Grant's Farm and the Zoo

Last month Kaitlynn, Nick, MawMaw, MawMaw Tommie and I went to Grant's Farm. We went early to avoid the extreme heat. Kaitlynn fed the goats. Kaitlynn and Nick rode the carousel. Kaitlynn, Nick and MawMaw Tommie ran through the mister. Kaitlynn and Nick pet the donkeys / ponies. We stopped for lunch and a snowcone. We walked through the stables and called it a day since it was getting unbearably hot and the kids were ready for naps.

Kaitlynn did the cutest thing and I wish I would have captured it on The Flip. She picked up her Brittany Chipmunk from Build-A-Bear and started singing along with it to "All the single ladies!" It was super cute! I have to get that on video.

Kaitlynn, Nick, MawMaw, MawMaw Tommie and I went to the Zoo. It was a beautiful day for a Zoo trip! Kaitlynn was very concerned about a sick sea lion. We saw the donkeys, giraffes, zebras, camels and big cats, went to the Zootenial Exhibit and then rode the carousel. Kaitlynn played in the water fall outside of River's Edge while Nick napped. We went through River's Edge. Kaitlynn was in amazement when she saw her reflection in the glass at Hippo Harbor.
What a great day at the Zoo!

Grant's Farm and Outback Steakhouse

Saturday late morning, Kaitlynn and I had a dance party for Dave. That afternoon we gave Dave his Father's Day gifts. We gave him his gifts early because they gave me my Mother's Day gift early. I don't think I ever mentioned what they gave me. They bought me a beautiful NLT Bible. It's what I asked for and I love it! We gave Dave a t-shirt and a book. A guy I met in my Bible study suggested this book for him.

We decided to brave the heat and go to Grant's Farm. On the way there, Kaitlynn was being silly in the car. She asked me to flap my ears with her! Then we had to stop to get cash and when Dave came back to the car she asked, "Daddy did you get money for the goats?"

We were able to get right on the tram when we got there - no line at all. There was a really nice breeze while on the tram. A lot of the animals were out and right up near the tram. Kaitlynn thought it was the coolest! She sat in her stroller to feed the goats. They were really hungry.
Then she rode on the carousel - 2 rides for the price of 1! Kaitlynn had fun running through the mister. She even had Dave and me running through it with her. It sure felt good on such a hot day! Kaitlynn enjoyed a Tiger's Blood snow cone while Dave and I enjoyed a few Bud Light Limes! Also good on a hot day! Kaitlynn threw a few pennies in the wishing well and then decided to save the rest. We went into the stables. Kaitlynn wanted to pet Miss Budweiser, so I told her to call for her. She started yelling, "Budweiser!" Everyone that passed us got a real kick out of that. Kaitlynn and Dave fed the camels and then we headed out.

We went to MawMaw's and took Dave to Outback Steakhouse for Father's Day dinner. They had this promotion where you get a scratch off if you are a dad. You can win any thing from $5 off to $599.99 off (a year of Outback free). Dave won a $25 gift card good towards our next visit! Not too shabby!

Mother's Day Weekend

Saturday, we went to Botanical Garden and Grant's Farm for the first time this year. Botanical Garden has a dino exhibit. Kaitlynn was excited to look around the Garden for dinosaurs, even though there were only 2 exhibits (unless you actually went through the paid exhibit). We walked around the Garden and Kaitlynn fed the Koi fish. She loved feeding them. Then we walked around some more. Kaitlynn enjoyed taking pictures. At one point, she was actually taking a picture of every step she took. It was so funny! At the Botanical Garden, it was pretty windy, but thankfully the sun was out almost the entire time we were there. We went to lunch at the Bread Co. and then went to Grant's Farm. At Grant's Farm it was pretty chilly and windy. The sun wasn't out as much, but we still had a good time. Kaitlynn and Dave spent quite a while with the goats. First, Kaitlynn tried feeding them through the fence because she didn't want to go in the pen. Eventually, her and Dave went in the pen and after spending about a half an hour with the goats, they were finally able to get a few goats to drink from the bottles of milk. I guess the goats were very full from being fed by all of the people visiting. Kaitlynn rode the carousel and we looked at the other animals. Kaitlynn said the elephant was talking to her. When asked what about, she said something about the water. She had a snow cone, while Dave and I had our 2 samples of AB products. Yum! We walked around the stable and then headed home.


Mother's Day Declaration
I wanted you before you were born. I loved you when you were born, I saw your face and I knew that I was in love. Before you were an hour old, I knew I would die for you. To this day, I will. This is the miracle of life.
This came from a friend on facebook.

A Mother
When you're a child she walks before you,
To set an example.
When you're a teenager she walks behind you
To be there should you need her.
When you're an adult she walks beside you
So that as two friends you can enjoy life together..
Author Unknown

Sunday we had Kaitlynn dedicated at our church. What a special way to celebrate Mother's Day! To honor God that way and to make a commitment to raise her in the church community was so amazing. I look forward to the day that she is old enough to make the decision on her own that Jesus Christ is her Savior and she wants to be baptized.
Our families met us at church for the service. Dave, Kaitlynn and I had a family photo taken. We helped our families find seating. Then we waited in the lobby with the rest of the parents and children being dedicated. We talked with our dedication mentor couple. They were so supportive to us on Sunday. All of the dedication families processed in and stood in front of the church. Our lead pastor talked about what dedication is. Then our associate pastor introduced all of us to the church community. We were given a moment of prayer, where our families were able to come stand with us and pray with us. Our mentor couple said a prayer with us and our families. What a powerful moment!
We took Kaitlynn to her class and went back to service. After service, we sat outside of church with our families and talked. Kaitlynn had fun opening her gift from Hanna and Adam.
We went to Cheesecake Factory for lunch. After lunch MawMaw gave Kaitlynn a present. It was a beautiful cross frame that says "Bless this child."

Halloween Event

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Grant's Farm

Sunday the 20th, we were supposed to meet some friends at Grant's Farm, but it was raining that morning, so we canceled. Later on it cleared up, so Dave, Kaitlynn and I decided to go. We had a great time. Kaitlynn enjoyed a snowcone while Dave and I enjoyed the samples of beer. We were so excited to get to sample a new product coming out on October 5th (which is a great day - my dad's birthday). Bud Light is launching a wheat beer and it is awesome! I love sampling new products before they are on the market. I recommend everyone trying this product out. I know we will definitely be buying it on October 5th.

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After Grant's Farm, we went to MawMaw's. We hung out there for a bit and then went to Casa Gallardo's for dinner. Yum!
What a great Sunday it turned out to be!

August Begins

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On August 2nd, Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to Grant's Farm. August 4th, Kaitlynn, Olivia, MawMaw and I went to the Zoo for a short visit. On the 6th, Dave, Kaitlynn, MawMaw, Olivia and I went to Citygarden for the first time. After Olivia went home, we went to Lone Elk Park and then celebrated Brandon's birthday at Happy Joe's. The 7th, Dave, Kaitlynn and I went to the Zoo. The 15th, Kaitlynn, Dave and I attended Addison's birthday party. The 16th Dave, Kaitlynn, MawMaw, MawMaw Tommie and I went to Eckert's for peach and blackberry picking.

End of July Photos

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Here are some pictures from the end of July. On July 27th, Kaitlynn and I met the Mommy and Toddler Playgroup at Suson Park. Later that evening we went to dinner with MawMaw. July 28th we met Eileen, Merci, Gabe, Emily and Ella at Kangaroo Kids then went to McDonald's for lunch. Wednesday the 29th, Kaitlynn, Dave, Olivia and I went to Grant's Farm. That evening Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to visit Great Grandma. Kaitlynn attended a dental visit on the 30th.

To view more photos or read more about what we've been up to, check out my other blog. Don't have the link, email me at everydaymamadrama@yahoo.com.

Dancing Girls at Grant's Farm

Wednesday, July 15th, Kaitlynn, Olivia and I met Trisha and Kylie at Grant's Farm. At first we were afraid it was going to rain on us (again), but the sprinkling stopped as soon as we got out of the car.
Kaitlynn and Kylie brushing the goats.

We ran into Jim, Trina, Nate and Sis. Kaitlynn and Sis fed the llamas.

Kaitlynn and Kylie put on the cutest show. They were dancing fools! Kylie started out with a butt dance and Kaitlynn started out lifting up her dress. Crazy girls!

They had so much fun and were so worn out by the time we left Grant's Farm.

Grant's Farm and Free Slurpees

Saturday Dave, Kaitlynn, Toni and I went to Grant's Farm. We saw lots of animals on the tram ride.
These donkeys were so close to the tram, I could hardly take a picture of them.

After we got off the tram ride, as we were heading to the goat pen, it started sprinkling. It didn't seem too bad, but as I reached for my wallet to get money out to buy a bottle of milk (so Kaitlynn could feed the goats), it started to become more than a sprinkle. We took cover by the gift shop and restrooms. The rain slowed down, so Dave bought a bottle of milk.

The sprinkling started again as soon as Kaitlynn finished feeding the goats through the fence.

We were surprised that the goats were taking cover from the rain.

It starting pouring, so we had to take cover between the gift shop and restroom again. All the times, we have been to Grant's Farm the last 2 years and this is the first time we have been rained on.

After the rain slowed down, we headed to the Animal Encounter Show. The show was canceled due to the rain, but they brought out 5 animals for everyone to pet, after the rain stopped.

Kaitlynn pet a rat,

a possum,

an iguana,

a cockatoo and a snake. She pet the snake a few times.

They also brought an owl out, but you were not able to pet it.
Kaitlynn chose to sit on Toni's lap instead of in the stroller.
Kaitlynn took this picture of this tortoise.
Lemur
The flamingos were fighting. Of course, as soon as I got the camera out, they stopped.
African Elephant
Kaitlynn kept saying "pony ride" because she said she wanted to ride the pony.

We went to the Beer Garden and had lunch. Kaitlynn made some wishes by throwing coins in the fountain.

We finished our visit at the stables watching the Clydesdales.

Then we took advantage of 7-11's free Slurpee deal. Kaitlynn enjoyed her Wild Cherry Slurpee.

Kaitlynn and I went to MawMaw's and did some grocery shopping. We met up with Dave later and went to dinner.

New Tricycle, New Baby, Grant's Farm Oh My

Sunday we had a busy day planned. But you know how that goes...

Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I met MawMaw Tommie for dinner.
MawMaw Tommie bought Kaitlynn a Radio Flyer tricycle. We couldn't believe it, but Kaitlynn was pedaling it as soon as she sat on it. As soon as I got the camera out, she stopped pedaling and put her feet on the ground. I think this is the best gift she has ever received. She held onto it while driving home. She even wanted to sleep with it, but we talked her out of it.

Monday we went to MawMaw's house. Kaitlynn loves her new baby that MawMaw bought her on Saturday.

Kaitlynn slept through dinner, so we took her to McDonald's to eat dinner and play since we were out and about. Plus she loves the Ice Age toys in the Happy Meals.

Tomato from our garden!

Tuesday Kaitlynn, Olivia and I met some friends at Grant's Farm.

Kaitlynn, Bailey, McKenzie and Addison had a good time together.

Kaitlynn, Olivia and I rode the carousel. I couldn't wait for the ride to be over. I just can't take spinning around like that. It didn't bother Kaitlynn or Olivia, though. In fact, Kaitlynn wanted to go again.

Grant's Farm with Friends and Last Class

Tuesday May 19th Kaitlynn and I met the Mommy and Toddler Playgroup at Grant's Farm.
We had a good size group - Eileen, Gabe, Jen, Eleanor, Colton, Crystal, Abby, Tara, Bailey, Kim, Mackenzie, Tristan, Emily, Ella and of course Kaitlynn and me.

After the tram ride (and Tara losing her shoe), we fed the goats.

Then we walked around, looked at the animals and talked.

After lunch the kids ran around some more.

We had a fun time with our friends!

Kaitlynn and I went to my mom's where she played outside with Sassy. Kaitlynn enjoyed tossing the frisbee around.

Wednesday the 20th Kaitlynn attended her last Motor Developers class. We hung out for a little while with friends afterwards. Then came home, ate lunch and played outside. Outside we ran around, chased Bailey around the yard, laid in the grass and did firefighter, cut some flowers to put in vases around the house and just had a lot of fun.