Aquarium and Jane's Photography

Thursday we went to the Dallas Aquarium with my cousin Kerri and her daughter Kylie. We had a great time! I really didn't know what to expect and with all of the crowds we've been experiencing lately I was worried but even though there were tons of people for some reason it really didn't feel that crowded and all five of us had a really good time. Turns out the aquarium is right up a 14 month old's alley.

Here Jill is pointing at the river otters. I am officially in love with river otters! They are super fun and cool. They were coming right up to the glass and trying to "play" with the girls, showing off and splashing around. It also happened to be their meal time so that might have something to do with it. Jill was scared of them at first and then she wanted more and more. Kylie was yelling "Oscars! Oscars!" so cute!

What's an aquarium without Dory and Nemo? Do you see them?

What's this? ANOTHER turtle? We can't go anywhere without seeing a turtle! Jill loves that. Kerri suggested that we buy Jill a little turtle at home since she loves them so much. I picture the little guy being smothered to death with "kisses".

Cute little penguin...

Now for the good shots! Jane has become a budding photographer and had my camera about half the time we were at the aquarium.

Here are a few of her gems...

We have about 30-40 pictures of this fish.

Kylie has one that looks a lot like this except it's Jane...

My friend Kristy was asking for a belly shot... here you go Kristy!

We also have a bunch of pictures of random people we don't know. I didn't think I would include those. I do really like this pic of Kerri though.

Here is a great looking wall.

But not as nice as this one.

So maybe she's still working on her talent.

St. Patty's Day trip to the museum

So it was either chill out at a pub with a green beer or take the girls to the Science and History Museum (we just got passes for my birthday- thanks mom!). We and a few million other people decided for the museum option. HOLY COW!! Seriously I can't explain how busy it was! We will have to go back soon (like when I am on maternity leave) when everyone is in school. For the little time we were there though I think the girls enjoyed it. First Jane tried out her gymnastic skills on the curvy balance beam.

Jill spotted the turtle. Visions from the zoo popped in head I am sure.

Of course the overall favorite was the hospital section with all of the newborn babies. Hmmmmm.... wonder why? :) Jane was ALL about it. She checked the babies, weighed them, washed them in the sink. She really didn't want to leave this section.

Jill found herself a baby too and was NOT happy to give it up when we left.

It will be interesting to see how they feel after the "real thing" arrives soon. I think Jane might enjoy checking out the nursery at the hospital when Jena is born.

A Surprise Birthday Sprinkle Playdate

On Tuesday the girls and I headed over to my friend Laura's beautiful new house for what we thought was a regular (albeit large!) playdate and were surprised with a baby sprinkle! There were delicious cupcakes made by Laura (master cake craftsman). I think the girls liked them a little bit...

There were cute pink decorations and an adorable diaper cake made by Laura. And lets not forget the THIRTEEN kids! In this pic you can see Janet and her boys, Drew and Josh.

Here's Emily. (I think she didn't want her picture taken ;)

Baby Jackson- yes, he always is smiling like this...

Isn't Elise precious?

In this picture of HALF of the playroom you can see some of the boys: Zachary, Jake, and Drew.

Elizabeth and her mommy Laura.

Emily and her Mommy Allison.

Here is Ben, Emily and Jill playing in the ball pit.

I LOVE this pic of Jill and Elise playing babies. Don't they know they are babies still? So cute!

Somehow I managed to miss Cooper and baby Amelia. I thought I took a TON of pictures but apparently not enough!

It was a fantastic playdate and a really thoughtful sprinkle. I was completely surprised! Thank you Laura, Jessica, Janet, Allison, Suzanne, Diane, and Victoria!!

Later that night we went over to my mom's house for dinner and cake. Here is what 32 candles look like in case you were wondering...

What a fantastic birthday!

Start to Spring Break

We started off Spring Break with a visit from Jay's brother Jeff on Saturday morning. The girls enjoyed seeing their uncle!

In the afternoon our long time friends Matt and Julie arrived with their son Caleb. Jill and Caleb took some time getting reacquainted.

Think Jay wants a boy much?

We had a good time playing outside!

Later, it was bath time. (They are going to hate us for this when their older. heehee)

After bath some tv time.

The next morning we all got up and headed to the zoo. Silly me forgot my camera! I blame it on pregnancy brain. Anyway, the only pics I got were from my phone but here they are anyway...

All of my pics were from the new reptile and amphibian exhibit which looking back makes sense because really that was what all three kids enjoyed the most. They all thought the primates were alright and the cheetahs weren't bad but seriously the turtles were the overall winner of the popularity contest.

Jane's Rodeo Day

On Friday Jane's school had a rodeo day. All of the kids were given a yard stick and outline of a horse's head to decorate a stick horse. We gave our horse some yarn for her hair and a pretty flower because Jane wanted to make sure everyone knew her horse was a girl.

Here is Jane in the parade. Yes, she is wearing an Easter hat. Yes, she has a cowboy hat. If you know my Jane you know that when she has her mind set on something that is pretty much the end of it. However, had I been the one to dress her for rodeo day it would have been a cowboy hat but since Daddy took her to school an Easter hat it is. Moving on...

The kids had a stick horse race. Here they are getting into their spots...

On your mark... Get set...

GO!

Okay... no really... GO!

So, she didn't come in first as I am sure you can imagine but I think she had fun. They also did the Hokey Pokey which Jay said Jill enjoyed watching. I wish I could have been there :( but I am glad one of us was able to go!

Day at the park

FINALLY!! The weather has been nice enough to spend some time outside!!! Don't get me wrong we enjoyed the bits of snow we had but we were all ready for a little springtime! This weekend we went to a birthday party on Saturday and the girls got to be outside for a bit and then today when it was just as beautiful we couldn't help but get out and enjoy it! We took the girls to a nearby park where they both enjoyed my favorite playground activity- SWINGS!!

Then, Jane's friend Jennifer came by. Jane was overjoyed!

The girls were really in-sinc!

After hanging around at the playground for awhile...

we went on a short hike through the park's trails.

The girls played "Poohsticks"

and then they spent a lot of time picking up sticks...

and then throwing them over the lookout.

Yes, Jay should get down shouldn't he?

After our hike we came back to the playground for more swings!

Let's hope this beautiful weather sticks around for awhile before it hits 90 degrees!