I should be doing laundry . . .

But – who has fun doing laundry when it’s 90 degrees outside and the house is heating up?  Obviously, not me!

So, here are some more adventures with my family when they came to visit.  We went to the Out of Africa Safari north of Phoenix.

		Animal Show VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

The baby porcupine was so cute, and actually very soft.  He had a mohawk and liked the attention.  The snakes were pretty cool, but I like the big ones you don’t get to see very often.  And that bird! That this was HUGE, but my mom loves birds so she was in “crazy bird lady” heaven holding (and talking to) her new friend.

		Feeding the Giraffes VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

As you can see, Russ and Gavin enjoyed feeding the Giraffe.  Natalie liked watching, but handed her carrot to Maejae.  That resulted in Maejae getting really excited, until the giraffe’s huge black tongue came straight for her face!  I think everyone on the safari heard her scream, and she hung on to mamma pretty tight for the next couple minutes until the giraffe moved his head out of our bus!

		Safari Animals VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

The kids LOVED the Safari.  Gavin got to feed a camel with his Daddy.  The girls had a nice chat about zebras.  And Maejae had some of the cutest faces – full of excitement.  I don’t know if Grandma had more fun seeing the animals, or watching her grand-babies have so much fun.

		The Tiger Splash Show VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Uncle Russ (my sis’s hubby) says that Tigers are his favorite animal.  So, of course, we had to watch the Tiger Splash Show. We grabbed some popcorn and cherry slushies and pulled up a seat.  It was amazing to see the Tigers so close and having so much fun.  The kids liked when the Tigers jumped in the water the best.

		Feeding Time VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

I thought we’d be able to feed some animals, but we didn’t.  Oh well – it was still fun to see the animals eating their HUGE chunks of raw meat.  The Lion had a leg bone of some sort (I think a lamb) and found his own secluded spot to enjoy his meal. 

Sometimes growing up isn't so fun . . .

Today didn't go as planned after some of our evening plans for FHE fell through.  But, we decided to make the best of it, and go to the play area at the mall with our friends.  We had dinner at the little food court, and Maejae decided she didn't want to eat a single thing (she's usually our best eater).  Then, both girls started crying and got really clingly at the play area.  Natalie got her hand smacked and then got hit in the head when she ran into another boy. She may get her first black eye - but time will tell.  The crying didn't stop, but we decided a quick window shopping might help cheer up our girls (because it is usually one of their favorite things).

But, we had a meltdown at the Disney Store because Natalie didn't get a prize.  She said, "But mommy, Makenna got a prize."  I asked if Natalie brought her money and she said "no, but you did."  Poor girl has had this lesson quite a few times in her short little life - mommy's money doesn't buy everything!  Needless to say, the meltdown from the Disney Store continued to the Puppy Store, the parking lot, the drive home, and while putting on pajamas.  Poor Natalie is - at this very moment - in her room trying to work out her frustrations.  We tried talking to her, but she just needs time to learn on her own that sometimes growing up isn't very much fun!

Maejae, on the other hand, is sitting next to me holding on to her blankie.  Her meltdown stopped as soon as we got home and she got her pajamas on.  She just didn't want to be at the mall I guess.  And, being that she's becoming a tom-boy, I don't blame her.  She has been clingy lately, but I don't mind.  I like cuddling with her, and know that her time is limited cause when this new baby comes, she'll have to grow up quickly. Again - sometimes growing up isn't very much fun!

I had to laugh though. My friend stopped me at the Puppy Store and said, "I feel bad saying this, but I'm so glad it's your kids throwing a fit and not mine.  I think this is the first time I've seen your kids throwing a fit!"  Hahaha!  Although I must admit my kids rarely throw actual tantrums, they do get very whiny sometimes, and throw little fits here and there.  But, I guess that just means that I am needed as a mother.  I get to teach them how to grow up - and hopefully they will grow up remembering all that Nathan and I have done to teach them.  Poor girls - sometimes life is just tough!

Do you see how much my girls have grown?

This was taken when Maejae was 6 months old.

Natalie was 2 1/2 years old.

My - how time flies!

Children’s Museum

Our first day with our out-of-town family included a trip to the Children’s Museum.  The kids had so much fun playing, but I think Grandma may have had just as much fun!

The Ball Tubes VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

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Playing House VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

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Going down the Slide VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

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		Cars VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

 

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		Shopping VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL