The Zoo

We have a membership to the Dallas Zoo, and I LOVE taking the kids to the zoo! During Spring Break, I packed the kids up, and headed south to spend the day looking at the animals. We always pack a picnic lunch and have a good time.

Jackson and Lauren ready to see the animals.

The new giraffe and elephant exhibit was finally finished! It was awesome!

Lauren looking at the giraffes.

The cheetah came right up close!

Shaking hands with the chimps!

This trip, Jackson wanted to ride a camel. I was shocked! Normally, Jackson gets a little scared of things like riding the camel (that's his momma coming out in him). I thought for sure that I would pay the money, and he would get scared. He shocked me and LOVED it!

Jackson getting ready to ride the camel.

Look at that smile!

He grinned the entire time he rode the camel! He loved it!

Jackson, the camel rider!

Lauren was all grins at the zoo.

We stopped and played on the playground. It was too crowded, so I moved the kids along pretty quickly.

Instead, we rode the merry go round. Lauren wanted to sit on a bench.

Jackson rode a horse.

Another fun day at the zoo!

The Boat

Jackson has wanted to change his playhouse (it was with the house when we bought it) to a pirate ship for months. He began talking about the changes he wanted to make to Papa J (which is the person to talk to on matters such as these). Papa J once again stepped up to the plate to help his grandson. He and Mama J came up during Spring Break to transform the playhouse to a pirate ship. Jackson drew out what he wanted, and Papa J and Daddy (with some help from myself) went to work. Jackson was involved in every step too!

Papa J and Jackson working on the pirate ship.

Papa J and Jackson

Jackson got to use the drill!

Lauren inside while the boys are outside working.

Jackson was tuckered out after working all day. He never snuggles with anything, so of course I had to take the picture!

Finally, the boat was finished, and it was time for our neighbors to come play too!

Luke, Jackson and Avery on the pirate ship.

Jackson and Avery (AKA the girl he is going to marry so he says -- which would be a dream come true for his mama!).

Lauren going down the slide.

Whee!

We still have a couple of accessories to add to it, but hours of fun will be had on the pirate ship!

Jonathan and Kaci - Graham Shower

Jonathan and Kaci's second wedding shower was in Kaci's home town of Graham. We ended up getting a hotel room and staying the night in Graham. The shower was a Mardi Gras theme, and much to our family's delight, they served CRAWFISH (which Thomas boiled)!

Jackson and Kaci

Kaci and the Ring Bearer (or Ring Bear as he calls it).

Lauren had on her Mardi Gras beads.

Jackson and Lauren just ran around outside and played.

Uncle Jonathan and Jackson

So, Uncle Jonathan helped Jackson pick out his Mardi Gras beads to wear. One of the beads had a bottle opener on it. As the momma, I was not too happy about this. Jackson didn't really understand what it was, and Jonathan gave me the chill out speech. So, I decided to just let it fly. Later in the evening, Jackson asked me to take him to the bathroom. While we were in the bathroom, he pulled a wad of money out of his pocket! I asked him where he got it, and he said people were giving him money to use his necklace to open their bottles!!

By the end of the evening, Jackson had $27!!! I'm not sure whether to be proud or embarrassed, but it is what it is!

Lauren ended up playing dress up with all of the beads. Her Daddy was a little alarmed with how she had earned all of those beads. . . But, I included this picture because this is a perfect "Lauren telling you like it is look". My sweet baby girl has a side of her that can let you know exactly what she is thinking!! (And no, she did not take after me in this department when I was a little girl! I have grown into that with age! I think this is her father coming out in her! Ha, ha!)

Lauren with her beads!

Uncle Jonathan talking with Lauren.

It was a fun night with good food and good company!

Sleeping Angels

Sometimes a mom just has to take pictures of her kids sleeping. I couldn't resist pulling out the camera to capture them. Notice that they are in mom and dad's bed too!

Jackson snuggles up to Lauren.

How cute is this picture??