Going to the zoo, zoo,zoo, how 'bout you, you, you?

On Monday, we meet our friends at the Jacksonville Zoo. (From L to R: Asher(5), Jack(6), Trevor(4), Arianna (7). Michelle's kids didn't have school, my kids had the morning off. The joy of homeschooling. We had such a good time, the weather was a little cool, but it was a nice relief.

Today the monkeys were very entertaining. When we were at the monkey exhibit, one of the kids knocked down a speaker that was set up for the Halloween Spooktacular. The speaker was wedged between a roof and the monkey cage. I was trying to pull the speaker up by the wire, and was having great difficulty. The monkeys saw me struggling and came to my rescue. He reached out his hand and pushed the speaker up for me. It was so much fun watching them!

our helpful friend

pulling on the speaker wire

...almost got it

getting closer
by this time we were killing ourselves laughing
Michelle with Gracie
Gracie (Julianna's age but 12 lbs heavier!) Julianna going down the wicked fast slide
Jack, Asher and Arianna

Special Time at Oma's home

one more hug before we leave

playing Dominoes with Asher

apparently winning the game

the best meal at Oma's house....pancakes!

I'm sure all my nieces and nephews would agree that when you go to Oma's place, she goes out of her way to make it special. Lots of love and lots of food. She always has everything that you like (chips, cheesies, soda, dropjes, smarties (because my kids don't like dropjes) Honey Comb cereal, and of course everyones favorite - pancakes. Can't wait to see you again Oma.

Memories of our Visit

pizza party complete with a flower arrangement

enjoying the sun and beach

Josiah, Luke, Hannah, Arianna, Asher and Jonathan

breakfast with Uncle Cor -brownies!

Luke and Julianna's favorite drawer

Jon, Kelley and their kids came to visit last April. We had a wonderful time with them. The kids had a blast playing together, although it was a little too hot for sweet Hannah. They are coming again next Saturday. We are so excited.

What could be more fun than 7 kids under 7 in one home for a week?... I guess 8! They have a new addition - Matthew Campbell, and we can't wait to love on him.

Like Father like Daughter?

Julianna is watching, and watching rather closely as well. Here she is entertaining herself by smoking a pipe. The box of matches that she is holding is her tamper! Just to be like daddy.

The New Look

Here's the new look ya'll, and it will be the look for the next 28 months! They definitely are taking some getting use too.

Julianna loves to point at "Mommy's new teeth (and push rather forcefully!)

Up, Up, and ...

Our little girl is determined, however she has not yet mastered the skill. No doubt she will keep trying! Here is Julianna at 18 months old.



For those wondering...there is some room left for Julianna in the pack 'n play. Gone are the days when we followed the rule of only 2-3 toys in pack 'n play ;-)! Isn't it a toy box?

Our Athletes

T-Ball season has begun. Every Saturday and usually once a week the kids have a game. They are having so much fun. On Saturday, Asher was the catcher. He was so excited. He loves all the equipment. I think he pretends that he is a goalie. Here are some pictures.

Cor is helping out by being the first base coach.

We are the Gators, so you can guess the colors! Our uniforms have not come in yet.