Butterfly Pavilion Day

We've been itching to get out of the house everyday since the weather has been nicer (not beautiful just a little better than a month ago), so we thought we'd try out our new membership to the Butterfly Pavilion.  It was packed with school field trips, overwhelming me more than the girls!  We were able to dodge the herds and hit up a few of the exhibits.  Here's Brooklynn holding Rosie the tarantula - she didn't even hesitate! 

 So sad to hand her back!

 Petting the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach - what a trooper!  She loved telling everyone they were from Madagascar!

 Chandler poking at the starfish - good thing their mouths are on the bottom.

 Climbing around!

Now we're just hoping for some beautiful Colorado weather, so we can do more outdoor activities!  Uggghhh....

Kenz's Birthday

Last weekend was our favorite niece's 9th birthday, so we had a party at our house with Andy, dad, and mom.  I was excited to surprise her with a cake (and she loved the design).  Here's the birthday girl with her cake.

 This shows it all!  Brooklynn has a tough time understanding it's not ALWAYS her birthday.

 Rockin' the shades

 Sweet cousins



18 months? What? Where'd the time go?

Last week Chandler went to the doc for her 18-month check-up.  She's as healthy as a horse and developing beautifully!  She totally rocked the development "checklist" and her height and weight are on a beautiful curve.  Here's her new stats:

Height:  2' 9"  (78th percentile)
Weight:  26 lb. (74th percentile)

She's getting so big and talking so well!  She even knows and says the Disney Princesses by name!  Our favorite phrases from our big girl is: 
1.  Up please (to pick her up)
2.  Help please
3.  Wuv you (love you)

She's always so friendly waving and saying hi to EVERY person EVERYwhere we go!  She also loves to grab our hand and drag us to something she needs.

Can't wait to see what's in-store next for our little monkey!

NOLA!

Since lots of our friends were turning 30 this spring (yes that was ages ago for me), they decided to plan a trip to New Orleans to celebrate.  We had never been to the Big Easy and were excited to get to go with great friends!  Only minutes after stepping off the plane we were off to the bars to soak up some sun and try the infamous Hurricanes.  Of course we had to do it in style, so John ordered a Magnum (3 gallon) Hurricane at Pat O'Brien's (the original hurricane of NOLA). 

 After the Hurricane

The next morning we got up and walked to Cafe du Monde for their famous coffee and beignets (doughnuts).  We also checked out Jackson square (named after Andrew Jackson - who seems to be quite the hero in New Orleans)

Steve and I decided we wanted some authentic New Orleans grub.  This was our first Po Boy sandwich with fried alligator, crawfish, and shrimp.  Apparently they were featured on the Food Network (although it seemed that everyone claimed that down there)

 The French Quarter (just down the street from our hotel)

Friday night was our "classy" night and we all went out to a nice restaurant.

Nothing ends a class evening like stopping by the convenience store for some beers.... (notice the other clientele in the store)

 and then brown-bagging it on the street!

Saturday we took a tour of the Mississippi River on their popular steam engine boat.  You can see how high the water is (the trunks are underwater).

 After the tour we were walking to lunch and sure enough, Steve stepped onto the curb and sprained his ankle.  Of course you can see the condition of the sidewalk (and most of them) in New Orleans.  Ironically there was a sign behind him that commemorated the sidewalk restoration of 1985.    But Steve didn't let the injury slow him down!

Hard core with his new cane from Chris & Tricia.  They sell these everywhere - and now we know who actually buys them!

 On a carriage ride through the French Quarter

 Saturday evening we did a walking booze tour of the city

On Sunday we checked out the Garden District and all the celeb homes.  What a beautiful part of the city!  Overall, what a fun trip with great friends, but we were excited to get home and hug those girlies! 

Mother's Day Weekend

I know this is super late, but we've had some technical difficulties with Blogger lately.  Ugggghhh!

Mother's Day weekend started bright and early on Saturday with a drive to Makenzie's lacrosse game.  She was so close to scoring a goal and even played aggressively.  What a stud! 

Then to breakfast to celebrate my mom's Mother's Day.  Here's our attempt at a shot with the girls and grandma.  This was as good as it got (and it's mostly mom's fault and her inability to smile for a camera)

My beautiful flowers from the bro and sis in-law

Chandler entertaining us at the lacrosse game

Sunday morning was another early one (I thought you were supposed to sleep in on Mother's Day) for a day at the zoo.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous and perfect.  The girls were excited to finally go to the zoo.  Usually by early May we've been a handful of times.  It was the first time Chandler really understood where we were going and was excited!

Our "silly faces"

Sunday afternoon we went to the Weslings for dinner.  It was so nice the girls were able to do some swimming in the backyard. 





Nothing better than ice cream to top off a fun, hot day!

Proud Auntie!

Last weekend I took Brooklynn to see Makenzie's big hula show for Lei Day.  Brooklynn absolutely loved seeing Makenzie out there shaking it and was upset when Kenz wasn't onstage.  It's been so amazing watching her the past few years.  When she started it was just cute to see her out there but now she's a beautiful dancer and seemed to be the leader of the group.  She must've gotten her moves from her mom and grandma - I've never seen Andy move his hips that way!  We are so proud of you our Hawaiian beauty!

Second from the left

 She even had a solo and totally rocked it!

 Simply gorgeous

After the show finished we met up with Kenz outside and it was so sweet to see her and Brooklynn embrace - I know Brooklynn was just as proud of her as we are! 

Another Cinderella in our House!

Brooklynn received a Build a Bear giftcard a long time ago, but we wanted to wait and use it when she could appreciate building her own bear.  We had a great time watching her pick out everything - from her pink bear, the Cinderella shirt, tutu, and even her name - Cinderella.

 Dressing "Cinderella" in one of her many outfit changes!

Tuesdays are the Best!

Since Amanda is on maternity leave and Laurel has Tuesdays off from school, we've made Tuesday our official playday every week.  Last Tuesday we toured Hammonds Candy Factory.  The kids had a good time and enjoyed the free samples!

Hazel & Brooklynn ready for the tour

 Love the hats!

 This week we checked out the new childrens' garden at the botanic gardens.  The girls had a great time playing in the rocky river, entertaining us on the stage, and just running through the beautiful gardens.  I'm just so happy we finally have some nice weather to do some outdoor activities.

Chandler's just checking out Hazel to see how this river thing works

 And Brooklynn helps her across

The ladies swooning Jackson for some love

 

Two Peas in a Pod

Since day 1 of living in our new home, Brooklynn has enjoyed eating her breakfast at the "Brooklynn table", which is a little nook off the kitchen with a ledge and faces the T.V. - where she can watch her favorite morning cartoon.  Well now that Chandler is getting so big, she demanded to join her sister for breakfast the other day.  Luckily there's enough room for 2 chairs, and they're in such a "cartoon trance" they don't seem to fight with each other.

It's always cute to see Chandler imitating her older sister and looking up to her!