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?!!

Proud

This is one of those weeks, where I am so proud of my children.

A couple weeks ago we got Madeline a bigger bike.  Though she loves it, she has a much harder time going uphill.  On a walk last night, she fell and was so frustrated.  She was crying by the time I reached her and she told me that her bike was not working.  I explained to her why it was harder than her previous bike, and that her bike was in fact working.  We talked about not quitting.  That little girl, though sorely frustrated and emotional, got back on her bike and persevered the mile ride we had to get home, all with a happy heart.  Matt and I are SO proud of her.  We see the Lord shaping and molding her character each day.  My persevering girl.

Our RyRy.  What a joyous report I received today, not once, but twice.  When I went to pick Ry up from his class at SEEK, his teacher pulled me aside specially, to let me know that his behavior was fabulous.  They had many struggles that day with a number of children, especially the boys, and Ryan stood out amongst his peers for his behavior.  I was beyond proud of him.  Then, an hour later at Target, we bumped into another one of his teaches from SEEK who said the exact same thing.  WOW.  Ryan, Daddy and I are so stinking proud of you.  You are a truly remarkable young boy.

Poe Health Center Field Trip

 On Tuesday, we went to the Poe Health Center for a field trip with our homeschool group.  It was an awesome time.  We learned about why it is important to stay active and fit, and we also learned about germs.  The educators there do such a fabulous job, and Madeline and Ryan thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Ryan rides the "zip-wire" on the playground after the field trip.  That boy can hold on for a minute or longer.  It is amazing what a strong will and determination can produce!

And finally, after he cannot hold himself any longer, he plops down to the ground.  Awesome job, Ry!

Ry got picked to go up front and show people what germs look like on our hands under a special light.  This boy is so cute and loves to raise his hand whenever there is opportunity, even if he has no clue what the answer to a question might be.  I love his boldness.

Madeline and Her Daddy

Madeline Decorates a Cake

Madeline's passion for decorating cakes continues.  She truly has a great eye for combining color.  Though I helped to cover the cake in fondant and gave her access to all the sugar flowers I had made, she made the cake by herself (I did the oven portion), iced it, rolled the fondant and decorated it.  When she gets into a creative mode, she is in the zone.  And aside from this cake being beautiful, it was DELICIOUS!!!  Matt and I could not wait for after dinner each day, when we could have a piece.  You go girl!