Deep in Thought

Here's Great Grandpa Popple contemplating his trip to Germany in August 27.

The Zeman Family

This is the thankful Zeman Family at Gma and Gumpy's house for Thanksgiving. It's Daddy Craig, daughters Isabel and Zoe, and Mommy Judy. Priceless!

Ben and Andy at Thanksgiving

Although Ben and Andy could not be present in person, Craig made sure to include them in spirit. Here you see the WII characters, Ben and Andy, that Craig created. The two of them (guided by Craig and Gumpy) enjoyed a number of virtual bowling games. Not tellin' who won!

Yes, Daddy, I love you, too!

Zoe and Daddy communicate their thanks for each other on Thanksgiving Day.

Engineering at Thanksgiving

Deep in thought, here you see Isabel, constructing a huge tower out of a board game's tiles. She was delighted that the tower began to lean, in this picture. Instantly, it crumpled to the floor!

My Own Theater!

The Bell was feeling a little disconcerted, when, on Thanksgiving Day, the grownups wanted to watch the Packers and she wanted to watch her new Scooby Do video. Aha, Papi to the rescue! Here, you see the fort Papi designed over Izzie's little white table. You can see her computer, showing the movie, in the background.

A Family Tradition

Isabel and Mama work on the Thankful Tree. Isabel tells Mama what she is thankful for, and the thought is written on paper and posted on the tree. Throughout Thanksgiving Day, other family members added their thoughts, as well.

The Zoe in Dream World

Zoe was a bit bewildered, at first, at all the different surroundings at Grandma Kathy and Gumpy's house, when Mama and Papi went out for a date. But after a bottle and play/cuddle time, she was content.

Ah, Success

Isabel, asleep, after a fun evening of video, book reading, ice cream, and playing with stuffed animals at Gma and Gumpy's house.

Babysitting Guru

Here's Gumpy during a mid-November babysitting stint. It's all in the entertainment!

Ah, Such Fun!

Isabel says, "Hey, look at Zoe! She is smiling at me!"

Water Buddies

Isabel and Gumpy are enjoying a leisurely boat ride.

Zoe in a Contemplative Mood

That sister of mine, that Isabel, is quite cool! I am happy she liked the birthday card I gave her.

Isabel, the Swimmer

Here's Isabel, swimming at Great Wolf. Note she is calm, and she is on her tummy. Wow!

Zoe and Mama Judy

"Mama," says Zoe. "This party is way cool!"

Daddy-O

Looks like Papi is enjoying Bela's new present!

Ah, the Joy of Present Opening!

Isabel loved opening her presents the morning of her birthday. The evening before, her presents awaited her opening, but Iz was fighting off an illness. Here, she is a happy girl!

The Big 4!

Isabel, Daddy Craig and her special birthday

Oh Yes!

Such fun it is to be the Birthday Girl! Isabel is the star.

Birthday Dinner

Isabel enjoyed a special birthday drink. Her entree? Macaroni and cheese!

Heading On Over To the Fun

Isabel loved the mystery and sounds of splashing water. She explored a bit, and then found one magical spot - an area with buckets of water and a mini slide. Fun City!

I Love Parties!

Wowee! I love Isabel's birthday party fun. I can't wait until I, the Zoe, am 4 years old!

Contemplative Bell

The Bell was a tiny tad under the weather at her birthday celebration.

Birthday Room

Isabel's birthday room at the Great Wolf in Wisconsin Dells was finely decorated!

The Proud Grandma

The beautiful , spunky granddaughters with their enchanted grandma.

Ready To Go

Here's Isabel in the Great Wolf hotel room, all set to head on down to the water park area. Hooray!

Birthday Gifts for Isabel

Isabel is shown admiring her new ballerina jewelry box. Other fun gifts were a Hello Kitty light-up shirt, (pink, natch), a personalized Scooby Doo book, featuring Iz, Zoe, Ben and Andy, a Christmas music box, and another book about the miracle of the Iz being born and how the world celebrated (and keeps celebrating!)

Creating an Artistic Masterpiece

The Bell came home with Grandma after school. First order of business was to get busy with markers and stickers in the Bell's very own artist sketch book. She named her creation "The Prize."

We Had Fun!

Such adventures Gumpy and I had with Zesty Zoe. Bottle feeding worked best while the Zoe was on her blanket. She is a most eager eater! Zoe loved walking with Grandma around the room, peeking outside, listening to organ music, burping and emitting a tiny poop. The 2 1/2 hours passed way too quickly. Zout-standing Zoe fell asleep about 15 minutes before Mommy and Daddy returned.

Zoe-ful Zoe

Ah, here we are - beautiful Zoe and her happy Grandma - on the first official babysitting adventure. We are reading a book that tells about how much she loves her mommy and daddy.