MOSH in Jacksonville, Fl

On our last full day in Jacksonville, we visited Jacksonville's Museum of Science and History.  It was very hands on, and the kids loved it.  Here's Ryan making water turn.

There's our sweet Madeline, turning water with her brother.

A Week In Jacksonville, Fl--The Zoo

We love it when Daddy takes us on a trip with him!  This year Daddy's regional meeting was in Jacksonville, Fl, so mommy, Madeline, Ryan, and Bobo joined him.  We got to stay at the Embassy Suites, which was such a treat because they have an awesome breakfast every morning.  We had so much fun rolling out of bed, walking down the hall, and deciding whether we wanted pancakes, omelets, cereal, donut, bagel, muffins. . .or one of everything.  And each day included a swim at the indoor pool, and a warm-up in the hot tub.  It was such a refreshing week.  The first, full day we were there we went to the Jacksonville Zoo, and had an incredible time.  Above are M&R bright eyed and bushy tailed, as we prepared to enter the zoo.

I LOVE how much they love each other, and like to be near each other and experience things together.  It's so special.  This picture captures a bit of that.

My silly gooses, posing for Mommy on a rock.  I love the faces RyRy makes for the camera.

Madeline and Ryan find shade under the elephant statue.  I think the elephant is sniffing RyRy's bum-bum.

These monkey's were our FAVORITE part of the zoo.  They were hilarious and we were mesmerized by them.   These monkeys made actual monkey noises, and also screamed the loudest screams we have ever heard, while racing around their cage.  Now we know why monkey bars are called monkey bars.  Their long arms glided from one part of metal to the next--it was awesome to watch.

My little Madely.

Riding the carousel together. . .sort of.  I love the way Ryan protectively put his arms around Madeline to make sure that she did not fall off.  Though he puts the B-O-Y in boy, he's developing a sweet tenderness, especially toward his sister and his friend Ben, who is younger and smaller than he is. 

Dr. RyRy, tending to a snake.  I love the way he puts his tongue on his tips when he's really concentrating.

Brushing the goats.  These goats were so cute!!!

Madeline is so sweet and tender with all of God's creatures.

We HAD to take a picture of this guy because he has a mowhawk, just like Ry.

The kids and I were captivated by the beautiful colors of this bird.

This kangaroo was so funny.  Just lounging around, watching everything that was going on.  He looks like a sunbather, and his body looks almost human, while his head is definitely kangaroo.

Mommie's lovies!

Daddy's Birthday

Happy Birthday Daddy!  Madeline and Mommy rose early to make Daddy french toast, smothered with walnuts, syrup and homemade whipped cream. . .just the way Daddy likes them.  Can you tell from Ry's face that Sports Center is on in the background?  Since Daddy's birthday was on a Sunday, we had a wonderful day celebrating.  Most of the day was spent hanging out with the family.  We had a fun surprise for lunch--the Emory family.  They joined us for leftover Randy's pizza and Baskin-Robbin Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake.  That evening Mommy and Daddy dropped the sweet ones off at AWANAs and went on a date to the Cheesecake Factory.  It was a wonderful end to a special birthday.  We love you, Daddy!

Daddy is opening his present. . .what could it be???

Oh my goodness, a popcorn maker!!!

The faithful Bobes, sitting at the bedside, being part of the fam.  Is he not the cutest dog, EVER?!!