Wildlife Park

August 8, 2010 - It was a cloudy day so we decided to go to the Wild Life Park. Noah loved the big rabbit.

MaKayla liked petting the goat until they surrounded her and jumped up to get a snack

Noah wanted to pet the little baby goats

MaKayla loved the baby rabbits and wanted to take one home. She said, "maybe for my birthday". Let me think about it, NO WAY! We just got rid of the fish!

Daddy is feeding the black bear

A new bird exhibit was added this year. You could buy bird sticks and feed them.

MaKayla liked feeding the birds.

Noah did it for a little while but grew bored.

While Noah and I were waiting for Daddy and MaKayla to finish feeding the birds we went outside. Noah occupied himself in this underground tunnel.

Noah is feeding the deer a snack

This was one lazy deer. He just waited until someone came to him with the food. MaKayla was happy to oblige.

MaKayla and Daddy are giving the bear some bear juice. He sure was a messy drinker!

We finished feeding the goats the rest of our critter biscuits

MaKayla talked Daddy into buying her a monkey

Noah picked out a snake

We promised Noah he could ride the train on the way out. Of course he couldn't wait and took the front seat.

MaKayla chose the caboose. I am not sure if she really liked the last car or just wanted to get away from her brother =)

After our trip to the Wild Life Park, the kids wanted to go swimming. With both kids swimming it really takes both Andy and I in the water now. With the sun behind the clouds and only about 74 degrees it was a bit chilly!! Not my idea of ideal swimming weather but the kids didn't care so we took the plunge!

Not sure why it turned my picture this way but you get the idea. Now that Noah is in a toddler bed he won't sleep in a pack-n-play either. We had to take turns sleeping with each kid. Sleep time was a challenge!!! We were all in the basement were there are two beds. However, the kids would not go to sleep unless someone was down there supervising. So I had to lay with Noah until he went to sleep and then sneak back up stairs. Otherwise, he kept getting out of bed and climbing up the stairs. Oh yeah, MaKayla kept scaring her brother by putting a blanket over her head and going over to Noah's bed and making scary noises. One night it took us over 1 1/2 hours to get them to sleep. My the end Andy and I were exhausted!

August 9, 2010 - We spent the morning at the lake before packing up to leave. Noah and I took the kayak out while Daddy and MaKayla swam.

Noah played with his snake outside while I packed and cleaned the cabin.

MaKayla has a monkey on her back. We all had a great time and didn't want to leave!

Noah fell asleep as we pulled out of the driveway! He was one tuckered out little boy!
Fresh air, beautiful woods, warm water and fun will do that do you!

On the way home, we picked up my new table and chairs that I bought while were were up over the 4th of July! Yeah, I can't wait to get them home!

Up North Fun!

August 7, 2010 - After Michael's baseball ceremony, we left to go Up North to my parent's cabin. This is one of our favorite places to go! Noah was having fun playing peek-a-boo behind the trees.

We all pitched in to clean up the porch and driveway so we wouldn't track in dirt. Noah was such a big helper!

Andy trimmed the tree limbs that were touch the roof and cleaned off the pine needles. It is our philosophy that when you are vacationing at someone else's home that you contribute by completing a project.

After we finished cleaning up and unpacking the kids were anxious to get to the lake! Noah was such a brave boy and would jump off the dock to Daddy!

MaKayla learned to swim with her life jacket on during this trip. She is like a fish swimming in deep water now! What a big girl!!

Noah also improved his skills in the water during this trip!

Here is MaKayla showing us how she can do the back stroke!

We are so proud of her!

Noah learned how to float as well. He would run out to us until his feel couldn't touch anymore and then we would grab him. He has not figured out how to keep himself upright yet. He instantly goes face down so we have to hold onto him but he is doing so well!!!

Daddy is teaching him how to kick his feet.

MaKayla and Daddy have fun!

Noah's turn!

Daddy and his little fishes!

Michael's Last Game

gust 7, 2010 - Today was the closing ceremony for the Miracle League. Each team played one inning and then closed the season with each player receiving a trophy. Here is a picture of Andy with his buddy Michael, MaKayla and Noah.

Andy and Michael

On the field ready to catch the ball

Having fun in the sun

Batter up!

Michael and his mom Lisa with his trophy. You did a great job this season Michael!

Fish Days

August 6, 2010 - Greenville had another event this week called Fish Days. We missed it last year because we didn't know about it until it was over. The event was much bigger than we anticipated. They have cat fish races, fish fry, tons of events for the kids, like music, etc. The highlight of the event was the helicopter that flew over head dropping ping pongs balls. The balls are numbers and all the kids that catch them win a prize. There were a few grand prize winners if you were lucky enough to catch a ball with the matching numbers. I am telling you it is crazy when the helicopter is dropping the balls. Everyone chases the helicopter and makes a made dash when the balls drop. This is done over a 15 minute period of time and there are a ton of balls dropped. We were able to get four. Noah was waiting his turn on the train ride and was crying during this whole time but would not leave his spot on the train. He squeezed his little eyes as tight as he could and held on to me. I had to cover his ears and hold him tight against me until the helicopter left. MaKayla and Daddy made the dash in the crowd to get the balls. I was able to get one when some landed by me.

Here is Noah and MaKayla waiting for the train ride to start. Of course this was Noah's favorite part!

It was a cute train made out of barrels

Greenville Safety Day

August 3, 2010 - Our Greenville town offered a safety day for families. At the community park the kids could climb inside of fire trucks and ambulances, check out the bomb squad, meet public service individuals: police officers, police K9's, fire fighters, paramedics and much more. There was also a special petting zoo there provided by Special Memories Zoo. One of the special guests that the kids were able to pet was a 7 week old monkey. He was adorable!

It took Noah a little time to warming up to the monkey

The kids had a blast petting all the animals!

Noah thought it was run to chase the ducklings

MaKayla liked this funny looking chicken

Of course, both of the kids loved the baby ponies

We had to make another stop to pet the monkey

He even sucks his big toe. MaKayla thought that was funny!

Noah's favorite part was getting to go inside the firetruck. He went in three times and I couldn't get him out to leave!

Restaining the stone

August 1, 2010 - Andy's latest project was restaining the stone on our chimney because it had faded over the years. It was a tedious process but of course he completed it in record time! I am amazed at the difference it made! Here he is hard at work.
Before

After

Before
After
Before

After

Before
After

We Can Fix It!!!

August 2, 2010 - MaKayla stuffed her pull-up with Noah's play tools. She said, "I am just like Daddy". I guess her pull-up was her tool belt. It was just too cute!
Miss Fix It is ready to tackle the task at hand!
After seeing Sister, Noah wanted to join in!
Mr. Fix It is ready to save the day!