Bike Riding

We've had fabulous 70 degree weather. The blossoms are out on the trees, and spring is here! We've been outside as much as we can, going to parks, going for walks, and practicing our bike riding skills.

Zach had to stop along the way to gather his collection of rocks and line up the shapes hiding inside of his truck.

We love the lake by our house full of ducks. It is so green here!You'd think all this outdoor play would wear out the kids...yet they still seem to fight bedtime. Someday they will appreciate sleep, I just know it. :)

Smiles

I've been working extra hours at Silverlake now that summer's here. I came home tonight needing some ice cream. As I savored each spoonful of cookie dough ice cream, I smiled. It reminded me of our family outing to Baskin Robbins a month ago when it was 31 cent scoop night. Ice cream makes everything better, don'tcha think?

Springtime

Been sick here--strep throat for me, bronchitis for the hubby...but we've still managed to have fun in the sunshine. There's something about fresh air, throwing rocks into the canal, and visiting the duck pond that lifts our spirits. Spring is coming!

Figuring out the camera on our Sunday walk

*Note to self: putting camera on automatic setting results in successful pictures.

*Note to you: All mothers have the most beautiful child (or children) in the world. It's a good thing, because mine are awfully cute. :)

Random pictures

Sometimes we look at these two and can't believe they're ours.

A day out

We went to Brown County State Park in Indiana last weekend with our friends, the Olsens. We were going to camp with them, but since Doug's always crazy busy with composing and getting ready for doctorate applications, we just went for the day. It was SO beautiful and SO fun!

On the 2 hour drive there, Zach conked out--his mouth kept falling down further and further. It was hilarious, I tell you.

Aubrey, on the other hand, was content dancing to the Olympic theme. She's been obsessed with it ever since we heard it over and over during the Olympics...and now, we keep hearing it over and over. And over. It's in my head all day long.
It's blurry but kind of a cool shot, don'tcha think?

I had to take a picture.

Some gorgeous scenery

Hiking trails

A hammock the Olsens had set up at their camp site--the kids loved it!

The tire swing was a hit with Kylee and Aubrey.

Zach trying to grab the camera

There were fun shops there and so much to do! Thanks for inviting us, Brian and Becky!

Catching up

So I've been a little out of it...and I'm finally not so busy. I've been overloaded with stuff, and now that it's over, I've been getting a little depressed. It's funny how sometimes I think being busy is best, but then when I have free time I feel like I'm not "achieving" anything. Being a mom is definitely achieving something!!

When I came home from Utah, Doug had bought a video camera for us! I've been trying to figure out the picture setting on it, so a lot of ones I've taken haven't turned out. We just found our regular camera, though, so more posts to come.

We went to the Cincinnati Zoo a few weeks ago. There were baby giraffes to feed, manatees, a whole bug museum (complete with a room full of butterflies), a petting zoo...it was awesome.

Climbing on a spiderweb

Zach took advantage of his stroller.

Aubrey pet a turtle, a guinea pig, and a snake. (So brave--Doug wouldn't touch the snake cuz it was pretty creepy looking)

Tired after being out in the hot sun.

Aubrey thought watching the penguins swim in the water was hilarious!