The turtle stop...

On the way to Maggie's school there is a wonderful garden/flower/gift store that has some very unique stuff.
I could walk around that store for an hour and still miss some really neat stuff. And they totally make walking around for an hour easy by providing free cookies, popcorn and drinks!
Ben's most favorite part is the indoor "pond" they have.


Although, when he got splashed on the face he was a tiny bit distraught.

This is what you see in the pond!

Although most days you can see many of the turtles hanging out on the rocks too.

I never realized just how fascinating it is to watch turtles.

The frogs are really fun to watch too; however, if you are too close you may get splashed on the face when the frog hops into the water. Ben didn't think that was much fun. I, on the other hand, thought his face was priceless!

Seriously, I could watch the frogs and turtles all day and so could Ben.

I also could watch Ben watching the turtles, fish, and frogs all day long!

Which is why we stop at the "tutles, frogs, fishies" quite often and spend an hour just watching them. And all it costs me is the 15cents on the way out for a "pop"! Well, unless I see something that catches my eye!

Colored Bubbles

If you see these bubbles in the store I highly recommend that you leave them there! They are TERRIBLE!
They say "washable" and yet our tub and hands were stained for days after using them!
And, they are not easy to blow either!
Yep, good ole fashion bubbles are way better then these colored bubbles!

I think spring is here

The daffodils have bloomed.

The pansies are planted...

Our flower garden has been freshened up with a new bush, some flowers, and some puppies in a basket...

So I think spring is here but I'm not positive because it is still COLD most days! Bring on some more warm weather and show us that spring really is here!

Jumbled thoughts on a great day...

Yesterday was a great day. A wonderful day. And, sadly, I never took my camera out and don't have a single picture to treasure. I know, crazy, it was so busy and wonderful that when I thought about taking pictures I didn't have the opportunity to get my camera out. (A little side note... Chris has had the same best friends since elementary school. (Justin and Chris going all the way back to kindergarten!) I came into the picture in high school so although it hasn't been quite as long these guys are definitely "childhood" friends of mine too.) Andy, his wife Jenny, and children Taylor and Ryan. Justin, his wife Jessica, and children Leah and Caylee. Joe, his girlfriend Brandy, and Joe's son Kyle (along with a friend of his) all came over for a BBQ. Also to meet the newest baby, Caylee, who is absolutely adorable! The weather was perfect. The kids and us parents were just thrilled after such a long, cold winter to spend the whole day outside. The kids played, the women chatted, and the men cooked. Perfect. I wish I could put into words my feelings on yesterday. Just watching everything going on. I really can't seem to though. The feeling of amazement at how life has transpired and transformed and yet so much is still the same. When the men get together it's like they are 16 again! And, to watch my children growing up with their children, just wonderful. Special. Making memories with each other like their fathers did at their age. Well, after all that jumbled writing that few will understand I will just say it was a great day. The playing, chatting and laughing, that's what Sundays are really for! Oh, and I got a serious baby fix with an absolutely adorable and cuddly baby Caylee! This time next year she will be running around with the rest of them!

Reptile Expo

Yesterday the three big kids and I went to a reptile expo and it was really fun. There were more snakes and lizards then I could possibly count, with some frogs and turtles thrown in there. Oh, and I can't forget reptile food. You know what snakes eat right? Yeah, there were mice, alive and frozen, eeewww! Actually I don't mind mice, well pet mice or mice that are out in the wild, but when I see frozen ones, yuck-I can't even go there! Ok, let's go back to the good parts before I get sick. The kids thought it was just fascinating, the whole expo. Watching turtles trying to escape,

And lizards galore!

They really liked it when they got a chance to touch one of the animal.

Connor probably asked me about 243 times if he could buy one of the lizards or frogs. I said no about 243 times. "But Mom, those frogs are only $10! That's not bad at all!" Yep, still said no.

I did let each of them chose and bring home one "pet".

(Look at Punky Brewster's outfit)

Yep, I did let them each get one plastic reptile to bring home, you know, cause I am a cool mom like that!

Maggie's flowers...

The other day I told Maggie she could pick a little something when we were at the store. She looked over all the toys, crayons, and other art supplies.

This is what she ended up picking. A bouquet of daffodils "to brighten our house".

She definitely picked something we all could enjoy! And I love that about my Maggie!

Live Chicks Inside!

When we see this sign outside a local store we just can't help ourselves, we have to go in!

We love visiting the tiny and adorable baby chicks. Oh, and the ridiculously cute baby ducks, we just love 'em!

Let's not forget the sweet, fury baby bunny.

Yep, we can't resist temptation, so we don't!

Not to mention mommy loves free entertainment!