Cincy Zoo

On Wednesday, Deanna and I took all four kids to the Cincinnati Zoo. Last year, about this time, we all went to the Columbus Zoo, so we thought it would be fun to go to Cincy this time! It was a fun trip and there was hardly anyone there so that was nice. Deanna and I definitely got our work out. If you've been there you know how VERY hilly it is. We were both pushing our double
strollers. We were there about three hours and for half that time I had Anna in the baby carrier. I was hurting by the time we left!! Claire loved seeing all the animals and she is an elephant lover like her mother and grandmother. Every time I asked her what animals we saw the only one she mentioned was the elephants! They are amazing animals. The other highlight of the trip was seeing the new giraffe exhibit. They recently acquired 5 new giraffes. One giraffe came right up to us! It was so neat!!

Ready to "go see animals", which was Claire & Landon's mantra throughout the day!

The Rhino was chilling in the pond!

We loved watching this carefree Manatee. He just kept rolling in the water at such a slow, leisurely pace. He really seemed to be enjoying life!

Our favorite... THE ELEPHANTS! The unfortunate part of the story is there were huge piles of elephant poo and Claire was more than interested in it. When Ben asked her what animals she saw she told him "We see elephants, elephants go poo-poo". Maybe because we are in the midst of potty training that she has poo on the brain?

The amazing Gorillas. We got to see them eat an afternoon snack!

Look how close this Giraffe got to us! Claire did say "Giraffe come see me". They are such sweet creatures!

The two cuties taking a little break!

Everyone needs to take time to stop and smell the flowers!

"Landon, do you want to smell my flower?"

Claire, AKA "Miss Mommy", helping Deanna give Olivia a bottle (one of the few bottles Olivia has had!!).

A very tired Claire on our way out of the zoo!

Work Picnic

Last week we went to Fifth Third Field for Ben's work picnic. It was a little warm outside, but we had a great time!

They allowed us on the field after the softball tournament!

Claire running the bases!

Claire was not so sure of Gem, the Dragon's mascot!

Our content little Anna!

The wrong way to go down the inflatable slide. (she was okay!)

Going down the slide in a correct fashion!!

Graduation Sunday!

Last week, Claire was promoted from the one year old Sunday School class to the two year old class! This was a bittersweet time for us because we fell in love with Claire's teacher, Miss Amy, over the last year. Claire instantly bonded with Amy and talked about her all the time. On Saturday nights when I get everything ready for church the next day, Claire would always mention Miss Amy and as soon as she woke up Sunday morning she would say "church time, go see Miss Amy!". We are so appreciative of the commitment Amy and her family made to these sweet, impressionable children! Claire did great in her new class and already seems to like her new teacher, Miss Amber! My little girl is just getting too big, too quickly!

Claire modeling her princess dress she wore for her last class with Miss Amy!

Claire playing in her Sunday School class for the last time.

Bye Miss Amy... thank you and we'll miss you!

Landon gave Claire her birthday present after church! Thanks so much for the Leap Frog DVD set!! That was so generous and nice of you guys!!

"Thank you Landon!!!"

Claire with her new teacher, Miss Amber! She looks a little hesitant, doesn't she!!

I'm a big girl Mommy!

Happy Birthday Papa!

Sunday was Papa's birthday! After church we were able to celebrate with him. We had a great lunch and some nice family time together. Happy Birthday Papa! We love you so much! You are a wonderful father and grandfather and are deeply loved!!

Claire was very amused with these birthday blowers!

Anna was as happy as can be sitting in her highchair and gnawing on a teething biscuit. What an enormous mess. This mess was bath worthy!

I just LOVE this picture of Claire & Papa laughing together! So sweet!

Happy Birthday Papa... I love you!

Mommy's Birthday!

Yesterday, I turned 31! We celebrated with my family when we had my Dad's party and with Ben's family on Sunday. We all packed up and went to a park after church for a picnic. It was so nice and of course, Claire had a great time playing on the playground!

My very good friend, Deanna, and I are birthday buddies! We both share August 19th as a birthday so Deanna, her husband Brian, and Ben & I went to the Greene last night and had dinner at McCormick & Schmick's. Grammy babysat with Claire & Landon and we took the babies (Anna & Olivia!). Both girls were perfect and we were able to enjoy excellent food & conversation! It was such a nice, leisurely dinner. Just what I was hoping for and needing! It was truly a wonderful birthday! Life is so GOOD!!!

My family!!

The Birthday Girl with her girls! (Claire is trying to blow out my candles in this picture!)

Claire giving me her gift! Grammy helped her make me a card... it was so sweet!

Aunt Beth, Uncle Brad and Grammy & Papa gave me a gift certificate to a spa. Mmmmm... I cannot wait! THANK YOU!!

A family picture before my birthday dinner!

Claire & Landon playing at Grammy's house. Grammy reported that they had a great time and were very well behaved (even though it was pretty late by the time we came to pick them up!)

The Birthday Girls with their wonderful husbands!

Deanna & Olivia at dinner! Olivia actually slept a lot of the time!

Anna was very interested in Olivia. She was smiling at her and making little noises. It was really cute!

Papa's SIXTY!!

On August 9th, my dad turned SIXTY! We were able to celebrate on his actual birthday. We just had a small family get together and had a good time hanging out together. It was a very nice, cool day so we spent the evening outside.

My dad is truly one of the nicest, most selfless, loyal and loving men on the earth. I can remember growing up my friends and others (that didn't know him well) were afraid of him because his intimidating size...he's 6' 4" with broad shoulders and just a big guy. I never understood the fear because he's like a big teddy bear! I am proud to call him "Dad" and I know that so much of my security in life is directly related to my relationship with my father!

Happy 60th Dad! We love you so, so much!

Papa and his girls! They sure do love him!

We took Sophie over because it was so nice out... she and my parent's dog, Bella, had a great time!

Nuna is holding the newest member of the McDowell clan, Catherine Grey! Ben, of course, has our sweet Anna!

Claire swinging with Caroline (above) and Anna (below).

Visiting Great Grandparents

Here are some sweet pictures from our visits with our Great Grandparents this week. As I've mentioned before, I make regular visits to see my grandparents with the girls. We go often because I know how much it brightens up their day when they get to see Claire & Anna. I also go because we truly enjoy our time with them. You can learn so much from their past experiences if you really listen. They have amazing nuggets of truth and wisdom and I want to expose my girls to that! Great life lessons can be learned!

Claire with her Great Grandparents! She LOVES them and talks about them often!! It melts my heart!

Anna pulling herself up on Papa! They loved seeing all Anna's "new moves"!

I'm so thankful my girls are so comfortable at my grandparents' homes!

Anna showing off her cruising skills to Papa Stephens!

A cute picture of Claire on Nanny Grey & Grandpa's wrought iron furniture outside. They've probably had this furniture since I was Claire's age (or before!!).

The girls with Grandma McDowell. I forgot to get my camera out until we were about to leave and Anna was already in her car seat. Oh well... at least I remembered!