Day Out with Thomas the Train

Tanner and I got to spend the day with Thomas the Train.

We got to ride on a real train ride with Thomas...

Isn't that every little boys dream come true??

Bounce and Slide on Thomas Bounce House

I hate how blurry these turned out -- but LOVED watching him. He'd bounce as high as he could and then throw himself onto the slide.

He always playing with his tongue sticking out. Seriously, I should be happy he still has it intact.

Play with a room full of Thomas train sets

Model Train Set filled with Thomas Trains

Giant sized sand box

Thomas the Train Tattoo

Petting zoo with 6 week old piglet

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, A Camping We will Go!

One weekend we packed up the car and headed to the Lake Ray Roberts with some friends for a weekend full of camping, hiking, and biking.

Tanner was definitely in his element. He LOVES playing outside, digging in the dirt, and running wild. He's completely entertained 100% of the time.

We set up tent Friday night and stayed until Sunday morning.

Tanner "helping" setting up camp.

When we first told Tanner we were going camping, his response was "Ohh! And see my SOP-ie!" We went camping last fall and these two were inseperable. This time Sophie wasn't able to come -- something about her mom being 7 months pregnant.

Luckily, Tanner was still plenty entertained by his younger friends Leah and Madeliene. They thought Tanner was hilarious and laughed at everything he did -- which ended up being the only encouragement he needed to be.

In the wee hours of the early morning, Tanner woke up. A few minutes, we could hear little Madeliene wake up in the tent next to ours. I asked Tanner why Madeliene was crying, and his response "She wants to play with my digger."

Cooking breakfast Saturday morning.

Umm...Bacon. Is it just me, or does food just taste better when you're camping?

On Saturday morning, we took the kids to the park to play. As we were leaving our campsite, Tanner saw the HUGE group of teenagers leaving on the same trail. Tanner yelled, "No, we're going to the park!" and took off running as fast as he could until he got ahead of the gang.

Notice the feet off the ground!

The beautiful lake. I can't wait to come back in the summer when the water is actually warm enough to swim.

If you challenge Arthur, he'll never turn it down. He dived into the freezing cold water.

Bonfire!

Tanner loved being next the the fire. He was our little firemaster. A little on the dangerous side - but what worries me, always excites him.

Definitely the best part of camping - S'mores!

Tanner cuddled on my lap and just let me sing him songs forever as we sat next to the camp fire. So precious.

The weather was in the 70s-80s, absolutely gorgeous on Friday and Saturday, but on Saturday night the temperature unexpectedly dropped into the low 40s. We were NOT prepared. I wore 2-3 layers of clothes and still was freezing cold. I didn't sleep the entire night.

With the freezing cold weather, racoon raucous (imagine 2 racoons in heat in your campsite), and various children crying in the middle of the night, I barely slept.

But there's just something about being outdoors is naturally calming and soothing -- and I always want to go back for more.

Spring Break!!!

[This time with actual PICS]

For Spring Break, we had lots of visitors. Katie flew in for over a week, and then Chels, Avery, and Brandon came up for the weekend.

We were spoiled when they lived close by so we had to overindulge and do as much as we could while they were here. And we LOVED every minute of it.

Dallas Arboretum

The cutest little flower "thieves" who happened to steal a flower before we were even inside the Arboretum.

Tanner was obsessed with Katie when she came to visit. He wanted Katie to be next to him 24/7 and I was easily replaced. When I'd go to get him some juice, he'd tell me "No, Mommy. Katie do it!" Katie always likes to spoil him and give him all sorts of extra attention -- so it's no wonder. Now, if only she lived closer. We miss her being all the way in Seattle :)

Dallas Zoo

Feeding the giraffes is always the highlight of the day. Tanner is all about feeding them until they get an inch away and then he makes a run for it. He always freaks out at the very last second, but then turns around to do it again. But I admit, those giraffes are not shy and want their lettuce!!

We got to see the trainers feed the elephants too. They were feeding them pieces of fruit (ie M&Ms to elephants). We love the new exhibit and all the space they have to roam about. Avery like asking additional questions to the instructors.

We even splurged and took a train ride around the zoo. Turns out the real 'animals' were in our own train the entire time....haha.

Riding on the elephants -- we could have stayed here all.day.long.

Tanner is still talking about the bird landing on his head months ago...that silly bird. And this time, it happened again. These birds virtually attack once they find out your have food.

Chels and I were freaking out too -- just trying to keep it together for the kiddos. Chels looks like a pro!

Swimming at the Allen Indoor Natatorium

Tanner lost his footing on the stairs and was completely underwater for several seconds before I could scoop him up. As soon as I picked him up, he was so relieved and happy -- he didn't even cry. I think I was more traumatized than he was...but then again, he held on TIGHT afterwards!

Avery is quite the little swimmer -- can swim completely and totally on her own. I think this year might be time for swim lessons for Tanner, but without Chels & Ave living close by, we'll have to figure out a new pool to crash.

Bowling & Arcade Games

Bowling was top of Avery's list of things to do in Dallas -- and it didn't disappoint. Loves these little kids moves. Just look at them :)

Every time I see that pic of Ave's smile, I just want to hug & squeeze.

Caden is a lil professional -- he has better form than I do :) And I love how excited he gets!!

Don't think Tanner was going to pass up his turn at bowling! "I do it myself Mommy" is all I kept hearing...even when it comes to picking up the heavy ball.

Chels didn't seem to mind being 6 months prego and bowling.

And even shy little Brynlee remembered Katie and cuddled in her lap!!

Arcade games. Tanner was barely tall enough to play some air hockey!!

The best part about little kids -- Tanner still desn't care if he doesn't have quarters to power the game :)

Pedicures -- This time, girls only

But the best part -- just hanging out together.

Just plain stinking adorable.

They were holding hands, laughing and singing. It just doesn't get any better than that!!

Avery's Quote Book:

When Avery woke up on Thursday morning, I was telling her how excited Tanner was when I told him you were coming to visit.

Avery asked, "Did he wake up and go OH MY GOSH, we're going to see Texas to see TANNER today??" with enough energy and excitement to wake up the whole neighborhood.

My response, "Well, it wasn't quite like that."

Avery: "We'll, I did!"

On Friday morning, this is what I heard while I was lying in bed half asleep and half awake:

Avery: "Tanner, do you still read this book? -[pointing to a baby book about colors]"

Tanner: Yesssss

Avery: "Well, can I have it? I want it for Quincy!"

Tanner: Ummm... no response.

Avery: "Well, you already know your colors and Quincy doesn't. I have to teach her and she needs it.

Keeps following Tanner around. "So it is okay if I have it?"

Finally, Tanner realized she wasn't going to take no for an answer. "Okay Avey"

Seriously, I credit Avery to half the things Tanner knows. She's an amazing teacher - and will do very well with little baby Quincy once she makes her grande debut.