We're going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo

Be Warned- this post is ALL pictures!!!

 We went to the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC with the Wade's (just Mama's and kiddos!) It was SO fun!!!!

 We made it in time for the Penguins feeding- Lauren had her little camera was snapping away! Harper just liked climbing on the fake rocks.

 The big kids got to touch a Bearded Dragon (Harper wasn't old enough for zoo rules)

 Above you can see the lions resting on the ledges of the rock canyon. Below are the kiddos milking a cow- Harper was ready for her turn and ended up pushing Chatham off the stool.

 Once we put Lauren's camera up she wanted to take some more pictures, so I gave her the big camera and she snapped this shot in the aquarium- I think she's got potential as a photographer!

 I LOVE giraffes- I didn't realize how much I love giraffes until we came to the looking deck and they were RIGHT THERE! You could reach right out and touch them!! SO COOL!!

 Lisa ending up giving piggy back rides the the big kids and here we stopped to see the grizzly bear (blurry in the background- but great pictures of Chatham and Aunt Sesa!!)

On our way out we got someone to snap a quick picture of all five of us! The kids were GREAT- Harper crashed on the way home (after we stopped for ice cream). Chatham talked all night about the flamingos, baboons, cows, and smelly elephants- all of which are not pictured in this post- HA!

GO YANKEES!

It's baseball season, or in our case t-ball season. This year Devin is coaching Chatham's team, the Yankees (much to his dismay- since he's a Red Sox fan).

 Chatham is having fun, although he has made it clear that he prefers soccer. He is one of the fastest runs when he circles the bases though. And there is a MIGHTY cute ball girl that hangs out with the team!

 She's partial to the coach!

 Here are some of the players, lining up for the prayer.

 Chatham was a natural, who taught him these stances?? I didn't see that in practice!

 I think his facial expressions while running are just GREAT! He gets SO excited and really goes fast! After some wiffs in practice I was a little nervous of how he would hit in front of a crowd at a game. I have NOTHING to worry about- he nailed it, first swing!

A walk in the park

These first two pictures have nothing to do with our walk in the park. Devin took the picture of me and the babies before T-ball on Saturday. I love that everyone is looking and smiling- well almost, Maggie saw a squirrel.

 While taking the trash out I happened to look up and the Good Year Blimp was flying RIGHT OVER our house! It apparently was giving rides from the Hickory airport over the lake and back. It flew over us at least 30 times that day. Chatham grabs his "noculers" and sat on the porch watching it.

 Ok- now for our walk in the park!

 Harper wasn't thrilled about having to ride in her stroller, so she opted to push it herself.

 I love this picture, it finally looks like Maggie is smiling- she is so happy being outside.

We enjoyed the monkey bars and slides- Harper thinks she is big stuff and tries to climb everything her brother does- giving this Mama a heart attack!

Chatham brought his bike and cruised the trails- he is a PRO without training wheels now!

The BIG 3-0

 We started Memorial Day Weekend outdoors- Tball practice and playing at Gram and Poppy's. Harper's new trick is to "show her muscles" and it is SO cute because she growls while she does it.

 My parents and Devin put together a GREAT 30th birthday party for me. The kids  had Lauren over to spend the night (so her mommy could party with me) and Miss Wylona  (aka Lo-Lo in my house) came over to babysit. When I opened the door and Harper saw her she stretched her arms out and RAN to greet her! That made it MUCH easier to leave her.

We had a shrimp boil at my parents and hung out on the back porch!

 We are a good looking bunch if I do say so myself!!We drank and ate and it was fun to hear stories shared for old friends to new! I am very excited to see what my 30's have in store for me (the 20's were pretty great!) In my 20's I got married, bought my 1st and 2nd house, had two babies, and graduated from college.

Sunday was the family party in Winston at Aunt Mam's the kids swam and played cars and batman. We grilled burgers and dogs and had WONDERFUL Dewey's Cupcakes!

 It is so nice to have a birthday on Memorial Day Weekend- because then you can snooze the day away on Monday to make up for all the activities!! Maggie was worn out for so much pool time and hanging out with Saber (our neighbors dog).

The difference a year makes

I used to compare pictures of Chatham from year to year, and I wanted to do the same with Harper!


This was June 2012

 AND

This is May 2013

Wow, she's really grown!!!