We are in love...

...with the zoo!

I don't think a week goes by when Brooklyn doesn't ask to go to the zoo at least once. I think she thinks I am lying to her when I tell her it is closed Mon-Wed. She cries...no, it's not closed...it's open. Tim and I don't even talk about the zoo anymore because she gets so excited if she thinks it is a possibility. We used to spell it. That only lasted about 2 days until our little smarty pants says "I want to go to the Z-O-O".

She might live there if I let her. I can't blame her- it is a lot of fun. We try to go as often as there is weather warm enough that mom can stand it. Fortunately, that has been a few times this year even in January. Here are some of our pics from our last visit with some friends.

In awe of the coral reefs...

The trip is absolutely not complete without a visit to the tigers. They are her favorite for sure.

This time even the bear came down to say hello.

Here she is kissing the penguin. (This is one of those mom moments you try not to think about what has touched the glass and just think how cute right?) We took her to see Happy Feet 2. She has been really into penguins lately and loved it. She talks about penguins all the time. In fact she asked Santa for one this year. Sorry Baby, I don't think Indiana is quite that cold!

We miss you zoo and can't wait until it warms up again. Until then we will dream about all the wonderful things we will see....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KADEN

I can't believe my little Kaden is already 7 years old. Where has the time gone?

It doesn't seem like that long ago that he was crawling around and learning his first words. He has grown into such a wonderful little man. Kaden is one of the sweetest and kindest boys I know. He is always willing to do anything for anyone..he amazes me everyday with his thoughtfulness for others. We are constantly finding little notes or pictures on our pillow, waking up to breakfast on the table or any other little thing he can think of to show his love. He is the first one to be willing to help out and serve. We feel so blessed to have you in our family Kaden. You are an example to all of us. We love you...Happy Birthday.

This year he decided he wanted a Sonic the Hedgehog cake. I thought about that one for about 10 seconds and then went to the store to get a screen printing. Sorry Kaden...I don't have those kind of skills.

I know the last picture turned out a little blurry, but I love it because it shows his personality so well.

Have a wonderful year being 7!!

Christmas

We have had a wonderful holiday and hope all of you, our friends and family, have as well. We were very busy during our vacation. Here are some of the highlights of our Christmas!

The boys had a music program at the school. They did such a great job.

Here we are visiting Santa and letting him know our Christmas wishes. :)

One of our Christmas gifts was a membership to the zoo. We have used it a ton already and love it! We went to see the lights and all the holiday festivities they had. Some of the animals were very active, especially the tigers and bats...but I think the favorite is always petting the sharks.

What is Christmas without a tree and decorations!

Christmas eve we decorated sugar cookies to leave out for Santa. I think half of Brooklyn's frosting was in her mouth and the other half was on her dress.

Here are the kids with some of their favorite gifts.

(grandma she was talking to you)

What a great Christmas. The only thing that would have made it better was if we got to spend it with our family. We miss and love you all!