The Month of May

I've had these pictures loaded for a LONG time and am finally taking some time to write up a post.

Hailee really loved track this year. Running is her favorite -- and not the short sprints, she likes distance.  She has to work her way up the ranks and she proved that she's willing to give it her all.  I'm always amazed at the determination she has.  When she puts her mind to something she accomplishes so much.  I wish I could remember what race she was participating in but it was one of her best.  She came in first for her school!

Jack was gone and us girls had a great time finding things to do.  We knocked a few things off the girls wish lists -- they both wanted haircuts.  I was surprised at how much they wanted cut off ....

During the annual guys fishing weekend Jonathan and Amanda came to town.  Jonathan went fishing and us girls got to spoil the boys.  Amanda enjoyed some quiet time to get her homework done.

It's always fun to drag up all the old toys we have in the basement.  What has been sitting around forever becomes the hottest new play thing.  This simple basketball game kept both Hayden and Jackson busy for a LONG time.

It was such a beautiful weekend  -- a perfect weekend for our area zoo.  I know I've shared pictures of the zoo before but you get to see some new ones.

Checking out the monkeys.  According to Hayden it's pretty gross that mama monkeys pick bugs off their babies and eat them .... gross, yes, but not so much that you can't watch.  And believe me, we watched for quite a while.  Gross must be addicting.  :-)

After 20 or so pictures we finally got a "sort of" good one .... well, it's the best of the bunch anyway.

Jackson was very interested in everything -- a big change since the last time we took him.  What is he looking at?

This cutie pie .... Jackson didn't want to leave the building.  This guy was full of energy and playing with all the toys in his cage.  Once he finally decided to take a little rest it was okay to move on.

Jackson has no need to talk -- he's very good at pointing and grunting .... what did he see now????

The playground.  Gabi was in heaven putting him down the slide.  She took the babysitting class and is just waiting for someone to need a sitter.  She had plenty of practice time with the boys.  She's patient and just as excited as they are.

Hayden was over the moon happy when he saw the train.  We had to bypass several exhibits in order to get there fast.  The smile you see in the picture was on his face the whole ride.

We loved the lilacs -- the smell was heavenly!  I think Hayden smelled every single bush when we walked by.

And Gabi did too because Hayden told her too.  When I asked her if she liked smelling them she told me not really but a good babysitter does things like that if the kids want you too!  (too funny)

I just love this messy face picture .....

Even though Daddy was fishing we still had a little 16th birthday celebration for Hailee.  (bigger party will be later)  It's hard to believe that she's 16 already.  In some ways she seems so grown up but in others she's still our beautiful, innocent little girl.

She had to wait until Jack returned before getting her "real" birthday presents but we had a few little things for her to open.  The best gift she received today?  That would have to be sour patch kids & beef jerky.

Back to that old basketball game .....

She wanted an ice-cream cake .....

And so did Hayden.  He couldn't wait for his piece and Hailee gave him permission to take a bite.  He made it count -- it was a big one.

Happy Sweet 16 Hailee -- I hope you wished for something special.

Bet you're thinking this is the same weekend -- it's not.  Jonathan and Amanda sold their home and are on the move to another state.  Much farther from us -- below are the pictures from their last weekend in their home.  It was a bittersweet weekend for all of us.  We've been spoiled seeing them at least twice a month for the last two years.

It was Memorial Day weekend and it was HOT -- a great day to run through the sprinkler.  Hayden was pretty brave running through the freezing water.

Gabi and Jackson not so much ....

And Hailee -- not going through the sprinkler at all.  She was all about getting some sun.

Do you think Amanda and Jack were going to leave anyone stay dry????  By the time we were done every child was thoroughly soaked.

It was a lot fun -- even Gabi, who was the biggest chicken ever. enjoyed it eventually.

Just because -- pure joy for both them.  And shortly after this I snapped this picture Hailee was hit by a long line of drool ............. and even though she was telling us how disgusting it was she was still smiling at Jackson while she wiped it off her face.

And this is for Lisa -- I promised to post this so she could see Jackson walking. He's a pro at it now, but at this point was just starting to get around. I'm downloading more pictures right now -- hope to get them on the blog before long. Enjoy your summer!!!