The Zoo

I have been looking forward to a three day weekend for weeks and it didn't disappoint. The difference between a two day weekend and a three day weekend is ridiculous (in a good way). The fact that Madeline slept in until 8AM or later all three mornings probably helped too. I haven't felt that rested in a long time. Needless to say, it was hard to be "back to reality" this week. Good thing I like my job...it makes it much easier :) We also just switched to our 1/2 day Friday summer schedule at work. It's a wonderful perk. 

We started out the weekend with Shangyi's graduation on Friday evening. Shangyi is the Lucases' foreign exchange student from China. She has been with them for 2 years. Shangyi went to Redeemer Christian School in Mesa for her senior year. The graduating class was........4 STUDENTS!!!

 

On Saturday George and I took the three kids to the zoo while Brian and Terrisa celebrated their 7th anniversary. Paisley and Madeline danced the entire way there and Parker took a quick little nap.

Once we got to the zoo, we put the three of them in the wagon. When we got to each animal exhibit they all got out and admired the animals before we went on our way to the next stop. They really enjoyed themselves, especially Parker! He was growling at the animals and got as close as possible. It was so funny! :) 

Here are some videos from the recent weeks. We have been teaching Madeline different songs. It's a great way to entertain her while we drive places. Here she is learning "Hot Peas and Barely-O". It's a Scottish song that my Grandma Clark would sing to us when we were little. She only has the "barely-o" part down so far :)

Here are the kids at the zoo. I think this is the most attention the warthog has ever received. 

Madeline has started practicing her ABCs and numbers. Here she is counting to 10 with me! 

Mother's Day and Fashion Show

I am updating my blog from Sacramento tonight. I've been here for a few days for work. I head home tomorrow afternoon. Hannah just finished up the semester so she is staying with us for now. Brian and Terrisa and the kids are at my parents house for the next 6 months while their new house is being built. It's nice to have Hannah around and I know that she has been very helpful with Madeline while I'm gone this week. Hannah and Jeremiah leave for Europe in a couple of weeks. If you haven't checked their blog recently, Jeremiah wrote a new post: http://thejandhblog.blogspot.com/

We had a really nice Mother's Day weekend. On Saturday, we hired a babysitter and all of us kids took my parents to a Teppanyaki (Japanese restaurant where they cook in front of you). On Sunday, I slept in (that's a gift itself!) and George and Madeline surprised me with flowers, a puppy card (that Madeline picked out), and a donut! Madeline woke me up with hugs and kisses....it was adorable. George took his mom to breakfast while Madeline and I hung out.

Here's a picture of Madeline with her surprise for mommy! 

On Saturday, we attended Marie's "You Look Marvelous" fashion show. It is a really wonderful event that Marie has participated in for several years. Marie and other individuals with special needs spend several weeks preparing to walk the runway. Marie was quite the star...she looked beautiful and really strutted down the runway like a pro! I wish I had that kind of confidence!! 

Here is a VERY tired Madeline with her beautiful aunt after the show...

Marie also had a fabulous head shot in the program!!! Haha, love her! (she's in the middle in a yellow shirt)

 Madeline, George, and "Nana" before the show :) 

Here are a few pictures of Madeline from last week. I thought she looked so cute...and SO grown up! Stop so fast growing, please!!