Making Zoo Tracks

Saturday was an absolutely beautiful day here so we took full advantage and went to the zoo (along with everyone else in St. Louis). The kids were just angels all day long, and Carlie pretty much walked everywhere. We got to see the newest elephant, Jade, and finally got to see the chimps and other apes enjoying their new outdoor habitat.
Hey sis, hook me up with some of that applesauce...
I'm not very good at holding the camera out in front and taking pictures.



In case you are wondering why I took a picture of this complete stranger sitting on a bench, let me explain. I had seen her earlier and thought, "What a cute outfit!", and then it dawned on me how proud Stacy London must be. Clearly this woman knows what appropriate zoo attire is and not caught in a "What not to wear" moment. Functional with the flip flops, stylish and comfortable top, and breezy pants (although the fact that they are white was questionable since you never know what you may sit in on one of those benches.) I definitely need an outfit like that for my next trip to the zoo. Sorry the layout on this post is so choppy, I'm not very good at that part.

New Park

Today we met Perrin, Lia, and Lia's friend, Ella Kate, at Des Peres Park. I had never been there before, but they have a very nice park. Carlie really enjoyed it, and I am sure she wishes she had a park in her backyard (even though Creve Coeur Park practically is in our backyard). She is getting more and more adventurous with the stuff she tries at the play area. Makes me a little nervous.

Hanging out in the stroller
Conquering the rock wall
Lia and Ella Kate

A Little Behind

These are from Saturday when the Roses were in town. Carlie got to play with Rebecca. She was so sad when they had to leave. She loves to play so much, and it always breaks her heart when it has to come to an end.

Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory

Well, unfortunately, we kept our losing streak alive at Trivia Night. Going thru the first five rounds we were kicking cans, but once the intermission was over, trouble lay ahead. After tanking the Mothers and Daughters category (who is Lorna Luft or Lund anyway, and I already forgot who Laura Dern's mother is-- oh yeah, Diane Ladd), it all came down to Candy. Well we got five out of ten there leaving us one point shy of the money... Grrrrr!!!! But, we had a nice time with the Rose's being able to join us. I think they will definitely come back to town for the next trivia night should any of the usual suspects be unable to come. Rahul's friend was a big help as well. Sorry no pictures, I had my camera, but forgot to take it out. I get a little tense at Trivia Night. (Oh, and I won't tell you what category I did best at, let's just say make sure you sleep with one eye open-- buwahahahaha)

Happy Easter

What an awesome church service we had this morning! The kids actually stayed in the service with us because they didn't have nursery during the 9am service this week. They both did really well, but I think they like to play much better at this point. We came home and had a yummy lunch prepared by yours truly consisting of ham, green bean casserole, biscuits, mashed potatoes, corn, carrots, and deviled eggs. Not exactly the healthiest fare, but it was good. Then they opened their gifts from Grammy Dobbins. Later this afternoon Carlie will have to hunt around the house for her basket from Grammy Rodgers. We figured we would spread the day out a little bit with the presents. I guess we are too cheap to get them anything.


Mmmm, tastes like chicken

Egg Hunt Extravaganza

A local realtor put on a multi-subdivision egg hunt for the kids. It was a good turnout even if it was 40 degrees outside (if it was that warm). He even gave away raffle prizes to the parents like gift certificates to restaurants, but don't get too excited, we didn't any. The Fire Department was also there handing out hats to the youngsters. Earmuffs would have been nice. Overall, we got way too much candy. It would have been nice if it was candy I actually liked. Does anyone like "Bit of Honey", ewww!!!???

Carlie with her neighbor friend, Irina

Tell me again why I'm here

Big Score!!!
Mom, look at this!!

Time to Dye Eggs

On Monday we dyed Easter Eggs. After the dry run this year, hopefully they will turn out better next year. It was very difficult to get the eggs a uniform color all the way around so I just decided to start dumping them in all the different colors to see how they would look. Not so good, but I don't expect to make millions dyeing eggs for the masses. (I was hoping to get eggs like those on the tablecloth.)


The Fresh Prince of Butterfield Court

Fun Day of Play

The day was so wonderful today, we spent it outside. I actually got to go on a 45 minute walk so that was nice, needed exercise. Carlie and Noah played with the kids in the neighborhood. I don't know how much "playing" Noah did, but Carlie sure had fun. They came in for a bit to change Noah's diaper, and Carlie just stood by the front window staring outside and said "I just want to play with my friends". It was quite pathetic. So she went out again and pretty much crashed after her bath.

Carlie on her new swing.

Noah and Irina.

Carlie and Carson.

A little more follow-thru on that swing, Tiger!

Shouldn't this be a National Holiday?

Opening Day, that is, I mean it's Cardinals baseball!! Whoo Hoo! You would have thought the game was at our church today with the number of people wearing their Cardinals gear. It was quite impressive. I naturally had to get the kids changed once we got home from church. The photo shoot didn't go so well since Carlie didn't like Noah sitting on her and "hurting" her. By next year, she will probably have to sit on him since he will most likely outgrow her by then.

At least I managed to get Mike in the photo. (That's his leg)

Spring Has Sprung

Carlie and Grammy Rodgers got some annuals planted to go with the lovely landscaping. Carlie was such a good helper. Pawpaw and Noah did a great job observing the work that was done.


A job well done.
Time to clean up.
One of our pretty new blooms.

Ballerina Girl

Carlie started her dance classes on Tuesday at the Community Center. We don't get to watch until the last day. It meets once a week for eight weeks so I will probably put some pictures up of "show off day" once that occurs. She has a movie "Madeline at the Ballet" which she loves so she tried a few moves before we left for class. She is not wearing her ballet slippers in the photos.

Bad Dora!

This afternoon Carlie and Dora went to Play Park to play soccer. I guess all started out well until Dora pushed Carlie down. I didn't actually see it happen, but Carlie insisted on it and proceeded to put Dora in time out (with a blanket because it was cold out there- her words, not mine). That Dora better watch it, or we will call Dept of Homeland Security and have her deported. (Of course, they would probably just give her full medical benefits and a monthly check and send her on her merry way.)

Good Morning!

For a Monday, we had a really good morning. Noah is now having solids for breakfast. On today's menu - oatmeal and prunes. The prunes made their presence known around 6:45pm. Whewee. Carlie just dined on her typical Cheerios breakfast. I think I forgot to eat breakfast now that I think about it.

Who's Gonna Go?

Yes, I'm talking about American Idol. Last night's performances were quite good for the most part in my mind. You can probably find them on youtube if you're interested. I think Sanjaya should go. His singing and "grooving" were a little much. Blake's beatbox rendition of "Time of the Season" was awesome. And, what was with the girl in the audience crying during the performances. A bit disturbing. It reminded me of Elvis footage they always show on television with the girls screaming and crying. Don't know if this girl realizes these people are far from Elvis. But, whatever floats her boat. Blake and Melinda are, in my opinion, the top 2. Glad Melinda got a haircut so her neck looks longer. Lakisha did not do well last night, definitely bad song choice. I could go on, but I won't because some of you reading this don't even watch Idol, but maybe I can convert you. Buwahahahahahaha......

Paging Dr. Carlie

I spent the morning putting the wagon together and taking Noah to the "doctor" about six times.

Heartbeat: Good
Blood Pressure: Good
Mom, what is she doing to me??
Ears: Good, All Healthy

Happy Birthday Carlie, Part 2

Yesterday was Carlie's actual birthday. We went to Spaghetti Factory, and when we pulled into the parking lot, she said, "but El Maguey is my favorite restaurant." We should have gone there. After we sat down and were waiting for our drinks, this waitress clearing another table was carrying all the dishes in this tub. Well I guess she tripped or something, and the dishes went crashing to the floor sending sauce down Carlie's and my back and dumping noodles all over Carlie's chair. Luckily neither of us were injured by the dishes. They were very apologetic, and the sauce residue wasn't that bad. It didn't result in a free meal or anything, but we didn't give them a hard time about it.

She opened all of her presents when we got home. My cupcake cake looks a little silly, but she didn't care. I guess I was a little distracted in the afternoon watching hoops rather than frosting it. Whoops.



CODE BLUE CODE BLUE!
I need the paddles STAT!!

Cinderellie

Carlie played dress-up with her two Cinderella outfits she got for her birthday. And, those glass slippers keep "breaking", but she always has the other one in her pocket. Once I caught her sitting on the floor in the kitchen with a rag singing "Sing Sweet Nightengale" as she wiped the floor. She cracks me up.