Zoo Friday

Friday afternoon was a bonus day for me and the kids. Kevin's parents are in Las Vegas and obviously couldn't watch the kids so Kevin dropped them off at my work on his way in to work (total tag-team parenting in our house). It was about 2:30 so already an hour or so past nap time so I asked them how they wanted to spend the afternoon. I already knew what they were going to say before I asked - The Zoo. The $100 per year for our family membership is the best $100 we spend all year long. We do still have to buy tickets for the train and carousel but still a great investment. Love it! We had a great time, the kids were very, very good which meant I was a happy Mom. :)

Jack's Pirate Party

Last Saturday we were invited to a super fun birthday party for an adorable little guy also named Jackson (they call him Jack). He goes to school with my 2 adorable little people so they were very excited. Jackson (mine) wasn't at all interested in wearing any of the pirate garb but Isabel was a different story. My girl was accessorized! She loved it. Isabel was my shy child that day while Jackson just ran inside like he had been to their house before. He was playing Hungry, hungry hippos within minutes (I guess I need to get that game). Jack's Dad had lots of games lined up for the kids to play and Isabel even WON the pin the tail on the donkey game! I'm so proud. :)

Jack the Birthday boy
My "little ray of sunshine"

Is she not the cutest little pirate ever??

I think she's flirting with my baby. :)

My handsome little guy

Happy Birthday Jack!

I think Clotilde liked the cake. :)

Playdate!

Oh, how we love a playdate! It has been crazy cold in the South so we've been locked up in the house way too much. So last week we had the pleasure of meeting some friends at the Science Museum. There was a train exhibit on the 3rd floor so Jackson was a happy little boy. :)
I especially love to hang around with other Mom's who have adopted internationally. We have all experienced something that words cannot explain. It really does create a bond. And I want the kids to grow up surrounded with other adoptees. Very important to me.
We met Daphne & Ben and Ashley & Kennedy. Both kiddos are a year younger than my 2 so I wanted them to be the "big kids" and help the littles. In the end it was really more of a "every kid for themself" but we all had a really great time.
I was also looking forward to getting some great shots of Kennedy and Ben and all the kids together but let's just say easier said than done. Ben is FAST! Seriously fast. I am so greatful my kids were never that fast. I would have lost one of them by now for sure! ;)

My 2 on our way out the door to meet our friends

Now this look is priceless. :)

Miss Kennedy

Ok, check out Ben the Supermodel. My kid is picking his nose and Ben is totally posing. Love it!

Daphne with the boys

Iz is signing us up to win some Imax tickets.

Daphne carrying BOTH boys. I had to laugh.

Ashley and her beautiful Kennedy

Our friends will be sad to know what they missed out on BUT after they all left we went back inside, bought tickets and the kids rode the train alone. Without me! It was a serious milestone. I had bought a ticket for myself just in case but they did it. My babies are growing up.

Yea, Jackson has become really sensitive to loud noises. I don't get these phases at all. He puts his hands over his ears all the time. Crazy.