Zoo Days

At the gate

Riding the Train

on the Carousel

Being Eagles in the Eagles nest

We are spoiled and have an annual zoo pass to the Hogle Zoo. We thought we'd take advantage of the nice weather and get me out walking. So, we packed everyone up in the van and went up to the zoo. Little did we know, the new exhibit was opening up that day. It is a great exhibit. I wasn't a fan of the bazillion people who were there but we had a good time! By the end, I could barely walk and Joel had to help pull me up the hill......still trying to get this baby out.

Ana's Graduation!!

JJ's Pinewood Derby

JJ's favorite part of scouts thus far has been the PineWood Derby. Joel and JJ had a great time designing and building his car. He won first place in his den and third place overall!

 He also won the award for the most aerodynamic

 Anxiously awaiting the cars!

Slipping into summer time : )

We've now had Ana's Pre-K graduation, we've moved rooms in prep for Amelia coming (any day now...), attended the patriotic program for JJ's school, Joel and I helped with field day and today was the official LAST day of JJ's last day of 2nd grade career. He's a happy 3rd grader now! I only say that because he was a little teary at the breakfast table this morning. Seeing as we're slipping right into summer, I thought I'd add some pics I took of the kids a couple weeks ago when we had the slip n slide out....oh, and some of our chickens

 Here are some of our chickens. (From L to R: Becky, Bandersnatch(black), White Queen (white), Tweedle Dum, Luna, Queen of Hearts (Brown with white) and the Mad Hatter.)

 This was their, "you go" "no, you go"

 JJ was the brave one!

 Ana was a little more nervous

 the cluck clucks hanging out by the sail boat

 Our Original Chickens. Affectionately named Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 (Nicknamed Becky, Luna and Darcy)

Of course, Toothless need to keep an eye on everything

JJ's Birthday Party Photos

Here's everyone getting ready for pizza!

 Happy Birthday Boy!!

 Everyone having a good time....at least that's the impression that I got

 Birthday gifts

 Birthday cake. I'll tell you what, birthday cupcake cakes are the greatest invention ever!!

ooops

I didn't do so well at meeting my goal to blog 2x a month in April. However, I have been quite busy. So, here's a mini update. I finished my last day at the hospital the end of April. It has been so nice for me to be home and be a mom for the kids (and getting ready for the new baby). JJ finished soccer for the year. He is getting to be such a talented little player!! I'm proud of him. Ana has graduated from Pre-K. I'll try and get the photos up soon.....hopefully. I have been sewing for a wedding and hopefully, I can be done with that in the next day or so. I was able to have a baby shower with my mom, sisters and friends. This is going to be one spoiled little girl. Joel and I continue to visit the doctor and little Miss Amelia is doing well. She is due in 27 days (I think she'll come before then, Joel thinks she'll be late and 12lbs!!...yeah right) I'll try and be better about getting stuff posted and updated but it'll have to wait until I'm done sewing for this wedding : )

A little late...but better late than never

I was just online and realized that I hadn't posted yet this month. As my goal for this year is two posts a month, I figured I should get started!

The month started off with Mr. JJ turning 8! We were able to have a little birthday party with some of the little boys in the neighborhood and a few from school. We took them to NickelCity. Holy Hannah!! Joel and I were running around like crazy trying to keep track of 8 little kids. They were all given a bunch of nickels, we had cake, did gifts, had pizza, played in the arcade and had a go in the laser tag arena. I think that the deal we got was pretty sweet. JJ and all of his little buddies seemed to have a good time. I'll add the pictures next time I post.

JJ has continued playing soccer. He has been making at least 5 goals each of his last few games. I am so proud of him!! He also was able to start cub scouts which he seems to enjoy very much. The leaders called me today and said how much they enjoy him and how much fun he has been!

Ana is 5 and growing. She loves spending time with my sisters little one. She's like a little mom and can't wait for her new little sister to come! She has taken an interest in gardening lately and loves to hunt the chickens eggs. (One less thing I have to do!!)

Joel had his birthday this week. He wanted me to mention that he not only fixed the water pressure in the kitchen but replaced the faucet, the disposal, fixed the garden hose, cleaned the chicken coop and the rats cage. I'm so proud!! ; )  He opened another show this week at work. Due to this, his last couple of weeks have been very, very busy as he had quite a few welding projects to tackle. He made a moon that flys in and out and a huge time machine. They are both quite fantastic. He plans to till the garden space tomorrow so that we can get it planted this week. Ana and I are quite excited!

Regarding myself, we are currently down to about 54 days until this new little girl is due to join our family. I am getting a little anxious, a little bigger and quite excited. I put my two weeks notice in at the State Hospital. While I was sad to do it, it is definitely time. 7 years is a long time. I am excited to spend more time at home with the kids and be able to do more mom things. I have some work lined up to do from home and will continue teaching piano lessons.

We have another appointment with the doctor on Monday to check on how little baby girl is doing. I'm sure she's dandy as she continues to wiggle at a pretty constant schedule.