The first warm weekend in May we visited Storybook Land (again) in Egg Harbor, NJ. We went there almost two years ago to the day, and had a blast! It is a little less than a 2 hour drive, and has pint-sized rides perfect for little kids in a storybook themed park...think 50's era Disney. The kids at the time loved all the stuff, although Maddie was a little young. This time around they enjoyed the rides even more!
Where to first?!
Jarrett and I took turns with Andrew and rode the rides with the girls...
Madison 4 yrs, Lindsay 6 yrs
Daddy and Girls fed Little Bo Peep's Sheep...
Andrew rode with Mama until he got too heavy :)
The swings were the girls FAVORITE ride. We rode it like 3 times...
Lindsay loved this one (check out her face!) Madison, not so much. Thank goodness Daddy was next to her. She grabbed his arm tight!
Sister's riding together ;)
The next two spinny-rides I went on with the girls and had a blast...I don't know who was screaming more... me or Maddie! LOL
Best Daddy Ever with his kiddos...
Slide? Yes please!
Pinocchio's Whale...
Andrew was the best little guy, and loved watching everything.
Daddy and Bubs
Boys and Diggers!
Loved it.
Attempted Family Selfie...it looks like the fake goose photo bombed our picture. LOL
*Eating: Big Boy is an eating machine! He is getting really good at self-feeding, and enjoys puffs, yogurt melts and other baby melty-treats. He loves his meal times, and will cry when we can't shovel it in fast enough. His favorite foods are sweet potatoes n' chicken, apples n' cinnamon oatmeal. He's a meat and potatoes kind of guy. LOL. I'm going to be making blueberries this week, and peas again.. hopefully he'll like them! He still breastfeeds about 8 times a day/night.
*Sleeping: Andy B is taking two naps in his crib, one right after Lindsay goes to school around 9am, and again between 1-2pm. He'll sleep for about an hour if I'm lucky, and is ready for bed around 7pm. He wakes up happy, cooing and smily boy.
*New Stuff:
MAMA! Andrew babbles, "MaMaMaMa." I think it maybe "Mama"; he will do it when I enter a room sometimes. It's a little early, but if it is, he's the only one of our children who has said "Mama" instead of "Dada" first! LOL.
Sitting! He's been sitting for awhile, but thought I'd include it.
Clapping! Andy B has begun to mimic clapping, and does it when his Sister's are watching.
Scootering! Drew loves to scooter around the floor; when he gets off the rug he pushes himself under furniture. See exhibit A:
"Oh hey there. Now can you help me please?!"
Top Toofers! Andy B has officially two top and two bottom teeth. The two tops decided to come in at the same time and made for a cranky boy, but even at his grumpiest, he still had big smiles.
*Likes: Bath time, being silly with Sissy's, being sung to, eating anything, standing on laps, bouncing on laps, chewing on anything he can (watch out those teeth hurt!), rolling around on the floor, practicing crawling (any day now) scootering on the floor, kisses, making razzing sounds and laughing in unison with anyone he hears.
*Dislikes: strangers holding him (we have officially reached that stage), teething, being by himself, food not getting to his mouth fast enough.
*Personality: Sweet Boy is busy! He likes to 'ham' it up for an audience, and laughs hysterically at his Sisters, and loves to be tickled. He has suddenly become a shy guy, and will give a bashful look when strangers talk to him, then eventually crack a tiny smile... just as long as they don't hold him. Andy loves to be outside, and takes "walks" around the yard with his Daddy. He's a Daddy's Boy for sure, and lights up when Jarrett walks into the room!
Community Bible Study has officially ended for summer and as a finale, the children's ministry performed their memory verses at the last meeting. Madison has been work so hard on her verses, and was proud to sing them! Here are the ones she has committed to heart:
"Do not be afraid... your prayer has been heard." Luke 1:13
"Nothing will be impossible with God." Luke 1:37
"The Father has sent His Son to be the Savior." 1 John 4:14
"Let us love one another for Love is from God." 1 John 4:7
"I am alive." Revelations 1:18
"Christ...lives in me." Galatians 2:20
Great job Sweet Girl! We are so proud of you and all you are learning!! You inspire me to commit more memory verses to heart! I Love You!
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Ps. 119:11)
This year I had a wonderful Mother's Day! I enjoyed sleeping in until 7am (I usually wake up with the kiddos between 5:30-6am..LOL) and was woken up by two sweet girls whispering, "Happy Mother's Day Mama...Let's open your gifts!"
I was able to get a cup of coffee down before we started ;)
Lindsay made me a beautiful pin of puzzle pieces with her photo on it... I wore it to church later that day.
Madison colored me a beautiful picture and helped Daddy wrap my gift: An Ice Cream Maker! I have a huge crank-style one for parties, but have always wanted a "counter top" fast one. Everyone Scores on this gift!
Later in the morning we went to church and afterward had a delicious lunch at Outback! Mama got a steak and lobster..YUM! Andrew was quite the little gentleman at lunch, and all the kids went down for a nap at the same time so J and I got to hang out together! We skyped with my Mom and Mother in Law and wished them wonderful days, and sent lots of hugs and kisses. I am so grateful for the legacy and wisdom both my Mom's have given me, I hope to impart those gifts to my own children.
I've been a Mom for 6 years so far, and I can still say with all my heart, being a Mom is the best job ever! Love you Lindsay, Madison & Andrew xo
The girls have been taking gymnastic lessons on Saturday morning, and have been loving it! They started in February, and their finale event was called "Gymland Celebrates the Gymnastics" where the kids could show off all they have been learning for their parents. Lindsay and Maddie were so proud of themselves, and they got some cute swag: t-shirts, participation trophies and flags ;)
Warm Up
Lindsay, second child from right.
On the bars, her favorite
Getting ready to flip!
Lindsay on the Balance Beam
Madison Grace, left
Madison our tiny tot climbing
Madison on the bars
Madison on the balance beam, her favorite.
Both girls loved the foam pit and trampolines.
Madison posing after her rounds..LOL.
The girls biggest & littlest fans.
We are so proud of you Lindsay and Madison for all your hard work! Great Job!
