First Zoo Trip of the Season

The zoo is open again so we are making good use of our zoo pass. Azzi of course went last year but was pretty much unaware of her surroundings at that point so she was ready to check it out this year. With Bly in tow, it is a speed trip to get to the train. The weather was great and the animals were out so it was a successful trip!

Yeah I am at the zoo!!!

Riding the train with Aunt Ca Ca. Of course train riding is serious business for Bly so no smiles.

The mandatory pose on the turtle.

Spring Chicago Trip

The kids and I went in to Chicago with my mom and sister over their spring break. Daddy did come in for dinner and to spend the night which was a treat for the kids. While the weather ended up being the coldest days of April, we all had a great time. Our big attractions were the aquarium one day and then Navy Pier the next. Bly found out that the train was set up inside for the weather so all was well with the world. Here are a couple of my favorite shots from the trip.

Looking at the big tank in the entrance.

He has told everyone who has asked about his trip that these dolphins splashed him. Love the imagination!

Dressed as a penguin in the play area. His sister was asleep during this part, hence no pictures. You were there though pea!!

Checking out the sting-rays which ended up being Bly's favorite.

Looking for dolphins in Lake Michigan...

The big thrill was the cab ride in which they didn't have to ride in car seats.

I guess this is how my children must see me sometimes.....

Gotcha Mom!

Another year on the swing set

The swing set is a popular hangout for the two kids already this spring. Bly loves to climb around and Azzi is a pro at the baby swing. Here are a couple of shots from the warm days we had in March.

One, two, threeeeeee

I have to admit that this makes me nervous but any attempts to help just gets a disgruntled, "Mom, I do it" response.

Swinging is serious business people!

The Little Peanut

Bly has been getting a lot of the press on this blog so I wanted to just have a post for the little lady in my life. I can't believe that she just turned 9 months! She has been really busy cutting some new teeth and learning to crawl (forward finally). This new freedom has set her loose in the house and nothing is safe. Her favorite toys now are shoes and Rock's bone. She knows that she is not supposed to have it so when she gets ahold of it she gives her evil laugh/growl combo so I know exactly what she is up to.

Azley loves the warmer weather and is becoming a daredevil on the baby swing. She will go just fine for awhile and then wants to lean forward to look at the ground. Again, many a gray hair has popped up because of this child. I call it spunk and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Stopping to pose for the picture.

Food is always a fight. This battle was won by the sweet potatoes.

Touring baby swings across Michiana.

Relaxing after a diaper change. Life is good!

April Showers

...brings May flowers!

Bly loves to play with his new umbrella. Thanks Aunt Ca-Ca!

Happy Easter

We had a big weekend of Easter activities for the kids this year. On Saturday we colored eggs and had an egg hunt here with family. Bly (eventually) got into coloring eggs this year but Azzi had no use for them unless she could put them in her mouth. The same rule applied for her Easter basket. Bly was really into the chocolate aspect of Easter this year so he was hopped up on sugar the entire day but had a great time playing with all the family.

On the hunt. Bly was in a sprint because it was just starting to rain.

Attacking her basket.

My two favorite bunnies!

On Sunday we had to find what the bunny left here at the house before Mass and then went to brunch with our families at Trios. Next door at the Morris the daffodils were in full bloom so we were able to get some great shots of the kids.

Thank you Easter Bunny!!

A picture with her Easter bonnet on.

I am hoping that someone had a great center shot of the kids together before the bird poop incident. Let me know!!!

Go Cubs Go

Yeah!

And here is the out-take while she is making sure she is ready to go and yes that is a mirror she is looking at:

Checking the hat, looking good!

Little Tiger

...or maybe I should say little Phil Mickelson these days.

Dad came home with the new golf clubs and Bly was so excited to be upgraded from the plastic set. He wore the bag around to eat his lunch (yes he has no pants on) and then took them outside for a test run. He hit so many balls that he got a blister on his finger. To top off the first real golf day the ice cream truck came singing its song and we had the first popsicle of the season.

An action shot!

Enjoying the after-session popsicle.