Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Last call for the aquarium!

Our year-long membership to the SC Aquarium expired today, so we got in 2 more visits in the last week. My kiddos do enjoy the aquarium very much.

The giant tank




 
The view from the back of the Aquarium - The Ravenol Bridge 
 
A bald eagles nest. 
 
Baby turtles they had rescued recently. 
 
In this last visit, we got tickets to see the SpongeBob Squarepants 4D movie. They actually wore the 3D glasses the whole time and LOVED it... especially the REAL bubbles that came at us, and when our seats shook.
 
Lookin' like a fish...
 
 
Even Alayna enjoys the Aquarium... but there's not much she doesn't enjoy. ;)
 
Special treat for Brooklyn - face painting. This artist is really good, too. 


 


Wednesday, May 29, 2013

T-Ball... Go Phillies!

All summer last year, Brooklyn told everyone she met that she was going to play T-ball next year. I don't know where she got that idea, but I guess we had to sign her up for T-ball. She was super excited about it and was just as cute out there. We started out with practices twice a week for about a month. Then our first few games were rained out. So, her first game ended up being the day before her birthday. After that, we had a busy season, and our team was actually pretty good! They don't really keep score, and they don't really count any outs they make... they just have the entire team bat each inning. But, of course, us parents counted all the outs they made. Brooklyn even made a couple herself. Very proud of our little T-baller.

Throughout the season of games:

Brooklyn's first hit:


 
Playing defense... she's ready. Well, she looks ready.
 
Her first "catch" and throw...
 
She's got pretty good form, too... well, for a 5 year old who can barely hold the bat up, at least. ;)
 

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Family Fun at the park

Today, we visited the park in the area we are planning on moving to by the end of the summer. We love this park! It's a perfect park for the South Carolina heat. It's under the big Ravenol Bridge and almost completely shaded. It even has a huge pier. The kiddos played with Matt on the playground while Alayna and I worked on our tans... well, I worked on my tan and Alayna enjoyed sitting under an umbrella.

 
 

 

Friday, May 24, 2013

An earned trip to the zoo

Josh began potty training a while ago, and he earns stickers for going peepee on the toilet. Once he fills up his chart with stickers, he gets to go to the zoo. Well, he did it! He finally filled up his chart, so I had to take them to the zoo. This time, I took all three by myself on a weekday. It was less stressful and more fun than expected. I am even ready to do it again... when Joshy earns it, that is.
 

Checking out the peguins
 
A peacock who liked Brooklyn's peacock sounds 
 
Doing what my kids do best... climb on things.
 
Alayna enjoying the trip, too. 
 
Feeding the birds. 


 
We HAD to ride to train, of course. 
 
 
Watching those silly meerkats, one of our favorite animals there at the zoo.
 
After a loooong day at the zoo, what else is to be expected... 


A neighbor to avoid

Now that the weather is warmer, the gators are coming out and this one seems to be the biggest one in our neighborhood. I guesstimate him to be about 5 feet from nose to tail-tip. We love seeing these grand creatures, and so close to home. But, we do keep our distance. :)

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Last day of preschool

Today was Brooklyn's last day of preschool... forever! She was really excited since she would go to kindergarten next year... "real school" as she calls it. On the last day, the class was supposed to have a picnic and outdoor fun, but it got rained out. But, we still got to play in the gym at the recreation center instead. Kiddos still got all their energy out. :) Then we had an indoor picnic in their classroom. Crowded, but yummy and fun.



 
At the picnic 
 
Brooklyn's teachers for the past two years: Ms. Tammy and Ms. Betty. Such great ladies. 

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Loves to create

This is what Brooklyn creates all the time out of anything she can get her hands on. In this case it was a bowl of rocks we collected from the beach last year.

He REALLY loves his cars.

After a fight with Brooklyn over some car, we found Josh showing his love for all his cars.

Brooklyn's gymnastics expo 2013

Every year, Brooklyn's gym puts together an expo so the kiddos can show off for the parents, and then get a trophy.

 
 
 
 

 
Brooklyn loves getting trophies and now wants to participate in more activities that will get her trophies and/or medals. :)

Friday, May 17, 2013

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Mother's Day 2013

Having the most creative and artistic little girl ever, I received numerous creations from Brooklyn in honor of Mother's Day this year. I displayed them so proudly on our fireplace mantel. I received a loving hug and a "I love you mommy!" from my shy introverted son... it meant a lot, trust me. And a good night's sleep from Alayna. :)  I was also spoiled by the man who made me their mother. I didn't have to lift a finger all day. :)

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Sisters by chance, friends by choice...

Brooklyn and Alayna have such a bond already as sisters. I am so excited to see them grow up together. Brooklyn loves her so much and wants to make her happy all the time. And Alayna is so in love with her big sister. She just lights up when she sees Brooklyn, or even just hears her voice. Having grown up with sisters that are also my best friends, I can only be excited for the relationship they are building right now.
 



Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Let's go fly a kite...

With the weather soooo perfect, we are getting outside more. A favorite of ours is to just picnic in our front yard and then play with bikes, trikes, and kites!
 
Brooklyn's new kite from her birthday.
 

Getting Curious

This is a look that says, "you caught me!" Alayna has become curious of her immediate surroundings and is now grabbing everything within her reach. This was fun to hear on the monitor. :)

Monday, April 29, 2013

Spring has sprung all around

This spring, we had a family of house finches lay a nest on the wreath I forgot to take down after Christmas. We enjoyed watching the eggs hatch, babies grow, eat, and then fly away one by one. I did not enjoy having to clean up the mess they left behind on our door, though.

We also are enjoying the blooming wisterias planted in our backyard.

The nest on the wreath.



 

 
The last one to leave the nest did not go far. I think it needs some more practice. I can seriously see this little guy walking around saying, "are you my mother?" 
 
Our beautiful, late-blooming wisteria.