Zoo Trip!

The kids and I had the opportunity to attend the Omaha Zoo with some friends a few weeks ago!

It was a fantastic day with great weather and great kids!!

Friends and Neighbors!

In the Aquarium!

Sharks!

Watching Penguins!

 

All Kiptyn wanted to do was ride the train!

He was sooo excited when we finally got on...and because the zoo is a very special thing for us and we don't go very often, we purchased wrist bands for a day of fun...so he got to ride twice!!

Train Ride!!

Watching the Penguins get fed!

Sea Lion feedings and training!

 

The new exhibit at the zoo is being able to touch a sting ray!

These things are so cool...and a bit slimy! They will come right up to your hand wanting to be touched...and they really like it if you have fish in your hand for them!

Kieran got the most enjoyment out of the string rays. He was a bit skeptical the first time, but we went back later (thanks to our wristbands) and he had no fear!

 

The boys and I rode the Skyfari!

This was a first for us at the zoo....it was neat being up so high and seeing lots of fun things!

 

 

We saw so many animals that day....but we still didn't see them all!

 

All this fun wears a girl out!

The kids had great behavior all day and I wasn't sure how long we would be able to stay because I figured Chloe might need a nap. But, she never fussed or whined the whole day...we were able to spend the whole day making memories at the zoo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Singing Bird in the Pantry?!

When we moved into this house 6 years ago, we only had about 4 days from the time we closed on the house until we had to be moved out of our apartment. That was plenty of time for some cleaning to be done and stuff like that, but not much time for painting. You probably know by now that I'm not the painter in the family...that is Chuck's department...and he's so good at it!

 

Anyway, the previous owners had their washer and dryer in a closet located in the hallway by the kitchen. Well, we put our washer and dryer in the basement and turned this closet into a pantry. Best decision ever!! I love this space and it is so useful! When we moved in, Chuck and his dad put a few shelves up on the wall but there wasn't much time to do anything else since they were busy with other home improvement projects...and I have been totally happy with my pantry!

 

So......

A couple of weekends ago, I decided that Saturday would be a good day to clean out and organize the pantry, defrost the mini fridge etc.

Chuck was helping me remove all the items from the pantry and we had a few thoughts like this:

"Hhmmmm...now would be a good time to put in more shelves while the pantry is empty."

and

"Hmmmm...a fresh coat of paint would be nice while we're at it too...."

 

So, off to Menards we went for a fresh paint color and new shelving!!

 



Chuck began removing the shelves and getting the room ready for painting.

Our kitchen and table were essentially non usable during this project because stuff was everywhere! I was in the middle of making 2 things for a church picnic at the start of this project also so my kitchen was already "busy!"

Empty Pantry!

Chuck and I both agreed that we wanted a bright, fresh, clean, cheery color that would really make the white shelves "pop!" We agreed on the color Songbird Blue!

 

Chuck put the first coat of paint on and we attended our church picnic while it was drying. He put the second coat on Saturday night before bed.

We love how the color turned out! Chuck installed the shelving on Sunday afternoon....

Tada!!

Now doesn't that just make you happy?!! :-)

Everything has its place and it's all reorganized and there is still plenty of space left!

A quick, two day project that was definitely worth it!

"G-Daddy"

We are very fortunate to have a good relationship with some of our neighbors. It's great to have friends to hang out with, help each other out, look our for one another, have play dates with and be involved in each other's lives.

 

Chuck was recently asked to be the Godfather for our good friends' little baby boy Jack. This is an honor for Chuck (and I) to be asked. I know Chuck will be very involved in little Jack's life and take his role as Godfather...and friend...seriously.

Chuck is thinking that Jack can just call him "G-Daddy" when he's older! :-)

Attending a Catholic baptism was a new thing for us.

(Photos courtesy of our neighbor)

Jack's Godparents.

Godparents with the family.

Sweet Baby Jack!

 

We had to take the opportunity for a picture while we were all dressed up....it's not very often that Chuck is in a tie!

 

We're thankful for this little boy and his family!

 

 

Fire and Water

Happy 4th of July!!

Thank you Aunt Cy for our 4th of July shirts!

 

We were able to spend a few days at my parents' house for the 4th. Chuck was suppose to work so the kids and I were just going to make the trip, but his plans got changed at the last minute....so, he was able to go with us!! Yay!

Coloring in Grandma's craft room...we have a lefty in our family!

Lego's!!

We bought a few fireworks to celebrate the occasion and my parents' neighbors put on a little show too. Everyone enjoyed the fireworks...even if they were a bit loud at times!

 

On Saturday, the kids and I met up with my good friend, Julie, and her kids at the splash park!

It was a perfectly hot day to run in the water!

Kiptyn, Aaron, Kieran and Anna

Chloe was much more content to sit in the shade and have a snack!

 

Thank you Lord for friends and family....

Thank you Lord for our country...

Thank you Lord for memories!