Birmingham Zoo June 2012

 Since we weren't able to go to the Birmingham Zoo on Sunday, we thought we'd try Monday before heading home.  We woke up Monday, June 11th to POURING rain but within a few hours it seemed to be clearing up.  Joe called the Zoo to find out what the weather was like there and they said it was nice so... to the Zoo we went!  It turned out to be a GREAT family day!  It rained on us a few times but we were able to take cover until it cleared up.  Since all Birminghamvillians thought it was bad weather, we practically had the entire Zoo to ourselves!  We saw several shows put on by the trainers and were even invited backstage to feed the sea lions!  Carter and Camden don't even realize what lucky little people they are to have all these up close and personal experiences with these amazing animals!  We ended our day at the splash pad area before we changed and headed home.  We truly enjoy "MawMaw's Zoo" (as Carter calls it) so much each time we visit!

 Carter always loves feeding the flamingos!

 Camden was in awe!

 We had a front row seat for the alligator feeding!

 We have never made it to the Sea Lion show so we were glad we got to see it this trip!

 This Sea Lion could do so many tricks!

 Backstage at the Sea Lion show! (Carter is holding a little fish to feed to the Sea Lion!)

 The Sea Lion was so fast at gobbling up the fish and squid we fed him!

 All Aboard the Choo-Choo Train!

Of course, we ALWAYS ride the train around the Zoo!

 Our front row seat at the lion cub feeding! 

These cubs were so cute and so playful!

 The cutest little lion cub of all- Carter!

 We took a look at the new giraffe home that was going to open the next week!

Carter loved the giraffe statue!

 Camden didn't know what to think about it!

Carter was excited to be getting his regular clothes wet instead of changing into his bathing suit!  We didn't see a point in changing them since we'd just have to change them again anyway.

Sweet Visit Alabama!

We drove to Alabama to visit MawMaw and PawPaw the night of Thursday, June 7 until Monday, June 11th.  We were excited because Joe's sister, Elizabeth, and her family were coming into town to visit too!  We couldn't wait to meet our newest neice, Landri Anne, who was born in April.  She is absolutely PRECIOUS!  She is such a tiny little thing compared to our big babies!  We had a great time going to the outlets, letting the cousins play around the house, and riding the carousel at the Galleria.  We planned to go to the Alabama Zoo on Sunday but it was rainy all day!  We wish we all lived closer because Carter and Chase have an absolute blast together! 

 MawMaw and PawPaw with the grandkids!

 Chase and Cater having fun on the hopscotch slip and slide!

 Carter thought this was the perfect size toy for him!

 Camden decided to join the fun!

 Carter got brave and tried to slip and slide!

Our little family with Chase and new baby Landri!

Safari Splashing!

On Thursday, June 7th, Courtney took Carter and Camden to the new Safari Splash at the Zoo.  Amy and Katie Brantley joined us for the morning adventure, too!  It was nice visiting the zoo with pefect weather and not much of a crowd!  We had a great time with the Brantleys and can't wait for our next outing together! 

 Katie and Carter had a ball running around the zoo together!

 Too cute for words!

 Carter LOVED playing at this new splash pad!

 Miss Chubbalicious... she may kill us one day for this picture!

 Camden found the squirting water and was perfectly content!

This is the best attempt at a group picture with an almost 1, 2, and 3 year old!

Gatlinburg Weekend Getaway... FINALLY!!

On Sunday, May 27th, we FINALLY made it to the cabin in Gatlinburg that Grammy rented for the weekend!  Poor Carter and Camden had been to the doctor a combined FIVE TIMES during the week!!  Camden had croup, then still more croup, and lastly ear infections while Carter had croup which then turned into bronchitus and then it turned into an ear infection!  Our poor babies!  We were planning on going to the cabin when everyone else did on Friday but with sick kiddos, plans had to change.  Fortunately we got to spend one day enjoying the nice views, hot tub, and yummy meals (cooked by Grammy)!  On Monday morning, we all went to Pancake Pantry for some delicious breakfast!  We ended up having a nice time and are so glad we were able to make it for one night!

 Our spectacular view!

 Carter loved being in the hot tub with all his cousins!

 Grammy brought a pinata for all the kids to bust!

 Carter loved trying to break it open! 

 Aunt Susie and Grammy posing with Camden and Carter before heading to breakfast!

 Joe made Carter a "pancake hat" (as Carter called it since it was from his pancake menu)!

 Carter (mouth full) enjoyed his bear pancakes, eggs, AND bacon!  Our little piggy!

 Camden enjoyed her 1st trip to Pancake Pantry, too! She had pancakes and eggs! 

 After breakfast, we strolled along the streets of downtown Gatlinburg and made our tradtional stop at the candy store for a little treat!

When Courtney was little, her parents took a picture of her on this same horse! 

Of course we had to take one with Carter on it!

The Splash Pad is Open!

We couldn't wait until the New Harvest Splash Pad finally opened!  We waited a few days after it officially opened to let the crowd die down and then we suited up!  On Wednesday, May 16th, Courtney took Carter and Camden for some morning water-play fun!  Carter LOVES playing at Splash Pads so it was the perfect way for him to burn off some energy!  Camden wasn't too sure of the water at first... since the water was cold instead of warm like a bath!  She quickly learned that Splash Pads are fun!  Basically we had the place to ourselves!  That's one of the many perks of being able to do things like this during the school day!  We're sure we'll be visiting the Splash Pad more often!

 Carter ran as fast as he could to dodge the water!

 Splishing and Splashing!

 Everyone better stay back when Carter is shooting the water gun!

 This was Camden's favorite spot... the ENTIRE time!

 Unfortunately this was the best brother/sister picture I could get!  YIKES!

Camden preferred to be left alone with her toys and the sprinkling water!

Walking!

Our baby girl took her 1st real steps on Monday, May 14th!  We are so proud of you, Camden Emery!  We love you oh so very much! 

 She was so proud to be mobile!

 Pausing for applause!

 Cheering for herself!

"This walking wears me out!"

Happy Mother's Day 2012

For Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13th, Joe was a little under-the-weather so he stayed home with the kiddos while I went to church with my mom.  It was nice to visit with such a great group of people and hear my mom playing traditional songs on the piano.  Since the weather was absolutely dreadful the rest of the day, our little family stayed around the house.  For family dinner that night, all of us helped out with the cooking by having a Mother's Day Cookout!  It was so nice getting to celebrate with some of THE BEST mothers... my mom and sisters!  I am so blessed to be surrounded by such great examples of mothers!  Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful mother-in-laws, Shamra and Diane and to my sister-in-law, Elizabeth!  We love you all!        

Jeni, Becky, Courtney, and Mandi (along with Woody Dog)

 

These two make my heart smile each and every day! 

I'm so lucky and blessed that God chose me to be their mommy!

These shoes were made for walking!

On Saturday, May 12th, Camden FINALLY started walking with the walking toy!  She has been standing up for a long time now but she just wouldn't try walking!  We now know that it's just a matter of time before our baby girl starts walking all around the house on her own!  It's bittersweet to think that she's growing up so fast but it's also so wonderful to watch her reach each new milestone!  We love you, Pretty Girl, and are so proud of you! 

 She's so proud of herself!

 YIPPEE!!

Learning how to turn!

"Thanks Carter for letting me have your baby walking toy!"