Zoo

This past weekend, we headed to the Louisville Zoo with good friends and their two little girls. It was a great time. The children loved seeing the animals and the adults had plenty of time to chat.

The children get to see their Dad's favorite zoo animal.

A dromedary camel, just like Curious George's Alphabet Book

Elizabeth and her dad Jon feed the giraffe.
(Yep, three of the four males in our group were named John. :)

John and John get their turn.

William and I waited for the lion to emerge and quickly scale those steps to the right to a sunny spot. The sound that animal made still gives me chill bumps!

The tiger and young John seem to be making eye contact.

Here John and John watch the polar bear play with his toys--also known as "Throw a rain barrel about like it's a rag" and "Bound around making fierce growls and throwing a kettlebell."

Sweet William spots a monkey.

Elizabeth and John enjoy watching the monkeys swing across the window.

Spring photo dump

I know I'm going to regret not writing more things down lately. William has been talking for months, but I've neglected to write down his growing vocabulary. John is singing the alphabet song and can throw a ball like no other 3-year old I've seen. Yesterday, I had the privilege of William taking a nap in my arms. These are the most important things--I pray God gives me eyes to see all the moments with our children as a glimpse of his perfect love. 

We are in the midst of lots of summer fun after a great trip to NC and a camping trip during (Husband) John's vacation. Here are some pictures from the spring--enjoy!

William loves to "aint"! He will sit and paint for nearly 30 minutes. A water color master! (Spoken like a true mother, huh?)

Enjoying the play set at my childhood church. William takes the big slide on his own.

Young John loves a ladder!

What a joy to swing with our boys.

Special treats at Sweetie and Mush's include using the blower until the battery dies.

Throwing rocks with Grandaddy at the Montreat park.

William the Adventurer is happy to play in the creek despite the freezing cold temperatures!

The boys chat behind the tent. Young John can often be heard saying, "Let me show you something" multiple times a day!

John and John enjoying the view--after a 1.25 mile hike...up hill...with four small children in tow!

Super Dad! John carried William on his back the entire time, and young John hitches a ride on his shoulders as we hike down.

Young John gets a big bed! He loves his "car blanket" and we often find him on sleeping soundly on top of it at night. (Husband) John happily lays him on his pillow and under the covers.

John comforts William who is so sad about Brother's new bed and the fact that he can't climb up on his own.

We're on TV!

Skip to 9:45 and you'll see William and me talk about yogurt...and a few "ums".

Happy Birthday to John!

John turned three! What better way to celebrate your birthday (a second time) than to have breakfast with your 15 closest friends at Chick-fil-A? I can think of no other! We played, we ate, we went home happy!

John, with his "Lighting-a-Queen" car. Very pleased with this birthday gift!

Early Spring

Like the rest of the east coast, we've enjoyed an early spring here in Lexington. We spend a lot of time outside and the boys love visiting with our neighbors, taking walks to see friends down the street, and digging with anything they can get their hands on.

Here's John putting some treasure he found in his mouth. I bought the boys their own spades and hand rakes. They enjoy digging and fighting over them. :)

William is looking for the neighbor's "Kee-kah" Lucy. She's safe in the basement!

"I can do it myself."

"I can do it myself." Shoes and socks--happy Mama!

Smile!

Yogurt

Greek yogurt is one of the healthiest things the children eat. (Husband John eats it too, but I can't stomach it.) William is so eager to eat it, calling out "Bite! Bite! Bite!" when he's ready for another spoonful. One morning, I gave him the reigns when we were nearing the bottom. He loved having the spoon and feeding himself. I think he's rather cute, no matter what he's up to.

And here's fierce Spider-John.

Christmas 2011 (I'm a little behind.)

William's *1st* Christmas

(He was asleep when we opened presents last year.)

John taking in all the presents.

"What's in there?"

William finds the gifts in his stocking with a little help from his dad.

I love how he lines up his new cars.

William enjoys his new vacuum.

John is happy to find books in his bag!

William enjoys the new instruments.

Breakfast--yum! (We ate the whole thing quite easily!)

Lots of fun to be had.