Second Honeymoon

This summer, Tim and I are celebrating our 10th Anniversary. Our very special day still feels like it was just yesterday. We decided to do something we've not done since we became parents - take a trip without the kids. Oh boy.

Fortunately, my mom was able to come up to stay with the kids. Thanks, Mom!

Can we leave for the airport to pick-up Neena yet?! I'm all ready...well, my purse is packed. Actually, I have 3 purses packed, but I'm not dressed yet.

I can't wait to show Neena my light saber from summer school!

Okay, humans. I know something is up. I see your suitcase. I don't know what's going on, but I know something is different.

Almost to the Milwaukee Airport to pick-up Neena. First, we took a lunch stop at Cabela's. Delish!

Yay! Neena's here!!!

A bit nervous, but still excited...for both of us! Mom's first time alone with the kids for an entire week, and a trip without the kiddos for Tim and me!

Next stop - road trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario! (No passport necessary for blog readers.)

- becky

Day at the (Milwaukee) Zoo

Last year's trip to the Milwaukee Zoo left a lot to be desired.  While it was (somewhat) enjoyable, Isaiah had a tough time.  He cried pitifully if we did not stop at every.stinking vending machine so he could push the buttons.  Perseverating City!  Imagine his tears at the machine whose buttons he could not push because a vendor had it open to fill it!

This year, we had a plan.  I got an idea off Pinterest.  An animal scavenger hunt!

It was awesome.  We had so much fun.  Both Isaiah and Mallory had a clipboard and marker.  On the clipboard was what looked like a BINGO grid of zoo animal pictures (and a map on Mallory's board).  As we found each animal we Xed it off our checklist.  :)

  

You almost forget you're right by I-94...

So, what about those vending machines?  Well, we still had to stop and push buttons, but only after we found a zoo animal, counted the machines, and marked tally marks for each one on our scavenger hunt paper.  19 vending machines in all.

- becky

2012 Baseball

Every year, it gets easier and easier to do fun things with the kids.  While there are many sad moments as we realize how big they are getting, there is so much to enjoy at each age.  This year - no strollers at baseball games and everyone has their own seat!  Isaiah and Mallory still sit in our laps some, but not for the entire game.  We can actually watch the game!  (Which is great because the games we've been to so far this year have been pretty exciting!)  Both kids actually enjoy watching the game, too.  It's impressive how well they can follow along.  The questions they ask about what is happening show they really want to understand how the game is played.

 Mallory likes to help carry in the bag 'o snacks.

The view from our seats - love!  We are right behind home plate this year!!!

Oh my goodness!  It's so exciting; I can't watch!

The roof was closed for our first game, but it's been open for the others!  Last year it was closed at every game we went to, so it's been nice to enjoy the evening fresh air.

The Sausage Races are so much fun!!

Love the fun expressions.  :)

Everybody clap your hands!  

Hit one out of the park, Braun!

Mallory's fave - Corey Hart

Oh goodness!  Hit it in the gap!

- becky