Went to the Animal Fair

We took the kids to the county fair this past weekend. They loved seeing the animals and getting to pet them. We let them out of the stroller and used their safety harnesses AKA leashes. This gave them some freedom that they enjoyed as well. It is definitely hard to keep them from getting tangled up. We had some dinner there and followed that with funnel cake!!

Ryan petting the goats while Kaylie waits.

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Giddy up!

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Kaylie apparently could care less about the calf.

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Why are these bars constantly in my line of sight?!?!?!

Me too Kaylie, me too!

Scenes From a Yard

Most of the time when we are outside they are happy to just ride in their cars/trikes, push their bubble mowers and sweep the driveway among other activities. Sidewalk chalk is a big hit too.

Here's Kaylie, the Director. She tells me what to draw basically. "Let me think, Mommy."

I've gotten really good at drawing Dora and all her friends. Dora is the favorite at the moment, although I think princesses will be making a move to first position soon. So here's some of my "work." Keep in mind it is all from memory and well some details are fuzzy but I think you get the idea.

Swiper

Diego, Baby Jaguar, and Benny the Bull

Dora, with a little help from Kaylie

Tico, Isa, and Boots (not so good)

Jack, Mary & Mel from Jack's Big Music Show which they also like.

Then there are the neighbor's rocks. They love to go over to the tree and pick out a rock and come show it to me. Then they bring it back and go get another one. REPEAT.

Which one should we get?

Ryan likes this particular rock and will get every time. I have to agree it is a cool one. It is totally flat on one side like it was sliced off another.

Kaylie likes the BIG ones. She actually started saying this word while doing this activity.

6 Years Today!

I've been married to my best friend for six years today! We celebrated last night with dinner and a movie--something we don't get to do. Love you!

Finger Painting

Eh, our first finger painting session didn't go over too big. They lasted about two minutes. You can see from the pictures that they don't like having paint all over their hands. I guess they aren't used to it, so I will have to try again.

"Umm yeah, there's stuff all over my hands Mommy."

What happened to my hands?

Kaylie investigating but Ryan is getting outta there!


After, I just had them jump into the pool to wash off. Easy clean up!

Sprinkler Fun!

We tested out a lawn sprinkler. It was a hit for about 15 minutes. Note that it takes much longer to get them dressed and get the sprinkler set up than actual play time. :) Not to mention the half hour spent undressing and getting them back into dry clothes when all they want to do is run around naked. Ultimate wrestling at its finest. Yes, I think we are entering a stage I feared. They now will tear their diapers off at any chance they get. I think this is one of those readiness signs for potty training. I'm thinking that is right around the corner. I just want them to be able to talk and tell me they went. That's not happening yet. Anyone ever potty train a speech delayed child? I've been reading up on it. Supposedly it can be done, but for now I am waiting. I do dread the whole potty training process. Still wondering how you train two different sexes how to use the potty. Wow, I sort of went off on a tangent didn't I?

Here are some pics. Not great ones, since I didn't want to get the camera wet.

4th of July Weekend Recap (Late I know)

We headed down the shore for the 4th. We went to Grandma & Pop-Pop's shorehouse. In the morning we did some pool time and we went to the playground at the bay. After a brief nap, Ryan & Kaylie went up to the beach. Kaylie DID NOT like the ocean one bit. Ryan let the water get him one time and then was forever scared of it each time a wave washed up. He was intrigued by it but scared at the same time. They did like the sand so they spent most of the time playing in that.

The next day we went to Aunt Amy & Uncle Steve's for a BBQ. Ryan & Kaylie went swimming in a big pool for the first time actually. We only did the baby pool last year. Kaylie really enjoyed it and didn't want to get out, while Ryan was a little apprehensive about it. I would have bet the opposite. Kids--they fool you every time. It could have been due to all the gear I had for them. First we tried life vests, but they just seemed to tip forward. Then we had vests on and put them in the floaty thing, still not thrilled. Then we tried just arm swimmies and they liked this the best. Since then, we have gone again and they both enjoy the pool now.

We made another trip down the shore on the following Tuesday. We did some more pool time and went to the boardwalk. This was their first time at the boardwalk. We did the usual boardwalk stuff: walked around, ate greasy food, went on rides, and purchased junk. We had fun.

Here they are on the train. They loved it and again didn't want to get off.

Ryan with Aunt Cindy and Cousin Hunter whom he adores.
Kaylie unhappy that Dora was left in the stroller.

Ahhh, we have Dora with us now. Life is good.


Eating greasy food with sugar. :) Ryan thought dipping his lollipop in ketchup tasted so good. He was loving every second of it. Note to self: don't EVER get them those lollipops again! Oh the sticky mess!

Our purchased junk: pinwheels and Dora and Diego blow up dolls. Kaylie shouted, "Dora! Dora!" as soon as she laid eyes on her. Grandma was a sucker :)

Walking around: