The Zoo...

It has quickly become a tradition that we visit the zoo just before the weather gets cold. With the boys being older, -A- was intrigued by everything and -N- wanted to know more info about the animals than just a simple "what's that?" We met some friends and toured the zoo.

-N-'s favorite animal is and remains the elephant and -A- was quite impressed with the Prairie Dogs and giraffes.

-N- also over came his fear of gorillas to my surprise.

Fun was had by all even when the birds were dive bombing -N- as he fed them...

In the learning barn, -N- discovered the "milking" area and was extremely interested in finding out just where the milk he drinks comes from and how they get it out. So it looks like we'll be going to a dairy farm soon to find out more...

Pudding Painting...

What a yummy way to paint and -A- loved it! We went over to a friend's house today while -N- was at school, a stripped down to a diaper little man sat happily and painted a picture using pudding brightly colored with dye.

Mmm, Mmm, Good!

My Married Clothes...

So, a current obsession (we have many) at our house is the idea of marriage. Surprisingly so, as I expected this conversation with girls, however I don't have any girls, I have boys. The oldest is deeply interested in the idea of marriage. He spends most of his days pretending to be married to a woman with the same name as mine and children who are coincidentally named the same as he and his brother. When you ask who he is in this scenario, he will happily inform you that he is my husband and he is just pretending. Too cute the way he is imitating his dad and family.

However he is also quick to inform you that he is going to marry Miss -H-. They both have conversations about this in their own little worlds both separately and together. It is ever so sweet, but we are now beginning to wonder if they know something that we don't???

Today my grandmother and the boys and I were wandering around JCPenny and happened upon a Christmas Church outfit, at which point -N- proclaimed that those were "married clothes" and asked if he could try them on.

Since we weren't in a hurry I figured sure why not and off to the changing room we went. He was absolutely enamoured with the idea that there were married clothes that fit him now, as he has had it explained that he needs to go to school, do lots of homework and start working before getting married. He has added a laundry list of things he should complete first as well, such as grow "whiskers", buy a truck, a house and maybe a car and a van. HA!

But today he is focused on these married clothes, and wanted me to share the pictures with Miss -H-, so here we are, Miss -H-, -N- misses you dearly and hopes you like his married clothes.

He rides...

John Deere! When his older brother, -N- was this age he had a bit of a battle with this tractor because he couldn't quite get his bottom positioned to ride on this tractor given to him by Great Aunt Jan.

It ended badly with a major tantrum and everything, but NOT this time! -A- had it mastered in no time and was having a jolly good time!

A New McDonald's in town...

Recently the McDonald's that served our area was closed for remodeling and today they reopened. We ran into some friends as we checked out the new digs. The gang came out and the boys were impressed with Grimace. -D's- little sister -A-, didn't care much for him at all and actually spent most of the morning shaking uncontrollably because he was there, poor thing. We are excited to have the new renovations finished and the indoor play place was warmly welcomed by everyone.

The FIRST Day of School...

Today marks a grand day in the life of our oldest! He is starting preschool and woke up this morning quite eager to start. He woke up to find breakfast at the table ready and waiting, per his request I made mini muffins to go with his oranges, yogurt and milk.

As soon as he rose he got dressed all by himself and refused to put on his school shirt without an undershirt, because he wanted to be just like his Dad when he goes to work, so I obliged.

With a snack packed and ready to go, a special note for him to find inside, and a full tummy, he was more than ready to head out to school. He is going two days a week for the morning only and hand selected his teacher the day we went for a tour.

Once we were out the door he could barely contain himself but let me take a few more pictures.

-N-, Mom is feeling a little nostalgic this morning as this is the first day that I am leaving you in the care of an otherwise stranger. Learn, grow and enjoy and I will see you soon, we are so proud of all that you have become sweet boy and can't wait to see what you learn.

Time to Say Goodbye...

We've known this time was coming for sometime, and have been in a state of denial, but the time has come for our dear friends to take up residence in the state of California. There stuff is packed and ready and waiting for their arrival in their new town, so we got together for a final goodbye and some fun outside.

My boys are going to miss these girls, see!but we will definitely be keeping in touch!

Travel safe, and enjoy sunny California and your new home by the beach! We will see you soon!