Trips to the Boardwalk and the Zoo

April has been a confusing month so far, at least weather-related. One week, we have sunny days in the 90s, and the next will be cool, rainy and in the 60s. So, we've been switching back and forth between spring and winter clothes. Just let it be one season already!

We're enjoying out last month in Virginia Beach. Wade bought a bike trailer for the kids so we can haul them around on bike rides. Brenner's a little too small for it, so we put him on the back of Wade's bike. I still don't have pictures of this. But we did take the kids for a nice stroller ride on the boardwalk. Emmy had more fun walking ahead of us and trying to make a run for the beach. So, I took her down and we put our feet in the sand. The beach weather has just been beautiful.




We also went to a birthday party at the zoo. Emmy had a blast! They brought out several small animals and the kids all got to pet them. The lady brought out a snake and showed the kids how to pet the snake with two fingers. When it got to be Emmy's turn, she reached her hand out, grabbed the snake at it's middle and slid her entire hand down it's tail. The whole room exploded with laughter. Fearless. This child is fearless. And then they brought out an armadillo. Immediately Emmy hops out of her chair and starts running towards the lady. Wade had to run up and pull her back to her chair with the other kids. I don't know, maybe she'll be a zoologist when she's older. She was quite the entertainment. She also started undressing in her chair. First it was her shoes, and then her leggings. I'm still trying to figure out why she does this. At home, it's so hard to keep her in clothes all day. She usually runs around in a shirt and panties alone. I'm hoping it's a stage and that she'll be over it soon. Because throwing tantrums at getting dressed is getting old. Really old. After the party, the 4 of us walked around the zoo some more. We walked. Emmy ran. It was a very fun day.

Emmy's Outdoor Self

It's hard to keep Emmy in the house during the day. As soon as she sees the sun outside, she's got her shoes on and is out the door! Here are some cute pictures of her from Easter.

Easter at the Hunt Club

It was Brenner's 1st Easter and we've been going to the Hunt Club the last 2 years with Emmy. So we continued the tradition. And it was such a gorgeous day, sunny and in the mid 70s. Emmy had a pony ride, which after the first lap around the ring, she informed me she was "all done." But Daddy still managed to get a few pictures of her on her big white pony that she picked out. Next, we went to check out the animals. Emmy got to snuggle a tiny little bunny and Brenner did too. As soon as the lady held the bunny out towards Brenner, he smiled and reached for it. Emmy's favorite thing was jumping in a huge inflatable bouncer, but I didn't get any pictures of this. It was so cute how she was laughing the entire time! It's always fun at the Hunt Club!

Hunting easter eggs








Bashful Brenner

What a Hoppin' Easter!

Brenner and Emmy got Easter baskets from the easter bunny!

Brenner got a teething ring, a Cat in the Hat bib, a snapping crocodile, sunglasses, some new much needed summer clothes, an elephant that plays music and a few other toys...

Emmy got a cool pink race car that you shake up, put on the floor, and it goes! She got a giraffe notebook, because she likes to make "lists" with mommy. I knew this would be perfect because whenever I'm making a shopping list, she needs a paper and pencil too. She got chalk that looks like little Easter eggs. She got a new movie, a new shirt, a pink doctor's kit because she's always stealing the doctor's stethoscope during every doctor's visit, an Arial tin purse because The Little Mermaid is her favorite, bracelets, and chocolate too!

Happy 7 Months Brenner

A few things about Brenner and his 7 amazing months:

He LOVES applesauce. As soon as the spoon hits his mouth and he discovers it's applesauce, he flaps his arms and kicks his legs, and opens his mouth as wide as it'll go. And then he just laughs! He just loves applesauce!

He HATES peas. He's not a fan of vegetables. He spits out peas, sometimes eats green beans, but he can stomach carrots. He will eat squash, but he won't smile about it. And I can usually get him to eat sweet potatoes. Come on Brenner, give peas a chance!

He likes getting tickled on the bottoms of his feet with the shower head. We rinse him off in the bathtub, and he giggles when the water hits his toes and his belly. He's a ticklish little guy!

He's been doing much better sleeping at night. I can get him to sleep for 8 solid hours, which has made for a very happy and energized mommy.

He rolls and rolls and rolls. However, he doesn't like being on his belly. So sometimes he'll get stuck on his belly and cry. So we'll help roll him back over. Emmy still gets excited when he rolls over. It's like he did it for the first time.

He likes to talk when he has a full belly. He says, "eh, eh, eh." It's in the sweetest, softest baby voice. Otherwise, during the day, we hear "aaaaahhhhh! Ahhh!" in his screeching pterodactyl voice.

And I'm happy to report that he has 2 bottom teeth! They are finally poking through. And I wouldn't be surprised if more are soon on their way. His mouth has really been bothering him lately.






Here is Brenner trying to pick up his puff snacks. He's not a fan of them yet.... They are tricky to pick up! And once they're in, he spits them out...

So very proud of her brother!

Beach Playdate

We met some friends at the beach last week. It was a windy, cool day. But Emmy had fun running around, digging, and chasing her friends. Brenner even snuck in a little nap. Emmy's been asking to go the beach with friends ever since. This girl is all about the outdoors.

Emmy's First Bicycle

Emmy got her first bicycle! Wade and I were both really excited to get her a bike. She says all the time, "I want a bicycle." So her wish is granted! Wade put it together in a snap and Emmy hopped right on. Her favorite thing about the bike...the bell. We told her that she can chime the bell when she's riding outside and wants to say hi to the neighbors. This is her favorite part. We are working on teaching her to push the pedals, but it's tricky. Especially when she has to steer at the same time. Hopefully by summer she'll get it all figured out!

March has been such a fun month! Emmy and I are so excited that spring is here. We can finally be outdoors, go to the park, and enjoy the oceanfront while we are here!