At The Zoo

Today we went to the Zoo! We had not done a Spring Break Outing yet (aside from our trip to AR) and I decided we better get one in while we had the chance. We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was a little crowded in the parking lot, but once we were inside it was fine.

C and his friend both had maps and they guided us to the animals they wanted to see. First, we saw the penguins, then we turned around and headed toward the opposite side to see the tigers.

Of course, we looked at all the animals in between as well. Then, we had our picnic lunch. Then on to the elephants, giraffes and lastly, the children's area. I was in serious trouble because I had forgotten the swimsuits! (They have a splash "river" area where they can wade and get very wet! I have taken their swimsuits before.) They settled for playing on the playground and then feeding the birds.

We went into the reptile building where they have the reptiles on one side and small birds on the other. E was enthralled with one particular bird. I had a hard time getting her to leave this exhibit.

K did really well the entire time. She stayed in the stroller the whole time except for lunch and even took a nap. We had such a great time enjoying the zoo and just being outside!

Have a blessed day!

Playing in the Sprinkler

C and E were playing in the backyard this evening and C heard the ice cream truck. We decided they could have some, so we went outside to watch for it (it never did come by our house.). However, C and E found something to keep them entertained anyway -- our neighbor's sprinkler! They came in and got their scooters and rode back and forth through the water. Then, the scooters were abandoned as they just ran up and down the sidewalk through the sprinkler over and over again. E was a little more hesitant about it, but eventually got pretty wet, as well. C was soaked! They had a blast though and, of course, I snapped a few pics of it! Isn't this nice weather?

The pic below is when C decided he would try to drink the water in mid-air and E followed suit!

Playing together

Yesterday I snapped a pic of C and K playing chase! They were! C was on his knees crawling and K was going after him just as fast ashe could. I finally told him to let her catch him so that she wouldn't get too frustrated and she tackled him! It was so cute to watch. I love watching C and E interact with K! And her with them, too.

Then, later that afternoon, K figured out that the kitchen cabinets open. She opened and shut them a while and then began to pull out a few things. She was so proud of herself. I had to put a halt to it and tell her no, but I let her explore a little first!

Last night at church we had quite a scare with C and a friend who came to church with us. After church we were all standing around talking and I was keeping an eye on the kids. All of a sudden I realized that C and his friend were no longer playing nearby. We had everyone there looking for them. Outside, upstairs, classrooms, bathrooms, everywhere. Noone was finding them. My heart was racing so fast. Finally, they found them in the bathroom, where they were just using the restroom. When asked if they heard Grandma J calling to them (she had checked the bathroom), they said, "Yes, they answered her once." I'm not sure if they were hiding, not wanting to answer, or what, but they sure gave us a scare! We had a talking to about ALWAYS telling someone where they are going! I'm just glad they were both OK.

We have been putting up toys that K has outgrown and pulling down ones she is ready for. The pic below is one of the "new" toys she has. She has been walking around it and just looking at the lights all morning. K is also starting to stand for a few seconds at a time by herself. She will let go and just stand there and then slowly lower herself to the floor! She is growing so fast!

I had to put up the gate that blocks K from going up the stairs a bit ago. She wanted to follow C and E up and was so mad when she found the gate blocking her way!

I have been doing laundry all day. Trying to catch up from our trip and some that was waiting for me. I pulled out a load a bit ago and four or five pieces of clothing has bright orange 'something' on them. I have no idea what it is. It could be crayon, but it looks like bright orange paint. There are no remnants of anything in the dryer. I guess I'll be trying some Zout to get it out! Hopefully that works.

Have a blessed day.

Home at last

We finally made it home. It took us about 8 1/2 hours. We are exhausted! The kids all did fairly well on the trip. K cried for about the last hour off and on. We were all ready to get out of the car. C kept telling me it was time for his legs to take a stretch!

We had a great trip, but are glad to be back! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Yesterday was really fun! My mom took off work and spent the whole day with the kiddos and When asked what he wanted to do, C said that he would like to play with grandma, eat at a restaurant, and go see grandpa at work. So, that's what we did. They played in the playroom most of the morning, then we went and picked up lunch at McD's and took it to grandpa's work. We ate and then C and E got a tour.

That afternoon, when my dad got off work and the cousins got home from school, we took everyone to the park. It was a gorgeous day, in the upper 70's, and they had a blast running around outside. Even Kara got to swing with Grandma.

When we got home from the park, everyone had to have a last four-wheeler ride. And the packing began.

Now, I am preparing to leave. I have everything packed and sitting by the door. We are sad to go, but excited to get home and see everyone there. And ready to sleep in our own beds! Well, at least I am! It was great to see everyone here and get to spend time with family and friends.

Have a blessed day!

Our Sunday

This Sunday morning reinforced something that I have known in the past -- My kids do not sit well through a church service! They are just not used to it. They are used to having a class to go to, not the main service. We have experienced this at my mom and dad's church before. They all want to sit on Grandma's lap (my two kids and my niece), they want to lay on the pew, they don't want to sit down, they talk loudly, and on and on.

I have a few cute stories from this morning! There was a guest preacher there this morning. At one point early in the sermon, he made a comment and said, "Everybody say 'Amen'" And Connor pipes up loudly, "AMEN!" Not once, but twice. Also, the preacher asked several time during his sermon, "Is Jesus in your house?" And Connor answered him at least three or four time, "Yes!" Again, none too quietly. Every so often, Emma, who was looking through a song book, would just raise up her hand like she had a question. Maybe she was just praising God! It was very cute.

I am posting a pic of all six of my parents grandkids. We got them all on the couch after church and made them sit still a few minutes for a picture. They sure are all cute!

The baby shower went well yesterday. We had 43 adults there! It was an awesome turnout. We played an ice babies game, an animal babies game, and the baby price is right item game. We had lots of cake, fruit, cheese dip and chips, and weenies in BBQ sauce. K received so many gifts! She was well blessed.

This is a picture of my dad feeding K some pancakes. There is no telling what she has had to eat these past two days. I think he even slipped her a little syrup with the pancakes. Grandpa love to feed his girl.

We are enjoying our time in Arkansas. The kids are currently out on the four wheeler with my dad. They love going to look at the cows with him. Even K has been out on the four wheeler-- and really enjoyed it!

Have a blessed day!

We're in Arkansas!

Hey everyone! It's catch up time. I have been so busy the last couple of days that I just haven't made the time to add anything to this blog. So, lets see what I can remember.

I have to share these two pics with you. On Thursday, I was busy packing for our upcoming trip and looked over to see Emma in Kara's jumperoo. Had her legs completely in! I made her get out, but not before I snapped a quick picture. Then later, I guess Connor thought since Emma had a turn he could too. At least he didn't stick his legs through the seat! Connor was so heavy on it, that it almost dragged the floor. I asked them if they wanted to be the baby again!?! They didn't like that too much.

Friday morning, we left for our trip to Arkansas. These are some traveling pics of the kids in the van. We are visiting G & G T and I also came in for a friends baby shower that I am giving. Connor and Emma are having a blast and have already been to see the cows on the four wheeler (one of their favorite activities here.) They are also having so much fun playing with their cousins. I've been taking lots of pics that I'll have to upload.

Also, I got to meet my new baby niece, Jaylie, last night. She is so tiny! Not one of my kids were ever that small! She weigh a little over six pounds now. (Seriously, I have an 8 lb, 15 ounce -- 8 lb -- and 10 lb 3 ounce-- I had big babies!) Connor and Emma enjoyed holding her too. Connor was hesitant at first and told me, he would let me know when he would hold her later and would let me know when he was ready. Later, he came and said, "I'm ready." , and sat there and held her for quite awhile. I, of course, snapped lots of pics. Emma held her right away and relished every minute.

Well, I'm sure I'll have lots of fun stories from this week and will try to share a few of them and the pics with you! Have a great spring break!