Unexpected Hitchhiker

Check out my shoulder in this picture. We were getting ready to leave Lake Johnson and I glanced back over my shoulder and saw this unexpected hitchhiker-a praying mantis.

He was a friendly little guy.

He liked Ari's hair.

Look closely on the right side of her hair.

He jumped to Ryan's forehead and Ryan laughed.

The kids wanted so bad to feed the ducks but we didn't have any bread. The kids thought maybe they would eat little pebbles. They didn't understand why I kept telling them to stop throwing the rocks at the ducks. In their minds, they were "feeding" the ducks. The ducks weren't sure either. The ducks would go under water to look for the food that the kids were throwing.

Sharing Family Traditions

After so much talk of Geocaching, Donna and Dala were curious what it was. We took them for their first time to Lake Johnson to go treasure hunting with our family.

Chris found the first treasure in the fence.

I found the next treasure in the tree.

Dala found this treasure under the log.

The Power of Mom

McDonald's has the Wizard of Oz toys in their happy meals right now. Donna (Chris' Mom) took this picture of me diggin behind the counter trying to find the ones that Ari doesn't have. We now have the entire set!

Ari was very excited to have them all. She has acted out the "Wizard of Oz" over and over with her little figures.

Wizard of Oz

Ari loves this movie. I thought this was a cute picture of her dressed up like Dorothy and it looks like Dorothy is looking through the TV.

One of These Things (Is Not Like The Others)

One of the things I love about Dala is that she enjoys playing outdoors with the kids. The three of them were racing down our driveway. The kids love to race and even more when Dala races with them.

Dad of the Year

My kids are so lucky to have such a great Dad. Chris is great at spending time with our kids. They can't wait for him to get home each day. They love Daddy at home days (aka weekends).

Ryan surfing the web with Dad. :) Not really but who knows what these boys were up to.

Chris picking Ari up from dance class.

The kids most favorite thing...wrestling with Daddy.

Chris playing Guess Who with Ari and Ryan.

More Childhood favorites

This sweet kitten wondererd into our yard. This is the first time they have been around a kitten. They thought it was so cool that she would chase a string.

My animal lover.

Childhood favorites

I loved these wax teeth when I was a kid so I got some for my kids to enjoy! They chewed on the wax like bubble gum for most of the rest of the day.

Heartfelt Thanks

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu

Chris' Mom and close family friend, Dala came down so that I could be with my Dad at the hospital. I can't begin to express how much it meant to me that they took time to take great care of my kids so that I could spent those priceless moments with my Dad. Thank you Donna and Dala for your hearts!
Dala and Arianna playing chase

Dala racing Ryan on the scooter

Their favorite pastime: taking inventory at Wal-mart