it's play time!

The plan for last night was initially to attend the free concert at Arbuckle Acres. But I will readily admit that I do not enjoy the heat. And it was too darn hot yesterday to sit out in the sun and listen to some music. So, on with Plan B!

After much searching, I located our Backyardigans hopscotch sprinkler, and Jennie & Ryan joined us for some backyard fun. Hannah & Cody were the only two that really got wet, while Leah, Kaden, & Ryan ran around it and enjoyed the mist. Unfortunately, we sprung a leak and had to abandon the sprinkler ... but we just moved right on to other outdoor games: hula hoops, basketball, scooter riding, and playing with sticks!

Special thanks to Jennie for the yummy watermelon, and to Uncle Scott for coming by and mowing the front yard! (I promise Scott that the next time Mike calls him in to duty, Mike & I will have properly communicated my plans for the evening!)

Weather permitting, we have plans on Thursday for another trip to Animals & All That Jazz at the Zoo, which will hopefully include another stroll/run down the canal.

all that jazz

Thursday morning did not start off on the right note. It started on the "Mooommm, I just threw up" note. Ick. Cody had been complaining of a very upset stomach in the middle of the night, and at first I thought it was he who beckoned. Nope. Hannah. Great. So, I was off work yesterday with two at home and two at "school" in an attempt to separate them and prevent the spread of whatever was coming. Fortunately, both Hannah & Cody seemed fine after the early morning hours and we decided to make our evening trip to the the Zoo for Animals & All That Jazz as planned.

Well, sort of as planned. It takes us a while to get our stuff together and actually get downtown, so it was about 6:30 before we arrived at the Zoo. *Tangent a la Jenni: I didn't tell the kids where we were going, just packed things up and put them in the car. Leah looks at me and says "Mommy, we're going to the Zoo!!" What makes you say that, Leah? "Because you brought the stroller!" Smarty pants!* We went through the Plains and by the time we were done there, the animals were going in for the night. So, we went outside for a snack:

While we waited for some of our favorite friends to join us. Then off we went to the Canal for a stroll on a beautiful night.

Kaden & Ryan checking out the river:

These kids are fast!

I couldn't decide which of these 3 to post, and then decided Ryan's reaction to the Russell "monkeys" was enough to include all 3. Check out the last one in particular where everyone is looking at Ryan trying to figure out why he's overwhelmed!! Ha! Don't worry, Ry, I'm with you!



How precious is this?
Kaden was too busy looking for "baby rocks" to join the big kids for this pic:
Jumping beans!


Thanks, Jennie & Ryan, for joining us for a night out. I love downtown!
Next time we'll bring our personal photographer, the magic Dolly, for even better pictures.

the wedding

Finally, pictures from the wedding!

Torrie, Cyndee, Harlee, Hannah, Shelby, Lexi, & Leah:

Cody lookin' fine in his tux:

(Despite the heat, he kept putting his vest, tie, & coat back on.

I think he just knew he was lookin' good!)

Leah dancing with Uncle Scott:

Cody dancing with Jessica:

Dan & Mike:

Mike's cousin Jenn & her husband Chad:

Mike's cousin Ryan and his girlfriend Erin:

(They were wonderful house guests for the night & Erin was SO good with the kids!

Leah's still talking about how much she liked Erin!)

Mike's uncle Ray & his wife Robin:

Mike's Uncle Rick & his family:

Confession time: It was so chaotic on Saturday getting everyone ready & out the door that I didn't have a chance to take pictures of the kids all dressed up. So, here's our re-enactment from Monday afternoon, right before the tuxedos had to be returned.

I have some more pictures that I'll post to Snapfish and send out to the extended family members.

picture happy

Here are a few more pictures from our fun-filled weekend.
Kaden enjoying his swim class (thanks for coming Dolly! It's nice to have some pictures & video!)

The high-lights of our trip to the zoo:

We're gearing up for the arrival of Mike's cousin Ryan tomorrow night and Nunny on Thursday!

another budding photographer

For her birthday, Leah received a digital camera from Dolly. And not just any digital camera. An underwater digital camera. We were able to take the camera to the pool with us on Friday, but unfortunately I couldn't get any kiddos to stay under water long enough for a photo. But here is Leah looking cool in her goggles:

And now to show off Leah's mad photography skills ...

Papaw:

Totsie:Kaden:
Flick Dog:

An artist in the making, no?

celebrate good times, come on!

Cupcakes for home and lollicakes to share with her friends, all from Happiness In A Bite custom cupcakery - they are wonderful.


Surveying the presents and modeling as Fancy Nancy.


Kaden had a great time. And this was the first time Grandma had been to our house - we were so happy to have her there!

And three of our favorite friends, Ryan, Jaxon & Ella!

Leah had a wonderful 4th birthday. Thanks for helping us celebrate!

the moment that changed my life

Friday, July 2, 2004, 8:59 a.m.

I can't believe that my baby girl is 4. The time passes so quickly. I can vividly remember timing my contractions, the trip to Bloomington, the delivery, the first time I saw her ...

In an effort to avoid shedding tears all over my keyboard, I shall keep the text to a minimum. Here are some pictures of the lovely Leah Ranae:

Brand new - only hours old and still in the special care nursery.

8 days old, at home with her favorite English bear, Berkeley.

First Christmas. (Couldn't find my favorite Christmas pic with the ornament ....)

So happy at her first Easter.

Photo shoot for her first birthday invitations.

First birthday party.

July 4, 2006.

3rd Birthday.

And 8:59 this morning. 4 years old and loving it!