Miller Park Zoo

Today we had a great family day at Miller Park Zoo. It is such a good zoo for my kids, there's just enough to see and do that they are totally entertained, but not very big so they can make it through with out breaking down! Jack's favorite animals were the monkeys and I love that he can tell me that now:) Here is my favorite pic from the whole day. They look so precious.

Jack got so close to this bird! He loved it, but it totally freaked me out. I was sure it was going to poke him and made him move along.

Alex getting excited about the bird.

Such a cute picture! You can tell Alex is still a bit unsteady, but she insisted on walking through the zoo.

Jack getting a good view of the sea lion show.

The sea lions during their show.

Jack was so excited the whole trip to ride on the carousel. Alex was okay with it at first, but by the end she was in my arms!

Jack and Alex were exhausted after their fun morning at the zoo (and so were Jeremy and I)!

Taylor's Bridal Shower

Today I went to my sister's bridal shower. She getting married in 3 weeks! It was a great shower, good food and good conversation with family and friends. Taylor got some great gifts, lots of cooking/baking stuff, so I'm thinking that Ryan will be very happy. Here's a picture of the girls: my mom, my sister, and I.

Taylor, me, and Lindsay (my brother's girlfriend)

The bride and groom!

Memorial Day Weekend

This weekend we went up north to my parents to spend some time with family and friends. My mom did an awesome job making great food, and my dad made sure we had plenty to drink and lots of fun. It was a great weekend and a start to a crazy, busy summer! Here is Alex and Daddy relaxing on the patio.

It's a summer holiday tradition to make ice cream at my parent's house. Jack had so much fun helping turn the ice cream, which takes some strength, so a family friend helped him out.

Alex trying to get in on the ice cream fun.

My dad had a water balloon fight for the boys. Jack was a little unsure at first but he definitely got into the fun!

Jack tyring to get Papa!

Checking out the fountain with Aunt Taylor. The kids love just standing by this and watching the water.

Relaxing and winding down after a fun party.

Jack's New Bike & Fun at the Park

This weekend we searched high and low for a new bike for Jack. After 4 different stores we finally found the one I was looking for. So as soon as we got home Jack started riding up and down the sidewalk. It was adorable, and another reminder that he is getting to be such a big boy!

Everybody got a new toy.

They are learning to play so well together! Well, at least there are moments:)

We went and checked out a new park this weekend, hard to believe that there are still a few in Bloomington-Normal that we haven't been to yet!

Just walking around!

Swinging is Alex's favorite thing to do at the park. It's amazing how different the kids are Jack would swing for about 30 seconds and be done, but Alex will swing and swing and swing the whole time.

Alex on the slide, you really have to watch her! She hasn't quite figured out that she has to sit to go down the slide, she'll actually try to walk right down it!

So I know this was a crazy long post but I hope you enjoyed!

Alex and her Fork

Alex shows us every day what a big girl she is. Last night at dinner she insisted on having my fork. I thought she'd just fling it around a little bit and be done. But she actually decided to use it! I had to help her get the food on the fork but she knew exactly how to use it.

Mother's Day

We celebrated Mother's Day early by going out to dinner at Jonah's with both our parents. It was so nice to get everyone together, and the kids did really well at such a grown up restaurant! On Sunday I enjoyed sleeping in, it was heavenly! Then I took Jack for a haircut. It is so short and adorable. After that Jack and I went and picked out flowers for the front yard and planted them. Jack was more interested in the worms than the flowers, but it was fun to hang out outside. I had been promising Jack all week that we would go to the park but it's been so crazy. So after nap we headed out to the park, but mother nature didn't agree so we had to improvise. We ended up at Chuck E. Cheese and had a lot of fun (especially since it was pretty deserted)! Alex and her dancing moves! It was a great Mother's Day thanks to my wonderful husband and great kids. I am such a lucky girl:)

Graduation

This Saturday was my graduation. I can't believe I am finally done, I am so excited to have more time for my family! It was an early morning ceremony and the kids came to watch. It was so fun to see Jack waving from the stands and saying "My mommy". Here's the family after the ceremony.

The proud parents - No matter how old you get your parents are always proud of you:) The ceremony - It was long but totally worth it, I felt very accomplished and like if was finally done after walking across that stage!

Alex being adorable during the ceremony! She is such a little princess.

Ginnell and I - She's probably a big part of the reason I made it through the Master's program. She was always keeping us on track and was the best research partner ever!