Best Buddies!

While big sisters Kate & Mallory were in ballet, Emily & I took the boys on a long bike ride around the block. Gabe & Wyatt had a blast and it was fun for us too! Now, if the weather will just cooperate with us every week, we'll be set!

Best Buds!

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And more best buds!

Tonight Kate & Gabe wanted a slumber party in Gabe's bed!

An afternoon with the animals

I have been telling the kids that we would go to the zoo, but due to it being too cold for mommy or someone 'having a cold,' we have had to cancel our last couple of planned trips. Today, however, the weather was great and the kids and I were healthy. So after picking up Kate from preschool we had a quick picnic with grandma & pawpaw and then headed to the zoo!!!

Our first stop...the train station of course!

Gabe was such a happy boy watching the big train pull into the station!

ALL ABOARD!!!!

Next stop - Kate's favorite! - The Carousel!!!




Look at me!

I gave the kids a choice today to either feed the giraffes or the birds...birds won!

The last time we tried this was in the summer and it was just too hot for the birds and they didn't eat much at all. Today was a very different story! As soon as we walked through the door I had 3 birds land on my head and they were all over my arms! The kids were a bit overwhelmed at first and wouldn't hold the juice themselves, but they thought I looked pretty hilarious covered in feathery friends! After a few minutes they were ready to feed the birds, just not brave enough to let them land on them....

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We also decided to check out the petting zoo today!

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In another area of the zoo, the kids both found a white feather. Later we saw this duck (I guess it's a duck?!?) and Kate insisted that he/she was the one who left them the feathers!

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The Komodo Dragon - and its statue.

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Walking along, this beautiful peacock walked right in front of us.





A few of our favorite animals today.....

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Our 'every visit' photo with the giant gorilla statue.
Kate loves this thing!

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We were down to the final 30 minutes before closing when the last train was entering the train station. We had less than 5 minutes to get from the alligators to sitting on the train if we were going to make it. I told the kids we would really have to hurry and Gabe took off!!!

Bye Bye Baby Bed....

After climbing out of his crib every day when he wakes up, and now being potty trained, it was finally time to bid a final farewell to Gabe's crib. I'll tell you, Gabe sure didn't want to give me any time for a slow transition out of "babyhood." I swear he went from a baby to a BIG BOY as soon as he said "Happy New Year!" On top of these changes, his language has also exploded, he knows about 10 letters, all his primary colors, and can count to 10! I always try hard not to compare my kids too much, and Kate has lots of strenths, but there is something very unique about Gabe!

Daddy turned Gabe's bed into a day bed!!!!

And who better to break it in than Kate & "Little" Emma!!!!

The kids also had LOTS of fun in the closet!

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Gabe did GREAT his first night!

I was a little worried that he would get up all night long...

He will always be my sweet baby boy...no matter how big he gets!

And finally, now that Gabe is two, potty trained, and out of the crib, maybe I will finally be able to decorate! :) Actually, the whole house should be finished with a month...expect a post in the near future!!!!!

The Greatest Show On Earth!

Back again this year, we took the kids to the circus!

This year's show: Barnum's Funundrum!

My silly little clowns!

The circus had a great pre-show where the kids could interact with the cast and even got to watch a few acts up close! Kate loved it, Gabe was VERY nervous! He loved watching, but clung tightly to mommy and would NOT pose for a picture!

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Both kids loved the tattoos!

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We found our seats...now let's get this show started!!!

And who doesn't love some salty circus popcorn!

Gabe was mesmerized by the show!!!

Here are a couple of our favorite acts....

Seven motorcycles riding in this globe! Amazing!

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And of course we loved the elephants!

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The grand finale!

Out in Undies!

Today was a milestone day for Gabe! After staying home for a week to make sure that Gabe being potty trained wasn't just a strange (but WONDERFUL!) dream, it was time to venture out. Even though he only had 1 day of accidents...it's true!...I was still a little nervous and wondered if I should put him in a pull-up for the day. But, wanting only undies, I decided we would just pack extra clothes and see what happened. A playdate, lunch, and a few shops later - 6 HOURS TOTAL - Gabe did awesome! He told me when he needed to go potty, even dropped his pants in the middle of a children's boutique before running to the bathroom! Thankfully, only the store owner and I were around and had a good laugh! This kid is incredible!

I'm his mommy, this is my blog, so I can brag! :)

Arriving home after our first day out in underwear!

Kate and I have both been so proud of him so we decided it would be fun to celebrate.

And what better way than with lots of leaves!!!

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Throughout this potty training journey, Kate has really been the best big sister! I wish you could all see how extremely excited she gets every time he goes potty. Okay, so maybe the fact that she too gets a reward treat helps a little, but I would like to think that has nothing to do with it! :)

Three Cheers For Gabe!!!!

Princess Amelia

Today we got to celebrate with royalty!

Happy 4th Birthday Princess Amelia!!!!

Amelia's mommy planned a very cute party with crafts, games, activities, and of course cupcakes!

Kate loved every minute of this princess party! Mrs. Resa read a very cute ABC princess Book followed by one of kate's favorite activities: Freeze Dance!!!

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The kids also got to play a "Pass the Frog" version of Hot Potato.

Kate made it to the final two!

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Thanks for inviting us to your castle today!

Happy Birthday Amelia!