Memorial Day

 After we went with my parents to the cemetery where my grandparents are buried, we went to Grandpa Blatter's dry farm for a picnic.  The girls didn't want anything to do with the food, they just wanted to explore with their cousins.  So after I ate, I noticed the kids following Opa on a little walk. I thought that I better go so I could take pictures of it.  Little did I know that it would be quite the hike!  Not for most people, but it was for me anyway!  I was surprised that Ashlyn walked the whole way- she wants to be carried everywhere!  Rylee was pretty much the leader the whole time, which didn't surprise me!  I had a hard time keeping up with her and Isaiah. 

 The beginning of our adventure with Opa.

(I tried to get Matt to go because he should have been the one to go, 

but he wasn't paying attention.  He stayed back with Kaylie.)

 Ashlyn wore red- so she's easy to spot!

 Rylee and I got a little behind- Rylee had crossed a bridge at the first stop

 and it took her a minute to get back.  

But the others had already left!  

She caught up to them pretty fast.  

I'm not as fun as cousins, I guess!

 Crossing the creek.

Of course Rylee had no fear- she went across like it was nothing!

 

 Ashlyn needed a little help from Opa.

 I wasn't going to cross the creek because I didn't think I would make it!  

 But I was the last one to cross!

 Opa and the kids.

(There were actually about eight adults too!)

 Matt and Kaylie met us on the way back.

Thanks, Opa, for the fun adventure!

The girls thought it was the greatest thing ever!

Artist Already

 Kaylie already knows what to do with a crayon, marker, pencil, etc.  

She has been watching and learning from the best artists I know- her sisters!

 And yes, she puts them in her mouth!

(Actually this is what she does most of the time!)

Teddy Bear Day at the Zoo

 I seem to take the same pictures every time we go to the zoo.  

But the girls look different each time, so I guess it's ok!

It started out a little cool, but it warmed up a little bit. 

 The girls got in free with their teddy bears.

 Ashlyn still likes to ride in the stroller and it's easier than carrying her!!!

I know she's too big, but anybody who knows her knows you have to pick your battles with this one!

 The lemurs.

 Kaylie loved the monkeys- they were some of the few animals that actually moved while we were watching them!

 Looking at more monkeys.

 Since Matt doesn't appreciate the tradition of getting your picture taken at the lion drinking fountain, I made him take my picture with it!

 Last time (which was Labor Day) Ashlyn was too scared to get a drink, but she was brave this time!

 Kaylie didn't want to stay in the stroller- 

we didn't buckle her in because we were getting her in and out a lot.  

I guess we should have- she tried to squirm out a few times!

 I never used to see the snow leopards when I was younger.  

But I've seen them the past few times.  

And it was even a bigger treat to see them both together!

 Kaylie was the only one that would get close to the goats.  

Rylee and Ashlyn remembered how scared they were when they went in with them last time!  

I'm sure Kaylie will love going in with Daddy next year!

What a fun day at the zoo!