Toledo Zoo (Part 2)

Thanks to Aunt MiMi (Amy) we got some great pictures of the seals. They were very active and were swimming right up to the window. It was fun to watch the kids and see the surprised faces.

Brenden loves the water. He was looking for the seals. This was his favorite animal in the zoo. I think it was because he could see the animal really well.
The seal came by the window and Brenden hang on for dear life. His eyes grew real big and he granted as it went by. Once it was out of our site he started to look for it again. He was fun to watch him and Riley with the seals.
And you can't go to the Toledo Zoo without getting your picture taken on the elephant. This elephant is old. My mom as a picture of me and my siblings on the same elephant when my sister, Amy was Brenden's age. We waited in line so we could take this picture of Riley and Brenden. Not that either child wanted to have their picture taken.

Toledo Zoo

Our day began with Riley not wanting to have her picture taken once again. Here we are visiting the dogs on our way to Africa. Riley loved the dogs but Brenden was nervous when he was left alone. It was fun to watch Riley tell Brenden that it would be ok. She showed Brenden how to pet the dog nicely. As you can see Brenden is petting the dog nicely.

Riley held Brenden has the train began to move. She did not want him to fall. Brenden did not like the fact that Riley was holding him so he was pushing her away. We all had a great time on the African Train ride.
This was Riley's favorite animal. All she talked about was a giraffe with a long neck. So we had lots of pictures of the giraffes as we passed by them. One of the three was young giraffe. She loved it.
Next stop was the petting zoo. Riley was not scared to go into the petting zoo and help brush the goats. She was a little nervous when one of the young goats head butted another goat but then she laughed.
After visiting the petting zoo Brenden was tired and hot. He would not leave his hat on so this is the only picture we have of him with his hat on his head.

MEMORIAL DAY

SSG Cummins, SSG Williams, SGT Ringman

Happy Memorial Day to all. We are praying and thinking of all our family, friends and loved ones that have served our country and help fight to keep us "free". A day like today is for family, friends and memories. Talk and share many stories with those around you. Have a great day and remember to take the time to remember all those who are fulfilling our dream of freedom today.

Just Cute

This is how my kids play when they are thinking of their daddy. Riley wants to wear daddy's "hat" and then she smiles big. She was dancing and move so I was not able to get a good clear picture. Then after she has her turn Brenden gets to have a turn too.

Many people say that Brenden is looking more and more like his daddy and in this pictures I would agree. Looks like he is ready to start boot camp.

Here we are again. Playing and jumping on mommy's bed. Brenden is learning to jump to in his own way. Riley just loves to jump and be active.

The tackle after jumping for so long. Brenden moves around on the bed now so when he just too close to Riley's feet she falls and usually lands on him. Brenden is not sure if he should laugh or cry. But with Riley and Mommy laughing he starts to laugh.

A good action picture. Brenden was watching and trying to jump just like sissy. Look at that hair. Yes we try to wear ponies but by naptime they are out and missing.

PS 9 months

Yesterday we went to Brenden's Well-Baby appointment. He is a BIG boy. He weighs 19 lbs 2 oz and is 27.5 in. He is growing well and developmently right were he should be for his age. We are still waiting for his teeth to come in but he still has a few months before I get too worried about his teeth coming. Our next visit will be the big 12 month visit which will include a few shots. Until then we will keep you up to date with pictures and stories.

Yard Work Begins!

We had a wonderful day to do some yard work that I have been wanting to complete. I was not able to complete everything that I wanted to so it will continue on until it's finished. I have added new bricks around our front tree with red mulch. I added the same bricks around our mailbox with some small river rocks. I needed something to help stablize the mailbox after it was replaced by yours truely. It was taken out by a car a few months back. It's solid now. I continued with the landscaping around the bushes next to our front porch. I replaced the landscaping timbers one the one side and will complete the other side after I have my dad cut the 8 foot timbers to the length that I need. I then covered the "flower" bed with black yard fabric that kills the weeds to help keep the grass from growing under the mulch. The mulch is also suppose to have weed killer in it so I hope that it works and keeps the green our of my red mulch. As you can see in the pictures it's going to look nice when its all complete. Here is what I was able to accomplish today.No I don't have green thumb so I will not be adding flowers to the "flower" bed this year. Maybe next year when I am not home allow I will attempt to grow flowers. What you see in the pictures are plants that were already there when we purchased the house. I do plan to add a hanging basket of flowers for Riley to help take care of this year. She is wanting to grow her own so I told her that we would go out and get her some flowers and hang them from the porch. We will see how well the do. More pictures to come of this project.

Mommy's Happy Day!

Riley, Brenden, and Reese took me and Jess (Reese's mommy) out to eat. We then shared what Riley likes to call my "Happy Day" brownie. She told Jess that we were going out to eat because today was her mommy's "Happy Day". She never misses a thing. My two children are were wonderful today. We had a wonderful dinner and a great evening. Hope you all enjoyed your "Happy Day". Happy Mother's Day again.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Happy Mother's Day to all my mommy readers. I am very greatful to all the wonderful women in my life who have taught me how to be the mommy I am today. Thank you to my mom for helping make many taugh choices in life. For always being there for me when things were rough and supporting me in my decisions. Thank to my mother-in-law for helping my husband grow into the wonderful man, husband, daddy that he is today. Without her guidance and support I would not have the family I have today. Thank to both of you for your support and helping us become the parents that we are today. Happy Mother's Day!

9 Months Old!

I am 9 months old today. I am growing up fast. I do not have any teeth just yet but I am trying to find them. My mom has me wear a bib just so my shirts don't get all wet. In the past month I have learned many new things. Here are some of the things that I can do all by myself.

*Walk around the furniture
*Crawl in my own way. (Not on my hands and knees)
* Feed myself all finger foods.
* Try to feed myself my baby food but mom does not like the mess I make.
*I love to pick on my sister.
* I fight for what I want. Yell and scream.
*Play with my friend Reese.
*Talk about my daddy all the time. I miss him lots.
*Play with my sister. I like to beat up her baby dolls.
*Play in the sandbox with sissy.
*Push myself backwards on my ride on toys.

I am sure I can do more but these are the fun things that I can remember right now. I am growing up fast. My mom has been able to see many new changes in me. I like to do things my way and I like to be independent. I enjoy being around my sister she makes me laugh and loves to baby me. She is a wonderful big sister. I hope you enjoy and I will share how BIG I am after I see the doctor on Monday. I have learned that I will not need any shots this time so I will be happy when I leave there this time. Just lots of talk and smiles.

The Joys of Motherhood!

Being a mother and mommy has meant so much to me. I have learned more from my two young children then I ever thought was possible. I have learned that your heart grows has your family grows. There will always be love in your heart for the next child. As a mother you learn to give up your favorite things in order for your children to have what they need or want. Yes, this is a big lesson. It's hard to go shopping for anyone other then my children. Not they either one needs anything. Children look to you for comfort, support, and discipline. Yes without rules to follow children are lost before they get started. I have learned that the older your child/children get the more they want you to know what is going on with them at school. Riley shares school news with me every afternoon as I pick her up. She talks about what she did that day, who she played with and what craft/art activity she created. She enjoys school and loves to share her news with her mommy.


Brenden has learned to explore the world by himself. He is willing to share things with his sissy and take things that he knows are off limits. He is going to be the one to test the limits. At this point it looks as though he will be taking after his father. Hang on for a wild ride. He loves to be independent but still needs his mommy when he gets hurt or needs a little extra love. Brenden has shown me that its does not matter what you do with your child/children its the fact that they are included in the activity. Doing laundry, dishes, paying bills, or going to the post office. He likes to be include.

Here we are getting ready for bed. Yes, we are all in my bed playing and acting silly. The best moments at our house are just before bed when we are all sleeping and full of giggles. Riley leaning in to give Brenden a big hug and silly smile.

Mommy and Brenden giggling at each other. He laughs at me and the faces I make at him. He is learning to return the silly faces.
Riley and Brenden fighting over the body pillow. They both enjoy using it. Riley was able to get it away from Brenden but not without a fight.
Riley showing us how high she can jump on my bed. Brenden likes it when Riley is jumping. He thinks she is funny and laughs from his toes.
A group shot of us playing on the bed. Brenden does not know that he was having his picture taken. I guess I was the important person in this picture both kids are watching me to see what I will do next. I now know how a zoo animal feels when we are watching them in their home.

Outside Fun!

Today was a beautiful day. After two very successful yard sales the kids received this wonderful sandbox. They both had a blast playing in the sand. As you look at the pictures Riley is not sure of next textures but Brenden has no problem exploring new things.

Brenden got right in and started playing and Riley is not sure she wants her feet to get all dirty.
She decided to put her feet into the sand and play while sitting on the side of the "turtle". Look at Brenden, He would have laid in the sand if I would have left him. He was running his hands all over in the sand.
He was playing so hard that he covered himself with sand as he was playing. He has no problem feel new textures. He loved playing in the sand and in the grass.
Brenden and his buddy Reese are playing in the grass as Riley was playing on the ride on toys. They have lots of fun playing together.
Hey look at me! I am BIG enough to play in the climber now. Riley is showing me how to climb and go down the slide on the other side. I had lots of fun exploring the new outside toys.


Riley is playing basketball and decided that the turtle sandbox made a good slide. She has a blast playing outside with with the boys.
I look forward to having lots of fun with the kids outside this summer. We are off to a good start. I am glad that both kids enjoy the outdoors and love to explore. Neither one wants to come inside when its time. The kids enjoy playing together too.

Learning to Crawl

Brenden is learning to get around in his own way. I guess my children will never do things the easy way when it comes to learning something new. Here is what happens when Brenden ends up on his belly trying to get around the house.

He starts by sitting and reaching for something just out of his reach.

He then finds himself stuck and mad that he does not know what to do.
Maybe if he just lays here someone will come and save him.
No one has come to his aide so he tries again and gets noway.
Help!!!! I can't get up. I can't move.

HELP!!!
Yes is what happens when my little boy is on his belly. He has learned to sit on his butt and move around by reaching. I am still not sure how he moves at this point but he seems to make around the living room without any problems now. He loves to walk around the furniture and his push toys. I can no longer leave the room excepting him to be where I left him. Riley is also learning the hard way that she can not leave her things out if she does not want her brother to get them. It is fun to watch her explain to him that he can't have her toys, markers, books, food, etc. She sounds like her mommy and teachers. It's very cute. Hope you all have a great weekend.