doesn't go wondering off and fall down stairs.... When I got to GG-ma's house I got a present.... yep it is true.  August 4th I was 20 months old!   I got a dog.... don't be scared mom and dad, it's not as big as Mr. Griff, and well it has to be turned on... no real fur.  But this dog sings,…

Dear Mom and Dad, These photos are from Tuesday.... Nana is again a bit of a slacker these days, what kind of excuse is a broken back huh?  I think she is just growing old, and slow.   But she says sending you love letters from yesterday is okay... and she will surely catch up since I am only visiting for a week. Now about this visit, please know I am not being spoiled in the slightest.   Being here in the Mitten State is tough!   Reeeeeallly tough.  Here are some photos of the day for you to see how grueling my days here are... I hope you are not too terribly worried about me... I am sacrificing .... quitely.... Mr. Griffy and I are friends again... and I love telling the doggies to "sit"  only one small problem... when I do... my "s" comes out sounding like  "shhhhh"   and well... let's just say... Mom and Dad.... I bring new meaning to the word SIT. Well, as you can see... it's torture here.... but I am grinning and bearing it.. like a good little camper... please know I love you and miss you both... these are Tuesdays photos, and Nana will try…

Dear Mom and Dad, While I miss you very much, I must say... I am all about having so many Aunties and my Uncle pamper me!  The more the merrier I say.   My favorite word.... ME!   My second favorite word  GUGU and then there is my third favorite.... NO!  I am talking up a storm for everyone.   I love this attention! I am as curious as can be.  I love exploring and keeping all the campers busy.   I am warming up a bit to the furry campers... just not a fan of the barking ones..... when they bark it even startles Mr. Griff.... so it's okay that it startles me too.   I have to say No Bubba!   I am the boss afterall....  I love and miss you and daddy, and until tomorrow, I am as always your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna!

  Dear Mom and Dad, Well here I am at Camp Nana... and I am sending you hugs and kisses from the Mitten State!  Yep it is true... I am visiting my Nana and Poppy and all the campers.   I must admit... I AM NOT FINDING IT FAMILIAR HANGING OUT WITH THE FURRY CAMPERS.   THE TWO HUNDRED POUND DOG IS A LITTLE INTIMIDATING, BUT TODAY I GOT RE AQUAINTED WITH THEM ALL.   I have forgotten how I used to love them all.. and now... well I am not a fan of even kitty cats!   I am however a fan of my Poppy's -  and all the human campers here.  They are taking very good care of me and they are enjoying me being the " little exploerer" that I am.   I go on expeditions and love finding my way around.   I am very independent, and the campers are laughing everything I do... which I will admit, being the center of attention  is something I love.   Who wouldn't?   I am only in the Mitten State for a few days, and then I am back to Ft. Hood.   I hope you and dad are doing well, I miss and love you both.  So much…

Okay, so my great Grandma Sally is most likely shaking her finger saying '*grammarically it's Mom and I", but Mom and Me sounded so "cute".   And if I am all over any one word in the English language  it is the word CUTE.    I am getting so big.... look I have mommy's squint.... Love Guillianna!

Dear Friends and Family... I hope you take the time to look through the dates of my love letters.   Since February 2009 thu May 2010 you can read each and every letter, or see me as I grew during that time while mom and dad completed a second tour of duty in the land of sand.   So much happened in that year, and every bit of my life was chronicled for my mom and dad to see.   Now I am at home with them, at Fort Hood.  It has been quite a while since I wrote to everyone, Nana, my personal secretary has been on a sabbatical of sorts.   I am living at Fort Hood and have been adjusting to life here.   Mom and Dad are both back from the land of sand, and  we are all living together in our new home.   I have a wonderful life and my parents and I are adjusting to life as a family.   It is all good... and I am so glad for their safe return.   To my camper buddies, I miss you.... and to my Great Grandparents... I miss you too....  A year ago the campers and I went delivering flags in…

TO ALL THOSE STILL PEEKING IN TO CHECK UP ON ME.... HERE I AM... IN ALL OF MY "ADORABLE-NESS" LIVING IN TEXAS, AND FEELING GREAT!    I have passed on my spirit stick responsibilities for this 2009-2010 season in hockey to my cuz Noah.    I am and always will be a 'wing nut'... so I needed someone who could keep an eye on the cup this season.... here is Noah... and good luck to he and his Sharks.... no matter what happens with the whole hockey thing... it's been really nice having cousins and family... to share it with - I even  have my great Grandma in PA who may be wearing a FLYERS JERSEY!   LOVE GUILLIANNA!

Fort Hood Update! Hello everyone... guess what I did, yep, Mom and Dad took me to the petting zoo! I am doing great... loving the Texas climate, and the petting zoo!  As always,  Little Miss Adorable, Guillianna!

This is the original date Guillianna was scheduled to leave camp. She left six days ago. It was one of many things we at camp Nana tried to do in an attempt to make the transition to her new life and her HOME easy and comfortable. It is four in the morning and as I sit up night after night I want to tell all of my daughters something they may not have fully known until now. Years ago all five lost a mother. They felt alone or abandoned and in bringing all five to this country we tried to keep them together and make some sense of the heart ache and loss they felt. The thing is I want them to know something I have learned first hand this past week. Not just words spoken- but felt first hand - I have stepped into a role with Guillianna where for fifteen months of her seventeen month life I acted as a temporary or 'foster' parent. I can promise each and every daughter leaving you was the hardest thing your mother could have ever done! I can promise you she did not leave by choice! I can promise you that…

Dear Loyal Subjects... It's me little Pi'zoo, my mom let Nana know that I am doing good.   I am learning all about Texas, and making myself at home.   Things are going good.   Sure things are changing, and well, everyone deals with change as best they can.. me, I am my momma's girl, and daddys princess, so let's just say I am a super trooper...  My grandma from Tennessee came to see me.... with my Papa  so now I get a chance to visit with Daddy's family and it is fun.  I plan on spending some time over the next weeks getting familiar with my life in Texas and if Nana gets new photos she will share them with all of you when possible. By the way, Aunt Mikayla... I heard the big news... YOU PASSED YOUR MITTEN STATE TEACHING CERTIFICATION EXAM!   Congratulations Aunt Mikikki.... and hello Aunt Alyx, Aunt Allyssa, Aunt Arri, and Uncle Nick!  Poppy... I just want you to know... I miss you too... ALL MY LOVE    and let me just say, a little song you usually sing to me ...."GUILLIANNA GUILLIANNA, GU, GU GU!", Nana's singing however, well Nana, I must say... not missed so much!  🙁

Sweet baby Guillianna is acclaimating herself to her new home.   She has books and a princess chair, she has her mom and dad.... and is doing well... Thank you Mack for a peek at the sweet babys progress.... so many new changes, but she is so smart... and so sweet.. she will make the transition.   She is loved so much by mommy and daddy that it will help her adjust to all the new stuff, and by tomorrow, she will be telling you where everything is!

Big news. I am home. Here is a photo of me at my HOME in Texas! Nana's little PiZoo!   I know silly it is a nickname she came up with, and she smiles when we call her Pi'Zoo... we are all missing our little Pi'Zoo... yet we are all very happy she is with her mom and dad again!  THINKING OF YOU MISSING YOU LOVING YOU Sweet Pi'Zoo! Thank you for the photo Mack, from all of Guillianna's loyal subjects!

  Dear Mom and Dad, It is Sunday, the ALL HANDS ON GUGE DAY, but today was special because it was MY FIRST MOTHERS DAY WITH MOMMY! I have been a good sweet and adorable baby - as we all know,  but today, I was with Mom, being my sweet adorable self, and I loved every second.   I was so cute.... and not only was I adorable  I made Mommy a mothers day card.   I really did, yes, I had help from my co-campers but I made the most amazing Mother's Day card.    My co-campers made cards for Nana, and well can I tell you.... I had the best time.  I HAVE THIS UNBELIEVABLE THING THAT I DO... I MAKE PEOPLE SMILE...ME ITTY BITTY GUGU BEE, here are just a few photos to show you the IMPACT THE GUGE HAS ON NOT ONLY MOMS... BUT EVERYONE! He is a smiling and not one of those , oh do I have to kind... The real deal... the kind of smile that comes from the love and happiness I have brought to the Mitten State... Hmmm... and I am looking pretty happy myself... Wow... I love being a spirit stick.... it just…

Dear Mom and Dad, It is spiritstick Saturday here in Michigan AS THE WINGS WILL PLAY TONIGHT.    MOTHERS DAY IS TOMORROW, IT WILL BE MY FIRST MOTHERS DAY WITH MY MOM last Mother's Day she was in the Land of Sand.   In honor of this special day and my very last "all hands on Guge Sunday',  i HAVE DECIDED IT WILL BE MY LAST LOVE LETTER ever.   NANA HELPED ME CHOOSE MOTHERS DAY AS THE LAST DAY OF ENTRIES IN MY JOURNAL TO YOU AND DAD AND ALL THE LOYAL READERS AND CO CAMPERS.... (MAYBE WHEN  I AM BACK AT FORT HOOD AND MOMMA SENDS NANA AN UPDATE OR PHOTO,  NANA WILL BE ABLE TO SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE).   THIS SITE WILL STAY UP AND ALL MY PAST PHOTOS AND LOVE LETTERS WILL BE AVAILABLE  FOR READING OR REVIEWING 24/7 FOR A WHILE...   MY LAST LETTER TO YOU AND DADDY WILL BE WRITTEN TOMORROW THOUGH... SUNDAY MARCH 9TH  - MY FIRST MOTHER'S DAY WITH MY MOMMY HERE IN MICHIGAN!    THERE  TRULY IS NO GOOD DAY NOR A GOOD WAY  TO END THIS WRITTEN AND PICTORAL JOURNEY.... BUT NANA FEELS VERY STRONGLY IN CLOSING IT WITH A LETTER TO THE CAMPERS... TO HER CHILDREN... AND WITH PHOTO'S OF THE…

Dear Mom and Dad, I was pampered today!   I miss you Daddy but we will be together again in a few days.... Mom and I are hangin at camp and Nana, Poppy and the campers well they are enjoying these last few days.... Nana especially.   She is so happy to see me play and be happy.   Take a look at your superstar.... I am just too cute!  Me and mommy dancing and singin'  look at me bust a move! After mommy did my hair, and pampered the princess.... well I just could not take my eyes off myself, I just keep looking in the mirror and smile cause lets face it.... I AM ADORABLE. Can you put them back mommy?   Please.... I love the bows...  well, as you can see, we pampered the princess danced and sang... we hung and had some fun...  we also got to meet Great Papa and GG-ma for our Friday night fun....I love and miss you daddy, and thank mom for an awesome day, but want you both to know, as always, I am your Little Miss Adorable, your sweet daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, Daddy left early this morning... and is traveling we are hanging out at camp, and I am sure it is a slow pace for Mom who is used to GO GO GO.... but it is nice to just unwind and get to know each other and just get groovin' the way moms and daughters do... GO WINGS... So here I am being a spirit stick, and showing some awesome goalie moves ..... pretty cute huh?  So as we Michiganders had hoped there are no BROOMS IN DETROIT.  The RED WINGS SAY NO WAY JOSE TO A SWEEP, and my lessons on how to protect the net.... well..... they paid off...  I will not give up.... and we will keep on working toward victory! Dad reached his destination today yay!  Heres what happened today,  I write to say.... how crazy is this.... one day it's eighty in Michigan, the next I need a parka! We stayed at camp and I continue to amaze mommy with all my wonder and charm.  I am having fun showing her what an array of talents I have, and I am missing you already dad.   Soon though, we will be in TEXAS, and just…

Dear Mom and Dad, Did we have fun today or what! I couldn't have imagined anything better!  I woke up and showed you how I exercise in the morning....legs up and down, and snuggle bunnies... I showed you how I wake up happy and play play play all day! Daddy is preparing to load some things to take home to Fort Hood!  He will be driving all the way home...mom and I will follow shortly once we have tied up all our loose ends here at camp.  It's a busy time, but fun... and we are all loving being together.   I have kisses and hugs and laughter to share! So daddy and I got silly, and laughed.... and had a blast getting reaquainted.  I showed them Mr. Piggy and all my stuff... we played and enjoyed the time....look Daddy and I being soooooo silly together.... Thanks for a great day Mom and Dad, I know you are packing up stuff and getting ready to go, but play time is the best time... and I had fun...  I will miss you Daddy... but we will meet up in Texas in just a bit..... and I will continue to write you until Mom…

Dear Mom and Dad, How long we have worked toward this moment... how much we have sacrificed... I have been a POG (pot of gold) I have been a LMA (Little Miss Adorable) I have loved every minute of being a Goldfish Mini, and having a GMP (Goldfish Mini Partner) in my Uncle Nick.   My Aunties have had AHOG (All Hands on Guge) Sunday's and a bazillion other acronyms that have been written in my love letters these past months.... I have been a SpiritStick but above all, I have been loved.   Today.... I am in the arms of my parents, and I ready to begin life with you and daddy at Fort Hood.    Today you have seen it all first hand, and can understand even more what a joy I bring to everyone, and Nana and Poppy and all the campers say.... Welcome to the Mitten State, and to your dreams come true! Daddy hides from the beast..... but we all played, and it was a wonderful day.... to all who have been waiting there will be more to come in these next days, but for tonight, I am as always your, LITTLE MISS ADORABLE, and the sweet daughter…

Dear Mom and Dad.... So the big moment, our reunion is just hours away really... and I am hangin at camp... oblivious to most everything other than....being happy! Tomorrow, you two begin the flights from Fort Hood to Camp Nana, and I will be here... in all my cuteness to greet you.   I know there are many who have been reading my love letters, who wish they could greet you as well and say thanks for your service, and for making my princess dreams come true.    Tonight I am getting a bath and all ready for my hugs.... Mom and Dad, this is the moment we have all worked toward for a year and a half, I am turning 17 months old tomorrow....I am so happy to be coming home.... I am as always your Little Miss Adorable, your sweet daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, I sit in my Princess Lazy Girl, with a basket of teddies, including a beanie baby bear given to you and your sisters when you became citizens many years ago,  at my left and the antique chair that Nana's grandma used as she sat and bathed Nana's daddy to my right....  history... and in the center... a little spirit stick... who is two days away from seeing her mom and dad.... I can't wait MOM and DAD.   The campers however, are spending the very last SUNDAY with me.   It is hard for them to imagine... no more ALL HANDS ON GUGE WEEKENDS... BUT ... alas, it is here.... and well... as good as it is for me, and for you and dad, it is a big day here at camp.    I AM A BIG FAN OF THE ALL HANDS ON GUGE DAYS! I know you and daddy, not hocky fans, but for the time being... I am, and like my Uncle Nick said, hopefully Daddy and you will find a way to share in the fun it has brought to all of us.   The day Uncle Nick was born Nana thought she would never ever let…

Dear Mom and Dad, I am having a nice time in my last days at camp.   Momma and dad will be here on Tuesday!   I think that today was a great day for play.... we played hide and seek, and I was full of attitude.     I have been so good, and Nana, Poppy and the campers are enjoying me so much.... well it is just fun and I am lovin' life! Well, I hope you enjoyed peek a boo....I know I love playing it.... and three days.... we are going to be together in three days.... until then, please know I am as always, your LITTLE MISS ADORABLE, YOUR SWEET DAUGHTER, GUILLIANNA!

Dear Mom and Dad, So today is Friday, and I went outside to play a bit.   Aunt Mikayla and Aunt Arrianna took me for a little picnic. Momma talked with Nana today, and she told Nana of my new house.   How everything is coming together and you and dad are finishing up Army obligations preparing for your trip to pick me up from camp.   All great stuff.   I am having so much fun playing and I have no idea of time!   So for me, it is just another play day. Until tomorrow Mom and Dad, I am as always your Little Miss Adorable,  Your Daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, So after contemplation, and reading the love letter my Uncle Nick wrote me (who is absolutely right), I know neither of you are fans, but here in the Mitten State, there are so many fans, and family and friends rooting and cheering, that it makes it a focus for me.  It is actually like my Uncle Nick said, I am HOCKEYTOWN, and I hope that after all is said and done, and no matter where life takes me -  where I started my journey is not ever forgotten and that my dear friends is HOCKEYTOWN.   My Nana has a hope and a dream.... that extends beyond Red Wings and sports.... but is conveyed in the attitude of this town.  This sportstown.  This HOCKEYTOWN..  she is hoping the Red Wings win, and while she knows the heart of her little nephew also wants his own Sharks to win, she is hoping that the love she has for him is not measured by a game, but instead by the life she has lived and shown he and all the family.   I AM A WING NUT...  THROUGH AND THROUGH... a gift shared with my Mitten  State  family.   Here I…

Dear Mom and Dad.... I know you are there at Ft. Hood preparing my home.   I have had so much fun at camp, and today was yet more play and fun.  I am pondering what to do next.... seems my Red Wings have a challenge one against my Cuz Noah's Sharks! I think it is best that I don't root for either team since I am going to be a Texan soon. So we have reached the middle of the week, and as I prepare for my mom  and dad in seven days.... I am here to say, I am as always, your Little Miss Adrorable, your daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, This is it in HOCKEYTOWN, a big game day, my spirit stick duties are upon me, and I am rooting for a Red Wing victory for all my co campers and the family here that has been so awesome to me these past months..... So I had to get in shape ... condition, be ready for anything... here I am at my PRE GAME WORK OUT, practicing all my moves... building up my strength.. This excercise is the ZAMBONI, and I have it down no problem, this is what I do when the Red Wings have to keep the puck from going in the net... what is really funny is when I get all the campers to do the Zamboni... I played most of the day, so I am a little tired, but not too tired to prepare for Game 7. Being a spirit stick also lets me take my mind off DAY COUNTING.... We are a week away from being together again. It is going to be so nice for us to start our lives, and so hard for my fellow campers - that it's better to not think too much about it.... So.... I…

Dear Mom and Dad, Monday is always a big day, return to work and school for big campers and for me it's a day that begins the week. This Monday is different as it is my last Monday as a little camper. By the time I see another Monday - my mom and dad will be here! And I will no longer be camping, I will be General Guge! Yep - when Mommy was at Fort Jackson there was a wooden tower she had to climb. Here at camp I am in the final days of my basic training too- so to speak, and I am conditioning myself and scaling my equipment to get ready for the big moment. I can tell you this - take a good look at this face. You will see I am saying nothing is going to get between me , mom and dad .... I have got this covered. Me and my spices are cooking up a storm these days! Can't wait to make you two mac and cheese! Until tommorrow please know that I am as always - the little baby in red, your LITTLE MISS ADORABLE , your daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, I have been thinking about so many things ... I have been exploring and spending time with my fellow campers! Today was red wing hockey and fans were sure they would advance. Sadly they did not and have to play one more time before we will know if they are going to be eliminated or push ahead. Despite the loss it was a great day! Seems I can smile doing just about anything. Today was kind of of a rest day for everyone. They are all exhausted from finals or an extra work load. Great Aunt Pam will surely be glad when she too can get some rest since she has been pulling double duty fitting in as much Guge Time as possible. After all the final count down to your pot of gold is here and I am so ready! I think I will keep my site for a while after I move back to Fort Hood if mommy has time to help with my photo shoots. We will see but there is some hope for updates on " All About Guillianna!". After all It is All About Me and you know me. Chatterbox that…

Dear Mom and Dad, It is another Saturday night and I am here to say I do have somebody - LOTS AND LOTS OF SOME BODIES ! Unlike the Sam Cooke version of the song.... I have had one heck of a day! Nana told me you called today. The final countdown to our reunion has begun. Every one that visits the website has been counting down all along but finally --it is right here-- May 4th the pot of gold will be at the end of your rainbow our lives together staring us all right in the face and you know what that means- the 'Guge' gets excited! My EXCITED FACE! So in other big news. I am NOT part Saint Bernard! Well, for a while I have been giving Mr. Griffin the 200lb 'baby' of the house a run for his money in the drooling department. I am happy to announce I have a new tooth. Yep one of those muncher crunchers has popped thru my lower right jaw! Talk about crazy! I really think the whole business of getting new teeth is over rated but is something I hear helps to eat more big people food! I…

Deatr Mom and Dad, My face says it all. Give me one two or three spitty rags and I am a happy baby!" And if that isn't fun enough. A duckie makes me laugh! Funny thing is I can make just about anything fun! Don't be too shocked at the speed with which I switch between things. There are just so many things to do and so little time! Daisy anyone? Later I'll be donning my spirit wear and root for the Wings but for now I'm checking things out and sprouting daisies to brighten your day! Until tomorrow please know I am your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, I am such a fan of playing and exploring my mind is constantly going and learning. Last week Nana had showed me how to take time to smell the roses but when Poppy sent her some I knew exactly what I should do I sniffed. Yep. I after being shown one time learned to smell pretty flowers!   Me saying Cheese for Mr. Nikon Guillianna P.S. My idea of fun is really simple all you need do is visit a place where the grown up of the house is also known as GG - ma! Ya see if you do chances are it's going to be a good day!

Dear Mom and Dad, Well today I was so busy and my GG-ma was had a blast havin' a little sayin bye bye with her loyal lovers of the Guge club! Yes it is true I have a fan club and since whenbyou and daddy come we will be busy with our own special meet and greets I thought it best to give Great Grandma and Great Papa some tea party time with aome of the gang who have been following me life these past Camper days. I was the center of attention and loved every second of being the pampered princess but who would't tho! Aunt Shirley even came over ! Lunch was fabulous! Decisions, decisions hmmmmm ! 44 Now that you have been able to see Cody at the Hood with Aunt Sam, and he's only a few months older you can see how being on the move I am! Go go go. It is fun ! As always, I am your Little Miss Adorable your daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, Today was really big for you two! You went to see our first home! Mommy called Nana and Nana told me how excited she sounded! Her Bed assembles and my crib ao many thongs to get done. She has to report back to her squad first thing in morning for formation and army stuff. I am so excited too. I know she had to get a car and refridgerator cell phone. Once she finishes her stuff, I am going to PLAY PLAY PLAY! Until tomorrow I am as always, Your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna! P.S. Woo woo cuz Noah those sharks did it! Yes Nana is watching and hoping your team wins. She is gonna hope that the red wings emerge victorious but she us also thinking she loves that Noah smile. You and I both saw our teams thru a tough Tuesday! Maybe I can take the red 'too too' off Poppy now. And who knows maybe I'll let Nana out from the chair I have her tied in staring at my fish aquarium sending her mind messages. THINK SHARKS THINK SHARKS! Hmmm if I can get her to do anything I want....wow…

Dear Mom and Dad, It is Monday still, April the 19th, and you are finally finished with your second tour of duty.   MOM THANKS FOR LETTING NANA KNOW YOU WERE BOTH SAFELY HOME.   All of the folks here in the Mitten State, well they are pretty darn  (no ecstatically) happy about your feet landing on US soil, and you know what, Iwish I could be there now, you know if I could I would!   But while you and dad, get unpacked, get our house going, and my crib ready... while you finish your Army (stuff) requirements, I am going to go on here  - as normal as I can.  Time for me... well it is not the same as for you 'Grown Ups'.... it is all relative .  Maybe it is Nana's singing that makes time linger... 🙁  or maybe it is that she is waiting until our latest meet and greet is closer... but I am unaware of time and having the time of my life actually.   Take a look at today... I had fun playing, and for me ... the Nana video/photos she says mommy and daddy are at work... but EVERYONE is a flutter here, and there is a…

Nana just got a call- mom and dad are safely in the USA. Not to Fort Hood but in USA! Thank goodness. WELCOME HOME MOM AND DAD! They have to be debriefed and I will not see them for a few weeks but they are out safe. They are in the USA. They are coming for me! 🙂

   Dear Mom and Dad, So today my spirit stick efforts could not help the Red Wings and yes I am  sure we can officially blame Nana on this one !  I was looking pretty adorable all day.  You will see the day begins with an adorable and charming Guillianna -  who awakened in PJs like any good little spirit stick does, right?  Then a super fast change into clothing of the day.   Yep looking princess adorable is always a  good plan.   But Nana please .... tell me did you factor in any SPIRIT WEAR?  So here I am this morning... just playin' away... Jammers and all... having a blast... looking the part! Then I got dressed.... or Nana dressed me... I think I prefer that... yea, Nanster... picked out my outfit for todays PLAYOFF GAME... UH.... NANA... "RED" Wings... and Coyotes... ?   Hmmm... this is not Tinkerbell meets Sleeping Beauty? I can try to make a magic potion, but it is not looking favorable right at this moment.... and I am not sure Spanish rice classifies as a Wing Nut solution here... Oh me... oh my... What to do...? Well to all my fellow 'wing nuts' I say let the chips fall where they…

Dear Mom and Dad, Today Great Grandma Sally turns 81 years YOUNG.  She is your mom's mom... and if we were all together in the same room, it would be four generations of life!     It is not likely we will ever see that happen, due to our proximity in this world... but last September, I got to meet your Grandma and Grumpy.   It was very lucky! Today, I am helping Nana send her mom a birthday wish... and at the same time... I am telling my mom that one day... when I am a bit bigger, and lived a little longer, I too will send you birthday wishes... and you will know that Moms and daughters love each other... your mom loves you... just like her mom loved her...  it's a great thing I hear... and I look forward to wishing you HAPPY 81RST BIRTHDAY... JUST LIKE Nana is doing here... Dear Mom, If I could give you diamonds for each tear you cried for me. If I could find you sapphires for each truth you've helped me see. If I could give you rubies for the heartache that you've known If I could give you pearls for the wisdom that…

Dear Mom and Dad, Uh, yea, I missed my Friday Fun but don't you worry, I  did have company... Every one of the cute little faces... PRESENTS, FROM FAMILY FRIENDS WHO WANT ME TO BE SURROUNDED WITH ADORATION UNTIL YOU AND DADDY RETURN!   Can you see me?  Can you see my feet?   I loved this photo shoot.... it was fun! So all in all, despite change in our usual FRIDAY fun I had a great day and loved hangin out at camp.   I think every one is really enjoying it in a special way since we know ... we are at it's end... and every second counts.   Nana says she is sorry for messing up dinner out, but who knows maybe tomorrow or Sunday brunch will replace our FRIDAY FUN, and I am cool with a field trip ANY DAY OF THE WEEK!   Until tomorrow Mom and Dad, know I am your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna! P.S.  THE TRUTH IS, THIS IS ME, AND MY FLUFFY FRIENDS ALL READY TO WISH GREAT GRANDMA SALLY A VERY HAPPY 81RST BIRTHDAQY TOMORROW.... WE ARE GETTING READY..NANA MIGHT SING... OH NO!  LUCKY YOU...   🙁 Too cute not to show you.... here…

Dear Mom and Dad, Yep I know I am a Lone Star State girl now, but they say DETROIT IS PRETTY MUCH A SPORTS TOWN.   I have rooted for LOSING LIONS, and winning Red Wings... I have watched Pistons and well just about every sport Detroit has to offer, but today's love letter features my TIGER SPIRIT.   I am wearing a Tiger Tee that Mr. B and Ms. Sydney gave me one day just for coming to have breakfast with them.  Yep, I got a present for having breakfast at someones house!    GO TIGERS... (they just happen to be a Poppy fav!) So again Nana had NANA STUFF, and we met Great Grandma Sharyn - while I was waiting for Nana, Great Grandma and I had so much fun with other folks who were also waiting... I met a few kids who I absolutely LOVED AND LET ME JUST SAY.... I do love other kids... can't wait to play with Cuz Cody, IT WILL BE A BLAST...   I hope he will share with me, cause, I am a good little sharer and mostly just like LITTLE PEOPLE It is true, I hate it when people are not sharing with me, but…

Dear Mom and Dad, Today is Wednesday, and as my love letters come to a close I hope to remind anyone who has sent me comments back, that if you wish for Nana to 'exclude'  your comments from my LOVE LETTERS from my MOM AND DAD' s love letter book, please let her know soon.   If you have comments that you are planning on leaving me as my camp Nana days come to a close... please know you have until May 12th to submit them on line... after that they may not be able to make it in time (or get put into) my LOVE LETTER BOOK that Nana is making for me! I have been busy today.   Nana wanted me to let all of the Gold Fish Mini's know that next Wednesday... April 21 rst WILL BE MY LAST SWIMMING CLASS, AND all the campers are coming I think.   It will be a our last session together, and I will be happy to see everyone!  Today's photo shoot as wonderful as always... and well I have fun taking photos and sayiing CHEESE! ' Do you see how silly I am?   I love making everyone smile.... and most of all, I love…

Dear Mom and Dad, Well today is Tuesday... and we had a very early morning... because well, I awakened at about three... and Nana... well she too is having a little sleeping difficulty.   So I do my part and keep her company.   Poor Aunt Arri has had some issues with her ear/jaw.... and even had a little blood come from her ear so she had an early ear doctor appointment.   (Turns out it is her jaw that is bothering her, and her hearing and her ear are fine and dandy!   Good news! )   There were other appointments to be had, and we got everything done that needed to be done, and still had plenty of play time.  Topping off the day, a call from Mom!   Who told us she is on the fast track to see her princess in the upcoming weeks.... shhhhhh no telling  exactly when just yet, not till Nana says she daddy and her unit are  out  -  of the Land of Sand. (Hopefully for good, twice is enough!)   So let me tell you,  I love playing this game where I find Aunt Arri... like hide - n - seek... it is fun! So - all decked out in…

Dear Mom and Dad, So do you know what I wanted to do today?   Hmmmm... I know it will be hard for you to guess... but... I will tell you... it involves a spatula, pots and pans, a mini kitchen, and Paula Deen!   YES I WAS A CHEF... and yes, I know it may sound like I am in a rut, but I am not... today I tood a 'WIGGLES' break and yes I had Food Network on...  I have my spatula in my hand just in case... but I am watching and learning .... Hmmmm, Wow.... that's a lot of butter!   I watched and then, I was off to my kitchen... and work, work, work!  I get pretty serious when I am working... look at me in my kitchen ! Now do not think I have forgotten about my M&M babies of the other day... you remember them?  I take them every place, I swaddle them in my little spitties.. and hug and kiss em'   I just love them ya know... and don't think for even one second I would leave them out of playtime... cause here I am FEEDING THEM WITH MY SPATULA just like I do all…

Dear Mom and Dad, As you probably recall from earlier love letters, the co campers here in THE MITTEN STATE, are RED WING fans.   (No cuz Noah I did not say SHARK FANS, and no Dallas fans either Mom and Dad.. just WING NUTS! And if you recall, I am the official little spirit stick around here.... so since today was the last game of the regular season for the Red Wings... I am working today.... as a "SS" or SPRIRIT STICK.   This next photo is deceiving... I am not requiring any assistance walking... NOPE... this is what Nana calls... A RE  DIRECT... YEP  -  I was on my way somewhere I was not supposed to go... and 1.. 2.. 3... next thing you know RE DIRECT....  two arms fly out from no where and suddenly I am facing a new direction... CRAZY!    This is me being re- directed from the awesome bowl of water that Nana has for the co camper dogs in the other room!   Now personally I share stuff from my high chair with Mr. Griff , Justice and Libby ALL THE TIME...I drop morsels for them all the time...  and well so what if I want to…

Dear Mom and Dad, Yep, it is true, since the arrival of the kitchen set, it is hard to keep me away... so you may just have to see more photos of me playing here.   But hey, it makes me happy so.... Try some of my home cookin'  and sorry if you get bored, Nana doesn't seem to get bored playing with me, cause, I am having a blast.... and let me tell you... I have no problem with making believe... imagination and all that ... I make soup, I eat, I drink, I feed Nana, I feed all the campers... I am the next "GUILLIANNA CHILD"!   At least for today!   Who knows what I will be tomorrow!  Seriously though, I am having fun! Until tomorrow (which by the way is STILL THE WEEKEND, AND CAMPERS ARE HERE TO PLAY YIPPEE) I am as always your Little Miss Adorable, your sweet daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, Every one  is wondering... how the campers will do it... how will they say good bye.   Originally, it was thought that Mom and Dad would be in the Mitten State... and going to school nearby.   It was thought that I'd have Nana to babysit, or any of my Aunts or Uncle nearby...  at Christmas time we learned of re-enlistments, and then of a new life at Fort Hood.  Economical reasons, and changes in plan... all with the best interest of the worlds sweetest baby (ME) in mind.   So yes, it is true my co campers will indeed miss me, but they know... I belong where my mom and dad are, and where the my mom's heart leads me, I will follow...  so Nana made me a special video.. one that answers the question every one is asking... how... will we say goodbye.... Here is the answer... this is a small part of a video Nana made for me to take back to Fort Hood.   Mom and Dad will play it for me one day.... [youtube] Nana says, when you love some one (and says this applies to everyone.... not just me.... but it is meant for SONS, DAUGHTERS, GRANDCHILDREN and Parents…

Dear Mom and Dad, So this is the thing... I have been a busy little chef ... cooking and stirring and tasting... so much fun!  So if there is a guy named "Chef Boy Ardee"!   Then I am to be Chef Girl Adore - a - BEE !    I am so cute! I love singing this song about one finger and one thumb... it makes me laugh every time someone sings it to me, and I hold up one finger! Here I am honing my culinary skills some more today.... I was truly a wonderful baby today as I am every day.   I hear that Poppy Nana and the campers have a surprise for me in the morning... I wonder what it could be?   I am going to wait patiently though, and see it when I awake.   Until tomorrow Mom and Dad, please know I am as always, your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad... Well, I had such a fun time playing with Nana's utensils, that Poppy brought me some ... and I was busy as can be today playing with them.  I took my new cooking utensils to Great Grandma's to share some good ole fashioned home cookin' with my cuz Bryan and one of his buddies, my Aunt Kris, Uncle Dave and the Great Grandparents.   I would ship some to you and Daddy but it just won't be as good.  I think I better wait a few weeks and I'll be cookin' for you.   I take my pot or spatula to everyone letting them taste... it is great fun, and I know you may find this shocking, but I KIND OF LIKE BEING THE CENTER OF ATTENTION! I was really intently working here on my masterpiece... I love pretending that I have made soup and love even more letting everyone taste my delicacies! I am not sure why they all have this thing about sharing from the same spoon or spatula that I have just licked See I am stirring and preparing with such vigor!   I love this stuff!   Who knew, being a chef could be so fun...…

Dear Mom and Dad, So Mom and Dad, I have to tell you, I have fun playing with every single thing.   Today, we pulled Nana's pots and pans out and I played them like drums, and then made "soup".  I licked the spatula when done, and it was delish! Mommy said, I would have fun playing with pots and pans!   LOOK MOM... here I am... and you were right... I love being a chef!   Or in a moments notice I can switch and I am a drummer!  Pretty cool huh?! I enjoyed this little POTS AND PAN session.   It just goes to show you that it doesn't matter what is around I can make it fun and very exciting. I HAD A BLAST REALLY... WISH YOU COULD HEAR MY MUSIC! We captured some of me turning simple pots into TOYS, with the beast today.  I love pretending to make soup for the campers and tasting it... it is silly fun, but I love doing it... Things at camp are the same.   All the campers are really busy, I am still what one might call "sleepless in the mitten state", with little hope for change.    I am just not a sleeper.  …

Dear Mom and Dad, So I went today with Nana to get stuff done.   Things are looking more and more prepared for our Fort Hood experience.   I know that at the very least... you and daddy will have some of your things waiting for you when you arrive.   I also went and had a special lunch with Aunt Arrianna.   Chicken Pot Pie... YUM!   Aunt Arri had pasta.... Aunt Mikaya  had to go to class and missed lunch but I hope to have a special lunch with all my camper buddies before I leave camp!   They are gonna miss this face!   Ya think?   Yep, me too.... but they know... FORT HOOD NEEDS THIS FACE REALLY BAD!   After all, I  am a little spirit stick ya know! I wonder if you remember Mr. PIG, from our visit?  Well, I was once scared of Mr. Pig, as you can see that has passed.   We are doing the Piggy dance here... Hey if I play with Aunt Alyx's stuff, Nana may not shake that little NO FINGER AT ME? Well, we had another great day at camp, me having fun, and well Nana has not been singing much lately... maybe it's her way of getting…

Dear Mom and Dad, Well, it is another day here in the Mitten State, and at camp.   It is not just any day though, it is a new spring day.   I went exploring and thought you may enjoy seeing things from my  explorer perspective.    Nana is not making up stories when she says how much I love learning.... and exploring.  Here I am today... you'll see... I am all about expeditions  - finding my shadow... discovery and enjoying all the things life has to offer.    All of the campers this week have worked so hard, helping Nana quite a bit, and we have celebrated with family spring holiday's that are all about beginnings... about sacrifice, and about trials and tribulations... BUT TODAY, Nana wants more than anything for me to learn... that life and the time we have with the people we love .... IS A GIFT.    Soon you and dad will SPRING back to me... then the three of us, we will be out - we will explore, we will discover, and we will grow together.   LOOK AT ME MOM AND DAD... these photos will make your heart race... they will stir up feelings of excitement and you'll feel the…

Dear Mom and Dad, Today was just made for play.   I slept through the night... if you can believe it, and I took a long nap today.   I don't know if it was a fluke, or this is going to be a new thing... but even though Nana was a little sleepless she says I slept.   I did wake up ready to go.... and play all day is what I did.... can you see the look on my face... I was not messin' around... calling all campers.... it is SATURDAY AND A DAY TO PLAY! So here are some photos from the day... I hope you enjoy them... I enjoyed the time myself...and really am not much for taking BEAST BREAKS! Until tomorrow, please know as always, I am your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, Yes, this is me, contemplating.... I am certain I am not to play with these components... I know every time I do, I get the big...NO!   But I must admit, I still contemplate doing it anyway... Watch me wonder... what to do here...  Here I go... walking by as if to say I am just walking by.. I am just looking at the television.. Not got anything mischievous on my my mind... I would not even begin to contemplate getting into a little pint sized trouble.... Who me? No... I am just hangin out in my capri's on this sunny day... and not even thinking of TROUBLE. I know there are balls over there that are for me to play with, but... Something happens, and well, I begin to CONTEMPLATE just a little EXPLORATION... my finger fits right here so good.... I mean .... it was made for me to push this button... and well tempting... no one is really looking... so.... What?      I didn't do anything...  I am innocent!  All joking aside... it is very tempting... and somehow fun to see what will happen... but I am not a fan of being caught!   I am…

Dear Mom and Dad,  HAPPY APRIL FIRST! I am thinking we will be resting comfortably at Fort Hood by Mother's Day... to be certain!   All the chaos of moving done, and you and daddy full time with me!  Today is the beginning of a new month.... and this is the FINAL chapter of my love letters to you and dad... I will have one for you today, not to worry...  this is just a little note  - I just wanted to start your day with the happy thought of what  APRIL IS ... it is not an April Fools joke... it is spring here in the MITTEN STATE,  a bunny will deliver chocolate eggs and candy ... flowers will begin to sprout, and you and dad will be reading some of my last love letters this month!     I cannot wait until we are a family again... I can smell it in the spring air!  See you later tonight.... alas on line but if we have survived this sabbatical of so many days, we are sure to have enough strength to make it through one more month!   Love and kisses till later your sweet baby Guge! THIS WAS US ONE YEAR AGO.... and…

Dear Mom and Dad, So, it's me again with lots to do today and lots to say! I am wearing my pot of gold rainbow shirt, and waiting for you to follow the rainbow to its end, and find me waiting at it's end.   Lookin' sweet, being sweet, and full of sweet hugs and kisses for you both! I am about ready for lunch here, and during lunch is my SPROUT TIME, with who other than the Wiggles, and well let's just say Mr. NIKON and Nana are a bit of a bother... she tried to get me to pay attention to the beast, but ... the WIGGLES WIN EVERY TIME... Nana tried another angle... thinking she could distract me.. Until tomorrow Mom and Dad, I love you, I will always let Nana take my photo, I am just saying, I think all photos should wait until after the Wiggles are on...  what do you think... can a girl watch the Wiggles first?  The answer ... is yes, and Nana will be back tomorrow with more of my cuteness, and until then, I am your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, and little pot of gold, Guillianna! Thanks to Great Aunt Pam…

[caption id="attachment_7582" align="alignleft" width="284" caption="This is me One Year Ago Today!"][/caption] Dear Mom and Dad, I am now a year older, I have no need for a the little Boppy pillow to prop me up for photos. Yes it is true, I was adorable then, and am still adorable today. Nana and her silly photo shoots!   I prefer my NOW  pics with me and my M&M babies .... and with me on the go go go!  It is just so hard for Nana to believe that in these past 365 days... I have learned and changed so much. Today... I  have everyone chasing me!   Now, I can tell you what I want, and laugh, boy oh boy do I laugh!  I love smiling and laughing and playing more than my M&M dolls.  I love music and dancing.... I am just waiting to show you and Dad so many things.   Now that I am a big girl, I will teach you and dad a trick or two - you just wait and see.... I had Nana find a picture of me from exactly one year to the day... so  you can look at me then, and .... Here I am today!   GUGE - A-…

Dear Mom and Dad, Today is one in a handful of  Monday's I will spend in Michigan.   Everything seems to be winding down here and yet building anticipation for new beginnings at Fort Hood.   Mom called me from the Land of Sand, and Nana spoke with her....Nana says... Mom is ready to come home and has been for so long same with dad.   I know that you miss me... afterall ... I AM ADORABALE... and I know that this year has been full of so many things.. but I am a lucky girl.   You and daddy have gotten promoted, you have honored promises made to me and to your country, and for Nana and Poppy.. keeping a promise is a big deal... always has been and they say intergrity is most important.   You know what I think... M&M babies are important.    You will notice my favorite toy the NIKON LENS CAP has been replaced with babies... I think this tourquoise M&M babie is having a hair day like mine! So here I am playing with the new puzzle GG-ma and Papa got for me. I have my babies nearby... and I am waiting for everyone to clap. Do you think at pre school, when I do…

Dear Mom and Dad... So I had another stupendous day and yes it was stupendous! Sundays are always great since none of my campers buddies have school, Poppy does not have to be gone at the crack of dawn, and we usually get extra play time together! Today everyone (except Uncle Nick & Miss K) since they are still gone - went to dinner with the rest of the Michiganders who live close enough to partake of GG-ma's great holiday dinner! Yes we had to shift things to get as many of the family together as possible since big campers have college and old campers like Nana tend to make scheduling things with all her 'Nana stuff'!  So I will take this opportunity to tell you and dad  - as well as Great papa and GG-ma  - it was a wonderful dinner!  I got a new puzzle along with home cookin' delish food.  What more does anyone need!  Here we are hanging out at GG-ma's, me my peeps and my M&M babes! I think I am getting squished..... GUGU SAMMY! Aunt Mikayla and Aunt Allyssa are hogging my couch space... but its okay... I like it! I also must tell…

Dear Mom and Dad, Yep I  had the sillies today! I cannot say what was tickling my fancy, but I has the sillies!   Here I am in my swing!  And yes, I do have a mini M&M baby with me. I am telling you, I am good at playing... and love exploring. Do I look a little scared... well I am not.. I just think it tickles when the swing goes back and forth. I was such a good little girl today. I have had so much fun playing with all the campers.  Uncle Nick is missed however, and I thought he too will get enjoyment from reading my love letter to you and daddy and see how big I am now, sitting in my swing. I don't know if you can see, but I have not one but two babies on the swing with me... I have Little Miss Lavender... and Little Miss Orange.... Tomorrow is Sunday here, and we are to have a special dinner with GG-ma and Great Papa, you, daddy, Uncle Nick and Miss K are surely to be missed, but know we will all be thinking of you. Great Grandma cooks for weeks in preparation for this dinner,…

LOVING THE BABIES - AND HAVING FUN AT CAMP! Dear Mom and Dad, So I was thinking that I am so lucky to have had you and dad working so hard to give me a great start in Texas! I plan to smile for you- make kisses on a regular basis and then tease you with them. I formulate the kiss and make the sound effect of mmmmmmmmmm and the one I share it with does the smack part and in the mornings I have so many to give ! They must build up in my itty bitty kiss maker during the night. I had some pasta that I liked today and I walked about camp as much as possible since it seems there are things every where to explore that were once not possible. I have discovered there is a new opportunity at every corner for fun and investigation! I learned a new word recently. "PLEASE! " It sounds like peas. But not to be confused with those putrid grey/green things that come in a jar- those I am definately not a fan of and would not want anyone to think I am requesting! I do like carrots instead! I…

Dear Mom and Dad, Guess what... Great Aunt Pam, is having a GRANDSON!   They just found out!   I'm so excited for them all.  So I am singing with joy!  I am having another boy cousin!   I am thinking I can sing and sing look don't I look like an American Idol?   Nana says... school first.... right mom, she always says that I hear... but I love singing... and dancing! So today I have some great photos for you two.   Great Aunt Pam was out for my Thursday visit,  and I must say she has been so amazing all year.   Coming to play with me... but now that I am a true toddler. .. I play with her... and we laugh and we have the best time! You will notice my babies and I are inseparable... I hug on them, I kiss them, I feed them, I wrap them up with my little spitties... and I laugh and play with them.   I am doing so many fun things... and most of all... I am as always YOUR LITTLE MISS ADORABLE, your daughter, and pot of gold awaiting your return... Guillianna! P.S. To all my goldfish mini's  I miss you... NANA IS A…

Dear Mom and Dad, So last year on your birthday I sent you a fantabulous love letter... I was just born....and sleeping on and off...  this year I plan an even more fantabulous one cause...  let's face it, I am bigger and I'm a little person now!   Even though momma said the two of you cannot get mail anymore there in the land of sand... we have taken advantage of our electronic love letter setup... and in no time... you will have the real deal in your arms!   ME!  I have a true love affair goin' on dad with someone named BOB, dad, and I just want you to know, I hold him clearly by myself, I hold him with one hand, I even hold him with my pinky finger out just like a princess!   Bob is my bud!   My latest thing however is to push the air out of BOB just like Nana does, and watch BOB spray all over.   IT IS FUN! I don't do this when hungry... just when I feel like playing... and well... it makes a stream of white all over where ever I squirt him!   Sometimes on my tray, sometimes on the floor, sometimes on Nana?   Yea... then I get BOB…

Dear Mom and Dad, It was nice that Mom got to call me today.. she heard how I am with Nana, and how I explore, and talk about all the things I like to get into... like if we leave the bathroom door open I can open a toilet seat and send my toys floating! So... they make locks for the seat but Nana shuts the door cause I also like playing with toilet paper, and anything I can get my hands on in there! I am on the move constantly, and it is truly amazing how quickly I am learning. I love going from the pantry where there are so many items to explore to the dog food bowls, and water bowls.   Then to the cabinets where I have figured out the childproof locks.  I can also tell you that stairs are a favorite to try and climb up, but not a big fan of coming down.  Yes.... I could have been named Dora the Explorer, and it would fit. Nana says, it is all good though, my curiousity is amazing and learning about all kinds of things as I go is a good thing.  So long as she…

Dear Mom and Dad, Today was a day for play!  I have been walking around and running around camp all day.   Me with my M&M babies I should say.   If you look at each photo today you will see, the babies I am playing with are different colors and where ever I go.... and M&M baby goes with me...    So as I said, where ever I go... a baby goes too.. and I was on the go go go all day! Mr. Griff keeps a close eye on me at all times.   You will find him where ever I am... watching over me. St. Bernards are known to be great with kids, and Mr. Griff is proving that every day... he is truly a gentle giant, who looks over me as if I were his baby! So i think I will try something here... Maybe Mr. Griff wants to play M&M babies with me... ? You know... where you carry them you hug them you wrap them up in a blanket... It's fun... at least I think so... Let's just see if I can get Mr. Griff into the whole playin' babies thing.... Well, he really isn't much for playin' babies, but he is…

Dear Mom and Dad, Well we celebrated it yesterday but today is the day of Great Grandma's birth... a few years ago. Today I went to Flint to see her sister, and Cuz Nanc... and guess what.... I GOT THE PRESENT, fancy that... I go to Flint and on my Great Grandma's birthday, I got A VACCUUM!   Yep, now I can keep the dust bunnies from growing into dust monsters at camp! I am not sure why I get the present and not Great Grandma, but lets just say, Great GREAT Aunt Ida had cookies, and fruit, she let me play with the remote, and well, I think I had the fun on GG-ma's birthday.  I ate breakfast at Bob Evans, and then hung out with Cuz Nanc and yes... GREAT GREAT Aunt Ida... and I think her home will not be the same... since I have learned to walk....I am pretty much unstoppable.   Anything I can get my hands on.... I do..... and well it is fun to see everyone scramble to catch me!  Great Aunt Ida however let me play with what ever I wanted.... and was a good sport.    I came back to camp Nana and I…

Dear Mom and Dad, Camp is good, but I am pondering another thought.   Tonight some of the family gathered for dinner in honor of GG-ma's birthday tomorrow.   I was so excited turning one, and feel like I just wanted the world to know I AM ONE!.   Now rumor has it that we girly girls don't always share how old we are.... especially once we pass our twenties.   So .... I have time to shout my age t whenever it strikes my fancy.   And I won't say GG-ma's birthday on account of I want to have good manners and all... but I will tell you this... I hope when I am her age I am doing good like she is, and looking so GG-ma-er- iffic!   So Aunt Arrianna made GG-ma a card for her birthday.  It is adorned front and back with photos of her family! So awesome!  And I didn't tell any secrets.... I just showed you this awesome photo!   Mom, you have photos on the card, from when you were small to when you graduated and even one in the army!   It's the coolest thing ever!   I still don't get the whole don't tell your age thing, or don't ask.... but…

Dear Mom and Dad, This is My 401 rst Love Letter to you both! For some the number 401 can make them think of a 401K   - for Nana, it makes her think of 401 days she has spent trying to show me love, to show her daughter - you mom... love  and dedication, and 401 days of joy looking at this....  ADORABLE FACE! So tonight, before she starts with all the computer stuff for Poppy and my website, she just wanted me to say how grateful she is for TIME.   Time given to her by mom and dad, and her doctors... for all the time the co campers contribute, and for the time Poppy has made so special for her as "camp director" for the Guge!  As well as Great Grandma Sally and Grumpy and Great Grandma Sharyn and Papa.   Without Great Aunt Pam, and so many others who have helped Nana make camp so amazing.... I would not be so happy!    So many good friends and family who have made my days at camp the best experience I could ever hope for.    Here is a look at my day... and you can see why one might feel lucky!    401 bazillion times over... for the opportunities…

Dear Mom and Dad.. Today was another wonderful day at Camp Nana weather wise.  The temperature here was nearly record breaking.   The sun was shining,  and it was simply my favorite thing to go outside.  Great Aunt Pam came to visit me  - it is as you know THURSDAY,  and like so many Thursday's in the past year... she makes the long drive to us, and then IT IS PLAY PLAY PLAY.   Since the weather was so gorgeous... I got to sit up in my big girl stroller and go for a great stroll saying hi to all the things I saw along the way.   Kids playing, doggies, and trees.  I loved it.   Everyone here at camp is doing well, especially me.  Here I am today at Camp Nana... playing with Uncle Nick and Great Aunt Pam!  Hoping you and Dad are well! Until tomorrow Mom and Dad, I am as always, your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna!

Here is the start of my day... Until later tonight, I want you to know I love you and i will finish today's love letter later.... hope you and Dad have a McWonderful day.. Guillianna! So it has been established that I am indeed a McCutie... and I was voted #1 McCutie at Camp Nana by all of my co- campers....here is why... The Rest of My McDay! I am a POT OF GOLD! Oh no... do I feel a breeze ? Today I spent the day at camp, and then a great thing happened... I got invited to McEat some McChicken Fingers and McFries with my McGreat Grandparents! It was McAwesome, because, it was not planned, they needed some car repairs done, and Poppy worked late, and Nana, well she is still not quite herself, being that she still has NANA ISSUES, but all things worked in the direction of NO GOLDFISH MINI CLASS, and instead a McDining experience was what we Mc-had.    My Goldfish mini swim buddie, little Mr. Colin, this outfit is for you!   Hope you know ... I planned on wearing it for you tonight, but Nana.... well she had other plans.   Sorry.  I will see you…

Dear Mom and Dad, Yep, if you ask me, "Want to hear a secret Guge?"  FIRST I will say 'YES', then I will listen while you whisper in my ear... and then... I LAUGH!  As you can see, I am doing great, and tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day... and while it is not a big holiday here at Camp, it is a huge day.    IT IS ONE OF ONLY A FEW HOLIDAY'S LEFT FOR ME AT CAMP... as it passes, I am so much closer to being with you and dad!   THE LAST OF ONLY A FEW TOMORROW.... SO tonight I will rest, and get ready for my IRISH DAY TRIBUTE PHOTO SHOOT! Poppy was once again Nana's hero... he did the impossible in getting the Beast traded in on a new BEAST!   Mom and Dad you may not know it, but he is awesome.   The broken camera was only half the battle.... everything Nana does to make it so you can see me, all the software and the way the photos upload.... all NIKON BEAST STUFF, WELL IT WAS ALL INTERTWINED, AND WELL he made it so Nana's software and all the things that she uses to get these photos to you and daddy work…

Dear Mom and Dad, I had a great day at camp.   I hope you and Dad are well, and know that I am thinking of you today as always.  I had to go do Nana stuff today, and we tried to get the beast fixed... but it is a costly and weird problem.  So we will see.  I am about to find TROUBLE OR TROUBLE IS ABOUT TO FIND ME... I am now able to go on expeditions, and find all kinds of things to get in to!   They have to keep a close eye on me... I am fast... I am cute, and I love getting them to chase me...   Until tomorrow Mom and Dad, I am as always, Your Litle Miss Adorable, your daughter.... Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, Oh no!   Nana is feeling like there might be a cloud over her head these days...  certainly her list of challenges are growing!  THE BEAST IS NOT WORKING !   It will not take my photo!  WHAT... ?   A BROKEN BEAST? We are working on a solution....be patient... Nana says sorry and is tempted to put Mr. Nikon in time out! Yesterday Libby was sick, then Grizzy got sick EVERYWHERE AND NOW THE BEAST IS SICK!  Thankfully I am good, and so are the other campers! Nana apologizes for the photos... but is trying to keep the promise that you would see me each day.  For now these will have to do... and THE BEAST IS GOING TO THE HIS OWN VET TOMORROW.   Not so sure what will be for tomorrows photos... but here  are today's! There are only a few, that were even salvagable... sorry! They are all discolored, and yes it is true not even really in focus but it is me, and I am doing good.  I played all day, and as a special treat I ate breakfast with my GG-ma and Great Grandpa as well as all of the campers.  Until tomorrow remember I am as always…

Dear Mom and Dad... So it is Saturday.   It is the day we are meeting up with Great Papa and my GG-ma now that they are Mitten people again!   Personally I prefer 'Mitten People' to MICHIGANDER OR MICHIGANIAN don't you.  I was ready to go... and ready to show off my new talent WALKING!   Here I am at camp waiting for all the other campers to go!   I have to work hard keeping them in line.. and on time! We  had pizza and pasta, and a plain old awesome time hanging with them again!  I made a new friend tonight, I would like you to meet.   See not only did I get to see my great grandparents they brought me a gift.   No reason... just because they missed me.  Just because they wanted me to have something special... so I would like you to meet my new friend... I named her...Gigipop.  She is almost more adorable than I... if you can believe that. Here I am kissing my Little Miss GiGiPop, and let me tell you... I really really like her.  She is so perfect for me, I can play with her, and kiss on her... and hug her, and twist her…

Dear Mom and Dad, So today was a bit crazy at camp... one of my zoo co campers has been acting weird for a few weeks. Lady Liberty has been quiet, and not getting up to go outside, and today she finally came out to Nana and when we let her out... then she would not come back in. She lay on the patio quivering.... and yesterday she stayed out in the rain ane would not come in. Nana tried everything to get her inside... nothing worked. We had scheduled a doctor appointment for Libby on Saturday, to check her out, (tomorrow) but we had to take her in as an emergency this morning. Uncle Nick has always been a favorite of hers, she always gets excited to see him, and sure enough after Nana bothered him, Libby saw him coming to get her to take her to the vet - she got up and wagged her tail and seemed fine. We all hopped into Nana's car, with Lady Liberty and went to the vet... where we learned...she is fine! Well - they could not find anything wrong and ran some blood tests. But she had no fever, no lymph…

  Dear Mom and Dad, So today, either one of a couple different things happened here.   Either Nana is "sappy"  -  a definite maybe. Or I am just so adorable... so cute and so sweet that I can make a grown woman like Nana cry "TEARS OF JOY".  For some reason... and after many different love letters having mentioned this whole "grown ups cry when happy (and sad)... babies cry when sad" thingy, and when exactly this transition takes place in life pops up yet again... There I was just hangin' with Nana... she had been slow as a snail lately and well, not to brag... I may not be at full speed yet, but I can take her hands down any day.   She was sitting down in the rocking chair in the family room.  I stood in my cute little Gugu stance with the table in front of me, and the couch behind me.  She sat observing me... while I watch a DVD Aunt Arrianna made for me.  It is called THE GUGE SPECIAL... it is a compilation of all the musical theme songs I love from different shows on Sprout, or Nick Jr.  some songs from Jack's Big Music…

Dear Mom and Dad, I spent the day resting and relaxing.   I have had some Tylenol and feel better this afternoon.   Nana took some photos of me at camp today, as I played and got to feeling like myself again after my PEDIATRICIAN DAY! News around camp is, that my Great Grandparents will be back in the MITTEN STATE SOON! Great Aunt Pam too is back in the MITTEN STATE after visiting with her daughter in North Carolina! The MITTEN STATE IS ACTUALLY WARM TODAY, and no need for mittens...  snow is melting everywhere, and well... it would be nice if SPRING WERE REALLY HERE. I love the nicer weather, I AM NOT BUNDLED UP LIKE AN ESKIMO and actually get some fresh air! I was really good today.   (as always)   I am making final plans to visit friends and family before my departure.   Nana has tried to include  some sort of visit with as many of my family as she can near the mitten state.   If any one wants to see me before I go... they can always email or call Nana or Poppy and they will try to make sure it happens.   Texas is kind of far away, so my…

I WENT TO THE PEDIATRICIAN FOR MY 15 MONTH CHECK UP! I AM 20 POUNDS 10 OUNCES! I AM 30 INCHES LONG! I AM DOING VERY GOOD! Dear Mom and Dad, Today was VACCINATION DAY, here at Camp Nana.    I was very good for Nana all day.   I woke very early and then took a morning nap, when I woke up, it was time to go to the pediatrician for what will most likely be the last time in the Mitten State.  Unless I need Dr. "E" when I come visiting.   He had everything ready for me, like Nana had requested, a complete copy of my medical records for you and daddy to take back to Fort Hood, and my new pediatrician.   While I am to continue my tummy medicine, I am slowly weaning off it.   I ate some yogurt and had a taste of frozen custard yesterday, and dairy still causes a little reflux, but nothing like when little.  So he gave me a prescription for you to take back to Fort Hood, until my new doctor makes decisions as to whether or not I need it.   My heart sounded great!   My lungs too.  He examined my head circumference, my ears, my mouth, my eyes, my…

Dear Mom and Dad, It is so hard for all the campers to believe that I am preparing to go.  They all feel like I just got here.... probably because I am so DARN CUTE AND SO ADORABLE!    I am so excited to see you and Daddy!  Here I am at camp today.... playing and having a good time!   Waiting with GREAT ANTICIPATION TO SEE YOU BOTH! Monday's here at camp are odd because every one really puts in a  long day.   They go to work and school early, and they don't get home until late.   Mondays have become my rehearsal day... yep, singing ALLLLLL DAY... NANA SINGING 🙁   So, I was thinking, stop the singing by playing with the KITTY.   I would play with the kitty AND NANA WOULD NOT SING... I went walking over....(how cool is that to say)  yea so I went walking over to play with the kitty... What do you mean you don't want to play with me.... hey,  I THOUGHT THE KITTY WOULD STAY AND PLAY! Worse news... tomorrow is DOCTOR DAY!   Yep, IMMUNIZATION DAY!   My fifteen month check up.   Nana says it is her 'least favorite babysitting thing" to do since it makes me cry and we all know NANA DOES…

Dear Mom and Dad, I had a great day at Camp.  All of my co campers were around and we hung out.   Here I am today walking and playing! Well, I  had fun today playing at camp, and shopping, being a little cutie... hope you are both well and remember, that I am  - as always - Your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, So, Nana is not the most objective when it comes to me, and I know the campers here... would agree... they love me!   But you have to see today's photos, and then tell me... is Nana is RIGHT?!   Oh my what a day Nana and Mr. Nikon had with me!   I know I usually send a big long love letter with my photos, but today... well my love letter to you is MOSTLY PHOTOS, since all we did today was take Mr. Griffy to the veterinarian for a check up! (he is great, only problem he has  - he thinks he is a toy poodle, not a St. Bernard)  Thinks he can sit on laps like a little dog, and most definately HE CLEARLY does not realize he has a major DROOLING/SHEDDING PROBLEM.  Otherwise he is awesome!  No new things happening at camp!   But I must say, I did nap well today.  Then, while sleeping...MOMMY CALLED ME!   I am sorry I missed your call Mom, but Nana, likes to hear you are alright!   So thanks for the call, and know that I have this spectacular set of photos for you and Daddy to enjoy- as well as all my followers... get ready…

Dear Mom and Dad, Yep, I am a walker... and I love walkin' about... I get my balance, and yes the shoes are a huge help with that.  I still like to test Nana.  I love going over to the television and turning it off or on... REPEATEDLY!  After each time, I look at her... she shakes her finger I smile!   Pretty much the routine... but if she says NO, EVEN IN A SOFT VOICE... I CRY!   Then I want her to hold me and hug me, AND I SMILE !   So here I am walking on my own.   I teeter a bit here and there, but I am really getting the hang of the whole balance thing.   I am doing such a good job!   It was late in the day, so I was a little tired.  In the mornings, I am twice as fast and just a little wild.   By the end of the day, I go slow, but I still go! [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It3wCiEsEmg[/youtube] I had a great day today.   I stayed at camp all day, and have been quite an explorer.   Now, not to start nasty rumors or anything about Nana, but today, I was walking around, and I saw a "dust…

Dear Mom and Dad, So today is March 4th, and that means I am fifteen months old.   I have  had a great day.  I played, and rested at camp.  I was the itty bittiest bit on the easily irritated side today, not so sure if it is more teeth, or just a phase, but I really love being held ALL THE TIME.   I am in a phase where I want to sleep in the arms of anyone willing to hold me, and well who wouldn't.   Since I sleep in Nana and Poppy's room, she likes to soothe me when I wake in the night, where as most other babies parents may let them fuss a wee bit, Nana gets up and holds my hand or used to give me a passy, or gives me a little "spitty" to hold on to now.   I like that she is there IN a NANA SECOND! (HA) and she does it since  Poppy exists on so little sleep as it is, that she doesn't want him to wake.   Often my grandparents only get a few hours a night... so each moment is precious and Poppy needs it....so anyway... it creates for me, a situation that could…

Dear Mom and Dad, Today was Goldfish Mini swim class .... and I just love it so much.   It is probably my favorite thing to do all week.   It was just me and mini friends Connor and Alex.     We had fun, and I know the number of weeks at Goldfish Mini Swim School are few, but what I have left, I enjoy. I also hung out with Nana all day, and was an angel.   I think she is going to be lonely when I go to Texas, since the other campers go to work or school all day.   She will have to take photos of the Zoo Campers!   But I don't think any of my readers will come to see photos of drooling shedding Zoo animals, unless of course Nana can find clothes and dress them up to look like me!  Ha! I hope you and Daddy had a great day.   I did.  They say the Mitten State is due for a warm up this weekend, and some of the snow and ice will melt away.   I hope that the weather here changes before you come to pick me up because I look forward to nice warm days and stroller rides around Camp…

Dear Mom and Dad, I am such a big girl now.   I have so much fun playing with Aunt Allyssa's baby doll.   I love to walk with her and hug her and give her kisses! Here I am walking MY babydoll.   I know it was Aunt Allyssa's but now what is at CAMP NANA IS MINE, I am the princess of the camp, and what I claim as my own, well it just is. Nana is still no fun.   She makes me put away toys when I am done.  She makes sure that I am learning as I go, and hopefully will not be spoiled when you come back.   She is teaching me about this inside voice thing... and yes she actually said "no" to me the other day.   No is not easy for Nana.... she likes to make me smile and keep me happy, but will not let me play with the outlet..... so she said no... I cried. Briefly.... but was a little shocked that Nana said NO to me?   She says the outlet is an OUCHIE... BUT SINCE I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT AN 'OUCHIE' IS, I still want to play with it.   The face Nana loves…

Dear Mom and Dad, I am here at camp, and today is the very first day of March 2010. I know how hard this has been on the two of you, (at least Nana says she knows, really I don't really get the whole thing, but that is good, cause, it means I don't have to be sad)so I have been working hard at being not only ADORABLE, SO VERY GOOD, AND SO VERY SWEET, but I am really starting to cruise these days. I love walking about, it makes me feel super happy and proud.   I still bop on my bottom a bit, but I get back up and keep on trying to go farther and farther everytime. Here I am, walking and squealing at the same time.  See I am a multi-tasker!   I think that my fellow campers are more nervous about me falling over than I am... but there is always someone ready to catch the Guge!    It is crazy that once I started this walking thing... I have just started to find so many things that I want to get into now.   I love it! So you can tell, I am one proud little walker, and love…

Dear Mom and Dad, Today is Sunday... And what a fun day Sunday was! I started the day early... As usual woke up asking for a 'bob'! Yep. Maybe I was just parched but I drank a bit at six am,  and decided I wanted to go back to sleep.  Weird I know.  So I did.  We had plans for breakfast with Dr. Randy - they had Poppy stuff! We then came back to camp when the phone rang and I really got to say Hi to mommy! My sweet little HI.  Later,  I worked on playing  - a very important job.   Someone around here needs to PLAY.   Otherwise they would all just work.   So I show them how it is done!   I am a good teacher .   Here I am greeting my Aunts as they return to camp! [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdzsBLob6M8[/youtube] Yeah, so I am tickled pink to see them return.  Nana shows me video of your and Daddy in the hope that I will be able to remember you.  I know your voice when you call, I know your face.   I think I will remember, because I DO NOT FORGET ANYTHING!   If I drop food in myhigh chair, I…

Dear Mom and Dad, Today Nana and I were at camp in the morning and it was lonely... then, it seemed everyone was visiting. Great Aunt Pam, who is always helping Nana out, Dr. John a friend, all the way from Florida... came to visit his Grand baby who was just born, and even made time to drive two hours to see Nana and I.   Then Ms. K was here with Uncle Nick, and Aunt Mikayla and Aunt Alyx came back to camp.   One thing for certain about Camp Nana it is always a fun, and full of friendly faces coming to see the GUGE!    Poppy worked hard as usual and into the evening like he does every Saturday, but thankfully it is THE WEEKEND, and hopefully after he finishes with all his patients who are unable to leave home or bed, he too will get a bit of rest, and we will do it all over again starting Monday!    Tomorrow however, is rest day.  I think Poppy needs one.  He came back after a hard day, and PLAYED WITH ME, AND WE HAD A BLAST!   He is trying to take care of so many things right now.   Nana being the biggest…

Dear Mom and Dad, Day to day, I find different things that suit my fancy! Today, it's the "pit", I love these little balls... I have so much fun with them. I also have fun sliding them down the slide, and watching Nana chase them. She is quite funny.  It's not just that she doesn't want to leave the side of the pit, or that she is on the chubby side... it's not that she waddles when she chases them, it is just that she is just fun to watch.   I LAUGH so hard when I drop one down, and she tries getting it before it gets too far.   It is such a fun game... (for at least one of us... I am not so sure she gets as much enjoyment from it, cause I don't hear her laughing with me)   I take this ball throwing activitiy very seriously... can you see it in my face? So I am hoping you had a great day.  Here are some photos from today at Camp Nana... we had so much fun, and I am wearing a shirt nana got me, see if you can read what it says.   It is a one…

Dear Mom and Dad, Today I was quite the little multi-tasker... yep, I helped Nana.   I took the already washed and folded clothes she had finished, and re-folded them with a GUGE SPECIAL.    And I did it while watching my favorite show on Sprout.   Here are the photos... can you see the attention I pay to detail... [caption id="attachment_6993" align="aligncenter" width="634" caption="First you take the already folded clean clothes... and pull them out of the pile."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_6994" align="aligncenter" width="634" caption="Good focus... I have this down... "][/caption] [caption id="attachment_6995" align="aligncenter" width="634" caption="Oh my, I think I hear the WIGGLES... "][/caption] [caption id="attachment_6996" align="alignleft" width="284" caption="Oh me oh my, I LOVE THIS SHOW!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_6997" align="aligncenter" width="284" caption="Yea, ahhhh, hmmmm, I love the WIGGLES!"][/caption]  It was fun, and Nana didn't mind, she put it all to be washed again, and next time, I will help her all over again!  I have so much fun playing with Nana. I am going to have her running after me in NO TIME... YOU JUST WAIT AND SEE! Here are more photos Nana and the beast captured while I was folding clothes for Nana... I had fun, and took my job seriously .... for a…

Dear Mom and Dad, Tonight was Goldfish Mini Swim Class, and while Poppy had to give a lecture, Great Aunt Pam was my GOLDFISH MINI SWIM PARTNER.    I had a blast.   Great Aunt Pam is so nice to fill in for Uncle Nick  while at school and Poppy tonight!   I did all the things a "mini" should do, and more, I love being there!   Nana absolutely  loves the Mini Moms and Dads, it makes her so happy to see these moms and dads, loving being parents, and makes her think about you and daddy.   She watches the swim class, and thinks to herself... in just a short while it will be you and daddy with me... just as it should be!     It makes her smile to think about us being a family!   Nana says, it is the true "yin and  the yang" of life... she knows everyone here will feel their hearts break as I leave camp and the Mitten State, and then there will simultaneously exist the sincere and true elation of how it will feel for everyone here, knowing  that I am going to MY HOME.  That I will be in the arms of my parents, and they will teach me, and…

  Dear Mom and Dad, Somedays, you just don't know what to expect... You wake up, and the day goes along, as do many before them.   Lately there have been days, where Nana is struggling getting my love letter done.   She has been a little sad about not being able to please everyone with the website, and thinking maybe it wasn't such a good idea....  UNTIL TODAY!   The Guge has helped Nana  - cheer up.   Want to see Mom and Dad, take a good look at this... you will smile too!  I found somthing that would make just about anyone smile... THIS IS ME COMING UP WITH A GUGE - A - RIFFIC IDEA.... Watch this... ( INSERT VIDEO OF GUILLIANNA TAKING HER FIRST STEPS... VIEWED) It is true.... I WALKED MY FIRST STEPS TONIGHT... I was awesome, and Nana smiled such a big smile that she is still smiling right now...  I AM SURE I WILL BE DOING MORE OF THIS WALKING STUFF, AND THEY WILL CAPTURE MORE FOR YOU AND DADDY TO SEE, but we wanted you to see for your own eyes the big moment!    Nana also has worked on getting the beautiful work Marissa sent up for you to see.   It is not…

Dear Mom and Dad, I am here at Camp in the middle of a snowy day !  One of the biggest snow days this winter!    Aunt Arri and Aunt Allyssa left for vacation  at five am this morning in the middle of this storm!  CRAZY!  But the plane left safely, a little late, but out of the snow  and on its way to the west coast!   When Great Grandma moved out there so many years ago, each grandchild has been trying to get a chance to visit, about five years ago Aunt Alyx and Aunt Mikayla have made it there, but  - you mom, Uncle Nick, Aunt Arri and Aunt Allyssa have not... so TODAY IS THE DAY, two more, Aunt Arri and Aunt Allyssa FINALLY GET TO SEE GREAT GRANDMA AND GRUMPY IN WASHINGTON STATE!    Poppy and Nana took me last September.   I am quite lucky to get to go before all the other campers.... but being so little has it's advantages.  For a while it looked like Daddy could have possibly gotten stationed at a fort in Washington State.   Since time or leave is hard to come by,  Nana knew it may be the only chance I get to visit them, so I got to go first.   All…

  Dear Mom and Dad, How are you? Here I am at camp today, playing.   Today, I got from all my  co-campers... my MISS CONGENIALITY award.    Mommy had given me one of the Backyardigans when she visited me in December.  I now have THE ENTIRE COLLECTION!   Oh me,  oh my!   I hope that you know I love you and await your safe return from the land of sand. Until tomorrow I hope you will remember that I am as always, your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna!

A Busy Week! Dear Mom and Dad, We have had a full week.   I have been very good, and last night I slept much better.  I am learning so quickly and I watch and observe every single thing I see.  I am so curious.   I am so smart.   I am also so very good!  Today I played and laughed quite a bit.  I had a very good day and took a nice nap!  Yes, I think it is because Aunt Arri let me sleep in her arms for my nap, which is something that I could get pretty attached to, sleeping an being held ALL THE TIME, BUT NO FUN NANA SAYS, NO! She figures I am pretty princess endulged already, but if I start up this wanting to be held ALL THE TIME  even WHEN I NEED TO TAKE A NAP, THEN THERE WILL NO LONGER BE DUST BUNNIES AT CAMP NANA, THEY WILL GROW INTO DUST MONSTERS!   Nana says nap time is 'hurry up and get every thing done time..' so if Nana has to start holding me during nap time, well.... we can all  just know the DUST BUNNIES  WILL   BE RUNNING CAMP NANA! My shirt says, 'THAT'S MISS CUTIE TO YOU!" NOT REALLY, I AM NOT BOSSY LIKE THAT…

  Dear Mom and Dad, This week has passed by, and things are good.   Tonight I had dinner with Uncle David, Aunt Kris, Brian and Steven.   Uncle Nick is still away, and me and all the Aunties had dinner with Poppy, Nana and his brother and wife which was nice.   The stuff that my pediatrician gave me for my remains of exzema, worked like a charm and I am doing good.   I only have to see him once more before you come home, and then... it is back to Texas ... to a nice four bedroom home for me, wow, so cool.   That is good news.   Nana is beginning to pack up some things- but only the things that she can, and she will have to wait on the stuff I still use.  Then you and daddy can load it in daddy's car and take it all to our home.   It is exciting stuff.  Nana says you will be reading me stories soon, and teaching me all kinds of new stuff.  She says you and I will have so many fun things to do.   Do you know what time it almost is?  IT'S  almost 'BABYTIME'!  AND I AM EXCITED!   We will take stroller rides together, play with Winnie the Pooh,  you…

Dear Mom and Dad, Here are a few snapshots of me at camp today.   I hope you enjoy seeing them.  I had a great day!  I hope you did too.   Until tomorrow Mom and Dad, know that I am doing well, and that I love you.  As always, I am your  Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, I took a duck tubby! I had so much fun! Not only did mommy call today, yea! It made me smile but Great Aunt Pam came over and she helped me take a Duck-a-doo-tub-a-roo! Let me tell you it was awesome! Poppy had to help Nana today really early and we got to go and have breakfast at one of mommy's old favorite little breakfast places! I had oatmeal and pancakes and I was very busy playing! Then we stayed at Camp Nana and had our usual fun day! Thank you so much Poppy for the early morning fieldtrip and breakfast! Nana says she is sorry you were so busy running around for her!  Hopes you know how much both she and I appreciate all you do!  Nana is kind of like having a big kid around... take me here, do this, do that always bossing everyone around.... so she says... thank you  - thank you - thank you!  Maybe she will work on being a little less bossy and DEPENDENT since she will have so much time on her hands soon.   After all.... she is going to be looking for stuff to do when you and…

Dear Mom and Dad, So today was check the rash day! It was also a doctor day for Aunt Arrianna and Aunt Allyssa they had ear doctor appointments. Nana had her Nana stuff and me well I had to see Dr. E for my recheck! Busy busy! All went well. My rash they say is exczema. Hmmmmm - that's what the army said mom had recently. I don't know. It's just weird. Nana and Poppy will hope it doesn't come back! Thankfully I do bot go see the pediatrician again until next month for more vaccinations! Yuk! Arri and Allyssa are good too! Ready to fly to visit great Grandma Sally and Great Grumpster. It will be nice for them to see that part of the United States... it is absolutely beautiful ... I know I have been there! Little traveler that I am! I am still talking up a storm. True some folks don't know what I am saying, but it doesn't stop me.... JABBERING AWAY, and loving every second of this newly found vocal attention getter... Not that I need help there... seems I have an entourage... and it suits me well. So tomorrow is Wednesday and we…

Dear Mom and Dad, I have been thinking, I MIGHT MAKE A GOOD LITTLE ACTRESS/SINGER.... Today was a Nana day... lots of Nana stuff to get done... but I had time for a little theatrics... And boy did the beast capture me in rare form... Hamming it up, laughing it up, playing, watching some favorite scenes from my 'dirty dancing' song Aunt Arrianna recorded for me to watch... and I LOVE IT! You tell me, do you think I am a getting bigger? Do I look bored?  Do I look the least bit unhappy? I am without doubt, an entertainer... and I love singing and music so much... Take a look at me today, and you tell me... I am so happy when I am dancing and singing... YOU HAVE NO IDEA! But these photos, make it hard to deny, I am AN ENTERTAINER! Here you go Mom and Dad, if this little princess face, laughing, singing and dancing doesn't make you grin from ear to ear, NOTHING WILL! Camp Nana, well, it really is fun, and we do so many things here that keep me entertained! Now that I am older, I find that I'm quite a party girl...…

It's Valentine's Day 2010, and I am ... TOTALLY LOVIN' IT! Dear Mom and Dad, So today, I have my second Valentines Day, here I am at my first one... Sweet Baby Guillianna Sleeping on Valentine's Day 2009!  Now, this is me, today, celebrating with the campers and sending you and daddy hugs and kisses to the land of sand!  Sweet Baby Guillianna, NOT SO SLEEPY, Valentine's Day, 2010 This I love you messsage  - has been here at Camp Nana for years... when mommy and her brother and sisters had school in the morning, Nana would get up and leave them kisses on their napkins, decorate the table with Valentine decorations, and candies!   She would make food the shape of hearts, and most likely I bet she sang to them... but in the morning before the bus would come they would come down to SEE   MR. VALENTINE BEAR !   Today, I got napkins covered in kisses, and Mr. Bear was there for me to see.   See Poppy, Nana was right .... it seems you have gotten a whole lot of years of good use out of MR BEAR, who knew? Obviously it has come in handy and useful for some…

Dear Mom & Dad, Today is Saturday.  Great Aunt Pam came and pampered me!  I played with all my Aunties and have been having a blast!   Today we stayed in, and just hung out, Great Aunt Pam brought us a treat, and I got a new outfit from her for a Valentine's Day present! I am hoping to get all the supplies I need for my Valentine/One Year at Camp Anniversary cupcakes... so Nana can get baking! I love this little cart!  I got it for a present from my first birthday and it is so much fun! By the way, Nana and I have been working on a surprise... and it seems pretty official, barring any unforseen NEED, it seems I have ditched the passy.  I don't really want one ever, and even in the night the only thing I like to know is I have a little  "spitty" blankey and Nana holds my hand every once in a while.  It has been five days!   I have not wanted the passy.   So.... maybe I am just too big for a passy, and Nana has helped me DITCH IT!   Don't count on me ditching "bob" anytime soon though, I LOVE…

Dear Mom and Dad, One year ago, my love letters to you and daddy began.... and with each and every letter, Nana has hoped to brighten your days when you felt alone, or make you smile when you felt the next day would never be done.... Our next goal is to make it to spring... and once we have done that... we will have climbed the last hurdle in this challenge we have had. I came early to the world, my heart in JUST THE RIGHT PLACE, we have had to separate for far too long, yet have been able to stay connected each and every day. You two face a war, and I have had blessings beyond measure at camp with Mommies sisters and brother. It has been quite a year for us all and each in our our own way. But we are approaching the new beginning. We can all be so proud. Here I am playing this evening... and talking a bit for you... I hope you like seeing the video and wave to me! [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jixeHd17xgU[/youtube] At the end of the day, we have so much fun, the campers and I.... The campers took me on my…

Dear Mom and Dad,   CAN YOU SAY     'F I E L D   T R I P!'     Well I can't yet, but I HAD ONE!  YEA! How are you?   I am just GREAT!   Today I went on a field trip to see GREAT GREAT AUNT IDA, AND THIRD CUZ NANC!  I went to lunch, and I was so good.   I had some potato soup with bacon and cheese.   Nana brought some puffs, and GREAT GREAT Aunt Ida, gave me chicken!  I loved drinking water like a little birdie from a straw, and said 'Hi' to anyone and everyone I met.  Thank you so much for having a GREAT LUNCH together and being  GREAT TO ME ! GREAT GREAT AUNT IDA & I HERE I AM OUT TO LUNCH IN THE PRESENCE OF true GREATNESS and I don't mean OLD, I mean great in the kind of person she is! AND I SAY THIS CAUSE SHE IS "PRETTY GREAT!" SHE AND CUZ NANCY HAVE MADE MY STAY AT CAMP EXTRA SPECIAL. THEY KEEP TABS ON ME, AND WELL I JUST CAN'T TELL YOU WHAT IT MEANS HAVING FAMILY EVERYWHERE I GO, AND IN ALL I DO and caring enough to care about me! Do I…

Dear Mom and Dad, SO HERE I AM IN MY BIRTHDAY PARTY DRESS, AND MY NANA ASKED ME FOR A PATRIOTIC POSE.... SHE TRIED TO CAPTURE YOU AND DADDY IN UNIFORM WHEN YOU CAME, BUT I FILLED IN FOR YOU, WHAT DO YOU THINK? To all my loyal readers, IF you like my "Patriotic Stick" pose, leave me a comment.... the colors washed out a bit in tranferring the photos, but the face is all me, and in person they are just GORGEOUS! I am taking care of things here at camp while you and dad are away.... Uncle Nick coined the phrase 'Patriotic Stick'... and Nana... has carried the torch FOR SOME TIME... BUT Now I am 🙂 What do you think? Here are some more to choose from... I LOOK FABULOUS! This is my 364th entry... now my anniversary for coming to camp is actually FEB 15, 2oo9, but Nana started my love letters in the few days before as we prepared for my journey.... I AM SO PREPARED FOR A CUPCAKE CELEBRATION! I can hardly wait.... SUNDAY IS VALENTINE'S DAY, AND THE FOURTEETH IS CERTAINLY CLOSE ENOUGH TO CELEBRATE WITH ALL MY FELLOW CAMPERS.... So I look…

Dear Mom and Dad, Yes, it is true....Nana called the Geek Squad - to see if we can salvage some of the THOUSANDS  and THOUSANDS OF PHOTOS OF ME THAT were on her computer that is currently infected with that nasty virus... more nasty than H1N1 and well it killed her computer so we can call it lethal.   Nana had to buy a new computer as you know and is learning all about VISTA BUSINESS, but would have preferred something different.   It is not easy for Nana to learn new things, something about being an OLD DOG.   But I don't really get that... Today was our appointment, (with the Geek Squad)  and Mr. Scott was so nice, he saved every picture of the Guge for Mommy and Daddy's book ALL ABOUT ME... Nana is sure going to back up these photos this time  - in case a pesky virus comes looking to eat her files again!    We didn't get much snow here at camp, but places around us did.   One of Aunt Allyssa's school's cancelled, but all the other campers had class.   Speaking of storms....I had a great Tuesday.   I am talking up a storm!  I am able to mimic some…

Dear Mom and Dad... I am having another stupendous day.   I played with Nana, who still sings, but now that I am a singer too, it is better.   I have a few favorite songs, like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and I am fond of just about any song that starts a show on SPROUT.   Barney and Friends, Bob the Builder... I don't like watching Bob so much, but love is theme song.   I am still a major fan of THE WIGGLES, AND LOVE ANYTHING THEY DO and anything they sing.   They are totally my FAVORITE of all things to watch or listen to.   Other than books....they are a close second.   We spent the morning reading books, and that is another thing I really enjoy.   In the afternoon, Aunt Mikayla came to play, and we had groceries to get.   It's not real exciting as you know, but it is a routine that I really enjoy.  There is plenty of snow out east, and tonight and tomorrow, Michigan is going to get a little of it.  Only a few inches, nothing bad but Nana wanted the pantry stocked with baby food and formula, in case the weather people miscalculate, and we get…

Dear Mom and Dad, Yes it is true the windy city is close to Camp Nana and the Mitten State and Great Grandma who has been too far south to see was in the windy city for a day. Do you know what that means to Nana? FIELD TRIP! Yep. Me and my fellow campers went to 'CHItown' and while it was a fast trip and they all made the most of seeing a bit of the city I hung with my Poppy and Nana! I am saying 'hi' now which came in handy! Hi to everyone everywhere I go. Not just a princess wave now, nope, but a vocal and very audible "hi" that is almost as cute as I am! Momma knows because she heard me say it when she called today! HI! A very big storm hit the states to the east and I hope my great grandmonster and her family are all good, I just want them to know they are being thought of!  Yikes another on it's way too! So since Aunt Mikayla could not watch the Superbowl and. Her favorite player ever is PAYTON MANNING, so we captured a photo with him in the…

Dear Mom and Dad, I have having a great day, full of fun and celebrating Aunt Alyxandra's birthday... WHICH WE HAVE CLEARLY ESTABLISHED I HAVE TAKEN OVER....AND CLAIM ALL RIGHTS TO ALL BIRTHDAY'S THAT OCCUR AT CAMP! I am hopeful you and daddy are well, I know I could use a nap today,  but don't want to miss out on a minute of play time... NO FUN NANA SAYS I WILL GET A GOOD ONE IN DESPITE MY DESIRE TO STAY UP!   Remember how I told you Great Aunt Pam gave me the cutest outfit, well this is me in it... I will write you tomorrow with more events of the Aunt Alyx's birthday, and all about Sunday!   I put up my photo shoot early for you to see didn't I NANA IS GETTING A LITTLE FASTER ON THE NEW COMPUTER PROGRAM ISN'T SHE!  Until tomorrow, please know I am as always your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, The weekend is upon us, we have made it through another week and are a week closer to being together for good. I am also very excited because, weekend's mean, less NANA SONGS, 🙂 AND MORE CO CAMPER TIME 🙂 Today was a very good day. I got my first pair of real walking shoes... actually two of them, in EXTRA WIDE, if you can believe it, my little princess feet are extra wide! Hmmmmm.... who knew? Tomorrow is Aunt Alyxandra's birthday... I don't know thatvshevis really that into birthday's seems between hr physics , anatomy and physiology and then biochemistry she has no time for anything other than labs! But birthdays still come so you know what that means... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE GUGE AND CAKE FOR ME! So exciting. I can't wait! It's been hours since I last had some of Aunt Allyssa's cake.. and well MY BIRTHDAY song... so I am just happy to be doing it again tomorrow. I was very good on my trip to buy shoes. I have two new pair of walking shoes in two sizes... so when my tootsies grow, I can have a spare pair. I am…

Dear Mom and Dad, Well howdy from Camp, how are you doing.... I am writing today to tell you that whole walking thing is going pretty good. I can certainly shop with my cart no problem. I love being Little Miss Independent, and it shows... Yes, last February, I lay, in Nana's arms, barely able to open my eyes for more than a few minutes.... now I am walking along... telling all the campers what to do, and how to do it just the way I like it! I am the boss around here, there is no question! Great Aunt Pam came all the way to camp, she helped Nana so much today and gave me a new outfit.... I will model it and show you in a future love letter. I love Great Aunt Pam, she is going to be an awesome GrandPammy! Her little grand baby will be loved just like me... and is in for a real treat! I am going to have another cuz, and so are you mom and dad, this August! Cousin H. and T. ( since Nana hasn't gotten permission to use their names) are going to have a baby in August! Very…

Dear Mom and Dad, Today is Aunt Allyssa's birthday!  CAKE FOR ME! AND WE SING, TO ME!   That is how we roll around here... anyone has a birthday... I have taken possession of it, and celebrate it as my own!  Here I am playing and singing... and just having fun! I had an awesome day.... I did not swim tonight because I was so tired from being up during the night before, but I hope to sleep well tonight!  Until tomorrow I am as always your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guilllianna! P.S.  We will celebrate with Aunt Allyssa on the weekend... she had school until ten tonight.... no time for cake 🙁

Dear Mom and Dad... I am so happy when I sit at the table for dinner.  I know I have food all over the place, but while we were eating... I was so happy that Nana and the Mr. Nikon, aka the beast popped out and snapped up some photos of me.  I have worked so hard on getting these teeth, and love using them to eat. I sit at the table with all the campers and I eat my food.   I like so many things.   I love rice, and I love bacon.   I love chicken, I love pears, I love those little baby food puffs and cheerios.   I love chomping and chomping!   I have to say though Nana has to be careful because I put so much in, and try to swallow it all at once... not easy when cheeks like mine are full of bacon or chicken!   So they ration me... itty bitty bites and itty bitty amounts!  RATION?  WHO ME, I WON'T PUT TOO MANY PIECES IN AT ONCE.... TRUST ME! NOPE ... THEY STILL ONLY GIVE ME ITTY BITTY AMOUNTS.... but here is how I was at dinner tonight... just lovin' being around everyone and hanging…

Dear Mom and Dad: Wow, is Nana old, and learning how much she hates "new" things.   Her old computer was Windows XP, and the people who Poppy's computer is through, well they now have everything on Vista Business or some weird thing like that... and it means... CHANGE for Nana.... who really is not a CHANGE kinda person.   Especially when she is feeling tired and cranky.... Here I am working everything out on my (Aunt Allyssa's) Nintendo DS .... hey am I allowed to have this little stylus thing... I DON'T THINK SO... which means, I love this thingy... anything I am not suppossed to have... I WANT! But alas, she is grateful for a computer, and will learn it, but hopes you will be patient with her... since now... my love letters are taking even longer to get up... while she fumbles through teaching herself how to use new uploader and programs....  You see the thing is, the computer is really an extension of Poppy's ... it is linked to his office, and he is able to use it remotely or he would live at the office...  and Nana.... well she feels bad that she "blew the other one out of…

Dear Mom and Dad, Today is the last Sunday of January.   I had a great day even if it is CRAZY COLD HERE, AND MITTENS ARE REQUIRED.  Seems we had a crazy busy week, and everyone needed a little R&R.   I am rested and relaxed.... and READY TO GO.... I hope you had a nice day too... and that at the end of your day, you get to look at my smiling little face and know that I am doing good, I am growing, and learning so much... and as always, I am your LITTLE MISS ADORABLE, YOUR SWEET BABY GIRL, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad: Wow that virus that ate Nana's computer was nasty... she is still using Aunt Alyx's to write my love letters, which is sad for you because.... she is not computer literate... she just pretends to be.   So here is the new version of the ITSY BITSY SPIDER,  it is now..... The itsy bitsy virus came and ate my Nana's 'puter'... I tried to use mine but the love letters would not  send, up came Aunt Alyx and  Aunt Arrianna... they saved the day so mom and dad could see my cute little face! I had a day of fun.  I was if you can believe it.... ADORABLE.  I am also attempting to take steps... I am soooo close.  Nothing to video just yet... but who knows, maybe tomorrow. I had an Egg McMuffin today, or at least parts of it.   I had pizza too!  Mostly the bread and cheese, but I am chewing up a storm.   I was also the proud recipient of a beautiful Valentine from my Mom and Dad.   Thank you... it made it to me safe, and I will have Nana read it regularly! This is my MAD OR SERIOUS FACE, WHEN…

Dear Mom and Dad, Today was another stay at camp day due to some pretty cold temps,  but Nana wrapped me up in my layers of sheepskin to keep me warm and did go out briefly, we met Great Papa for Friday dinner. I even 'high fived' him but want GG-ma to know we had a seat for her!   Being out for dinner without GG is just not right!  Uncle David and Aunt Kris were there with Bryan- but I have to say it's just weird with out "A GG" at the table. I ate well despite the fact that no one scrambles eggs like GgMa  - we all missed her and Uncle Nick, Miss K and cuz Steven who were all also missing due to prior engagements. I am so close to walking.  I can do it if I just barely hold onto someones hands. I have a feeling February is WALKING month for the Guge!   We will see.   Maybe it will be my Valentine surprise for everyone. Who knows.   Actually,  I think that I am going to be ...  a lot of folks "LITTLE MISS VALENTINE".   All the campers for sure have me down... I expect I will wake up February 14th with a…

Dear Mom and Dad, Yep, it is a black and white photo... cause for Nana the day was a bit "grey".   Until I made it full of color for her!   Her computer is dead... and it cannot be fixed, so this is being sent to you via Aunt Alyx's computer, and with a lot of help from Aunt Arri since Uncle Nick was not home, and had his computer with him!     Lucky for Nana, that Aunt Arri is a whiz and figured out how to upload my photo shoot of the day... so here are just a few, because we are really struggling to get them up without Nana's Nikon software and her trusty old computer that she knows so well....trust me NANA NEEDS TO GO TO COMPUTER SCHOOL she is ancient and the newer the computer the more baffled she gets! Maybe tomorrow Nana will have better news and an easier way to get my photos to you and dad... but for now, please know I am doing great, and that I had a fantabulous day playing with Nana and the campers.   I am staying in because it is REALLY COLD HERE, windchill factor is below zero.. so you know Nana will be…

I AM SINGING YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ALSO THANKING GREAT AUNT PAM FOR A SPECIAL DAY! Dear Mom and Dad, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMA!  Hope turning 25 was great for you.   I am glad your special package arrived safe, and you enjoyed it.   I am also happy to know you think I am the best present ever.   I am hopeful that we will spend Mother's Day together.   It will be the best Mother's Day for you to have me back with you! I am having a good day today.  It seems 'the rash' is nearly gone!   I spent all day with Nana playing and singing.  I then had goldfish mini class tonight, but all the campers had school, and Poppy had to give a diabetes lecture so he could not swim.   GUESS WHO HELPED NANA?   Great Aunt Pam swam with me!   It was awesome. Last night, at about two in the morning WHILE NANA WAS WORKING,  a nasty computer virus attacked Nana's computer.   IT ATE  AND ATE IT SEEMS AND HAS CAUSED GREAT HARM TO HER COMPUTER, AND NOW NANA IS USING UNCLE NICKS COMPUTER TO SEND MY LOVE LETTER, SO I AM…

Dear Mom and Dad, Hello from the Mitten State, where all is cold and the sun is not shining... but I am happy playing!   I did not spend a lot of time 'naked' today, as I am significantly better, and Nana was having someone over for 'Nana stuff' that had been scheduled.  Once the nurse left, I was checked out and almost princess perfect again. The rash is so nearly gone!  Iwill get a bit more diaperless time tomorrow which should be fun and hopefully it will be GONE GONE GONE!   Nana also said she heard from Daddy today, he emailed us and sent me love and kisses.  Thanks Dad!  Right back attacha...  [caption id="attachment_6481" align="aligncenter" width="571" caption="YOU KNOW IM CUTE! ADMIT IT... CRAWLING ACROSS YOUR SCREEN!"][/caption] I was so good today.   Aunt Arri got to hang out with me a bit in the morning, and then Aunt Mikayla in the afternoon.   I was awesome.   Nana was there and so were the dogs and cats.  I tell you a princess can never get lonely at Camp Nana there is always so much to observe.   Great Grandma Sally  (Nana's mom) had surgery today and she is doing good thank goodness!   In her…

Dear Mom and Dad... (SO... THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN AT NIGHT... AFTER A DAY OF BEING A NUDIE BUTT.... )  No photo shoot during the day... and Reeeeeeally Nana, do we have to talk "the rash" trash!  Nana says yes, cause she promised Momma she would not miss a thing.... that she would make me as close to momma as possible... so here goes.... Yes it is true, I am here at camp... WITH OUT A DIAPER.  The doctor said,  (yes I SAID DOCTOR, Nana is all over  THIS AND A LITTLE on the OVER PROTECTIVE side  SO THE DOCTOR HAS BEEN CONSULTED) no diapee... and some special powder, keep me dry, and feed me a little yogurt and I will be good.   Can you believe Nana let me get my first rash,she only has like five kinds of regular butt paste, she has Great Papa special order the most awesome kind, and I still got 'the rash',  and she says sorry.   Seems that there really wasn't anyway to prevent it, and it is just one little red spot near the princess privacy (about the size of a dime or maybe a nickel) ... but I get to go around naked at camp...…

Dear Mom and Dad... It is JANUARY 24th .... it is GREAT GRUMPY'S 84th birthday!   Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday to the Grump.  Happy Birthday Dear Grumpy... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!   Now let's eat cake... I can show you how to do this Grumpy!  Here I have a little present for you... it's a photo of you and I... So do you never looked so good as you did in this photo... with my by your side.. it was the best photo you'd ever taken I am sure... And let me say Great Grandma Sally, well she and I are doing our part to make you look GORGEOUS! Happy 84th dear Grumpy!   All our love from Camp Nana, from Mom and Dad in the land of sand, to all of us Michiganders in this MITTEN STATE!    Washington State is lucky to have such a handsome and intelligent guy living there!   We all miss you both, and hope the year is full of things that make a GREAT GRUMPY .... SMILE!   You have seen much, and accomplished much in 84 years... but I have been told that te 85th year is where it really all begins!   So fasten your safety belt, and…

  Dear Mom and Dad, Some time ago, I wrote you of the LIBRARY BEING CHANGED INTO MY PLAYROOM.   Well, it seems I have outgrown that space.  Not that I am not keeping it as my own...  cause.... I am! Today I noticed, not only is the LIBRARY MINE.   By the way, boy do I love books.  I love story time, and some books  (my favorites) Nana will read over and over for me!    I have not mastered books with soft pages yet, I want to be a little rough... and tear them, but board books... WOW!  Love 'em!   [caption id="attachment_6435" align="aligncenter" width="428" caption="GUILLIANNA'S BASEMENT OF FUN AND GAMES!"][/caption] The FAMILY ROOM  is ALSO  MINE  as it is AFTER ALL  the main room for my days with Nana since she cannot do stairs or get about as much as she should... but now ... and added bonus,  THE BASEMENT IS MINE!  Thank you Uncle Nick for moving back to Camp during my transitional period here.... I love my  - YES MY - flat screen TVthat  you have so graciously donated and shared with me ( and I use the term 'shared' loosely).  It plays all my favorite shows and DVD's.  I love the soft…

Dear Mom and Dad, Here I am looking at my own reflection! Telling myself... YOU ARE ADORABLE! With Great Grandma in Florida, we don't meet with all the campers  and myself for FRIDAY FUN NITE, and it is just not the same.   Nana misses it, so does Poppy and ... let's just say... we need to some how find a way to connect FLORIDA TO MICHIGAN AND CALIFORNIA !   While at it, lets connect Tennessee Texas and Pennsylvania and Washington state too.   Hmmm..  that would look pretty crazy!  California, Michigan,  Washington, and Florida, with Tennessee, Texas and Pennsylvania...  weird huh?  But it sure would make things easier!   SPECIAL NOTE TO CUZ MISSY... HERE'S MY PLAN!  I want everyone to know  I am not alienating all of the other states out there, just know .... I am only showing the few that I need IMMEDIATE  access to!    AND MY WEB PAGE ISNT BIG ENOUGH FOR ME TO COMPLETELY  RE ARRANGE ALL OF THE OTHERS.... BUT YOU GET THE IDEA!    MAYBE if at Fort Hood Texas should be in the middle... but what about all those GREAT LAKES...oh Nana, I know how you love the lakes?   I had an awesome day.... look…

Dear Mom and Dad, Today is THURSDAY, and Great Aunt Pam, came all the way to Camp to see me.... good thing too, cause after yesterday and my excursions, Nana was so exhausted.   I think she is happy to have a rest at camp day.   Great Aunt Pam came out after work and she played and played with me until Poppy came home from work.  NANA loved her company and help!  Earlier today I got a bath... and was fresh and smelled so sweet from the lotion you sent to me! Don't I look awesome! I am feeling awesome, and doing even better.  Everyone here at Camp Nana is in agreement with Aunt Nori... we will LET Nana call this place "Camp Nana" but we all know who really calls the shots here... at my army brat central here in the Mitten State...  for me it's CAMP LE GUGE!  What I want, when I want, and all in good moderation... no over indulgence here.. just lots of love and people everywhere wishing me the best... IT IS.... AS THEY SAY... ALL GOOD! [caption id="attachment_6399" align="aligncenter" width="571" caption="IT IS TRULY ALL GOOD!"][/caption] The best part about camp I think is that all…

Dear Mom and Dad, So the Marines have a base called Camp Lejeune, in North Carolina, and well, I have been here at "CAMP NANA", which I personally feel is a misnomer. You see, tonight I am officially petitioning to have it changed.... to CAMP LE GUGE! An awesome army brat and I use this term very loosely, as I am not fond of it, and truly not a brat, Yes, a new army brat base here in Michigan that is ALL ABOUT THE GUGE! If you read on, you will see why the petition, but first... let me tell you about my day! A DAY TO REMEMBER! Yep, I have had a stupendous and simply outstanding day here at camp. First ... it started with sleeping in just a bit... 'your welcome Nana'. And then, I ate my breakfast which was delish... and I got dressed for a special lunch, where I learned, Miss K is not moving away to Amarillo, but hangin near camp till graduate school begins... we celebrated with Tex-Mex followed by some ice cream, and basically, I had a blast. Met some other little ones at lunch, and TALKED ACROSS THE RESTARAUNT TO THEM QUITE…

Dear Mom and Dad, Today we made another trip to the post office (because Nana attempted to go on MLK day where all Federal offices are closed!) Today however they were open and yes there was quite a line!   But we accomplished our goal!  I had a busy day since I went for the photoshoot you and daddy wanted for my birthday  -  my one year old photos that I was not too interested in taking when you came to camp on leave.   It was spectacular... I was adorable, and quite the 'little smiler'...  THE PROOFS WILL BE READY IN A WEEK OR SO, AND NANA WILL PUT THEM UP FOR YOU TO CHOOSE, THEN WHEN YOU COME TO GET ME THEY WILL BE READY!   The photos you and daddy took are awesome, and the photos that I let him take with the three of us, well they are awesome too.   You will see soon as we pick up today's proofs. Afterward,  I went to lunch with Poppy he stopped and we ate fast -  between his two offices.  I had fun!  I ordered my first grilled cheese sandwich and loved it.   I think I will be quote a little mall shopper…

Dear Mom and Dad... So today Nana bundled me up, and we were off...she was on her way to the post office.  SILLY NANA, IT'S MLK DAY IN THE STATES, and that means the post office was closed.   Oh well, Nana it is okay.   I like field trips!   Even if they are a silly "goose chase".   Here she was trying to help Poppy out, by saving him a trip... and here is the funny part... SEE THE CAMPERS WERE ALL OFF OF SCHOOL except Uncle Nick.   The university was closed for MLK day, and so Nana thought since she had help she would save Poppy a trip to the post office.. YEA... YOU ARE PROBABLY SAYING... SHE SHOULD HAVE PUT TWO AND TWO TOGETHER... BUT NO...It's  Jello I tell you... it's all jello-y mush up there in Nana's brain.   But she is always crackin' me up with silly stuff.... so why not this. I had a great day though, Aunt Arrianna stayed and played with me all day.  (yet another little MLK hint to Nana CLEARLY MISSED)  How about this hair... it is growing and I am as adorable as can be!  Maybe even getting a few more teeth!  Yippee!   Oh…

Hi Mom and Dad, Thankfully Nana got Momma's call today... glad to hear you are okay!  Your birthday is coming...how exciting!  I hope you get our care package by your birthday!    You will be surprised!  Sad news for dad however, his San Diego Chargers lost.   Here I am watching them lose... and then.... when it was done I did what any good San Diego fan would.. I first tried with the remote... and when I could not exactly remember which button did the magic trick.. I decided to just for for the real deal...and use the master button! I can't help but think of the things I will so be able to get int0, ooops I mean that I'll be able to do! I had a great day at camp, afterall it is Sunday.   I am trying to say so many things.  I am really quite vocal..... I talk loudly when I want something!  Very loud!   It is fun to get people to respond.... I am so busy these days.....on the go... and so inquisitive!   I can get into everything now (and fast)... which is "fun  - fun -  fun" (not only for me but for Nana, I am going…

Dear Mom and Dad: So today was the day that Nana rescheduled Aunt Alyxandra's physical with her doctor,  from when she had to cancel during your visit  in December.  Doesn't it just figure you called when we were there!  So sorry but Nana tries to be at everyones disposal at all times and finds she is falling short! Uncle Nick drove us to the doctor and Nana who cannot easily go to medical places  (cause of the latex allergy) just helped register Aunt Alyx then she, Uncle Nick  and I stayed in the car so I would have to go inside the medical building and risk exposure to any potential 'sick folks' in the waiting room. So we waited  - and when Aunt Alyx was done, we then went back to camp. Nana says sorry she couldn't let me talk on speaker like at camp when you call but she tells me you will call tomorrow.    I had a great day at camp! I hope all is well! If the saying is true, that YOU ARE ONLY AS HAPPY AS YOUR MOST UNHAPPY CHILD  well then... Nana says it is true... She  says she is only as happy as her most "unhappy" child,…

  Dear Mom and Dad: So, I am not sure about this working out in my latex free gym thing... is it a supposed to be a work out for me, cause I say it is just fun fun fun.... now Nana on the other hand... is quite a funny one to play with me at the gym.... she is not the most co ordinated person we will ever know that is for sure!   I however have a super blast!  I invited the beast... (LIKE I HAVE A CHOICE) and well Mr. Nikon has caught me in action... and being absolutely Princess Perfect at climbing and playing... Okay so Nana leave the television on for "back ground" noise, but I am so on to her... she leave it on SPROUT cause she knows I will pause when I hear this one commercial they always play.... and she can catch up!    I will stop what I am doing and watch this one silly little commercial about "its a pillow it's a pet"   and they have this little lady bug pillow... that amazes me everytime they pop it out...  GO FIGURE , I dont even use a pillow, and most certainly have enough…

Dear Mom and Dad... So I had another fantabulous day!   The sun was shining...  it was warmer than usual, and snow was melting everywhere.... here is a photo shoot for you that should make you feel warm and cozy in side... because I am just too cute for words.  So here I am... in a book for your viewing pleasure! BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE FULL SCREEN VIEW OPTION IN THE LOWER LEFT HAND CORNER... SINCE THAT WAY THE PHOTOS ARE NOT DISTORTED AND YOU GET MORE OF ADORABLE ME!  WHEN YOU ARE DONE, JUST HIT THE ESCAPE KEY AND YOU WILL GET  RIGHT BACK TO MY LOVE LETTER..... HOPE YOU LIKE MY PICTURES! [book id=12] Hope fully you liked this day of sun-shiny fun-shiny photos.  Hope you are both well, and happy.   I am.  I am working hard learning so many things.   I hope you know how much I love you.  I will be writing you tomorrow... as always your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna! P.S.  Tomorrow -  is Great Uncle David's  Birthday, hope it's a very happy one... and that the year is good to him.  All of my love your GREAT neice!

[caption id="attachment_6239" align="aligncenter" width="571" caption="I LIKE TO CALL THIS... NAP TIME - SCHHHHHMAPTIME! Let's call it what it is...PLAYTIME!"][/caption] Dear Mom and Dad: Today was another CAMP NANA day without any other campers than of the ANIMAL KIND.  Yep, just Justice, Liberty, Griffy and I with Nana and the Beast today.   Not too exciting... here are some photos of me at Nap Time... Yep the animal"campers" are snoozing... but the GUGU BEAR CAMPER... eh, yea, not interested in sleepytime/schmeepy time!   I am going with the play play play thing for now... Hey can you get that for me?  I am not done playing yet... and like I said, I will let you know when and IF I am ready for that sleeping thing. I am quite the singer these days... Nana got me a new Wiggles DVD, and let's just say, I am LOVIN' IT!  I am not much into napping, or sleeping... but I do love playing, and talking on the phone... pressing buttons... calling Japan most likely... nah... not really... but yes I prefer anything to sleeping. I went to Goldfish Mini Class tonight, and missed some of my little mini friends.   Miss Etta is leaving the class, and…

[caption id="attachment_6224" align="aligncenter" width="571" caption="I am getting so big!"][/caption] Dear Mom and Dad, I had a great day of learning and playing. I am getting so big!   On February 14th I will have been at camp a year,  hard to believe for Nana and the campers... it's been so wonderful having a GUGU BEAR around... however,  I am told that with time...lots of  things get better.  YEA, CAN YOU IMAGINE, BEING BETTER THAN I WAS THE DAY I WAS BORN?   No... no one can... but it is true, I am even more adorable with each and every day...   Cheese ages, and is considered better, and old friends get better..... well we can officially add on to the list -  GUGU BEAR'S GET BETTER.... because I get even more adorable every day!  And with every day, I am getting closer to being back with you and daddy and that will simply be the BEST! Well you can probably agree, that I am just as cute as can be, and can see why Nana is snapping up pics for you to see... I love you both, and until tomorrow, know that all is good at Camp Nana, and I am doing great... just waiting until our big day...…

Dear Mom & Dad, Today is Monday and all campers work or are at school so it's just Nana and I !  This means that there were tremendous amounts of singing time  🙁 for us and believe me when I say nana makes the most of it. I took a very good nap today because nana held me the whole nap. Now she knows that she shouldn't but today she let me sleep in her arms the whole time and it's was really a good nap!   Wonder if that means I won't sleep good tonight?   Either way it was nice and peaceful, and I must have needed a snuggle, cause it did the trick and I slept great! I woke up and played.  Here is todays photo shoot! I am so wanting to walk... and feel like any time now I am going to just TAKE OFF, but not today... Look out though, when I do, I have a sneaking suspicion that you will have a very hard time keeping me down... and sitting for anything... I am so busy... and lets just say I MULTI TASK! Look out Nana better take some vitamins! The Guge is about ready to…

Dear Mom and Dad, Nana promised you that she would take a photo everyday.  Today's photos are next.  Nana is super tired today, so my love letter is super simple so she can get some rest.  All is well, and we are counting down the days till you will hopefully be back from the land of sand.  Nana knows not to say when in my love letters to keep things safe for everyone.  But believe me, I am counting down.  It will be good to go home and be with you and daddy!   I love you both and am as always, your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna! P.S.  I heard Miss K is traveling tomorrow early in the morning to a special meeting... hope she has a safe journey, and that she  knows she will be awesome, I am hoping she gets what she wants from life... all the campers wish her happiness  - and WHERE EVER LIFE TAKES US... friends and family can make it all work if they want to!  However I do recommend "sparkly shoes"!   (keeping in mind, I am really only12 months old and not really the best to be giving advice in this department) P.S.S.-…

Dear Mom and Dad, How are you guys?  Good I hope, today was a great day here at camp. Great Aunt Kris was a big help to Nana, and I did my usual, playing. I am quite a lot of fun, and love playing with the campers on weekends! Aunt Arrianna got her hair cut today!  I ate some new foods, and love the Peach Granola baby food I tried. SO CUTE ..... AT LEAST ALL THE CAMPERS SAY SO! I love you and miss you both! HEY WHEN DID I GROW EARS UP THERE? Life is good, I am awesome, and I hope you are as well. Unil tomorrow, I am as always, your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad: So the snow thing was not too bad... 4-6 inches at best.  It is however blowing and cold, and a for me a "stay in" at camp day to be sure! Here I am wearing my new shirt from UNCLE ALLEN.   For as long as Mommy can remember Dr. Allen sends all the campers MICHIGAN TEE'S, and now... look mom... I have my own MICHIGAN HOCKEY JERSEY!  I have only one question.... WHERE IS THE PINK?   I look adorable no matter what color... and the maze and blue of Michigan.. well, I wear it proudly... who knows maybe when I grow up, I will be a student there like Dr. Allen was, or like Miss K!   Who by the way, has an awesome photo shoot of us working together on her computer! Here are a few of the shots! Lot's of fun stuff to do though, since my big birthday, and the holiday's I have plenty to keep me busy.   I am eating well, and dare I say sleeping a bit better.  I am saying Cat, Dog, and I sing with the Wiggles, a song called Rock a Bye your Bear!   I hold my finger up to my lips and it…

FROM LAND OF SNOW   ......  Dear Mom and Dad, Today is a snowy day here in the MITTEN STATE.   These Michiganders, or Michiganians sure are a wild bunch... Nana was taken back herself by some photos that were sent to her.... take a look at Michigan ....  Yep, it was one of those things that get sent in e-mails all the time, but just in case you are missing me too much, or GG-ma and Great Papa are missing me too much... JUST THINK WHAT YOU ARE NOT MISSING...  SNOW!  Below is a special edition of my love letter and it is all about snow to give all my friends and family that need one.... a good look at SNOW!  MICHIGAN SNOW!    First let me show you some of ME.. after all, this is "all about Guillianna!"  I just happen to be in my first real SNOW of the season here in Michigan, and I love watching it fall.   I watch the dogs, Mr. Griff, all 200+ pounds of him romp around in it with Justice and Liberty who love the stuff too.   It has been very entertaining, but so far no fun Nana has no intention of letting me go…

Dear Mom and  Dad, So today was my first day back at GoldFish Mini class, and I had a BLAST!   I saw a few of the minis, and heard Ettai is doing good.   I had the best time, Great Aunt Pam came to watch, and I did the big underwater swim!   Nana couldnt really capture it well, but here is the one and only shot she did get.   I am under the water and swimming to my instructor.  Uncle Nick was so proud, as were all the Mini spectators.    I think Uncle Nick  and the other spectators LIKE NANA WERE MORE FREAKED THAN ME! But I did it, I did not cry, and I did it about a dozen times!   I was awesome!   Loved when everyone clapped for me, and looked for them to do it! I am a swimming MINI AND I WAS GLAD TO BE BE BACK AT CLASS. All my aunties are back at school too, so they don't get back to camp until late, and Uncle Nick starts next week.  Things here are good. I am getting to be a very big girl and love playing with Nana.   Here I am at today's photo shoot with the…

Dear Mom and Dad, So here I am peekin' a boo at you... through my little mail box.    Yep, I am just getting ready to have my love letter sent off to you... and figured, I would show you how it is done... First I have to sit and give Nana dictation... so I climb up into my dictation chair, AKA "PRINCESS LAZY GIRL" Chair, why I am not sure, since I am anything but a 'lazy girl', this dictation stuff is hard work..... and trying to get Nana to get it right.... well that is a whole other ball of wax... It is essential that a princess be comfortable when giving dictation, and bunny slippers, well they are a must! Some folks, when doing public speaking imagin the audience in underpants... so when dictating to you and daddy, I have tell my story to objects around...like today's object was a beany baby heart bear... Sometimes I must go too fast for Nana, and I have to repeat myself, or start all over... After I get my love letter completed, ( as shown in the little blue envelope above) I deliver it.. to the mailbox and Nana does computer magic,…

Dear Mom and Dad, I am loving all the things Santa brought .... I play all day it seems, even when I am learning I am just playing!  I think that I am just about the luckiest baby ever, you and daddy brought me so many things... and then the whole Santa thing... and the Campers, well they are just a blast!   My name should be "LUCKY Little Miss!"   Too cute! I miss both of you very much, and there is no doubt it will be fantabulous when we are reunited for good, but I hope you both see I am doing great, and  let me say... the campers are trying their best to keep me distracted from missing you, entertained all the time, and teaching me all kinds of stuff .... Hopefully one day, you will both be thinking about how awesome you have made it for me by sending me to Camp Nana, and how I got to  get a great start, and prepare for a lifetime of fun with both of you.   There is no doubt the best place to be would have been with you both from the beginning, but this is alright for me, and most difficult for you guys.   I know your heart…

Dear Mom and Dad.... So it was really chilly here today... the windchill should have been called WIND FREEZE!    It was a quiet Sunday.... had some time to sing and dance with the WIGGLES,  and love them VERY MUCH!  Above I have written my New Years resolution down...and its a good one! I am becoming more and more mobile... crawling all over, and let's just say the campers have to keep a close eye on me, because I love climbing on steps or anything I can climb on.    Hey, what is a resolution anyway? I am hoping all is well in the land of Sand.   Did you make any New Year's resolutions...?   My New Year's resolution is to be cute and adorable.... Until tomorrow, I am as always, Your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, I have been relaxing with the campers tonight.  It was another celebration since Miss K is back from the Land of Cheese...and it was so nice.   We had been waiting for her visit to exchange holiday gifts.  It was nice to see everyone happy.  We were all in casual clothes or jammies... and we just sat and had dinner, and then after presents, we watched a video of you when you were small and first came to Camp Nana!  For an added bonus, I got some gorilla blocks which are like huge lego building blocks big enough to make a princess thrown, or a little castle for me.   They were cool.   I am working on this standing on my own thing... and doing good at it.   I am not really walking around any tables yet, so when I do, I am sure Nana and the Beast will capture some form of it.  Here I am in my princess tutu again! I am telling you,  I have this  WHERE IS YOUR NOSEY thingy down...     And I am pretty cute when I do it, but sometimes, I miss, and well get a little distracted, it is fun to…

Hello Mom and Dad, It is the first day of 2010 and we can say we are a few short months away from being reunited once and for all!   It snowed here in the mitten state these past few days!  I love watching it fall while being rocked.   I have to say,  I  had an amazing December!  I spent time with you and daddy, Santa came bringing gifts, I turned one and I have learned some words just to name a few things that happened!   CAT is my favorite word today.   I am sure tomorrow it will be something new, but for today everything is CAT! I was very quiet today... maybe planning my new year resolution who knows.... but I had fun with the campers, and we all got some much needed rest. I don't know how or if you and dad were able to celebrate the new year, but I hope you did.   Hoping you are both well, and that you are going to hear soon about where we will be living (according to dad sometime in January you will know!)   I can't wait to find out where we will be living!   I wonder if I will be…

Dear Mom and Dad, Talk about under the wire, it is about quarter to twelve,  New Year's Eve, and Nana has gotten my love letter up without missing the deadline!  Yippee! Last year, as 2008 left, I was not even a month old.   Poppy was visiting his son and delivering medical supplies and shoes in the South Pacific and Nana was not with any of her kids.   She was lonely.   This year, you and dad are far away from me, but in all of our prayers.   It is surely lonely for you, but, Nana told me how she was alone so that I would see, that everything changes with a little time.   Today about 6 ish at night, Nana was doing something and looked around to notice all the campers home... everso briefly,  I of course represent our little camper family for the time being, and Miss K, well she too was over briefly, and for that one moment... Nana took in a deep breath, she closed her eyes, and thought -  how lucky she was.... a year ago, she was completely alone... and somehow, she has been given 365 more days of breath, 365 days of life, and since February…

Hey Everyone Look It's Pooh Bear On My Head!  Dear Mom and Dad, So, you see since I missed a bunch of swimming classes... I was unaware, as was Nana... that Goldfish Mini Swim Classes were not scheduled during Christmas and the New Year!   Yea... that's the thing, not only does someone have to get Nana an alarm that tells her THAT MY LOVE LETTER HAS TO BE UP TO YOU GUYS BEFORE MIDNIGHT, she needs a little something more in the memory department to tell her ....READ YOUR GOLDFISH MINI NEWSLETTER MORE CAREFULLY! So alas, there was no class and I was with the campers tonight.  Uncle Nick was out and about, and Aunt Allyssa had school, but the rest of us hung out, and took some excellent photos for your enjoyment!   Poppy went to buy me formula, and brought me back this cute little Winnie The Pooh hat I am sporting!   I was a very good girl today, and went with Nana to the doctor.  Aunt Arri and I took her to have her surgery checked.  All is fine and I was glad to not be the patient. I figured it is good for someone else to…

  Dear Mom and Dad, FIRST, SOMEONE HAS TO TEACH NANA HOW TO TELL TIME... THIS IS MY TUESDAY LOVE LETTER, WRITTEN ON DEC. 29TH 2009, BUT SOMEONE DIDN'T HIT THE SAVE BUTTON BEFORE MIDNIGHT... SO... go figure, you will get two letters from me dated Dec. 30th, one that is my Tuesday letter and one in the night of the 30th, IF NANA FINISHES IT BY MIDNIGHT.   Geez Nana!   What's with you these days... When the BIG HAND AND LITTLE HAND HIT THE TWELVE IT'S LATE!   Now that that is out of the way... Tomorrow  ( or should I say today) is Goldfish Mini Class and I am getting ready... Santa brought me a new bathing suit... I will sporting it tomorrow at swim class!   It has been weeks since I have been, I wonder will they remember me? Today however, is Tuesday, and Ms. K will be back in the Mitten State!   Woo woo... Everyone is getting ready for New Year's Eve, and I am too. Today everyone had to work, or go to school (Aunt Allyssa gets no time off!)  But Uncle Nick and Nana were at camp with me,  and I played with Uncle Nick.  Nana…

  Dear Mom and Dad, I am amazed that December has passed so quickly, and a whole year later, I am thinking Nana is right... time does pass fast! I few weeks ago,  I found it a challenge to feed myself little puffs... now I can do it simply and quickly.   I ate my first grilled cheese sandwich today from a kiddie menu!   I loved it.   Yes, I did have some help with that but hey it will be no time before I have half a sandwich in my hands, and eating away! I am loving crawling.. and do it fast and well.   I can pull myself up into a standing position, and love to do that in the crib around two a.m. !  At least lately, I have been waking up  in the night a lot.   Maybe tonight I will sleep .... (Nana hopes, yet knows that if I do, she will be up checking why I am not up)   Today is the very last Monday of the year and I hear New Year's Eve is a night for us to have dinner with anyone of the campers who is still interested or available to have dinner with Nana…

Dear Mom and Dad I am spending the day at camp enjoying myself completely! You comin'? I am doing great...playing hard, and loving the attention of my fellow campers.... hope all is well in the land of sand, and until tomorrow, remember that I am as always, your Little Miss Adoarable, your sweet daughter,   The sweetest baby EVER, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, My little rash was back today, after it had cleared up completely...and ironically, it seeemingly started up after I had some peeled and quartered seedless grapes at lunch. GRAPES! Hmmmmm, maybe I can't eat grapes like daddy. Nana gave me benedryl and the rash is almost gone. It was only on my cheeks, not my body, and it was little bumps on my face. It could be a coincidence, but it looks like it could be the grapes. So sad, I love them. Nana e-mail/texted Mimi today to find out about how she learned Daddy was allergic to grapes, and what type or how sudden the reaction was, not that it is necessarily hereditary, but this was so odd.... in minutes after eating it my whole face had a red blotches and within 20 minutes of taking Benedryl they were gone. So... to the pediatrician we will go to find out more, and until then, Mimi was a help. Thank you ! I am good to go now... and all afternoon no problems at all. I went to bed a bit earlier than usual, but that is probably the Benedryl... and it probably means, I WILL…

Dear Mom and Dad: Did Santa visit in the land of sand?  Because when I woke up this morning, Santa had made it all the way to Camp Nana, and left packages  for the campers, and YES a few for me again too!   TWO VISITS FROM THE JOLLY OLE' GUY... Climbing and crawling and SLIDING AROUND, I have my own IN CAMP latex free GYM BOREE!   So cool.   Thank you Santa and all the campers! I must have been soooooo good this past ten months at camp because between his visit here with you two, and this visit to see the other campers... well let's just say, I have everything to play with a little princess could ever need.  Being (dare I say it, the "s" word), spoiled... with gifts of love, and and adoration... well, is pretty awesome.   Everyone I know, and who knows of us, wishes it were you and daddy, returned safely to us,  under the Christmas tree... but alas, that is not possible, and until it is... I have toys and love from the campers to keep me pretty busy!   I think busy is an understatement take a look at this.. I have a swing, a…

  Dear Mom and Dad, I spent Christmas Eve with the campers  - minus one.  Miss K went to visit her  Grandma and Aunt, so we missed seeing her.  We had made Christmas cookies on Tuesday night and then Wednesday was shopping and prepparing for today, Christmas Eve...  Nana wanted to have everything ready for since some family and friends often stop in on this date.   I played and played as usual, and am recovering from my MMR vaccinations.  They can cause a little rash and sure enough I got one, but it is better. It was fun and I can see the magic of the holiday season unfolding before my eyes.   I fought it, but figure I have to go sleep since the Jolly Old Red guy is coming soon, and even though we have already seen him, he may be coming by again to see the other campers here at Camp Nana. I am as always your Litte Miss Adorable, waiting to see if the big guy thinks I have been naughty or nice... Nana says...I am  ALWAYS NICE, so we will see?! There are still five other campers here besides me... so I am hopeful one of…

  Dear Mom and Dad, It is approaching 2:00 am here in the Mitten State, and Nana just got started on my Wednesday December 23rd love letter...WHICH MEANS, TWO LOVE LETTERS WILL BE HEADING YOUR WAY THIS DAY!   First this one, and later tonight... while Santa is out and about delivering gifts, Nana will send you another LOVE LETTER.   She says she is sorry that todday/Dec. 23rd's letter was so late, she is old and time got away from her. But as she has promised, here were the photos of me for December 23rd... I was into discovery today... all about fiber optics... I went to get groceries today, and out for lunch with Nana, Uncle Nick and Aunt Mikayla.  The other campers had to work but will get a few days off starting tomorrow December 24 and December 25th!   Every place is so busy with the hustle and bustle of the season, and we had a nice lunch, and fun day.   Here I am having a blast with Aunt Arrianna and Aunt Alyxwhen they came back to camp from work. As you can see, Life is Good here at camp... and we are laughing and playing just like you…

Dear Mom and Dad, I am glad to see you're safely arrived in your destination.   I spent the day doing my usual.  Playing... and more playing.   I have been waiting to go to Goldfish Mini, but with the all the hustle and bustle of the holiday, we may not be able to go.  Uncle Nick has a friend coming in for Christmas and they are going to see Red Wing hockey.   Poppy has to work, so we will see if he finishes, but since I missed so many classes,  (3) I am hoping that my mini's won't have forgotten me.  If Poppy gets his work done, he will have me there!  Now Nana figures I spent ten months at camp, and now we are only looking at a few more... WE ARE GETTING SO CLOSE.  I came at 7 weeks, and am now a year and a few weeks!   We could be looking at about 100 days or so.    She is sorting out all my toys, and getting ready to pack up ones that I am too little for  or that I have out grown, right now  - just like her and mommy discussed.   When you and daddy get your orders in January…

Dear Mom and Dad,  We are hoping all is well. I have been playing HIDE-n-SEEK WITH THE CAMPERS....  I don't hide, I just seek... it is always so fun...when I find them... Here,  Aunt Mikayla is hiding and I AM SEEKING HER... AND then... I think I am almost there... Oh my, I am getting closer and closer, and I think just maybe... I WIN... I FOUND HER!  I love this game! Tomorrow is the Tuesday, and my cuz Nanc is having surgery.  All of the campers and I know you and dad too, send our best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.   'Cause when she is beter Nana says, I can play hide-n-seek with her! Yep, even Mr. Griff likes to try and hide... but... two hundred pounds of dog  doesn't hide very easily... All is well here at camp.  I am doing good, and being loved a whole bunch!  Here are a few more Princess photos for you to enjoy... and make your days brighter. Well, Mom and Dad, I hope you have had good traveling weather.   Places here in the states, have been a mess due to major snow, and I hear that Chicago area is…

Dear Mom and Dad, So as you know I am mastering my animal sounds.   Youv'e witnessed my MOO, my Baaaahhhhh.... and that I can do the horse too.  You saw me learning my tiger 'grrrrrrrrrr' and now we are working on the 'ribit' of the Frog, the 'tweet' of the Bird, the 'fishy' face and the monkey sound!   I am enjoying the campers time off from school, and they are working me as if I am still in school with all these new sounds and talents that I am discovering.   I am feeling better from my shots, it doesn't seem like my little legs are tender, or my arm.  No fever, and no real sign of any adverse reactions....however Nana still thinks I may be fighting a cold.... but it is good that I have been able to fight it... and not just get sick.     I played all day.... and I had a very good day.   I hope you arrive in your destination safely... I don't know what day you will arrive there but know that everyone here is thinking of you.  Nana finally finished the last of the holiday cards, and my birthday thank you notes... so she will…

  Dear Mom and Dad, Today was a full day.   Uncle Nick took his last final... and the holiday season now in full swing for all the campers.  NO SCHOOL.   It was also our annual memorial skate, in honor of Great Grandma Betty, sadly our third... and yet, this is the "good" thing or part... Nana says growing up Great Grandma Sally always had all the family over... it was tradition.   Relatives gathered at their home year after year... and it was where everyone wanted to be.  Sitting  - talking, visiting with friends and family.   MEMORIES... THAT WILL NOT EVER BE FORGOTTEN.   Traditional foods each year, and laughter .... then Nana married, and while Nana likes to blame it on being young,  she failed her marriage.....luckily, despite what usually can happen,  her exhusband's  family... her mother in law, and father in law, and the rest of his family, as well as her ex himself,  kept Nana around... they always included all the campers, and have always had that same kind of tradition where everyone wanted to hang out at Great Grandma Betty's and Great Grandpa Ray's home, nibbling, laughing, playing, and spending time together.   When Nana was young, I am not sure she knew how…

  Dear Mom and Dad, Today I went to the doctor for my one year examination.   I weigh 19lbs and 6oz.   I am 24.75 inches long.  My ears look great, my heart and lungs sound fabulous and I am, right where I am supposed to be for a baby my age.   I was examined head to toe, and he thinks I am doing great.   He has decided to keep me on the medicine for my tummy, at the same dosage so based on the fact that I am growing, I am weaning myself down off of it slowly.   Good news, I get to keep my 'bob' and he is not suggesting it be stopped yet.   Bad news, I got Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine today in my left arm.  I also got Hepatitis vaccine in one leg and Pneumococcal vaccine in the other.   NOT FUN, and yes,  I cried... and have been a little irritatated since... but all in all the visit was great because I am doing absolutley great!    Nana promised herself mommy and dad would get to see me, everyday.   The intention of the love letters has been to help you through this.   She isn't sure it if helps…

Dear Mom and Dad,  Maybe today is a good day to start a  LOVE LETTER/PHOTO sabbatical?   Nana just doesn't know what will make this easier, and is hoping only to do the right things for the three of us.    She doesn't want you to miss me more, or feel sad.  Daddy says he doesn't get to see it much anyway, and it is hard for Mom too, to write.  We will see ... what ever Momma wants, and what ever makes everyone happy says Nana.   A  very hard day at camp....Travel Safe.   As Always, Your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, OUR LAST FULL DAY OF PLAY....tomorrow you'll pack, and prepare for the Land of Sand, but TODAY.... IT WAS PLAY! I had so much fun with you today.   Here is mom and me... just hanging out in out sweatshirts... on a very cold and snowy day.   I don't know if I could be any more adorable... but this cupcake.... well I have learned all about cake...   Remember my princess birthday cake...   I am thinking I am going to like cupcakes...   Here we are walking together... I will make sure Nana and the beast capture it should I start doing this while you are gone... but who knows.... maybe I will wait until I see you again... it is after all, ALL ABOUT ME, SO WHEN I SAY ... THAT IS WHEN I WILL START WALKING.... AND chances are, I will RUN! Here I am posing for the beast... having a little fun ...   Playing with some toys... Mom and Aunt Arrianna is taking this picture... She always makes me laugh.. and she brings out the "sillies" in me! Can you tell? I hope the goldfish mini's will forgive me for not coming…

Dear Mom and Dad, I am sorry that I was a bit sad getting my picture taken today, but the photographer said that he did get a few nice shots of the three of us!   We will see.  Today is Great Aunt Nori's birthday.  So big hugs and kisses goin' out to her in Califonia, and to Great Grandma Sharyn - for this is the day she brought Aunt Nori into the world just a few years back.   Missing my cousins already...and they just left.  I had fun playing today and waiting my turn for photos at the photo place!  The beast came and snapped me up a few of me for you and daddy to enjoy now, until the others come to you in the Land of Sand!   We have some time tomorrow to play and I will be loving every second. All of the campers are preparing to skate in the annual family memorial to Great Grandma Betty.  Even though it is a memorial, she would be so happy to see all the family together, and having fun.    It truly is a lot of fun and all the cousins and grandkids that can go, do.... it is this Saturday.   It is always the Saturday…

I AM LOVING THIS BACKPACK! Dear Mom and Dad, Today is Monday, December 14th.   I am resting from a busy day yesterday... and you and dad are making final preparations for the return to the Land of Sand.   The count down until your final return will begin soon, and while we can only hope for that day to be in April or May... I am thinking, it means... we have already made it through the longest part of our "duties" apart.    Four to five months and we will be at Fort "where ever".   Nana says that  she will try to keep www.guillianna.com up and running filling you in on every last detail ALL ABOUT ME, until we meet you at the airport next time..... and maybe for a few days more, until I am on my way back home with you and daddy.   She says then it will be your job to send her and the campers love letters from me!  I went to see my cousins and Great Aunt off this morning ... and am not clear when we will see each other again.  I hope they have a safe flight, and that they are not too tired tomorrow for school. …

Dear Mom and Dad, Hey there, I am hoping you will remember our day together forever!  I write you tonight to say... that leaving to go back to the land of sand may be harder than the first time... and Nana and Poppy had hoped that by celebrating my first birthday together you would see all the love that I have here in the Mitten State, and every state!   The website is followed by people who don't even know me, in countries all over the world, but who support me in your absence by.   Patient's, friends, family - everyone all hoping for your safe return to your princess.... Yes... Great Grandma started celebrating Nana's birthday on what Nana used to call SHOE LIE FIRST, AND THE CELEBRATING DIDN'T END UNTIL SHOE LIE THIRTY FIRST.... That - 'SHOE LIE"  is what Nana used to call July.   NOW  - I have the terrible burden of carrying on that little tradition... from December 1 all the way until December 31, and then we will celebrate a new year, and only a few SHORT MONTHS until the Next December BIRTHDAY blast!  My gold fish mini friends came, except Sweet Etta who was sadly home sick.   (feel better)  All of…

Dear Mom and Dad, It is our last weekend together... before you finish up your job in the land of sand and come back to me.  We had fun these past days, and it is just the beginning of things to come.   Today Nana was telling mommy about how we will get to go to the zoo.   It will be awesome.   I will look forward to that day.   Until then... I have decided we will play play play. I am all about playing these days... getting it in as often as possible ya know that is what its about... fitting in all the fun things life has to offer.... when we can. Tomorrow I will celebrate my BIRTHDAY with mom and dad, and the family around town here before they leave to go back to the Land of Sand.   I am to be PRINCESS FOR THE DAY.    Who am I kidding, I plan on being Princess of the Day EVERYDAY!     Until tomorrow, when I plan to eat Birthday Cake and spend the day with family saying good bye to mom and dad, who leave in a few days, this will be our last Sunday until spring... and we hope to…

Dear Mom and Dad, As you know today Great Aunt Nori and her kids all came to Michigan's Winter Wonderland.  I have never met my cousins Missy, Rachel and Noah so it is a special treat.   Great Grandma and Great Papa get to see their daughter too!    Good stuff all the way around. Miss K,  the campers and I are thinking of you and your mom today, and also Cuz Nanc whose mom has also surely been worried about her.   Luckily we hear all is well, and recovery begins for the days events.    Now for you mom and dad, your recovery from the Michigan cold begins.   I hear you had a flat tire on the way to Camp Nana from Great Grandma's tonight.   Now -  I have head Nana sing about over a river and through some woods, but never anything about changing a tire in the night cold on the freeway's of Detroit!   Thankfully Daddy and Mom are ARMY strong.. and you made it back to camp safe.  If I had been in Daddy's car I could have helped him change the tire.   I am sorry you got cold.  I am glad you both got back to Camp Nana safe.  And really if I…

  Dear Mom and Dad,   As you know Poppy works very hard, and loves his work.   He loves the people he meets, and has the opportunity to help.   A very special patient asked that we read something sent to him, and it has been asked by it's author to be shared.  Today's love letter is dedicated to all your fellow soldiers who did not get home to their families this holiday season.  It is dedicated to you and daddy.  Every day, not just at the holiday season there are military who serve and miss thier children, their wives, and their families.   This poem is about self sacrifice. Whether you are in the military, you love some one in the military, or  have ever had friend or family in the military.... you can relate to the words.    Poppy says, you can find a hero on the homefront too.   Those like his patient who sent him this poem.   People who make our lives so blessed, and never ask anything in return.   Thank you Mr. "T".  Your message is heart felt, and we all thank you for sharing it.     A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS POEM The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,  I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.…

Dear Mom and Dad, As I promised yesterday.  I took today's photo shoot with Daddy so he too will have lots to look at back in the land of sand. I had fun today, playing and laughing all day. I showed off my talents and yes I made my mom and dad love me even more than before.... just by being with them. I know it seems impossible to imagine... but all you need do is spend a milisecond with me and my smile, to see, that I am absolutely your Little Miss Adorable and fall in love even more than the second before!   I crawled, and even got myself up into a standing position.  I bet it won't be long before I am walking.   Nana promises to get video if it happens when you are back in the land of sand.  She promises to capture as many things as possible with the beast too.  So you will have so much to look forward to in the days to come.   Today a patient, Ms. Ann gave Poppy a very beautiful card.   She wanted make certain Nana keeps up the photos for you and dad in the land of sand.  She really…

Dear Mom and Dad, We sure are having a nice visit with each other, I am showing you all kinds of thing I can do.   This has been an awesome opportunity.  I just can't believe that you were able to travel so far to see me.  You have given me so many toys, and gifts to play with.  I thank you so much.   To all my Goldfish Mini's  who see my love letters, I hope you will understand that I won't see you until Sunday December 13.  My visit with mom and dad is so short  -  and time is limited and taking me in all sorts of directions this week.   They have to squeeze so much into this R&R,  and to top it all off Nana had surgery yesterday too... so with everything going on, I sadly will not be at Goldfish Mini this week, but all of the mini's can plan on seeing me there next week instead.   Okay?  A special thank you to Ms. Kellyann, who called Nana!   Nana had surgery as I said yesterday, and says thank you so much for your call.  Hoping you will read this  - and know we are looking forward to seeing you all! …

Dear Mom and Dad, Nana did it again!  She missed the midnight cut off date for my post!  So crazy, it is 12:25 a.m.  on December 8, but I am here to tell you about December 7th! Today Nana and Poppy had to get up at 400 a.m. but not because of me, it was for Nana stuff, which meant it was a special play date at Camp Nana...Mommy and Daddy were here and we played and played and played some more.   Since we celebrated the holiday early - I had lots and lots of learning and playing to do.   Pretty cool huh?   Another cool thing was no Nana songs 🙂 ALL DAY!   Uncle Nick and Aunt Allyssa had work and school.  But Aunt Alyx,  Aunt Mikayla and Aunt Arri had stay at camp days too.   So it was PARTY PARTY PARTY, all day, in the BALL PIT!   [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE5DSgDHK24[/youtube] Nana was not able to take photos with the beast today...SILLY NANA!  But will be sure to get in an extra few tomorrow.   (or actually today since it is after midnight here)   So... tomorrow (or later today) is Tuesday, and we have a busy day planned.  It involves playing .... and well, more playing.   By the…

  Dear Mom and Dad... The holidays tend to be so busy and 'times' are so difficult  for so many people.   Poppy has a patient,who like many others had lost their job, and yet the patient is giving me, a gift!   ME!   Here I am opening it... THANK YOU TO POPPY'S very very nice patient.   This special wheel goes round and round, and plays music!  And as if that wasn't enough... It was so nice of Santa to understand that you and dad have to go back to the land of sand before Christmas, and knowing that today was the only Sunday we had.... well I HAD AN AWESOME MORNING!   Thank you Santa for the early appearance and for giving me - my mom and dad to celebrate it with.  I am glad I learned to crawl before this gift giving extravaganza... it made the whole process even more fun.   Santa how did you know? This is the most awesome thing ever!   My own ball pit! I love it!   So Very Cool!  Thank you! NOTE TO SELF: MAKE  A SIGN... NO BIG CAMPERS ALLOWED       I hope you know that I had a nice celebration there were presents for my birthday,there were cards, and…

Dear Mom and Dad, A year ago we officially met.  So much has happened since then, and I am doing so many new things.  Being ONE is great! Thanks for a fantabulous day, as always your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! Dear Mom and Dad... I thank you for bringing me to a world full of so many wonderful things.   There are so many people from all over wishing me a very happy birthday, so many friends, and family from Port Townsend Washington, California, Texas, Michigan... even strangers I have never met from other countries, states, and places.  I am so glad you and daddy were able to be here with me and the BEAST captured some special moments of the day.   It let's me share with all our family and friends ... no matter where they are, or what they are doing.... a piece of what makes life special.   MOMENTS LIKE THESE! Whether someone had a tough day,  a medical issue or a very long and uncomfortable MRI( eh hem....), or maybe there are people who are otherwise busy  -  or far away and could not be with me physically... I know... all my bud's were still thinking of me and THEY ARE LOVING, that I was with you and dad on this special day!  And maybe it should be said, that they are even a little relieved they didn't have to sit through Nana's rendition 🙁 of "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" yet again... as I have.   I do however have some very…

Dear Mom and Dad, So as you know Mom and Dad, since we are here in Michigan together... it is cold, and it is snowing right now.   I am very excited because we have had a chance to hang out together.     WE HAVE ONLY ONE MORE DAY UNTIL THE BIG DAY.  Tomorrow, your little baby is turning ONE YEAR OLD.    WOO WOO, and I am so excited you are here with me to join in this momentous day!   Yes... I said MOMENTOUS, after all, I am soon to be one.. Today there are no words to really describe what happened at camp... not because of the expression "what happens at Camp Nana stays at Camp Nana - no - no - no...  we ALL KNOW that will never happen... but there are no words because.. I say,  how does one adequately express what it is like being with Mom and Dad after so many days apart?  Well here is how I will put it... FABULOUS... STUPENDOUS AND MAGNIFICENT  just to start with... and better yet... since NO words really can describe it... let's use photos!  Coolest Daddy ever, and COOLEST BABY EVER huh? Most Awesome Mom Ever, and Most Awesome Baby ever Huh? Yeah, it…

Dear Mom and Dad, Thank you for coming home for my first birthday.   I am so happy. We are all happy you are safely home!   I was there at the airport in my little gold princess clothes my Uncle Nick found for me, your 'pot of gold' waiting to see you.    Nana has been showing me a DVD of you and Daddy everyday, and I have to say... when I saw you coming, I recognized you! I was not shy, and I was ready for hugs!   Here is our reunion... today... for all my family and friends to see... Happy Holiday's to everyone of you... from all of us at Camp Nana!  I am not sure it gets any better than this, UNTIL IT IS THE DAY YOU ARE HOME FOR GOOD! I was at the airport when the two of you got there... and after so many days apart, I was finally in the arms of my parents again!    Hugs.... for daddy!  Kisses for mommy!  I love making a Guillianna sandwich with a parent on each side, and me in the middle. Mom, Dad and I.... so nice! IF YOU REALLY WANT TO SEE SOMETHING... THE VIDEO BELOW SHOWS MOM, DAD AND I…

Dear Mom and Dad... I haven't heard yet that you are any further than Kuwait, so we still wait.  I hope you're really closer to home than Kuwait, but  you guessed it, I will gladly wait, just to see you get home again, safe! I really love music.  I love a show called the Wiggles, where they sing a lot. I love when Barney sings.  I can even tolerate Nana's singing, which means  I MUST REALLY LIKE MUSIC, (in any form, even when it doesn't quite sound like music.   Me and my piano. Now if pressing one key is good...then personally I am thinking four or five at once must be better.  I have a special love affair with one Mr. Patrick Swayze, that I have told you about.   There is this one part in a movie of his, where he dances with this girl, and let me just tell you... it doesn't matter where I am or what I am doing, if I hear that song....I freak out... and I am off to dance.   This little clip is dark and well was hard to capture since Im so fast to go see my favorite part... but worth a look…

Dear Mom and Dad  I HEARD YOU ARE IN KUWAIT! Yep it is almost here, I am almost a full princess... no more princess-versaries for this big girl, now when people ask, it will be official.  I WILL SAY " I am ONE!"   So cool.   The best part however, is ... I think I am getting the best present of all.   I hope to get to see you and daddy soon.   So I am looking for advice on being one.... besides getting see mommy and daddy, which is greatly anticipated, what else do I get to look forward to?   Nana says MORE THAN I CAN IMAGINE... so what then, can anyone tell me, or is it to be a surprise? I don't know whenexactly it will happen, and I know it is 'just for a visit', but this visit from you and daddy will mark a special high point in my YEAR.   Please don't be sad, if I am a bit shy.   Please, know... I am just going through a phase... and while it takes me a while to get used to new things...I eventually do.   I just need to spend a lot of time holding hands, playing and just hanging out with…

  Dear Mom and Dad, Hey there, oh there....  happy as can be... yes I am wearing MICKEY MOUSE, and I am a fan! As promised -  I am sending you video of me brushing my teeth. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8puSxpaHVL0[/youtube] So you see I am getting to be such a big girl.  My favorite time is play time.  Or maybe kissin time, or maybe snuggling time, maybe even eating time, I guess it depends when you ask me and how I feel at that moment.   I am beginning to think we may be a week or so away from being reunited!   Nana is not being real direct about it all, says it is private until all is well and Mom and Dad are safely out of the land of sand!     I hope you loved seeing my adorable face.   I know I love seeing it.   Nana played me the video....and I am ALL ABOUT LOVING IT!   Until tomorrow Mom and Dad... I am your Little Miss Adorable, your sweet daughter, YOUR POT OF GOLD... Guillianna! P.S.   I am hoping Ms. K knows and I am sure she does, since Nana is pretty DIRECT  - all of us at Camp Nana hope she has…

Dear Mom and Dad... Well since Thanksgiving has now come and gone, they  (the campers)  tell me it is the beginning of the 'holiday' season.   Today was another great day.   I may be fighting a cold so we stayed in, and Uncle Nick and Aunt Arri went to pick up diapers for me.  So Nice!  I played at camp, and rested.   I then helped by getting some photos for our holiday wishes to you in the land of sand.  Nana always likes to send holiday cards out, but since things seem to take so long to get to you, we decided to send this holiday wish early.   AND SINCE YOU WILL BE TRAVELING IN THE NEAR FUTURE... WE DIDN'T WANT YOU TO MISS YOUR HOLIDAY GREETING CARD FROM  CAMP! A few days ago Nana told us about her favorite holiday song.   And while it is a Christmas song... she thinks it is fitting for everyone every where.   It is about things everyone wishes for.   Whether folks celebrate with Hannukah Harry, or Ho Ho, (aka Santa) I am sure everyone will agree with Nana's "WISH" !   So today Mom and Dad, I am forwarding a card from Nana and Poppy to you both... It is a…

Dear Mom and Dad... Today is the day where people get up early and "shop" I hear.   Well some people.   Not Nana, nor the campers... they all worked today though and I had a Jammy day!  Yep, I stayed in my jammies all day, and then changed into new jammies... crazy huh?  I know that makes Nana sound lazy, but really I just love crawling so much these days, that the jammers are so nice to crawl on Nana's hard floors with.   They are thick, and my princess knees need to be protected you know.   I am looking forward to our visit and think we will have a blast.   Hey, can you two crawl?   I can show you how if you want... it was hard at first but I know you will get the hang of it. As for hand eye coordination... well I have my balls... and a bucket thingy... and if you get tired of this little game trust me I have a bazillion more to play with you... here I am writing my love letter to you... Really I am just downloading music from iTunes, but don't tell No Fun Nana... she'll have some password on this thing…

Dear Mom and Dad, It is Thanksgiving today, and I am leaving this little note for you to see how I looked when I woke up this morning.... I will tell you that I had a smile on my face, and I was playing peek a boo with poppy at that crack of dawn, which is just about when he and Nana got into bed getting ready for the day of THANKS! Nana had been worried about making side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner.   She had a few doctor appointments, and knew that the day of traveling to share Thanksgiving with Great Grandparents would be busy and fun.   She worried that the food she brought would not be enough or not up to par.   She worried that she was making recipies that were not familiar, or that she would dissapoint.  Worried about little things.... like was the food prepared well enough, or will it be good?   It is funny though.... Nana thought, she could not be with her mom... just like I am not with you.  It matters not how old you are, and in some ways, I think I may have it the easiest of all being so young.  For it…

NANA NEEDS AN EYE EXAM.... THAT'S FOR SURE!  Now I have said it!  Yippee.... look at me, I am relieved to have that over with... and just put it out there! Dear Mom and Dad, How are you?  Today is Wednesday... and not just any old Wednesday, it is the day before my FIRST THANKSGIVING yipee!   I had big plans too.  There was helping Nana get ready for the holiday and watching her slice and dice.   A special field trip to see her doctor...and to top it off, GOLDFISH MINI SWIM CLASS!   WOO WOO!  First of all  - we must discuss the need for Nana to GET AN EYE EXAM!  Not only did she text message Great Aunt Pam, with a message she intended to send to Uncle Nick, but she also texted Aunt Alyx instead of Poppy!   She read a message she properly sent to Aunt Pam, and thought it was Uncle Nicks repsonse to a question she asked him. WHICH IT WAS NOT!   And if that is not silly enough... I HAVE TO SAY, DID SHE NOT SEE I HAD A BOOGEY NOSE YESTERDAY IN MY PHOTO SHOOT?   I mean really Nana, were you sleeping? Or what... because clearly, those shots have something on my nose,  and…

Dear Mom and Dad, Today was another good day at camp.  My teething seems to improved drastically.   No need for Infant Tylenol every four hours... only once today... and I was smiling up a storm all day.  Flashing my new pearly whites.    The newest one is hard to spot, but it is there, BELIEVE ME it is there... I felt it coming in!  It's but a speck, give it a day or two and it will be like the others. You just wait and see. So, tonight I ate Chinese food.   Chicken and rice with a side of carrots!   I absolutely loved it and just ate like a champ!  I am hoping that you and daddy are getting ready for your R & R, because I don't think as our time together approaches, that either of you will sleep much.  Before you come, you'll be restless, and while traveling too excited, and when with me... WELL I HAVE A FEW TRICKS UP MY SLEEVE , that if you must know will keep you both on your toes!  Like for example, I have not been sleeping through the night lately, and have been getting up about four a.m. ish...  so... I…

Yep you can believe it... started with two on the bottom, then my two up top that looked like "fangs" and then the two front teeth sprouting through, and today... another bottom tooth!   SEVEN TEETH!  No wonder I have been seven kinds of miserable these past few weeks... I mean gee wiz, I have a friend who recently turned one, and didn't have but a few teeth... ah... well, I suppose the 'Poppy' school of  thought on this would be.... the good news is,  I got it done all at once, I  have them and they work great... and I love eating real people food! Here are some nice photos of me today.... I had an early morning and a long day, since I choose to avoid naps,  and seems like when I do nap, they are really short and really REALLY few and far between.   Which you know what that means.... there are a lot of dust bunnies at Camp Nana!   Tumbleweed sized, yes, it's true.  Sad to say, but Nana is very busy with me, the little princess!  Too busy for some dust bunnies to steal her away! By the way, rumor has it, yesterday's love letter was missing…

  Dear Mom and Dad, So you can see, I have this pose down pretty good.   While there are some days that I toy with Nana and the Beast, playing that YOU CANT MAKE ME LOOK AT YOU GAME with Nana, for the most part.... I love being a super model.    Here I am today on Sunday...HANGIN WITH THE CAMPERS DAY, AND counting down to the day we are really together.... Nana says, soon... very soon...days away not months, and soon, she says... we will count down and be saying you will be here in hours...not weeks... ah, so nice!  Until then let's give you two a GUGU SPECIAL, here we go... fasten you safetly belt these are pretty cute, and well, I must say, I AM pretty cute! Yep, not to be redundant, I am ADORABLE! And starring in today's photo shoot....Little Miss Adorable! After I see that we are beginning today's photo shoot... I go a little crazy, crazy happy that is... and you know what, I am faster than the beast some times... look at me!   LOOK AT ME... I AM SO FAST. The 'Beast' could not even focus!AND YES,  it is far too cold in Michigan…

Dear Mom and Dad, How are you two doing?    I love feeding myself, those little puff pieces, but getting them in the right place, and not stuck to my fingers or face and even dropping them from time to time, well it  is not easy. I do not, however,  like holding my own bottle. Or the sippy cup.   I prefer to have someone else hold it for me.  But when I want to be independent, I am...  for instance when I want to get down and crawl I kick and push until someone lets me do it.  You could say, I know when I want, when I want it.  There are other times, when I just want to be held.    I also know how to fire a warning shot when I want someone to pay attention to me.   I call out, in a fairly loud yell if someone walks away or by me that I wanted to stop and talk to me... I let them know.  I wave to to people when I am around them, and get that 'puzzled' look when everyone doesn't wave back.   The other day, I was at swiming, and I was looking pretty cool, but I noticed some of…

Dear Mom and Dad: I am so happy that I didn't forget Poppy's Birthday! It seems my little helpers (Mom and Dad) sent my Poppy a birthday treat all the way from the land of sand and they signed the card, Love Guillianna!  Making me feel like a princess, but do you know what, Poppy knows that his daughter - with everything she has on her plate, remembered his birthday, and that made him smile... so I am sending a special THANKS to you from FROM POPPY! Today, we stayed at camp.   It was a GREAT DAY,  I played, and then got ready to meet Great Papa, and Great Grandma Sharyn with Great Uncle Dave for dinner with Poppy.    Uncle Nick was able to go to a Red Wing Game with Great Grandpa Ray, and Great Aunt Pam joined us for dinner!   All the other campers went too... it was nice, and I was adorable.  Great Aunt Kris was at a hockey tourney and we all hope cousin Bryan does GREAT and makes it to the tournement finals. So again, there are so many cute photos of me, it is hard to choose, but Nana and the beast seem to find me making all…

Dear Mom and Dad, Can we talk? Sometimes life can get crazy and complicated, for everyone, even us babies.  There are always decisions to make, and then... we live with the decisions we make.   Like to play with a yellow ball, or not.   Maybe red instead.  No, it is not always easy, and not always fun, but that is when Poppy's half full theory comes in.  Here at camp this is what I learned.   Poppy say's the glass is always half FULL!   (he say's momma will remember this from when she was small and he always kept us together and smiling) So when you feel like your glass is half empty Mom and Dad, Poppy, who nibbles away at his worries...says... keep on nibbling... Nibble, Nibble, Nibble!   Well, when you really want something.... and you are patient, and smart... Poppy says, keep your eye on the prize.... Poppy says -  eventually we get what we are after  - so long as we keep nibbling away... I believe him.  Do you remember when Nana said I was your POG.  I am your little pot of gold, I am waiting to be in your arms here in Michigan.  No matter how long it takes, or…

Dear Mom and Dad... I did not go to GoldFish mini tonight, and I missed my Mini friends, but I will be there next week.   Uncle Nick and Poppy had a special plan for Poppy's birthday, so they could not take me, all the other campers had school and Great Papa offered, and Prince Colin's Mommy and Daddy (one of my Goldfish Mini buddies) offered to go in with me too, but good ole No Fun Nana, put a damper on it, since she could not get me there. She says sorry.  She says I will be there next week since I will need some excercise before my first TURKEY dinner!  Hard to believe Thanksgiving is week away.  I hear that I will get mashed taters and turkey and all kinds of stuff, so I am pretty excited.   Nana says, that once Thanksgiving comes, I WILL BE REALLY CLOSE TO SEEING YOU MOM AND DAD... SO THAT IS THE BEST NEWS OF ALL! I keep trying to tell Nana, look I have the right clothes, and I am the best little "ARMY STRONG" baby, but alas she says, babies belong here while mommies and daddies are finishing work in the land of sand.   She tells…

  Dear Mom and Dad, I love taking a bath.   Me, some water, my little ducks, Nana, the Beast ( with Uncle Nick taking the photos), all having a great time!   So much fun that H2O -  I love it!   Come on in GMP, what do you mean there is no room... I can take out a few ducks.... come on.... A GREAT DISTRACTION FROM THE AGONY OF THE TEETH!  But look at what the beast captured today! Count em, there are four.... just think what I will be able to eat now!   Or soon anyway!  Back to my bath though... here are some photos of me and Nana... or just me...and my shampoogee! Hey, Nana, is this the stuff that won't make me cry.... cause, uhm, it is getting a little close here... I think it is clean .... are we done here... ? I am telling you one thing is certain, Tubby Time, is a fav of mine!   Today Nana thought that you would like to see me take a big girl tubby, so thats what today's love letter was about, and tomorrow... who knows what silliness you will see... just know this for sure... I love you both,…

THIS IS THE FACE OF TEETHING..... WOW IS THIS PAINFUL! [caption id="attachment_5270" align="aligncenter" width="514" caption="Today my two front teeth popped through the gums... OUCH, I have not been too happy about it. "][/caption] Dear Mom and Dad... It is the beginning of another week at camp.   Today, my two front teeth popped through my gums and I can honestly say I fully understand the expression SHE IS CUTTING TEETH.   I HATE TEETHING, and I love Infant Tylenol.     I am glad to have these two in, and am hoping the rest will be a breeze.   They have only broken skin, so it will be a bit before you will really see them as good as the others, but the most painful part is hopefully in the past. The beast is back!   Nana has some photos for you, but you will be able to see that my mouth is constantly being contorted, and I am grinding in some cases my tooth on top with my two on the bottom.   Enjoy the photos!     So as you can see, I am adorable even when miserable with CUTTING TEETH.    I hope you and daddy are well, and dreaming of me your little Pot…

Dear Mom and Dad, I had quite a week.  Nana had quite a week.   She is going to put up some photos and a video of me that Aunt Arrianna took.   THE BEAST'S BATTERY WAS DEAD.   Can you believe that?   But it you are familiar with the movie "The Blair Witch Project" you may see similarity in Aunt Arrianna's FILMING TECHNIQUE .... It is a 'bouncy trouncy' video...but I am as usual adorable and you will see my princess crawl with is also adorable, so here goes..  WARNING  TAKE DRAMAMINE PRIOR TO VIEWING! [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9xhS_JWhqo[/youtube] Nana is a bit off of  her usual self today.  Nana stuff... and personally I think  it's probably an "insulin" thing.  Or she is just overly "sensitive".  Maybe since the beast is out of commission, who knows?  She is very happy though about Poppy's new x-ray machine.  It will make Poppy's life easier.  Poppy and Nana are so grateful to Great Grandma Sally, for her help (I hope she knows) ... it is hard to really let her know how much easier this will make Poppy's work and ease his worries,and it is a huge medical advancement that without her help would not have been possible.  His patients are going to be…

Dear Mom and Dad, How are you?   The other day when you called Nana, you asked her "who is Miss K?" , and I am here to tell you... she is my friend.   She came to GoldFish Mini to see me swim, and look what she sent Nana in an email... for you and Dad, even though she was busy leaving for work out of town, she wanted you to see HAPPY BABY GUGE, AT GOLDFISH MINI CLASS! [caption id="attachment_5244" align="aligncenter" width="518" caption="I am so happy in the water... Look at me Mom and Dad!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_5245" align="aligncenter" width="518" caption="The Ball Chase!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_5246" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="Waiting for my GMP to take me in the water!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_5247" align="aligncenter" width="576" caption="Hi Mom and Dad... look at me in the pool!"][/caption] Thank you so much for the awesome photography Miss K, my mom and dad will love them.   I hope you have a safe trip and remember all of us at Camp Nana will miss you!   Lot's of stuff to do, and comittments everywhere, keep her busy and pull her in different directions, but Nana says... she knows that what ever decisions are made Uncle Nick will be happy eventually,  so long as Miss K is happy.  That is just how he…

Dear Mom and Dad, How are you?   I had another great day at camp, but Poppy had to work late, visiting some patients who cannot leave home, but need his help.   We did not meet Great Grandma and Great Papa as we usually do.  Uncle Nick too had a tough day, and well just was not up to do much of anything, and all the campers are pretty exhausted.   It was a weird day.  The past few nights, after I FINALLY GO TO SLEEP, Poppy and Nana have been working on a important stuff till the wee hours of the morning... Speaking about going to bed... well, Mom and Dad, this is an issue... Nana calls my latest tricks...something from WRESTLE MANIA, you see I spin around crawl around bury my face over and over again and just won't lay in my crib,it is more like a wrestling ring.   I have a wrestling match with myself  (and win) and I want Nana to stay and watch.  I don't want to be rocked, I don't want to be up, I just want her to stand by the crib and pat my butt.... while I roll and spin around... FIGHTING SLEEP, AND eventually giving…

Dear Mom and Dad.. This is the question....Nana has been trying for a few days to capture my Princess Vampira smile for you to see my two top teeth.   My two "fangs", with no luck. I am kind of sensitive about it but Mr. Nikon and her... well they are snapping at me all day.... waiting for their chance.... [caption id="attachment_5204" align="aligncenter" width="571" caption="No...No....No! Not showing my choppers today!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_5205" align="alignleft" width="284" caption="I AM NOT LOOKING AT YOU.... AND YOU CANNOT MAKE ME!"][/caption]  I had fun playing with Nana today, avoiding the beast... and making her crawl over the place trying to capture my new tooth for you to see.   It was funny.   I bet if I HAD A CAMERA ON NANA, YOU'D BE LAUGHING TOO!  She is a riot to watch trying to get every single angle of me for you to see.   She is not fast, nor is she very agile... so inside, I am cracking up... but I don't let on... I just enjoy making her work for the photos!  A princess has to get her laughs somehow... Trust me, I give Nana far more happiness than anything else... so poking fun at her... well its the price she…

Dear Mom and Dad: So today is a day to honor veterans...Nana promised not to get all sappy, so we comprimised... photos of me, my trip to Goldfish mini... and a story...since I couldnt keep her from acknowledging the service of so many men and women for so many years, and so many lost lives.  Her dad, was a soldier, a medic, who was able to be a help during the liberation of concentration camps.  He saw things, and did things, her generation cannot imagine.  She knows from his photos, what his service meant, and obviously from what history has taught us, of it's value.   She has learned one thing for certain in her life, and that is how little she really knows.   When she was young, she thought she knew, or understood so much more than she does today... she is not to the left, she is not to the right, truthfully she is clueless on most subjects,  she only knows one thing... SHE IS FREE, and she knows that freedom came from people willing to serve.    Yep... it's the flag! The holidays, are coming fast... around these parts there are radio stations whose format has changed over from the usual music to a Christmas…

Dear Mom and Dad... For all the Mom's and Dad's, who will not see thier child-  all the children who will not see their parent-   I am sending you these photos of me.... and thinking of all the lives affected by the events at Fort Hood.   Grateful, I was not there, grateful that you were not there... and hoping to see you very soon -  knowing  that you will hug and hold me, for all the mom's and dad's who cannot!     Me and my bear buddy... GI Bear... saying a little prayer... "Watch over all those who need it, and bring Mom and Dad home safe..." I had a great day Mom and Dad, don't worry about a thing, just know I am good, and I am safe.   Until tomorrow, Mom and Dad, please know you are in all our prayers, and we hope all the soldiers come home soon.  Love, your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter.... Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, No sign of my two front teeth, they appear to be in the emerging stage for some time, and I am getting a little tired of waiting on them.   I didn't leave camp today.  Nana and I hung out with the zoo animals, all day...  I sat and read with Nana... which is a true favorite... Here are some of my many "faces" again, Nana says I am growing and changing... so she will show you a bunch today...  No matter how bad my teeth make  me feel...   Someone at Camp Nana is there to cheer me up. Mr. Pooh Bear... well, he was my friend today... and he makes me laugh and smile, and giggle... Hey daddy, how do you like this dimple shot! I am too cute! It was a good day, and we are even closer aren't we? Here Mr.Pooh is making me laugh and whispering in my ear... tickling it. I had a really fun time today... and love reading, crawling, playing with the campers.... I hope you had fun looking at my pictures... and remember, until tomorrow, I am as always, your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad... It is Sunday and it was a great day.   All the campers and I played.   We had Aunt Mikayla's homemade birthday meal, (little burgers and augratin potatoes), where the birthday person picks what they want Nana to make... I have mine ready.... I hope she will make me some delish chicken and rice!  I love it.    Here are a few shots of me playing with toys at camp. I love my computer that Great Aunt Ida gave me too!  I am more and more interested in toys these past few days because I am able to crawl to them  and playing is taking on a whole new thing.  I can stand at some, that before I could not... so.... it is like a party here at camp.  Same toys, new ways to play with them, ya know? I know Nana talked to you today mom, and told you all about her "changing" things around here at camp.  She has spent several days, GUGU PROOFING CAMP! As if... I would ever try to get into trouble... But you will notice the new gated stairway in the back ground.  With a Gugu proof door no less... There is one…

Dear Mom and Dad... Today is Aunt Mikayla's Birthday, and well let's just say, it is good preparation for my Princess Coronation!  (lay terms, "first birthday')  It is when I go from being a little princess to 'Her Royal Majesty'. Yea, cool huh.   Last night Great Grandma got Aunt Mikayla a Birthday cake and we all sang (yes Nana too 🙁 ) Happy Birthday, I thought the whole singing thing was 'all about me" so I loved it and sang too, and clapped at the end...so you see  this 'birthday stuff' is perfect training for me!  Today is Saturday, and we all went to dinner.  Poppy, Nana, Uncle Nick, Miss K, and Aunties Mikayla, Alyx, Allyssa and Arrianna... and ME!  It was nice to see Aunt Mikayla smile, and have fun.  The OTHER campers went out after dinner, and " the little camper had to come back to camp! Yea, I didn't think that sounded fair either but what can one do when one is too small and is confined to a car seat with a "No Fun Nana" in charge.     Here is how my night played out... wow -  more play time with Nana 🙂 more sing time with Nana 🙁 and…

Another few weeks, is no big deal, we will make it, all of us!  Me, you and Daddy... together soon! Dear Mom and Dad, 38 weeks have passed since I came to Camp Nana... and only a few more, and I will be back in your arms...OR you may find that I am in the arms  NOT SO MUCH since I am a CRAWLING MACHINE!  You will be so happy, that seeing me and holding me, will get you through the last portion of your deployment.   I know you must be excitied.   I  can't wait to celebrate the holidays with you.(No matter what day you actually come)   WE WILL DO IT ALL ON YOUR "R&R", my first birthday - a Thanksgiving feast... it will be like a fairytale, and IT WILL BE... All About Me!   (my favorite part 🙂 ) Tonight we met Uncle David, Aunt Kris, Cuz Bryan Cuz Steven, with Papa and GG-ma, and celebrated Aunt Mikayla's 23rd birthday together.   It was so much fun.  I was - adorable!   I love going visiting and I was a charmer.   I am good so long as I can still see the campers or Nana and Poppy, and when I do, I smile…

Dear Mom and Dad, (not that I really know what is going on, since Barney is on and they don't let me see scary stuff) but this is the thing... We at camp are all thinking of those at Fort Hood, and all the families and friends of those at Fort Hood.  Thinking of Aunt Sam!  ( it is said Aunt Sam left Fort Hood 'for training' the night before all of this, so that is good.   I am also glad to hear my cousin Cody is safe with his Mimi in TN.)   Still  this so sad for so many!  It is all so terribly wrong... so so very sad.   Tonights love letter, short, Nana is so tired  - and while she is so relieved that I am not on base.... she cannot help but feel odd writing cute things, and making light on a day where so many people won't get a love letter, or a photo of their son or daughter, or see a mom or dad... They have not said much about those hurt, but one young lady was 19... and shot in the stomach they say... most difficult to believe is that she was IN A PLACE WHERE SHE WAS THOUGHT TO BE SAFE...…

Dear Mom and Dad... Happy 11th PRINCESS-VERSARY!   Today I am eleven months old, and I went swimming.   I squealed and laughed and clapped and loved every second.   It was awesome.    Yes it was a spectator sport and fans were present.  It was a great day.  It started with Great Aunt Pam sending me a text message wishing me a Happy Princess-versary... and later a call from Mommy and Daddy!   I am a lucky princess.   Here  is your 11 MONTH PRINCESS-VERSARY SPECIAL DELIVERY PRESENT! [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfJKTPng-ck[/youtube] Yes, it IS official.   For a cell phone I will do anything!  Even the dreaded crawl everyone has been pulling for me to master.. WELL, I HAVE DONE IT!Keep in mind, this video was taken AFTER NINE AT NIGHT, AND AFTER SWIM CLASS, so I am tired, but even though I am tired, I didn't give  up! Happy Princess-versary... I have started to crawl!   Last night I did it for the first time, only a few feet, but I did it, and Nana wanted to wait and see what I would do today.... sure enough it's official, I AM A CRAWLER! In other news at camp... A deer hit Uncle Nick's car tonight driving back to camp from…

Dear Mom and Dad, Poppy had to go to the Secretary of State today for a new drivers license.  On his way, he brought me lunch!  I am so lucky, he only had a little while to get things  done on his lunch break and what did he do... he brought me rice and chicken.   My favorite! Today I stayed at camp, and the fall chores got done.   Leaves beyond imagination were raked, and all the plants that I sooooo loved all summer were prepared for upcoming winter.   Everything in Michigan is brown, gold, yellow, red, orange, and will soon be covered in white.   I am loving fall.  I sit in the rocking chair with Nana and can watch leaves falling, loving every second.  When the wind blows the leaves up from the ground... it's so cool, here is what my face looks like when I look out the window. Nana is scheduling my one year check up with the pediatrician for in December.  She is also planning our visit with you and daddy.  We  hope that everything goes well and you are here for a little rest and relaxation with me very soon.   This will be the first time in…

Dear Mom and Dad, How are you doing?   I am doing good.   I had a early day today, since Nana had to take a quick trip to the bank today.... Yea, how weird is that?   Nana says, when she was little she was this tiny little pixie-esque girl, that usually didn't have many friends.   When she got a little bigger, still, not much in the way of being Little Miss Popular nor did she have a princess personality... (like me) she was never first and most often last to be picked on any team for any sport because let's just say athletics NOT A STRONG SUIT.    She was never one for the guys to want to take out, or girls didn't wish they were like her... and now... she is old, sassy and has cheeks the size of China.   We won't specify which cheeks, since either set would be applicable.   BUT TODAY... IT SEEMS SOMEONE WANTS TO BE NANA... or at least has stolen her identity at the bank!   Yes, it seems Nana has been out to Maryland, and Delaware without telling any of us, and all while being here in Michigan with me!   How crazy is that!  Some days,…

Dear Mom and Dad, Today is the beginning of a new month, and we are about a month from being together. I wonder what you will feel when I meet you at the airport... my heart is already racing just thinking about it.   I bet you that you won't be able to sleep a wink on the ride to Michigan, dreaming about snow, and cold weather... building snow people and oh yes of course... HOLDING ME! I had a great Sunday.  Nana and Poppy talked to Momma on the phone today, and it was good to hear her voice.... Nana said... it makes her happy to hear that you two are okay.   Look at this pose I took today... Well as we were looking at all my adorable poses of the day... Nana said hey, hold the phone campers... I don't know but ... look and tell me what you think....  MOM AND ME - Does this make me a MINI MACK? or how about this one... After you get a good look at me... look below at this....now Im a TINY TUCK! So... maybe Nana is just missing you guys... but she says... every day, in some little way... she see's…

  Dear Mom and Dad, October 31, 2009, and we have made it to the end of another month you and I.   Hard as it has been, being apart  - we are so much closer to our reunion.  That's what is known as the the Poppy "half full" mentality - rubbing off on your little spirit stick.  We are weeks away from our visit and only a few more months before just maybe... your time in the land of sand will be complete, and you will be home! Today was my first Halloween as you know, and as you probably also know, that means...THE BLACK BEAST, aka Mr. Nikon had a field day today... and I was to the beast,what 'Heidi Klum' is to Victoria's Secret... This photo extravaganza also means... much uploading,  and a selection process that is excruciating to just select a "few" to view.  It will require patience because it is 11:00 here, and chances are Nana will not get this love letter done for quite some time... for now, just know.... I had such a spooktacular day! Mommy had a Halloween skirt and shirt for me, and Nana got me the onesie I am wearing that say's MY FIRST HALLOWEEN!   Here…

Dear Mom and Dad... Today I was so good, and worked so hard on my crawling.  This is pretty much how it went today... The French- in those who perform ballet  learn by standardized positions, 1, 2, 3 they have a lingo all their own, well I do too...I have the PRINCESS-CRAWL POSITIONS, and this is how I roll here at camp... First....Princess-Crawl 'A'   or PiCA... Above  is Princess-Crawl Position "a" which stands for ALMOST....Next...  This is Princess-Crawl Position "C" for STOP everything I AM DOING AND CLAP!  After all, I did try to get into position, a little applause is always nice,  and deserved, right?  No it is the PiCC position.  So we have PiCA, PiCC mastered so far.... you guys with me? I know what you're thinking....You would think Position 'B' would have been the logical next PRINCESS-CRAWL POSITION, didn't you?? But NO, FIRST A, THEN C, NOW ... it is Princess-Crawl "T". The Princess-Crawl Position "T"  for totally trying, and try, try again!  I call it PiTA!   So we are movin' now... PiCA, PiCC, PiTTA - (are you getting this ... NANA thinks she is a rapper now.... and EVEN HAS A SONG FOR CRAWLING... IT does SOUND LIKE RAP very bad rap but yes...…

Dear Mom and Dad... Before I tell you how much I love you, and how much I miss you, I promised Nana.. that I would send a 'shout out' to Great Grandma Sally and Great Grumpy who have done Nana and Poppy a favor... sometimes... mom's and dad's  just do things for their daughters, that make life easier.  Nana says, her mom and Grumpy always do for her... and the only thing Nana has in return is to try to pass what she can  - or what she has learned from Great Grandma  - on to all her kids... (never really quite with the style or flare that Great Grandma Sally has) but sincerely Nana really really just wanted to send her an across the country hug..... so here goes... BIG SQUEEZE!  from Nana to you... via sweet baby Guillianna! Now - let's get to the " about me" part of the day...  which is clearly my personal favorite!  I didn't leave camp today and we sang (yes, we sang  🙁  again! ), and played, I practiced scooting  about on the the floor and have gotten so I can move backwards pretty good.... don't ask how or why, I just do. I rode in my little red sports car and…

My First Report Card!   Yep, this is it... my first report card from Goldfish Mini Swim Class ( I know it is hard to see, but you will see it first hand very soon) .... after all I am delivering it to you Mom and Dad all the way in the land of sand !  I have been working  - no what I mean to say is, I am loving swim class!  Tonight I laughed the entire class!   I have not yet gone under water, and have a few tasks to complete before they can move me up to GoldFish Mini II, but I will get it done so I can move up with my GoldFish Mini I friends! Today was also a special date.... 13 years ago today... Mommy and Aunt Mikayla finally came to join the rest of their sisters with Nana and Poppy.  And yes Mommy it is true Nana has taken a bit of artistic liberty to put up a photo you may not have wanted her to of you... but it is the price of being a daughter... sometimes... you just have to do things you may not otherwise do because it makes a parent…

SO CUTE AFTER MY BATH!  Dear Mom and Dad, I love tubby time so much, and after my shampoo, my hair has a mind of it's own... the photo is not really clear because we captured the moment with a camera phone... and the light was not really bright.... but I am so cute anyway, it doesn't matter that it is not the clearest of photos. Oh, and by the way for any of my loyal readers, the number of photos since I have been here at camp Nana, 8869 to date.   Yes, 8 8 6 9, the woman is crazy! It is Tuesday, and Nana had a doctor appointment today.  This means, you guessed it  - FIELD TRIP  - and I love field trips.  One - because Nana doesn't sing at the doctor, and two - it means more people to pay attention to me.  And as you know..."it's all about ME!"  (by the way Miss Sharon, Miss Mildred, and Dr. H were all so nice to me.... thanks for taking such good care of Nana, and thank you Poppy for the ride back to camp!) I worked hard today on the whole crawling tunnel thing ... but have to…

Dear Mom and Dad... Some days, Nana helps me tell a silly story or two, and all days, she tries to let you see me grow, and make me a part of each and every day that you are there in the land of sand! Other days, she tries to help you make it to another day... and encourage what must at times feel impossible to you... And I am not sure if her diabetes is just getting the better of her some days, but it is true some days... are harder than others, and just when she is feeling a little tired... I talk some sense into her crazy head, and get her to remember what is important -  like the number 4356!   Why you ask... well, I am going to show you some of today's photos, in hope that they will make you smile... they will remind you of your little POG (Pot of Gold) and get you through another day. THIS IS ME... TODAY... EACH AND EVERY PHOTOGRAPH, IS ME ON Monday, October 26th through out the day....      Now.... WHAT IS 4356 YOU ASK....? In the days and weeks since I have been at camp, the love letters I…

  Dear Mom and Dad, Here in the states today the news was full of special reports on terrible bombings in the Land of Sand... it was very good to hear from you both today.  In light of all the seriousness, Aunt Allyssa took her shot at dressing me up today, and snapped a photo with a cell phone, so it is not really clear, but you can see Aunt Allyssa all over this get up... SCARF... BOOTS... if I didn't know better I would swear I am ready for a trip to the Middle East... but you know No Fun Nana, she says the place for a baby is here in MICHIGAN! As silly as it is, I love dress up, and left this thingy on my head for ever... it was fun!  The boots however... well, they lasted only seconds. I spent the day working on the crawl, and getting ready for Halloween... again, No FUN NANA, IS NOT A FAN, and has special plans for Halloween, something about "trick or treat" at family and friends, so if anyone wants a visit from me, they better let Nana and Poppy know.... cause they plan on bringing me to…

Dear Mom and Dad, So, I was exploring at camp today, and guess what I found... when Mama was a little girl, she used to always wear this fleece when she was cold. Yep, I played dress up with Mama's fleece... and had a blast! I cannot wear this thing to crawl that is for sure, between fleece jammers, and Mama's old fleece, there is no chance I could catch a cold that is for sure!  The beast captured my cute little personality today, so here are a few shots to show you how much fun I can be.... I cannot wait until we can play together... and maybe if you are good, I will let you have your warm fleece back...YOU WILL NEED IT since by the time we see each other it will be below freezing here in MICHIGAN.   I must say, it sure is pretty here right now... everything gold, red, and yellow.  The autumnal colors are fantastic! So after having a blast playing dress up like mama, I spent quality time with the campers, since Nana was a bit under the weather today.  I have learned to clap... and if you ask me to clap, I…

Dear Mom and Dad.... So today being FABULOUS and FUN Friday, it brings us to the end of yet another week at Camp Nana.   I have been doing great, and loving all of the awesome attention that I get here.   I have made so many friends, and loved being a part of all the family fun... but CHIPMUNKS AT CAMP NANA?   Come on...  I was freakin' out. OKAY, so they are cute... like me... BUT- and yes, it is a known fact that CHUBBY CHEEKS AND TWO TEETH CAN BE ADORABLE,   but still, Nana come on, CHIPMUNKS?  Oh my....let me see this "chipmunk"  Oh Nana you were right, she is cute, and has cheeks like me, and even if her two teeth are on top and mine are on the bottom it appears I have a new friend.... and she sings too... which is quite a nice little attribute as it may take up some of Nana's singing time...(unless Nana sings with the chipmunk!) CHIPPY AND I HANGIN OUT AT CAMP NANA Meet CHIPPY, a new friend... who sings and dances... and makes me smile. I am happy to share my time at camp with the chipmunk Nana, I know she used to…

Dear Mom and Dad, Days here are camp are pretty"typical" and so many days are just like the day before, that it is not easy to show you something new and exciting .   You have seen me at play in my tunnels or practice crawling... you see me swim, or looking adorable... and you have seen me a bit ago with my then new friend... GISELLE GIRAFFE, and her baby giraffe... Gugu Giraffe.    Today, I was playing with Giselle... and well... we had a little tiff. Why you ask?  Well let me tell you....we were haning out on the couch together... and then she says to me... hey... you got something hanging from your mouth baby... Well I am too little for it to be hormones, but it just struck me wrong, and I was sensitive...  She may be a mama giraffe, only my mama can tell me if I have something hangin' and I let her know it. After I gave her a piece of my mind, and let her know that she hurt me little feelings... then I decided... what the heck...  Before you knew it, she and I were best buds again.  Here we are and I am giving…

Dear Mom and Dad, So today is Wednesday... AND IT OCCURS TO ME, Nana... is losing her head! My cousins who are so good and always take such care to check in on me, the ones in CA.... who I just showed you the present they sent me....yea, those cousins... well NANA DIDNT EVER SEND THEM THE HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARD OR TELL THEM HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM ME IN MY LOVE LETTER!   Can you believe it... "bad Nana!  Very very bad.... so many birthday's have been remembered.... even mentioned in my letters are birthday's of folks who don't even call or write... but these cousins who NEVER MISS A DAY of ALL ABOUT GUILLIANNA don't even get a card?   What is up with that!   So, today, I sat her down and gave her a talking to... Now don't make me say this again Nana, you MUST remember important stuff...like my cousins birthday! Silly Nana! So today was Goldfish Mini class, and it was just three mini's.   I missed my mini friends... It was just the boys and I!  Alex and Conner were there but not Maddie, not Etta and no Simone...?   MISSED YOU.   And more importantly you guys missed swimming with my Poppy.  Yep you heard…

Dear Mom and Dad, So here we are getting close to my first Halloween.   Then my first Thanksgiving... and then....THE BIG DAY, my first Birthday! Between now and then, I will be a busy girl.  I have swim class, and photo shoots to do, as well as work on my princess crawl, and getting more teeth, and eating all kinds of delicious people food that I am discovering.  I love Chinese food.   I love bread.  I love peaches... and pears.   I hate most all baby food, except oatmeal and the fruit stuff... but the meat...NO WAY!   I ate chicken from Nana's dinner the other night, it was delish...the tender little bits that she gave me are not a thing like that stuff in the jar... AND MOM, I LOVE POTATO'S .  Nana boiled me up a few, and cut them into little cubes that I just love.  Plain little morsels of delish on a dish.... well okay maybe not on a dish, because that would end up on a floor.   And well, if you put it on my tray, forget it ... it is mush.... I won't put it in my own mouth just yet, I have far more fun grabbing the…

Dear Mom and Dad... I am doing good today.  Poppy had a special presentation to give, and Uncle Nick, Nana and I helped him get ready.  The hard part was, I didn't want to sleep AT ALL LAST NIGHT.   I fought it off until nearly 2:00 a.m.    CRAZY huh?  Was up four times before getting out of bed at 700 a.m.  Nana says she is stopping all jokes about PARTY MY CRIB TWO A.M., BECAUSE I AM TAKING it all QUITE LITERALLY.  The simplest of toys and games are so fun... look I can play with a little tupperware bowl as it it is the worlds greatest toy! I don't nap much during the day... it is true, maybe forty five minutes on a good day,and only broken up into ten or  twenty minute increments.  I AM AN INSOMIAC and no one knows why.   I truly love spending time with all the campers in this house, and since everyone has different schedules, well, I AM WAITING TO SEE EACH AND EVERY ONE of them IF I HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT IT.  I think Nana is planning a sneak attack... she is trying to come up with some new way to trick me into sleeping like "babies are supposed…

Dear Mom and Dad, So here I am toolin' about on my Winnie the Pooh Expedition Car, hope you like it... [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uR9qv6nGiD8[/youtube] It is a blast.... and I have learned to push the car too... [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngq4s3UpwBQ[/youtube] Sunday's are always fun, I spend the day with all the campers, and I get the attention of everyone .... so what could be bad.... it's ALL ABOUT GUILLIANNA! Here I am checking out the engine, and giving it a tune up for my day touring camp.   I love this little car, and not only do I love fixing it, and riding it, but as you can see in the video above, it is fun to play catch with it. I am so curious about everything, and lately, it makes is soooooo hard to go to sleep, because the minute I hear a sound, I am up and about trying to be part of the action.  I don't want to miss a thing.. Look I am so talented I can do this with my eyes closed.... or .....hmmmm..... is that your nose Pooh Bear?   GROSS! My cousins, in California, (and my Great Aunt Nori too) sent me the cutest special little package today.  Here is…

Dear Mom and Dad, I am told it is SWEETEST DAY, who knew a whole day dedicated to me!  I had a great day and was THE SWEETEST BABY as usual.   I went to the store to get something for Poppy.  He has an important lecture on Monday, and Nana is making something for all of the people coming.  So we needed supplies.   When I got back... all the campers were home from work and school... and the fun began. If you ever wonder how my Saturday afternoons are spent... Here it is, today it is me dancing the day away.... [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnGib2ki2iQ[/youtube]   and then there is the Beyonce Baby Dance... [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vapfBFdqVj0[/youtube]As you can see, I am having a blast...and dancin' my little buns off... Please remember I love you very much, and when you come to visit, I want to dance with you two!   Until tomorrow, I am as always, Your LITTLE MISS ADORABLE, YOUR DANCIN' BABY... Guillianna!

JUST HANGIN' AT CAMP NANA! Dear Mom and Dad... Rumor has it, my love letters are a bit "heavy" these past few days, and well Nana, has just been dealing with some 'Nana-stuff'', as I call it, since it sounds better than OLD LADY STUFF or 'silly Nana stuff".  So tonight I have more questions... How many days do you have to reside in a state before you get the title, MICHIGANDER.... OR MICHIGANIAN?  And does this mean I am no longer a Texan?   Nana says... I am a GuguBearian, and that is what I will be no matter where I hang.   Does the color PURPLE may - not as in the novel or movie, but the actual color, MAKE MY EYES LOOK EVEN MORE BLUE?  Nana and the beast, think so.  There are so many things I wonder about... and I am telling you I MUST BE PART CAT... since I am SOOOOO CURIOUS about every single thing... as well as PART DOG, since I drool like Mr. Griff.  Wow  - he must have needed intravenous Tylenol when his teeth came in huh?    I had a good day today. Food:   Breakfast oatmeal and "a bob". Lunch, Pasta in sauce, with peas…

Dear Mom and Dad, So now that you are reminded about how much you loved Nana and Poppy despite the fact that they too missed out on so much...  well Nana just wanted me to say, that her love for her kids if far greater than the things she missed doing with them, it is far greater than the things she may never do with them.  Her love for her kids was written like this at the end of the chapters in the story of ME that she wrote for all her kids.    AN EXCERPT of OUR STORY.... TO REMIND YOU both ... ABOUT WHAT PARENTING MEANS, and how every life is unique, every life is special, and how personal sacrifice, or giving of yourself, opens doors for those you love.   To remind you and keep you going...until you get home, to live your dreams. In this journey, there have been so many road blocks, and trauma to little souls you cannot possibly imagine.   Educational difficulty, or issues of abandonment loomed heavily for many years, as did all the common trials and tribulations any family faces, just multiplied by six.   Silly things, serious things, health issues, and life's challenges have become…

Dear Mom and Dad, First let me say, today was GOLDFISH MINI CLASS, it was awesome, and I love the water. Second, Daddy, the answer to your question is NO... You asked me after yesterday's love letter, if this was my first job.... and the answer is no Daddy, my first and only job is being your sweet, lovable and wonderful little daughter,  It is the only job I will need for quite a while.  Under this title fall many different responsibilities.  Little mini jobs,  I am your little spirit stick, I am here cheering you and mommy on, and trying to keep a smile on your face while you finish your work in the land of sand.   I am busy being your little pot of gold at the end of a rainbow,  waiting to be in your arms, laughing, and squealing, keeping you up at night, and all kinds of wonderful things a little princess can do with her parents.   I am certainly what could be considered, Army strong... because, I will not give up on wishing and waiting for your safe return, and dreaming about the things we will do together.     I am wearing my peace sign outfit, hoping if peace were to prevail, you…

Dear Mom and Dad, How are you doing?   I am doing very well, and today took a field trip to Poppy's office. Just for a bit, but it was fun. Don't I look like I know what I am doing here...   Give me anything with buttons and I will make it into a party!   I just love visiting Poppy's office, so many things to look at and play with !   I had so much fun!         I went around the office and checked everything out, and made sure it passed my white glove test!  Nah,  never have to do that with Poppy, he runs a tight ship!  I just went exploring, and then we went back to camp.   It was fun though, I am always up to a good field trip.     I hope that both of you are well, and that you know you are missed.   Until tomorrow, remember I love you and that today as always, I am your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, Guillianna!

Dear Mom and Dad, It is Monday in the Mitten State, and nearly time to start wearing mittens because it is cold!   When I went out in the stroller, Nana had me zipped into the little lambs wool cocoon, and a bazillion layers of clothing... and we won't say I was warm or anything, but I DIDN'T KNOW A PRINCESS COULD SWEAT LIKE THAT.  Really Nana... ?   Seriously though I wasn't really "sweating" but you can be sure no drafts were getting into that stroller!  I would say it was safe to assume nothing was getting into that stroller, and personally I was happy for the fact that there was oxygen! I think today,is the day, Cody was born, so Happy Birthday my cousin ... and hope you ate cake for me!   You can be sure I will be eating cake soon, for everyone... because... well, let's just say I tasted some cheesecake my Great Grandma Sharyn made, and I can honestly say... I have no reservations about eating dessert.  Or anything for that matter... I love trying all kinds of people food.   If Nana puts anything in her mouth, (which seems to be all the time) I look so see if…

Dear Mom and Dad, First let me say, this is my SUNDAY love letter, however since Nana didn't start it until after midnight (by like two minutes) you will now have two love letters that appear to be the same day, but are not.  Sorry.... so when you see this one, know that MONDAY'S WILL GET STARTED BEFORE MIDNIGHT MITTEN STATE TIME.... Nana says sorry.   Now, to the good stuff... ME! I spent today with all the campers... we just hung out, and had a day of homework, (for some) and Princess training for you know who. Here I am at work today...in the special crawling tube you and Daddy sent me. I love playing in this thing and can't wait to crawl through it with you guys... Great great Uncle Tom and Great Great Aunt Beverly stopped over today, she came and made Aunt Allyssa very happy.   See Great Grandma Sally had given Aunt Allyssa a little bracelet, and it broke... but Great Great Aunt Beverly came by one day, saw it broken and said, we can fix this.... sure enough she came back and she and Aunt Allyssa fixed the bracelet together.  SO NICE, and she loves me too.  You can tell…