It’s hard with our Zoë living a more than two hours drive away from the Big Top. Even though she has been gone for more than 18 months now, it still feels weird not see her face or hear her voice here under the Big Top every single day. I know she is happy even if she has to work so very hard. I don’t care. I’m a selfish mom that way. I want to see my kids and my grandbabies every single day.

How dare they grow up and run away from the circus to make lives all on their own?!

But we can still remain connected. We can call or text. I can stalk see what they’re up to on Facebook or other social media platforms and we have FaceTime. Zoë actually FaceTimed during Daniel’s birthday celebration last week and even sang Happy Birthday along with us all. Then she took the time to visit with Fallon…who seemed to be quite impressed.

How lucky we are to have these means to stay connected!

Still nothing beats the face time face to face in real life. Fallon definitely agrees with that! Auntie Zoë’s laughter, smiles and those amazing curls are so much better in real life, face to face right next to one another.

In other news, nominations are now open for 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards for best grandparent blog, best grandparenting book and most admired grandparent over at About.com. You know, in case you have any favorites in those categories.