Look at me... promising "flowing pictures" and then not giving you anything for days! My apologies. I think I finally came face-to-face with one of the dangers of my job: I had what now seems like a mini-physical breakdown Tuesday night. I'm all better now, but that kept me from posting until today. So, back to the weekend!
On Saturday we headed to the Birmingham Zoo, a first for all of us! It was a great zoo, bigger than I expected, but not too big. It was a perfect size for young kids... and the definitely had a blast!
We started off in the Africa exhibit and were just in time to feed the giraffes!
Next it was off to ride the train through the zoo... although Layna took a quick break along the way (btw, both kids were in their bathing suits for later...):
Funny note -- the hat Brayden's wearing was my Dad's, but when B found it, my Dad lost it for good. Brayden loves wearing hats... it's all he's wanted to do this past week!
Anyway, next we were off to visit and feed the birds. They had a great walk-in exhibit where you could hold cups of nectar to feed to a group of lorikeets.
Gigi held Layna while were in with the lorikeets... and as you can see she was mildly concerned for Nicole!
Finally we had some lunch, where Brayden stuffed his face with a great looking cheeseburger, yum!
Stay tuned for post-lunch pictures of the fountains and more!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
"Grand" Weekend - Georgia Aquarium
Okay people... get ready... the pictures are about to flow freely! Gido and Gigi (my parents) were here over the weekend, and when Gigi's around, you know the pictures will follow!
We started off the long weekend by heading to the Georgia Aquarium for the day. It's a remarkable facility, although I think its overall design leaves something to be desired...
Right inside the front entrance, you walk past a spinning tank of big fish (disclaimer: they're all fish to me, I don't know their proper names, so big fish are bigger than fish, which are bigger than small fish, but big fish are smaller than huge fish... now we have that clear!):
Layna was very excited to see all the fish (she kept saying "fsh").
...and of course Brayden was thrilled, too:
The aquarium had lots of little nooks and tunnels for kids, including this one that went back behind the tank with a great little bubble for kids (and dads) to climb into!
Brayden found one of the animals he was looking for and was thrilled (he screamed!) when he saw him -- a crocodile!! ...although it was really an alligator. I was too slow with the camera, but just before I shot this picture he was nose to nose with the alligator having a great conversation - no fear!
Before lunch, we went to see the special 4D movie, Deepo’s Undersea Wondershow. The kids loved wearing the glasses (and thought the movie was fun, too!).
Next was a quick trip to the gift shop where Layna found a very pretty purse (thanks for the help, Gido!)...
...and then off to lunch, Layna's favorite! :)
After lunch, we headed to the shark tank where we were able to walk through a tunnel and see all the sharks swimming above and around us...
Then off to pet the sting rays!
And finally, one quick picture with Fin, the whale shark, and it was time to head home! (btw, Layna is petrified of "characters" so she went on to get a soft pretzel!)
NEXT: the zoo!
We started off the long weekend by heading to the Georgia Aquarium for the day. It's a remarkable facility, although I think its overall design leaves something to be desired...
Right inside the front entrance, you walk past a spinning tank of big fish (disclaimer: they're all fish to me, I don't know their proper names, so big fish are bigger than fish, which are bigger than small fish, but big fish are smaller than huge fish... now we have that clear!):
Layna was very excited to see all the fish (she kept saying "fsh").
...and of course Brayden was thrilled, too:
The aquarium had lots of little nooks and tunnels for kids, including this one that went back behind the tank with a great little bubble for kids (and dads) to climb into!
Brayden found one of the animals he was looking for and was thrilled (he screamed!) when he saw him -- a crocodile!! ...although it was really an alligator. I was too slow with the camera, but just before I shot this picture he was nose to nose with the alligator having a great conversation - no fear!
Before lunch, we went to see the special 4D movie, Deepo’s Undersea Wondershow. The kids loved wearing the glasses (and thought the movie was fun, too!).
Next was a quick trip to the gift shop where Layna found a very pretty purse (thanks for the help, Gido!)...
...and then off to lunch, Layna's favorite! :)
After lunch, we headed to the shark tank where we were able to walk through a tunnel and see all the sharks swimming above and around us...
Then off to pet the sting rays!
And finally, one quick picture with Fin, the whale shark, and it was time to head home! (btw, Layna is petrified of "characters" so she went on to get a soft pretzel!)
NEXT: the zoo!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
We Hate Mosquitoes!
We hate mosquitoes... more than you might think. Although most of us find mosquitoes to be a nuisance and hate when we have to deal with their itchy bites for days, but Layna has taken this to a whole new level. Our poor child reacts to mosquito bites more than normal, especially when they're very near her eye... She was bitten just under her right eye yesterday, and this morning, this is how she looked:
How sad is that?!
We feel terrible for her, but it's fortunate that she isn't bothered by it. She goes to scratch it every now and then, but she's obviously not in pain and is playing and behaving like normal. Nicole took her to the doctor this morning, just in case this wasn't a simple mosquito bite, but it was. She was put on Zyrtec for the next few days (at least) to get it out of her system. Hopefully she'll just grow out of this since she's still so young... please, please!
In lieu of flowers, please send all sympathy gifts to the "Kill the Mosquitoes" fund, aka "Kill'M".
How sad is that?!
We feel terrible for her, but it's fortunate that she isn't bothered by it. She goes to scratch it every now and then, but she's obviously not in pain and is playing and behaving like normal. Nicole took her to the doctor this morning, just in case this wasn't a simple mosquito bite, but it was. She was put on Zyrtec for the next few days (at least) to get it out of her system. Hopefully she'll just grow out of this since she's still so young... please, please!
In lieu of flowers, please send all sympathy gifts to the "Kill the Mosquitoes" fund, aka "Kill'M".
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Potty Time
I've had a lot of inquiries about Brayden's potty training... or lack thereof. I can't even tell you how frustrated Nicole is getting. He can't seem to get it. It's my theory that he's simply a happy little flake of a kid and isn't with-it enough to be aware of himself. Whatever his issue, he's very close to reliable with the first step, but not the second. Nannies and potty training experts out there in internetville, fill us in on what to do! (...and God help you if you say anything about how he'll do it when he's ready)
Until then, here's a super cute picture of Brayden along with his moral support:
Until then, here's a super cute picture of Brayden along with his moral support:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
The Splash Park
There's a secret in Trussville... the Splash Park! Apparently we've been in the dark about one of the most fun kiddie things in our fare city! About a year ago, the city renovated their pool and built a splash park for kids next to it. It's only for city residents (and guests) so it wasn't crowded at all ...and on a Saturday morning!
We began the (hot) day at the playground very near the splash park, rightly assuming that we would get nice and hot and could cool off before lunch. I don't really have a story with these pictures, so simply enjoy the fun!
We met a friend of ours and his two kids for fun at the park and then lunch. Here's Layna with Noah
And finally, a trio of my sweetie!
We began the (hot) day at the playground very near the splash park, rightly assuming that we would get nice and hot and could cool off before lunch. I don't really have a story with these pictures, so simply enjoy the fun!
We met a friend of ours and his two kids for fun at the park and then lunch. Here's Layna with Noah
And finally, a trio of my sweetie!
Sunday, July 05, 2009
4th of July Festival
We had a great time at Trussville's 4th of July celebration! I have to admit that I was skeptical about how well our little city could pull off a 4th of July event, but they did a very great job! The event was extremely family friendly with lots of great food, live bands, and inflatables for the kids. Our kids were ready to go, decked out in their RW&B:
Note: Trussville has a green space that very slightly resembles the National Mall, except a fraction of the size... nevertheless, they refer to it as the Trussville Mall. No joke. Two years ago we were on The Mall, now we're on the mall. C'est la vie!
Here are some crowd shots from "the mall":
Brayden LOVED playing in the inflatables (I know, surprise...). Here were his two favorites:
Here's a quick pic of Layna relaxing in between dinner and playing on the inflatables herself! (she climbed in here, we didn't just leave her in the stroller!)
...and finally, a shot of our "special" 4th of July desserts! Yum! :)
Note: Trussville has a green space that very slightly resembles the National Mall, except a fraction of the size... nevertheless, they refer to it as the Trussville Mall. No joke. Two years ago we were on The Mall, now we're on the mall. C'est la vie!
Here are some crowd shots from "the mall":
Brayden LOVED playing in the inflatables (I know, surprise...). Here were his two favorites:
Here's a quick pic of Layna relaxing in between dinner and playing on the inflatables herself! (she climbed in here, we didn't just leave her in the stroller!)
...and finally, a shot of our "special" 4th of July desserts! Yum! :)
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Happy Fourth!
"So what are your plans for the fourth?" is what I've been getting for a week. We don't really have plans for the fourth because we don't really make any regular plans. BUT, we are going to our little city's fireworks celebration tonight, so that should count!
Even though we don't have any holiday plans, it didn't stop the kids from enjoying the goodies that Gigi sent for the fourth, including, but (obviously) not limited to a feather headband-type-thing, featuring RW&B poofs. My assumption is that she meant them for Layna...
...but Brayden was certainly not to be left out!
And don't think I came to this holiday party empty handed! I have a special patriotic treat just for you. In honor of the day, I thought we might celebrate one of the recent shooting stars of the political landscape, Sarah Palin, and her unique ability to create names. This Independence Day, why not treat yourself by discovering what you name would have been had you been born to Gov. Palin... click here and enjoy!
(PS -- do share your name with the group! -- mine would have been Froth Moonshine Palin. Rock!)
Even though we don't have any holiday plans, it didn't stop the kids from enjoying the goodies that Gigi sent for the fourth, including, but (obviously) not limited to a feather headband-type-thing, featuring RW&B poofs. My assumption is that she meant them for Layna...
...but Brayden was certainly not to be left out!
And don't think I came to this holiday party empty handed! I have a special patriotic treat just for you. In honor of the day, I thought we might celebrate one of the recent shooting stars of the political landscape, Sarah Palin, and her unique ability to create names. This Independence Day, why not treat yourself by discovering what you name would have been had you been born to Gov. Palin... click here and enjoy!
(PS -- do share your name with the group! -- mine would have been Froth Moonshine Palin. Rock!)
Thursday, July 02, 2009
TGIT -- Hey Holiday Weekend!!
We're gearing up for the Fourth. To celebrate the long weekend, I thought you'd like to see our little princess, ready for the sunshine!
...and since they coordinate with her dress, another picture from our lily garden:
...and since they coordinate with her dress, another picture from our lily garden:
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