Children's Museum

Our zoo pass expired so I decided to get the kids a Children's Museum pass for this year. We went for the first time a couple of weeks ago and they loved it! Chloe loved this little kitchen and all the fake food. I cringed several times watching the snotty nose kids taking 'bites' of the food especially after catching Chloe doing the same.

This was one of Joel's favorite areas. The building zone. Love his little tongue sticking out. Guess it helps his aim. Maybe he should try that in other areas...

Driving the bulldozer.

Chloe and Aubrey Profitt playing in the water section. Chloe didn't last long cuz she said the water was too cold.

We had to tear Joel away from here. Can't wait to go again!

Church Hayride

The kids could've done this for hours.
They were really more enthused than they looked here.

My pouty princess

Pee Break

My boys think it is the greatest thing to pee outside. Took a bit to teach this one that you didn't just do it anywhere at anytime. Let's just say we've had a few embarrasing moments.

Dragons and Princesses

Storytime. Chloe requested a princess story ... as usual. The boys were okay with that as long as there was a dragon (pictured above). :o)
Joel was quite into the story.

Of course the prince saved the princess and they danced off into the sunset....

after a kiss.

Chloe taking a bow while her brothers hollered their "bravos."

Camping and 'Mellows

Joey had promised the boys that they could have a campout night for their birthdays, and Labor Day weekend was our first chance. (This is looking down on our backyard from our deck.)

The kids went "exploring" with their flashlights.

Perfectly roasted marshmellow number....

The evening was enjoyed by all. :o)

Joel's 4th Birthday

Pizza and pretzels with the cousins.
Enjoying the new toys. Sophie's expression totally cracks me up!

Aunt Kristy opening the gifts that are practically "open proof"

My second cake. It was harder than Ethan's, but I enjoyed doing it.

This little guy's smile was my reward.

First Day of School

Ethan counted down the days for weeks til the first day of school. I think it helped me a lot that he was so excited, but I still shed a few tears after I dropped him off the first day. He seems to be doing really well, and actually got student of the week his second week of school for friendliness. :o)

I think this was half smile, half yawn. If you look close you can see that his cheek is still rosy from sleeping. He's the only morning person in the family so this hasn't gone too bad for him as long as he is in bed by 8:30. One night we had company and it was about 10 when he got to bed. The next morning I patted him and said, "Ethan, it's time to get up and get ready for school..." He rolled over and groaned and said, "Why do you keep saying that?!?" :o)