Growing Everyday

Spring Breaks is almost over around here. Beka, Jared, and I had a wonderful time visiting the grandparents. ONe day we met up with Uncle Joe, Grandpa, Uncle Luke, and Miss Vicki at Going Bonkers. The kids had a great time being chased around by their uncles. I think the uncles were more tired afterwards than the kids. Beka and Jared are still talking aobut that day. Another day we flew kites with Grandma and Grandpa Westberg, Uncle Luke, and Miss Sarah. Beka had a blast with the kite and Jared enjoyed climbing the woodpile. The kids also enjoyed dancing and playing dress up later. Overall it was a wonderful time.

While we were off at the grandparents, Andrew was in Milan, Italy for a Flex conference. He had fun, although, he never left the hotel so he didn’t get to see any of Milan except for the drive to and from the airport. Beka received a dog pen and a bendy pen, but she was most excited to just have Daddy back home with her. I think she would have attached herself to him if she could have. Jared received a warrior/ninja action figure which he loves and can NOT stop talking about. Andrew was a very smart man and brought his wife back a wonderful package of chocolate.

Andrew’s parents were here to visit recently and during that time, everyone decided to go to the zoo. It was really chilly that day which is why the kids are in their winter coats. Because of the chilly temperatures, the zoo wasn’t busy so it was a perfect time for Beka and Jared to get up close and look at the animals. Plus, Beka and Jared tend to look and then “ooooh there is another animal” and run that way. They don’t meander through the zoo. With the fewer people there it was easier to keep an eye on them and allow them a little freedom.

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Most of the animals were out. Beka and Jared particularly liked the penguins. Beka’s favorite had to be the flamingoes though. She could not stop asking about seeing them. We also were able to see a dolphin show which for the Midwest was pretty good.

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ONe really cool thing the kids got to do was feed the giraffes. They are so tall when you are up close to them like that. The giraffes just leaned down and took the yams right out the the kids hands. It was amzing how huge the giraffes are and still so gentle.

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At one exhibit there were emus and man were they friendly emus. One tried to take Beka’s hat right off of here head. There are warnings all over the exhibit stating that the emus will bite. One older gentleman just stood there and let an emu peck at him over and over. I still don’t get why he did that, but to each his own. Below are just some random pictures.

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We recently went to Quincy to visit the family. It was a very enjoyable visit, even though, it was oh so hot. We had the opportunity to visit my aunt and uncles. We also took a trip to the Soldiers and Sailors home to feed the deer, llamas, goats, and emu. We spent Saturday morning with Andrew’s family. The kids really enjoyed swinging on their hammock. Jared especially; that boy could sit in a swing all day long. Sunday, we visited a The Crossing and then went to Going Bonkers to play. Beka specifically requested going. I can’t wait until the kids are about two years older and I don’t have to crawl through the indoor playground with them. The great thing is they are oblivious to the arcade games still.

This weekend we had some very special people visiting. Beka and Jared’s paternal grandparents visited. They came up to wish Beka a Happy Birthday. Friday night, we received a nice coating of wet snow. So while the grandparents were here, we all went outside and built a snowman. Beka and Jared loved doing it.
I think the snowman turned out pretty good. He isn’t lasting long though.