Trip to the Zoo

School and work had the day off for President's Day so we spent the morning at the zoo with the Schnackenbergs.

It was such a great weather day that most of the animals were out and sunning.

Avery and Ross LOVE the fish that are in front of this monkey area.

There are some huge ones.

Also one of Avery's favorite is the tiger. It paced back and forth for a long time.

The boys liked the fact that the elephant had a star "tattoo" on its butt.

So sweet piled up together taking a nap.

Ross wanted a picture on this rock b/c it has his name on it. "John Ross"

There were a couple of bears out and a few were still hibernating.

Marching while Josh played the imaginary trumpet.

...and we hit a wall. This is the usual place - at the gorillas.

Photography by Ross

Photography by Ross - shadows.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day was fun this year. Avery didn't quite know what was going on but she knew there was candy involved.

They each got some of their favorite things and also a new book each.

I ordered them each a Valentine shirt this year too - no I didn't make them. Baby mommy. :)

A bit of excitement going on.

Ross and his friends at school that day. They were a little excited.

After school Ross and I played Valentine Bingo. He won fair and square three times in a row.

The 'chips' we played with were Smarties and a little candy thief kept trying to sneak in and get one or three.

Avery turns 2!

Our little girl turned 2 on Sunday. Time has flown. We had her a family birthday party on Saturday. Her Mam got her 3 balloons. She was beyond excited!

Oh thanks brother for such a great picture. He wore his 5 shirt since she had on her 2 shirt.

The Schnackenberg's came to the party too. Avery loves them!

Time for presents. SHOES from Poppy and Granny! (Tiara from Lexie and opened early. ha)

Sofia the First doll and book from Emma and the Schnackenberg's.

A baby doll from us.

Using her wand on the kitty.

Once she finished with the kitty it was time to feed the baby.

Miss Priss was none too happy waiting on her cupcake.

...but once she saw it with the candles - all smiles.

She did a great job blowing out the candles.

She did an even better job eating only the cookie and the cupcake icing. :)

I made the cupcakes myself, from scratch, which is a rarity around our house. I was really happy with them and Avery knew exactly who it was "NINNIE!".

The party wouldn't be complete without a 2 yr old tantrum.

Fast forward to her actual birthday on Sunday and we had cinnamon rolls.

My little rebel princess.

This is a card she got from Uncle Steve and Aunt Wendy. Minnie actually hula hoops on it and she loves to watch it.

After church and nap it was time to play with her new stroller and she loaded it up all by herself. I really thought she'd quit doing that when she switched from the shopping cart to the stroller but not so much. She gives all her babies love.

Time for a stroll.

All over the house. Such a good little mommy to her babies.

Such a great birthday. Our whirlwind of parties is over until next year. I'm sure it'll be here when I blink. It is flying by so quickly and I try to savor every little bit - even her tantrums.

Monster Jam!

Part of Ross' birthday was going to Monster Jam. He's literally been wanting to go for over a year.

Buddy Josh and Mr. Brad were up for the fun too!

This was the best truck of the night. The driver was awesome. He almost flipped here but somehow managed to come out of it.

Kind of, decent air.

Uncle Steve was there.

Kevin, Poppy, and Dad was there too.

I don't know if Mr. Brad would own up to it but it seemed like he thought it was pretty cool too.

Another pretty good one.

Ross absolutely loved the motorcycles. I think he talks about them more than the trucks now.

You can't go to an event with us without having cotton candy.

Words can't describe just how sticky Josh was by the time it was over.

At the very end someone finally decided to jump the van. Woo hoo!

It was good fun and a good memory. I will say there was SO much talking in between the trucks taking their turn. I don't remember so much down time when we went as small kids. The boys didn't mind it though. That was their time to attack Uncle Steve.