Officially Spring...we went to the zoo!

One thing that I absolutely love about Milwaukee is the Zoo.  We have an amazing zoo.  It's about 35 minutes from our house, but so worth the season pass that we have.  It makes trips like this one so fun!  We went after church on Sunday for just a couple hours.  It's a great trip!

One strange thing about the boys getting older is no more stollers and no diaper bag.  Although knowing where all the bathrooms are located in the zoo becomes a new priority.

The lions were so close to us this time!

The Aviary is really cool here.  The birds actually fly free in parts of it.  So, the picture wasn't really on zoom...I was just this close.  Another great part of the season pass...if the boys just want to see the penguins and the birds, we don't feel like we missed out on anything and can spend a lot more time in each space.

This will be a fun place to continue to take their picture.  When I have more time, I'll find pictures from last year at this same monument.  it's of a baby gorilla, but will show how big they have gotten in the last year. 

Seriously...this is just about the cutest video in the world.  Micah is adorable!!

Spring Fever!!!

Believe it or not, but I think spring might actually come to Wisconsin this year.  We've had a great stretch of THREE days...that's right THREE in a row where we didn't really have to wear our coats.  Alas, I hear rain is in the forecast, but I'm good...

We took these on Sunday.  Lots of play time outside.  The boys caught the spring bug pretty bad!  And, like their dad, they only want to wear shorts now.

I sure miss being home, but it makes the time I get to spend with them that much more important and special...I can't believe how fast they grow up.  I didn't think it went this fast when I was trying so hard to be an adult...

A Day with a Girl

We had the joy of watching our friends three year old daughter, Madeline, for a day.  We had SO much fun.  It started early on Sunday morning.  Chris picked her up and brought her back home.  We all sat down for some breakfast at which point she informed everyone at the table she was Hannah Montana.  This is a huge contrast to the Superman, Batman, Spiderman conversations that usually happen at our house.  but, the best part was "Hannah" then looked over at Noah and Micah and informed them they would be The Jonas Brothers...

After breakfast the kids headed upstairs for some good old fashioned reading.  

We took the kids to Costco for a quick run.  Can you ever do anything "quickly" on Sunday at Costco...with three kids?  It was fun and the kids enjoyed it!

Chris having a great time sharing some popcorn with Madeline.

And what shoe collection would be complete if there were not a pair of light up pink princess cowboy boots.  I was jealous all day!!

How cute is this??

We had a great time with Madeline yesterday.  She is such a joy and the boys loved it.  I didn't get a picture of this, but while the boys were building a fort to thwart the advances of Darth Vadar, Madeline was building a bed for the books and the Rescue Heroes...oh the many differences between boys and girls.  

Different Life...

Life is so different lately.  Since I went back to work a month ago it has been a whirlwind.  I thank God to have such "go with the flow" kind of kids.  They just play and go where we need to go.  Today was a fun day.  I decided not to be on the go today.  We had a grocery run, but other than that, we've just been home.  It was a nice 48 degrees today, so it made for some fun (even though short) play outside.

The boys were excited to not have to wear big winter coats outside.  We got away with just wearing fleece jackets!

When did this one grow up so fast?

Wait, I meant this one!

The day usually starts with them asking to watch a movie in the morning.  So, they found what they thought were the best seats in the house.  I couldn't resist snapping a couple shots while they watched "Snow Buddies."

I am thankful for this crazy life. I am thankful for the guys in my life that make every day interesting.  

Happy New Year!!

I start this blog with very exciting news! My friend Elizabeth gave birth to a baby boy on Monday morning. He is a beautiful gift from God. His name is Elijah Hope Matthew. I am filled with love just by looking at his sweet picture!! Congrats my dear friend! Oh, and I stole this picture off her blog, but I know she won't mind.

Yesterday was my last day of work at Starbucks. I will miss working there, but am very excited to start my new job with the YMCA on Monday morning. This will be a transition for our family, but I know the boys will love getting to be home with Chris and it's not all the time that boys get to stay home and be with Dad while Mama works.

It was early in the day and Micah was hitting the Sierra Mist pretty had. We knew then we were going to have a crazy night ahead of us!

Five families took our eight kids, all under 5, bowling for a couple hours. It was so fun. It was the first time either of our boys had been bowling, but Noah hasn't stopped talking about it. These are just a few pictures from the excitement!
Noah and Evan.

We knew Micah was having a good time when he copped squat in the middle of the lane at the bowling alley.

Micah loving on Daddy.

Daddy helping Micah get the six pound ball down the lane. Micah bowled really well that night. He even got a couple spares.

Noah showing his hook. He also had a great game. But, I think the bumpers down the gutters would really help anyone, am I right?

Here Evan is explaining basic physics to Micah on how to get the ball appropriately down the lane to get a strike...which Evan was successful at doing.

After bowling, we headed to our friends house for dinner, drinks and merriment. We had such a great night as evidenced by the party hats and horns to ring in the new year. Again, you see how Micah is hitting it hard...he is wearing a bowl on his head.

Oops, out of order, but I don't know to fix that. This is just me with the boys at the alley. It was obviously a lot of fun for me.

My dear friend Jan got a new camera for Christmas. Besides the fact that she is a great photographer, the camera also takes nice pictures. So, thanks to Jan for documenting the evening because otherwise there would be no evidence of the night, I forgot my camera!!

Happy New Year Everyone! Looking forward to a great one and a very big birthday for me!!

Hint hint, Chris...that means you should have a party for me.