April 22, 2012: The Minnesota Zoo

Often times, I like to think that we live in a zoo.  From the constant feeding times, to poopy diapers, to organized chaos, it can be somewhat comparable aside from the chain link fences that separate us from the rest of humanity.  Truthfully, we do not live in a zoo, nor did we buy a zoo - although the thought sometimes does seem intriguing.  Madeline after all wants to be a doctor when she grows up, so a veterinarian is pretty close.  And I digress, this morning we packed up our little and big babies to travel to the Minnesota Zoo for their farm babies exhibit.   

The following are some of our more candid snapshots from the day.





Of course we had to take this shot.  Minnesota Zoo is a long word, so the zoom was difficult to maneuver - hence why you can't the beaming smiles of Thing One and Thing Two.  If you look real close, you'll notice a foot in the lower left corner - that's mine.  I had to run out of the shot quickly while Jessica took the picture.  I'm happy to report that the girls didn't fall. 

Lucy is still getting "familiar" with slides, but Madeline was eager to bring her little sister down the slide.  Looks comfortable doesn't it?

There are always smiles in a play area - which not surprisingly, the girls didn't want to leave. 

Pure happiness in those eyes - or she seems a "cacha" which in english means cookie.  On a side note, Lucy's vocabulary is always improving.  She can say, 'Mommy sit down", "I want me Mommy", and "Jersey, down!" Soon, it will be "Daddy can I borrow $20."

Peace - if only for 7. seconds.  Lucy wanted no part of this family portrait with mom, but she did find the cow milk quite enjoyable.

Madeline tries to ride the little pig. She gets a lot of practice at home from either saddling up Jersey or her dad.  We are proud to report that no actual pigs were harmed during this stunt. 

Look, it's a hen laying eggs - that surprisingly look a lot like Madeline.

Not a "baaaaad" idea.  Let's pet and feed the billy goats.  Admittedly, this was the closest Lucy would get.  During most of the pen time with the goats, mom or dad were holding Lucy tight.

What's this?  A posed photo.  Precious. 

"Daddy, leopard's have long tails and smelly toots."

"Mommy, I'm boared" - pun intended here.

Yes, that is a grizzly bear behind Madeline.  And no, Madeline is not for lunch.  This was a really neat part of the trip though.  While we were there, the zoo keeper was dropping salmon down a spout to the bear behind Madeline.  The other Griz was hunting from land."

Growl. 

Sisters being silly but sweet...

The girls are always giving us reasons to smile....if only cameras were permanent fixtures to our limbs so we could catch all the sweet and silly moments.
Overall, the girls continue to get along remarkably, however, the older Lucy has grown the more trouble she gives her big sister Madeline...payback? No. Madeline has always been a sweetie of a sister. Sharing is okay, but the word "mine" is a favorite.
A few sweet and silly moments below......

Photos and more photos...

So many photos, so hard to choose. Here's a snapshot from the last month or two.

Madeline received a bike helmet from the easter bunny! The girls posing for a photo, which never happens! Bubble blowing. Lucy giving us the OMG look. Madeline and Brendan waiting in line for a ride at MOA. First time Madeline sat on a horse on the Merrry-go-round! Cousin Brendan and Madeline looking at the jelly fish at Sea Life at MOA. Trying to catch a feel of some starfish! Madeline and Kendra; Natalija and Lucy say CHEESE. Dad and Lucy in the bobcat. Coloring easter eggs and a quick photo before Disney on Ice began!

Weeeee'reeee baaaaaaaack....

After several months I hope to get this blog caught up and keep up! It's really hard though, so bare with us. I may need John (aka, husband and daddy) to help me write too! Stay tuned for more photo updates!

Madeline's Got Moves....

Every Saturday morning Madeline goes to Dance Class. She does a combo of tap and ballet and when they are all done, they do a bit of tumbling as well. A class that was once touch and go as far as her interest was concerned is now something she asks to go to on a regular basis. Music is a must in our house and she likes to show us her moves all....day.....long......

She has two adorable friends in her class, well, that we see outside of class anyway. She adores her teacher and dare I say, the teacher adores her.

Below are photos from our parent watch day several weeks ago. Lucy wanted to be out there so badly, so she was pouting from the sides for the duration.

Recital is scheduled for June 15th!

Happy Halloween!

Madeline's first trip trick or treating was a success. She did it! Excitedly approached each doorway, rang the bell or knocked on the door and eagerly waited for an answer so she could say, in the most angelic voice..."Trick or Treat" while she held out, with pride, her hot pink pumpkin candy bucket....and when the candy dropped, she looked up and said with a smile, "thank you!". And ran down the driveway and to the next house....over and over again. And each home we visited complimented on how sweet our little girl was. :-)
When we went to bed last night, Madeline asked me, "Can we go trick or treating tomorrow after my nap?" Sure, Madeline, right after you take your nap.

Pumpkin Carving

Sunday afternoon we carved our pumpkins... Madeline throughly enjoyed picking out the designs for each pumpkin and doing her best to help carve them too. We didn't get a photo of them lit yet- saving that event for tonight, along with Madeline's first trick-or-treating adventure. Check back later this week and I'll hopefully have costume photos and of course, these lit pumpkins!

Happy Halloween!