The Zoo!

Well, on Wednesday, I along with two other moms from pre-school decided to venture out into the cold and go to the Zoo! Why? The last Wed. of each of the winter months it's FREE! So, althought it was pouring rain/snow, we went. By the time we got there it had stopped snowing and wasn't as cold as we had expected. We only got rained on at the very end. Also most of the animals were indoors for the winter, so we really didn't get that cold. And the kids loved it! Again, one of those moms who came with was Yadira and like always she had her camera and took some great pictures. Here are some of the highlights... (above: baby Elephant Zuri)

First stop the Elephants! Benjamin loved them!

Abby (all bundled up) also enjoyed the Zoo!

The Kids especially loved the carousel! (Even though it looks like he is holding on for dear life)

My awesome friend Yadira (yes, the one who takes the pictures) and her kids, and Abby

The Boys

The Tigers were right up again the fence, but they had their back to us. But it was still cool to see them so close

The Boys really like these Tigers too!

There was also a baby Giraffe!

The girls really enjoyed the Gorrilla exhibit because we let them out of their strollers!

O.k. so this picture was taken in front of a glass window (hence the fuzziness) but it was so cool to see the Gorrilla right up close!

Getting rained on at the end, but it was super fun! Can't wait to go back in the warmer weather!

Pre-school Fun

Well, I wasn't planning on doing another pre-school post, but my friend Yadira took (and edited) a few pictures that were just soooo beautiful! So I took a few as well and here are the highlights! This month the kids learned about different forms of Transportation. On my day to teach I taught about Tractors. It was a fun lesson but I was so busy with the class that I forgot to take pictures. But here are a few highlights from some of the other classes. Enjoy!

Best buddies

Today they learned about Trucks, and here are their "license plates"

Abby likes pre-school too! Especially play time

"Hey what's in there?"

Today they learned about buses (I LOVE this picture!)

The Class before Valentines day the had a Valentine's Class!

Thanking each other for the Valentines they gave each other! I love the way young children thank each other!

This day they learned about Trains. Benjamin was beaming with excitement because Trains are his FAVORITE thing right now. Here they are playing Train musical chairs.

For play time we brought Benjamin's train to share. The kids loved it and I was proud of Benjamin, he did a great job sharing his prized possession.

Painting their egg carton trains

Look at my train Mom!

Valentine's Day

Because Valentine's Day was on Sunday we had planned to celebrate on Saturday, but when we realized that would be impossible because we were celebrating Abby's Birthday on Saturday. We decided to celebrate the day after on Monday. This worked out great for two reasons. First Isaac had the day off for Presidents day and second the day after everything was half price! And personally, when flowers are half price I think they smell MUCH sweeter. ;) So Monday morning Isaac got up early and was home before I even woke up. He had Benjamin bring me a rose and say "Happy Valentine's Day Mama!" to my bedside to wake me up. The rest were downstairs with a small box of chocolates (perfect since I didn't want a big one because I'm trying to get in shape) and a beautiful card.

Later we dropped the kids off at my mother-in-law's and went out to lunch at Red Lobster (one of my favorites) and then to see the movie Avatar. So maybe dinner and a movie doesn't sound to romantic, but when you only go to the movies twice a year. Trust me, it was heavenly. And Avatar was such an amazing movie! Totally exceeded all my expectations. Then it was topped off with a little bit of shopping, which was fun because Isaac actually enjoyed it (or at least he pretended to), so that made it all the more fun for me! It was a great day. Mainly because it was just the two of us for most of the day. Thank you Isaac you are the most wonderful man in the world! And thank you Nena & Rosi for taking the kids! We couldn't have done it with out you!

Abby is 1!!

Happy Birthday!! Today Abby turned 1 year old! I can't believe how fast this past year has flown by! She is such a fun, lively, outgoing baby! She dances, sings, loves chasing her big brother and watching Elmo. She walked early and her motor skills are so ahead of her age. It just amazes Isaac and I. Benjamin just adores her and they love playing together and making each other laugh. I love listening to her jabber away and how excited she gets when her Da da gets home! She is such a joy to have in our home and I just love having a little girl!

We celebrated on Saturday so most of the family could be there. It was a lot of fun. Here are the highlights.

First we had lunch. Yumm! The "theme" was Valentines with a little bit of Elmo. Abby's favorite!

Smile with your Cake Abby!

"I want my cake!"

Benjamin helped her to blow out her candle

"What? I can grab it??"

"Really?!"

"o.k. if you say so"

Mmmmmm

"I like how it squishes between my fingers..."

One more bite

"Oh no my hands are dirty! Help!"

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to....

The kids got to decorate cup cakes afterward

Benjamin couldn't believe we let him decorate his own cupcake!

But eating it was the best part!

Sporting the 1 year birthday hat

Time for presents, "what's in here?"

She got a lot of great clothes for summer and a few toys but this stroller has a little story. When Mom helped her to open it, Benjamin of course was close by and when he saw it he was so excited and let out a big "YES!" He loves strollers and his broke several months back. His reaction was so funny, But when everyone quickly said "no, this is for Abby." He quickly became very embarrassed and ran over to hide in his daddy's lap. The picture is below.

She also got this super cute tutoo that Kate made!

And she's off!

With Mom. I just love this little girl!

Lots of family joined us for the celebration. Here is cousin Aaron

2nd cousins Shay and Caydence

Cousin Marilyn. She was a little shy but we were thrilled that she came.

Uncle Allan and Aunt Lexi came. But baby cousin Lindy stayed with a sitter. Still to little for big crowds.

Grandma Rosa and Grampa Gary came too!

Aunt Arlen, Uncle Fred, and Whitney came too!

Of course, Nena, Tito, & Rosi were there. And other family was there too, but I didn't get pictures of everyone. Thanks to everyone who came. It was so fun celebrating her first Birthday with you all!

A picture with her big brother. She adores him!

Such a pretty girl!

Ready for this party to be over!