Thomas The Train was in Town!

This past weekend, we finally were able to take Liam to ride on Thomas the Train. The weather wasn't looking good, but we took a warm coat, and an umbrella just in case. After about 30 min. of being there the sun came out, and the weather was perfect. We decided to leave Rowan with Grandma B since it was during her nap time. Plus we thought it would be fun for Liam to have an outing with Mom and Dad by himself. He was very excited and had a great time. After we took a ride, we got a picture in front of Thomas, then we did some of the activities...he did mini golfing for the first time, and we realized that we suck because he's never been before. He definitely needs some practice with that, but he had fun anyway. Then we got him a tattoo sticker on his hand. Then went to the store where he picked out 3 new trains, got both the kids a new T-shirt, and Rowan a hat, and a little Thomas bag to carry everything...They are so spoiled!! Then we were all ready to head home! As you can see in the last picture, he was pretty tuckered out!

Bye Butterflies

So this past Monday, the butterflies hatched, and they recommend letting them go after a few days if the weather permits...well, just so happens it was rainy and COLD all week?! So, finally by Saturday, the weather warmed up enough, we could release them. We had thought about letting them go in our yard, but there were a few concerns about lawnmowers, and pesticides around the neighborhood, so we thought...if we were butterflies, where would we love to live. And we decided that Thanksgiving Point Gardens would be the place. And even though it was more work to pack up the kids and go there, it was well worth it in the end. The place is beautiful, and has thousands, if not millions of flowers. I did call ahead to make sure they were OK with it, and to make sure no pesticides were used, and they said it would be just fine.

We could tell on the drive over that the butterflies were getting ready to fly. They were opening their wings and flapping more than usual. We found a great spot in the gardens, and we opened their habitat. One flew out right away, and then the second. It was really cool! I think the 3rd came out on his own, but I helped one of them, and Liam helped the last one out. Liam tracked about 3 of them down after they were released. And we were able to capture some pictures and video of one or two around the flowers. It was such a fun experience for ALL of us, that when we got home, we ordered our next batch....plus our ladybugs too.
















Click Below for the Video

Graduation Pictures

We were a little nervous about graduation pictures this time because Liam has been making his silly Thomas train faces when we ask him to smile for a picture. But, we were pleasantly surprised and relieved that he gave a really beautiful smile. And his teacher even wrote a note saying so!!

Next week is his graduation ceremony...I can't believe this school year is nearly over?!

Changing Time

Saturday morning, on day 9 of having our larvae, one of them climbed up to the top of the jar. By evening, he had turned into a chrysalis?! And the next 4 were hanging from the top. By morning all but 1 had turned. We checked it a few hours later, and the last one changed too!! I had no idea how FAST they changed. I'm sure if we sat there for a couple of hours we could actually see it happen. It is quite amazing.



I know, not the greatest pictures...it's a little tricky with the glass and all.


Tonight we carefully moved them to the butterfly habitat. They should hatch in about a week or so.


Also, I ordered another set...although next time we are going to take the label off the jar, so we can get a better view. We thought maybe they would like the privacy, but I really don't think it's meant to stay on there.

A mother is one to whom you hurry when you are troubled.

~Emily Dickinson





HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

The tulip's petals shine in dew,

All beautiful, but none alike. ~James Montgomery

I was so looking forward to the Tulip Festival this year, so I could take some more macro pictures. The tulips came on late this year because of the colder weather. So a combination of the bad weather, putting the swing set up, and all of us being sick, we didn't make it to the Tulip festival before the last day!! Today was the last day, and even though I hate huge crowds, I still wanted to go. Mike did not, so he stayed home with Rowan while she napped, and Liam and I went. Below are a few of my favorite pictures.


















CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REST OF THE PICTURES

I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful.

~Author Unknown


A couple of days ago I wrote a rant blog because I was upset with a certain magazine. I took down the post because I don't want to come off as a bitter mom.

So this is all I'm going to say on the matter.

Here is an example of a picture that is out of focus.



Here is a picture that is soft. (BUT STILL CUTE)!



Please vote for Liam!!

And here is Rowan's Picture to vote on too!

(BTW, You have to 'Like' their page to be able to vote)

Butterflies and Easter

So I am a little late getting our Easter pictures posted because we have all had a nasty stomach bug this past week. I can't even remember the last time I have had a stomach bug...I think I was still a kid?! Mike was a great husband and took off 2.5 days to help take care of the kids, and then to take care of me too, when it finally hit me on Friday. He has felt a little sick for the last couple of days, but knock on wood, he hasn't got it yet, and hopefully won't!

On Thursday evening we received our butterfly larvae. We are excited to see them change.

Liam checking them out on the first day (4-28-11)


Day 1


2 days later (4-30-11)


4 days later (5-2-11)


Here are a few pictures of the Easter Egg hunt that Grandma had at her house.






CLICK HERE FOR MORE EASTER PICTURES