February Fun

Birthday season is here, and Addy kicks it off with turning 9.  We happened to see her at the chiropractic office before dinner.

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We were very thankful to all be able to get together, since we had taken a break from family dinners due to mom's recovery from heart surgery.  Zoe really wanted to have a part in making of the desert and made some yummy energy balls to add to the celebration.

We had decided to do it outside, just to be on the safe side, and it turned out to be a rather cold night for a cookout. Lauren helped Beach out in loaning him her blanket/robe thing.

Desert of choice was, also, ice cream sandwiches.

They all shivered but yet enjoyed them...

including Beach.

Card and present time!

We were, also, celebrating my sister's birthday, as they are born one day apart.

Always some Loveland love!

There is a Lauren smile under there somewhere!

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A dentist appointment that was not my favorite (and prob. our last time at that office).

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Loveland Coffee created an awesome night of pairings with coffee and desserts!

Our date night was sold out and Beach did a phenomenal job with all his coffee knowledge.

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The following night was Galentines themed lead by the amazing Travis.

Erica did a fantastic job making sure it everything went flawlessly.

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Such a sweet little birthday party with our friends!

Ma loves Zoe and seemed to enjoy the card from her.

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100th day of school and I had just one that wanted to dress as a granny this year.

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Sweet little friend's birthday pizza party!

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How cute is this button!  Ezra is holding the pin from when his dad was in baseball around the same age.

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Sometimes this girl falls asleep in the most odd ways.

But I know where she gets it from.

Doesn't matter if there is a crazy boy next to you or not.

Sharing his school work for the day.

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Silly string play!

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We had cousins over on the half day for some fun!

Such a gorgeous day, we decided to take a walk.

Something so freeing about wide open spaces to run and explore.

They got to show off their favorite tree to climb in!

When we got back, Zoe wanted to whip up a snack she had discovered involving mostly frozen strawberries.

She had happy customers!

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A well needed hair day....

which the boys happened to have appointments at the barber the same day.  Ezra came home with his own style.

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It's been a long time coming, but Beach was finally able to get the menu board up!

Annnddd that's a wrap February!

Best Zoo Trip Yet!

While we currently do not have a zoo membership, I did sign us up for the last Free Friday in February (this needs to be done 10 days ahead of time in hopes of getting a spot).  

However, I didn't know that I would be fighting shingles at the time.  Yes, shingles, something I deemed was an old person thing, yet I somehow found myself struggling with in my body. It was painful to even move. We still went, though, as we greatly miss doing family dates together.

Our first time seeing the rhinoceros exhibit.  In school, Zoe had been studding whether or not we should have zoos.  So she was not thrilled with the set up.

Perhaps it was the cool temps in the air or time of day, but this was the least crowded that I have ever been to the zoo.

Our favorite part, by far, was seeing this adorable, playful monkey.

We stayed to watch him for several minutes.

In seeing the girls put their hand on the window, he would shimmer down and even began licking the glass where Zoe's fingers were.

It was a pretty special experinece.

We, also, really loved the aquarium.

They each wanted their picture in the hole.

While the stadium seating was ropped off, my littles found their own place to enjoy the nature show.

Seeing Zoe's enjoyment of it was a joy to me.  I just couldn't help but think about how a couple of years ago, when she was really struggling with her eyesight, and not being able to see anything at the Charleston Aquarium.  

 That was a painful day for me to realize what she had been missing in the world (and it explained her reason for not liking the zoo, as she couldn't see anything).  Now with the help of her contacts and a successful round of eye therapy, the world is open back up for her.

Plus, I so enjoy seeing the Lord's many creatures and creativity!

There is a turtle under there somewhere.

The barn yard was up next, including some petting and feeding.

Ezra was a bit intimidated, but was encouraged by his sister. 

Apparently, Zoe has informed me that her spirit animal is the fox, so she was thrilled to take a solo photo with one.

We stayed until closing time, squeezing in a little more fun. 

The kids really wanted to cross the bridge over the train tracks to the other parking lot.  While I declined, at first, when we actually heard a train, I let them run for it.  Since there really wasn't anyone around it felt freeing and fun!

Despite me being in pain, my heart was so full after our trip.  Life has been so packed of work and survival, if feels, that it was so uplifting to be able to spend such time together.  Probably one of my most favorite zoo times yet!