Grammy finished work so of course we had to do the Aquarium to celebrate. We picked the craziest day though, with a huge fire on Marietta and Baker -- right at the aquarium. But we waited and it was fine.
We saw the dolphin show, ate some lunch, and then saw the other fishies. And we got a new lapel pin for the stash.
Came home, made some dinner, and the boys are asleep - easily!
Dolphins:
Tropical Diver:
Today we decided to hike a few trails near our house that we hadn't done before. And we worked on the Jr Ranger stuff while we were out. Cooper learned all of the state park icons for outdoor activities (camping, hiking, backpacking, swimming, etc). He also did a matching game where he had to read the word and then find the symbol that matches it -- and he read 90% of the words himself!! His reading is great and we are about ready to move to the 3rd collection of BOB books. What I love is that his comprehension is full-on. He GETS what he is reading!
We also studied safety while being outdoors - poison ivy, ticks, mushrooms, etc...We enjoyed our walk. But it is getting HOT so we will need to make them earlier...
Elliot was hot in his ergo too. He is so close to crawling but just not there yet. He had pizza tonight (gluten free). His poor little nose is running too - both of us. beginning to believe Dan that it is a cold and not allergy. Time will tell.
Aaaannnnd once again poor Elliot gets the bad end of the deal....I'm wearing him, making in nearly impossible to get a shot. Boo.
We went to the park with Brande and the girls this morning, and then headed to Target for supplies. Crayons, paper, chalk and bubbles. Then back home to play with our supplies.
He drew a picture for Grampa. Notice is says "Dear Cooper" - haha. He's learning. And it says Too Grampo. Yes, "too" like "coo"per - same sound. And Grampa is Grampo because it sounds like octopus. LOL. Love it!
Of course, since we planned to go to Poole's Mill, it poured down rain. Flash flood warnings, thunder, etc. (Should we need some rain again, just ask me to plan an outdoor activity.) So we all piled in the car during a break in the weather, and we got ice cream. Love the peanut butter milkshakes here. And Elliot was in heaven too.
We had planned to go to the Bees exhibit at CNC. Nope. Then make a hand painting. Nope. Then ice cream. That just didn't work out. All he wanted to do was to be with A & J. He loves them so much. So I am just thankful that they love him back!
a hint?
Today we did lots of prep for A & J's bday. We shopped for and made cupcakes. These were no ordinary cupcakes -- they were key lime pie cupcakes. All Cooper's idea - he wanted LIME for them! They were intense to make, too. Cupcake, filling, icing, core and fill, ice, decorate....whew. And Coopster was a trooper and loved every minute of it.
We made a card for them, and then went to pick up the pottery. And brought them home to wrap up! And we got balloons. And practiced hiding for their arrival....and then karate....and then they came. Yeah!
I thought this would be a new park for us but it wasn't. We were here last year. But we had so much fun. Darlene and kids met us there - we hiked this time which was new.
For lunch we went to Fagan's Biscuit Barn. Hello yummo. Elliot ate the following: mashed potatoes, ground beef, cabbage, onions and peppers, cornbread and sweet tater fries. Piggy.
After lunch we went to the PYO place for Cooper to make presents for Ash and Justin:
We went to Noah's Ark today. The plan was to go early in the spring, before summer, so that it wouldn't be too hot. It has been unseasonably cold so this day should have been a perfect oppty to see the animals. But wait - it turned out to be 90 degrees!! Hotest day ever. Most of the animals we hiding. But with 7 kids, there was plenty of wild behavior to observe. I think Cooper had the most fun ever hanging out with kids!!
We went with the homeschool group wo Cagle's. It is just down the road but this was our first time. We had a great time -- The cow tunnel, pig races, sheep and cattle hearding, a hayride, learning how to milk a cow, jumping on a huge trampoline pillow....
And a new bloom in the flower bed:
