One hot day at the Botanic Gardens

This past weekend we headed to the Botanic Gardens with the Smileys.... we picked a hot day, but for the most the most part the kids had a great time. The train exhibit was the favorite for kids and probably a close second was all the water fountains that we stopped at and splashed... not sure that is exactly what the fountains were meant for, but it worked for us on Sunday.

The first stop at the water fountain... and of course, we have to have a snack because no one wanted to eat breakfast that morning.


Anika pointing at the trains. She loved it and so did Shay-- atleast this year they were big enough to notice them!


Part of the train exhibit

Another part of the train exhibit

Anika and Shay trying to climb over the fence to get the trains

Lilly pads.... also the same place that Shay tossed her sippy cup in a couple months back. It was not there Sunday.... they were sad.

The last fountain of the day

Getting thoroughly wet now...

And to end the day-- a picnic. Kylie chowing on some watermelon (and a wonderful close up of Shay's cup)

and the twins eating something...

And the best thing of all--- all three kids fell asleep in the car!

Throwing Oranges

The girls have developed a game with Chris. I am not sure who started it, but they like to take their oranges and throw them off of their trays. It creates quite the laughter and at times quite a mess (when they choose to throw other things off instead of oranges from their trays)- those are the days that Odin loves-- more food for him!

In reviewing the videos of throwing oranges, it reminded me of the first Missouri football game I went to with my teammates. A good friend, Tawney, somehow ended up with oranges at the game. She threw the oranges, along with MANY other people onto the field before the start of the game. The security caught her and she had to leave the game. Tawney didn't think it was funny anymore.... This is the abbreviated story-- I guess it has been that long. In any case, we'll be sure to teach these girls how to properly throw oranges so when they are freshman at college and at the first football game of the season, they can do the same...

We love trains.... and more trains...

The girls love to play with trains and cars..... the twins have now started saying the vroooommmm vrrrooooom sound, so it makes playing cars/trains so much more entertaining. Anika also discovered the hardwood floors are MUCH faster than the carpet.

Shay hoarding all of the trains

Anika manages to steal a tractor and a train from her sister

Vrrrroooooooommmmmmmmmmmm...

Tractors aren't very fast mom.

The supervisor.... He's a good sport-- even lets the girls drive their cars/trains on him.

A summer afternoon with Friends

Thanks to Valerie for inviting the troops over to play. The adults were way outnumbered, but all the kids had a great time!

The Sandbox- Kylie, Alaina and the Hartley boys

Anika surveying the scene

Shay running


Shay and Kylie

Shay and Anika and Jasper (maybe) playing with the water

Kylie swinging

Kylie and AMP

Gymnastics at the Donovans

The pictures say it all.... the twins are trying out some new skills.

Anika spotting Shay on her somersault--- well, maybe.

I think I'll just stay like this Mom.

I did it!! And now I can eat my toes even more!

Anika starting on her gymnastics

Anika after her attempt of a somersault.

Petting Zoo

I forgot I had the camera until we were at the end--- but here are some of the final shots of Kylie petting the ducks and sheep. The twins were there, but like usual, Shay was more concerned with what snacks were available and Anika was fascinated with the animals and watching the other kids.

6 Years.....

If you would have told Chris or I we would have three little girls by the time we reached the six years of marriage, we would have thought you were totally crazy. We won't lie, we've had some rough patches- mainly due to lack of sleep from these peanuts, but overall, neither of us would change a thing.

6 years ago.....

Virgin Islands-- oh how we would LOVE to transport ourselves there now....


And three little girls-- Shay, Anika and Kylie