Lazy 5 Ranch

We took all the kids to the local zoo today. The Lazy 5 Ranch was wonderful!! The kids had the best time. We got there first thing in the morning. The weather was cool and perfect. We hopped on a wagon ride that took us through the 3 1/2 mile trail to see all the animals. We were given food to give to the animals and told how to properly feed them. The animals would walk right up to the wagon and wait for food. They were so close to us you could count their eyelashes. The ride lasted about an hour. They also have other animals and birds in a viewing area so we went to see them. Afterwards we played on the playground and had a picnic lunch. We were all tired but the kids did great and it was all worth it. Highly recommend the Lazy 5 Ranch for all ages.

Monkey Joe's

Well, last week we spent time with Wes' family and this week we have spent time with my family. My three nieces and one nephew are in town. We've done a lot of fun things together and have enjoyed every minute of it.

On Wednesday, we went to Monkey Joe's. Monkey Joe's is for kids and is a fun-filled inflatable play center! We jumped, and jumped, and jumped! The kids loved it and had a blast.

My Rachel (19mo.) and Catherine (4 years old).

Sophia (2 years old)

Ryan (3 years old)

Caroline (6 years old)

A Day With the Panthers

Last weekend was the Carolina Panthers Fan Day. Aunt Kim, Alyssa, Wes, and Rachel went uptown to see some of the scrimmage game. Rachel loved clapping whenever an announcement was made. Wes said Rachel did great! By the end of the morning, Rachel was give out. Check out the pictures from Dad and Daughter's Day Out.

Rode Trip

Last week I went on my first rode trip with Rachel. We went to see Nana, Pops, Aunt Kim, and Alyssa. Rachel did pretty good in the car and I only had to pull over once to get the sippy cup that had fallen on the floor. The rest of the time it just had to stay on the floor. :)

Rachel loved playing with her cousin Alyssa and Nana's cat, Whiskers. We had a great time and we're looking forward to visiting again at the end of the month for Wes' 10 year High School Reunion.

Alyssa helps Rachel play with felt boards.

Rachel loves Whiskers, I don't know if I can say the same for Whiskers loving Rachel.

A Day of First

Today was the first day in a while where Rachel and I didn't have anywhere to go. It has been nice to sit in the house and do nothing. A few days ago I found a recipe for play dough, so I thought today would be the perfect day for that. My mom used to make play dough for us all the time as kids but this was my first attempts at making play dough, and it was easy. I mixed up the play dough and then let Rachel play with it. It took her a while to get in to it but she finally did.

No-Cook Play Dough

Ingredients: 4 c. flour, 1c. salt, 1 3/4 c. warm water

Directions: Combine the flour and salt in a bowl; then add the warm water. Knead the dough for ten minutes. Keep the dough refrigerated in an airtight container until you're ready to use.

Let's Eat!

Rachel has become more independent with her eating. She is feeding herself yogurt, applesauce, and anything liquid. She gets very upset if you try to help and tells you, "I do it!" She does ok on thicker foods but yogurt and applesauce are a real mess. Thank goodness for washing machines.

Beach Trip 2009

RACHEL GOES TO THE BEACH

FAMILY

All of Rachel's cousins were at the beach. She enjoyed watching and copying everything they did.

BEACH

Rachel seemed to enjoy the water and sand. We went to the beach most days and we stayed for about an hour and a half. The hat was a great item to have, it protected her head and face from the sun. This was Rachel's first time at the beach and I think she had a great time.

AQUARIUM

We took Rachel to the Aquarium to see all the beautiful fish. She really enjoyed it. We went really early in the morning before it got to crowded. It was a lot of fun for all of us.