Only Mike Z would make me do this!!!

Have you ever had a friend who has came into your life for only a short time but left lasting impressions on you and your life? Well I have!! In 7th grade (1980) I met Mike Zelnio in my homeroom at WJHS we had fun and became instant friends. My mother would take the long way to school to drop me off and pick him up as he was walking to school. Most of you know that I only lived ONE BLOCK from Washington but my mother took me to school daily, I think she enjoyed picking up Mike more than anyone. Mike's parents moved to Burke VA. after our 8th grade year. I remember his going away party at Todd Simmer's House like it was yesterday. Mike and I kept in touch for more than 20+ years after he left. Every time he came back to the QCA we would meet up to say hello,To meet his girls and he even attended RIHS Class of 1986's 15 year class reunion. So it is only fitting that my second adventure be one that he sent me. I say only ONE because he sent me a list of far out things and pratical things to do. So I selected one that I could have fun with Kylie doing. We gathered our supplies and headed to Sunset Park on a beautiful fall day. I knew this stunt would or could get messy but not in my wildest dreams did I think it would cover everything.....we laughed as it happened. My childhood and still adulthood friend suggested I take a tube of mentos and a 2 liter bottle of coke (he is from Atlanta) and drop the mentos into the coke. POOF it exploded into the air. You can see my hand at the top right of this photo as I was attempting to back away after it began to flow. HOW FUN!! I highly recommend to anyone who does this to do it outside but make sure you do it with your child. It was hilarious. Only Mike would suggest something that I would get sticky doing it and have a great laugh with my daughter. As you can see by the picture we had Coke all over the place. Don't go to sunset and sit at this bench.

Mike and I in 1981 before he moved to Virgina. We were always goofing off in the pool. I miss him and the pool.

Kylie and I stopped by her friend's Caitlyn's house before heading down to sunset park thinking she would have fun on our adventure too. The kids are on fall break until 10/21. Caitlyn and Kylie wanted to explore sunset. Caitlyn had never been down there, never been on the overlook and had never ate at Maid Rite. I figured we would do things she had never done and I would come along on her adventure too. The three of us had a wonderful afternoon hanging out together. I am only hoping that Kylie will form lasting friendships like I have over the years and that somewhere down the line friends she makes in school, college and throughout will play important roles in her life. I guess Mike is proof that we all should cherish those people who turn in up in your life for any reason. I am glad Mike is still in my life. He knows he can call me or email me anytime and I am there for him......but he is also there for me. He has taught me to have fun today...enjoy making those memories for myself but for also doing it with Kylie. They grow up so fast and I simply don't want to think about the time when she doesn't want to go to the park with her MOM and play. THANKS MIKE Z!! For still being there!!

My day consisted of the following PLAY DATE things with Kylie!!
Waking up late (Wymer's never get out of bed after 8am...today we did)
Going Shopping for supplies!!

Picking up her bestie friend!!

Going to Sunset to play, go up in the overlook, take a walk, play on the playground.

Went to Lunch at Maid Rite where we ate at the bar and her friend experienced a maid rite for the first time

Went to Black Hawk State Park (you know the one the govenor is trying to close) we went down by a creek and fed the ducks and took fall pictures.

Went to her School conference.

GREAT DAY TO BE ME!!

My adventure will continue for the next 4 days in Chicago. I get to go play with my 4 month old nephew Bryce....now we are talking...can't wait to get my toothless kisses and my snuggle to sleep. My brother and his wife are off to Washington D.C. for the weekend. It is in Chicago that I will be holding the dreaded snake....gosh I am having anxiety because of it already. YIKES......to be continued.