Whidbey Weekend

Last weekend, my sisters and I headed up to Whidbey...without the kids.  Yep, just us girls (and dad next door).  We enjoyed some time without the chaos of 8 little ones running around.  On Saturday the kids (and husbands) came up and we enjoyed some time outside and even went swimming!  Hey, when it breaks 65 degrees in Seattle, you have to take advantage.  We had some brave little ones who took the first plunge in the sound for the season.  Looking forward to summer...if it ever arrives!

So nice that the kids got excited when we told them to run to the very end of the beach and back...the simple things : )

Too tempting not to go in the water...even in their clothes.

But who needs clothes?  First Andy...

Then Miller...

And Masin decided to get her suit on and...

take a plunge, in the sound.

I was very impressed, she was rightfully proud.

Thank goodness for hot tubs with Bapa

Boat time with daddy

Meanwhile, Katie eating back at the house.  I swear she would be happy eating all day long. 

The Zoo - Round II

Last week we headed back to the zoo on a sunny day.  I was shocked how much more crowded it was on a sunny day...maybe we'll be heading to the zoo for rainy days only.  These days we've had quite a few of the rainy days - ugh.

Being at the zoo with Maggie is an experience all in itself.  She knows more about animals than I think I ever will and adores dinosaurs.  ADORES them.  I tortured my kids and took them through the dino exhibit again just so I could see Maggie's first experience.  Katie started screaming when we started down the pathway and Andy was trying so hard to be brave in front of his cousins.  Maybe the third time's the charm?

We had a fun day and it's amazing how much fun the zoo is through the eyes of a child.

The Zoo

We finally caved in and purchased an annual pass to the zoo.  We braved the rain yesterday and went to check out the animals and the new dinosaur exhibit.  Andy has reached an age where he really enjoys going on outings.  In the car ride home he asked us, "what was your favorite part of the zoo?"  We look forward to many more outings as a family.  Since it was raining, we basically had the zoo to ourselves.  Katie was a trooper and Andy was taking everything in.  Note to self, dinosaur exhibit at the end of a long trip to the zoo...past nap time...without explanation that dinosaurs are NOT real like the rest of the animals = meltdown central.  It was humorous to Kyle and me, but after about 10 pictures we decided it was time to leave.

First stop was the hippos.  Andy didn't want to get out of the stroller as he was a little afraid of the hippos.

Next we were able to see the giraffes eating lunch

And then we were able to feed the elephants!  Andy was excited about the idea, but when it came his turn to feed the elephant, he needed a little pep talk.

Katie wasn't so sure either



And last, but not least, the dinosaurs. 

First glance

Quote, "I want to go home."

I am laughing as I post these pictures, does that make me a bad parent?

Andy asked what Katie's favorite part of the zoo was, and I responded with the dinosaurs.  He looked at my and said, "noooo, Katie didn't like the dinosaurs."



Moms' Day

We went up to Whidbey to spend the Mothers' Day weekend.  We didn't actually celebrate anyone formally - but enjoyed a weekend of deep cleaning.  Kyle and I feel as though we have been going non-stop over the past 4 years.  From one baby to the next, we have been in a state of transition constantly.  It was nice to be able to clean, organize, and get the house ready for the summer.  I have to say though, I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else on Mothers' Day.  It's my favorite place in the world, and I was able to be there with the two miracles that allow me to celebrate the day AND be there with my own incredible mom AND extend the holiday and celebrate with Kyle's mom over a wonderful dinner.  No complaints here!

It was not warm, in fact, it was COLD.  My dad and Kyle brought our raft around in the sound...and had to thaw out in the hot tub.  Andy, of course, had to join in on the fun.

We had a fire crackling in the fireplace and Bapa read books to the kids.

My beautiful mama!  Sporting the lovely protective glasses.

Andy helping out