Grilling and Waterslides and Friends...Oh My!

Over the weekend, we finally got to play outside! It has been raining every day for the past week so the kids were fresh air starved! We headed over to our neighbors' house for some water slide fun.
Tatum immediately started climbing and sliding. She had the biggest smile. She also started using her cuteness to cut in front of all the older kids. It's amazing how she could do it all by herself!
Colin didn't like the climbing part, but enjoyed the sliding. He kept wriggling on the way up, yet as soon as he made it down, he'd say "More slide". His favorite part was watching the older kids slide and splash him!
Later in the day, everyone had to leave the slide when thunder was heard in the distance. When the storm passed by and the kids were all dressed, we all met again for a little grilling. The kids had mac and cheese and fruit. The adults had some burgers and dogs. It was nice to hang out with friends in the backyard.

A Day at the Park

Today was a beautiful day here. We got a new umbrella for the deck and planned to eat outside for dinner. We headed off to a great little park that's not too far from home. The kids were very excited and went straight to the swings. However, it seems that the swings just weren't doing it for them today. The big play area with the slides held there attention for the better part on an hour. They started out going up the stairs and then down the little slide. Shortly, Tatum ventured off to try her hand at the ladder and then the bigger slide. Colin followed along and did some climbing too. They both decided that the heart attack (for mom and dad) steps were the way to go and did them over and over. Colin liked the medium slide with a little twist. Tatum, of course, loved the highest slide. Every time they got to the bottom, their hair was on end with the static electricity. Before we left, they had a ride on the tire swing together.
Back home, dad fired up the grill. The kids enjoyed sitting at the table under the new umbrella. Colin ate a hot dog and some of mommy's cheeseburger. Tatum definitely did not like potato salad as she spit it out immediately. She also had a cheeseburger and loved it. After dinner, we went over a neighbor's house to sing Happy birthday and have some ice cream cake. I think they'll sleep well tonight!

Memorial Day Weekend

Our three day weekend was great fun! On Saturday, we had Ashley Rose's 2nd birthday party. We ate all day! I think Colin almost turned into a watermelon! There was a jumparoo that the kids just loved. Tatum is great in them. She jumps and falls and laughs. She even attempted a few forward rolls! Colin was in whenever he wasn't eating! It was the first time that he voluntarily went into a bounce house. He enjoyed bouncing on his bum and walked around it a few times himself.

On Sunday, we wnet and bought some flowers for the front steps. It took us forever to find the little grass things for the middle. Dennis finally found them. The kids helped us to plant by using the rake and the hoe to pat down the potting soil. Luckily, we finished before the thunder and rain started.

On Monday, the kids made stepping stones. I mixed the concrete into the shape mold. The kids each had their own colored stones to use and got to design a stone. They each used the "let's fill it all in" method! Later that day, we went over to our neighbor's house for a cookout. The kids rode the swings. They couldn't go down the slide because there is nest of baby birds in it. How cool! Colin was quite taken with the ball pit. Tatum enjoyed the little rollercoaster ride-on.

Lucy's Heart

I have fallen in love with a picture of a little girl from China. She has the most beautiful eyes...and a bad heart condition. I am going to start a giveaway to raise funds for this little girl's badly needed heart surgery. I don't know what I will giveaway yet, but for every donation of $5, you're name will go into the heart jar. Please help me to save this precious girl's life! With your help, she will have a long life ahead of her and hopefully a family to love her very soon!

A Visit to the Zoo

My mom and I took the kids to the zoo. It was a beautiful day and it wasn't that crowded. The kids really enjoyed themselves! We saw elephants, giraffes, lions and monkeys. Colin loved the camels! Tatum had a great time watching the flamingos. The kids saw the new baby giraffe. While we were inside, Colin stood behind Tatum and put his arms around her. They stood there awhile like that. I got teary watching them and thinking of how far we have come in less than a year. They truly love each other!

We had a nice lunch of hot dogs and french fries. Colin, however, decided to eat all of his Nana's hamburger! Both kids fell sound asleep on the way home.