Rodeo 2012

Although this post is entitled Rodeo 2012, I should have called it Petting Zoo 2012, because that is where we spent most of our time. 

Marissa was a little unsure initially but Nate went full speed ahead petting, hugging, feeding, chasing, stalking, harassing....(you get the idea. Don't you?)...the animals.  He LOVED it. 

 But the thing that really captured his heart was the wallaby.  I know, it is not your typical petting zoo animal - at least not in the United States - but Nate fell head over heels for this little kangaroo.  Matter in fact, he has been asking for one for his birthday ever since.  So if any of you faithful readers want to shell out some serious dough...a kangaroo would really make him happy!   

He hopped and hopped around the other animals cashing this poor little guy.  He even jumped up and hit his own head pretty hard, but it really did not slow down his pursuit!  We eventually had to drag him out of the petting zoo to give the Wallaby a break.

We went over watched a little Mutton Busting (or Muston Buston as Nate calls it).  Nate was initially horrified but quickly warmed up to the riders and idea of it.  There was no convincing him to try it though (not that I would have let him anyway)!

Next we hit up the Farm.  The kids grabbed buckets and went to work gathering eggs, picking "fresh" fruits and vegetables, and even taking a turn in a tractor.  This was Marissa's favorite part of the trip. Putting things into and taking them out of buckets is a pretty serious passion of hers!

 We ended this day back at he Petting Zoo.  This time, however, we discovered the brushes.  Marissa was suddenly enamored with brushing the animals.

 

 Nathaniel went on a hunt for the Wallabies but they were resting so he had to settle for hugging some of the baby goats.  He was pretty disappointed (although I don't think he looks anything but adorable!).

 Despite some gloomy weather, it was a pretty great day.  Any day that ends with happy kiddos is OK in my book!

And a super special thanks to our friends for hooking us up with free passes (and special Rodeo privileges) - that was fun!

For the love of pink boots...

Auntie Barbara sent the kids a box full of adorable clothes last week.  It really is a good thing we have the baby girl in the family. I am afraid Barbara would be broke with a little Diva.  We are thankful however, that she spoils our kiddos so much!  There were many Minnie Mouse and Elmo items Marissa loved.  A bulldog shirt and Lightening McQueen polo that Nate was excited about.  But the stand out item, above all else, are the little pink boots.  Marissa squealed when she saw them and insisted we put them on her.  She has worn them almost every day since the package arrived last week.  She fights us when we take them off.  And should she see them lying around she will pick them up and say "wuv woo boots"....it is not really fair that the boots get spontaneous "love yous" from my sweet angel, especially when Mommy and Daddy don't even get that!  Oh well, they are pretty cute....and she does have good taste!  See for yourself:

Thanks Auntie Barbara  (I think!) !

Strawberry Pickin' 2012

What could be sweeter than strawberry picking with friends on a perfect spring day?

I can't think of much.

Our first stop was the cheesy cut outs....pretty stinking cute though!

Then we got down to business.  The quest to find the perfect strawberries was on!

They diligently searched...

 

 

They did lots of "picking" and maybe a little "cheating"....

Then they gathered and showed off their stash before heading home.

And they all ate strawberries, happily ever after!

The End

PS.  Thanks to the Halls and Oberts for joining us....and to the Oberts for Rissa's adorable outfit, that the girls were in not too long ago! 

Ribba is 19 months old

So I am a little behind in posting, I will catch up soon, I promise.  Marissa turned 19 months old a few weeks ago.  She continues to be a ray of sunshine during the day (for the daycare workers who always rave about what a happy girl she is) and is a vicious thunderstorm at night (for her parents who are often worn out!)...but we love her!  We really do. 

She continues to add/copy words to her ever-expanding vocabulary.  She is finally calling her name (Ribba) when she sees pictures of herself.  She loves to go through old photos and identify everyone she knows.  She says "hi" and "no-no" to everything/everyone.  She is able to follow one to two step commands, which is pretty helpful (bring me a diaper, throw this away, hand me the blanket).  She loves helping in any way possible (see above sweeping picture). She is becoming more and more fascinated with her hair, trying to brush it after I put it up...but notice (above) it is long enough to put in a real pony tail now! She really is a delight to us, even in melt-down mode!  We thank God for her (for both our kids) daily!