Trip to the zoo

Last week we went to the zoo for the first time since we've been back in KC. The kids had never been to the KC zoo and it had been a really long time for me and what I had remembered wasn't so great. However, it was awesome! We met my friend Lori and her girls there, we had such a great time. They left around 1:00 so her girls could take a nap, but since J was working all night I thought we could stay later and just have early bed times. SO GLAD we did. We were at the zoo (me and three crazy kids!!!) from 10:30 till 4:30! We shut the place down. I'm telling you, I had so much fun with them that day. Not that I don't always enjoy my children (ahem) but there was something about being there or the weather or just enough snacks that was just right. 

This is at the Polar Bear exhibit. So cool. The bear was being fed when we first got there so we got to see him swimming below the water. And later we went back to see him and he was sleeping next to the glass so you could really get a good look at him. It's pretty amazing how big they are. The boys were fascinated. 

I can't believe Luke actually pet this goat. He's usually so "chicken". I guess with it being on the other side of the fence he felt safe. Who knows. I just love the look on his face in that picture. 

Taking a lunch break. 

Oh my goodness this was so sweet. We went into a building that had an indoor slide from the first floor down to the second floor. Of course the place was packed and of course the boys wanted to do it. No way was I letting Kate out of the stroller and into that chaos at that point (sorry babe). BUT I didn't know how to make sure they didn't get separated from each other and still be able to do it without me going . . . so I said to stick together, wait for each other at the bottom and then hold hands coming back up. Hold the phone . . . they actually DID IT!!!! Yes! SO, they got to keep doing it! Nice job, boys. 

At the sea lion show - best seats in the house. The trainer was directly in front of us!

Seriously? How sweet is that?!?! I let Kate get out of the stroller to burn off some energy and she was doing pretty good up to a point and started to get a little more daring and further away from me than I was comfortable with so I warned her that she was going to have to get back into the stroller. Ev stepped in and took over. He said, "here sissy, hold my hand". Melt my heart. 

Train ride! Absolutely LOVE these kids with my entire being. 

Playdate with Grandma

Justin's mom and I took the kids to Paradise Park today followed by lunch at Jose Peppers, yumm. We had a fantastic time and the kids were superb. I love hanging out with Lin and taking the kids to fun places like PP. Oh and I love Mexican food, too. Overall . . . a fantastic day, even if it is freezing out. Grr. Come on, Spring! :)

The ball pit was by far, hands down the most favorite attraction today. Kate even got in on the fun. I was slightly terrified once is started filling up with kids, so we quickly exited and returned once it emptied out a bit. She LOVED it, so did the boys.

The boys got their craft on. They listened to a Valentine's story about Pooh and then made a bear craft followed by honey-chocolate chip muffins. Wow, I had a tiny taste and they were yumm-o.

Playdate

During Luke's Christmas break from school we got together with Lily and Cole. We met at Kaleidoscope so the kids could get their craft on. Luke loved it. Evan was too young and Kate hung out in the stroller, obviously. We had planned on going to the train restaurant down there but with school being out for everyone, it was PACKED. So, we headed over to Panera for some lunch and hit a few stores at Crown Center before the kids melted. We had a great time. I miss hanging out with them. We need to take advantage of days off as much as we can from here on out!