Going on a Dinosaur Walk

It is a rare moment when it is a holiday and Lance doesn't have to work or go to school. So we loaded up and headed to the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney today. The Dinosaurs Alive exhibit is there through the end of January. All of the eight dinosaurs along the outside path were life-sized and would move and growl.

The Sweeney family being served as the dinosaur's lunch. As you walked through it's mouth and neck, you could see the realistic size of its internal organs.

Zachary getting his dinosaur growl on.


Zachary being so brave in front of the 46 foot tall T-Rex.



Madison didn't mind the dinosaurs that were about her size. . .



but she didn't mind having daddy carry her as the dinosaurs got bigger in size and sound.

Madison wasn't as afraid of the dinosaurs after she found her fighting stick, but daddy was very afraid of it.

Nana and Pappy's House

Lance's mom and step-dad live in Bonham, TX, about 45 minutes from us. It's a bit more country than McKinney. It is routine for the kids to go out to the fence and to call for Peppy and Oreo to come over. Larry and Carolyn helped them out by bringing out some animal crackers for the kids to feed to the horses. Madison took her allotted crackers and had a snack. Zachary was content with patting the horses.

Daddy's three favorite ladies...his mom, his sassy girl, and soft-spoken wife. =)

Zachary liked the new view.

Zachary and Madison swinging and hanging out with their cousins Taylin and Cohen.

Memorial Day celebration

McKinney's historic Pecan Grove cemetery was the place to be on Memorial Day. The memorial service was complete with rifle shots, playing of Taps, plane fly-by and various men in war uniforms for the opening parade.

Black powder really does stink! I can only imagine the smoke cloud of all the rifles on a battle field.

My patriotic girl waving her stuff to the band music!

Zachary loved seeing the American flag flying from the fire truck's ladder! As we left the cemetery, we HAD TO drive by the fire truck to see the ladder being lowered.

AND

Why you don't hold young children with long-stick flags...

Animals at the Zoobilee

We got an unique experience to go see the zoo at night. Once a year the Dallas Zoo reopens at 6pm for a spring animal-style festival, of course. It had been raining all day, but it cleared out for us to make the drive. It was fun to do the carnival games, get Zachary's face painted and to ride the carousel a few times!

Zachary thought it was cool to touch the turtle's shell and legs. He wasn't a fan of touching a snake's shedded skin at the end of the table. A picture of his face would have been priceless.
It was the opening night of "The Ghosts of the Bayou" Exhibit, which featured two babies and one adult albino alligators. We had fun chanting and acting out the Monkeys teasing Mr. Alligator song.

We thought cousin Kelyn might like to see Dumbo again.

I love this family pic. I got Madison to sit on her animal, but she wouldn't have anything to do with it once we started moving. The kids were great for being out past their bedtime.

Watch out for the snake! The face painter started a butterfly on Madison, but she freaked out. Maybe next year. =)



Enjoy seeing Zachary on the Endangered Animal Carousel ride. Madison was in my arms.

McKinney's Fall Festival

Lance was a super star last Saturday. We had planned to go to the city's Fall Festival after Zachary woke up from his afternoon nap. Therefore, this would also allow Lance to sleep from working Friday night. Well, one thing lead to another, and Lance never went to sleep. Lance helped Zachary get the hang of the bounce houses and then Zachary was off to explore!Zachary climbing the rope. He is growing up too fast!Love the excitment in his face! You can understand why he waited in line to go two more times.Crawling through the tunnels.Madison with a butterfly on her cheek. She was so good and sat in my lap while it was done.

Most adorable dog at the festival.

Pumpkin Patch

We had a great time at the pumkin patch this year. Madison was all smiles during the hay ride. Zachary liked feeding the animals, but was in love with riding 2 parked tractors.

Madison and cousin Liam (Michelle's 8 month old) tasting the local hay.

Zachary was in tractor heaven. He only got off when he saw another one to drive.

Daddy I like this one! Can we take it home?

My little pumpkin at her first Pumpkin Patch!

Part 2: State Fair of Texas

Here is the last bit of favorite pictures from the State Fair. I can't wait till next year! Madison and Zachary petting the goat. He wants to know where the feeding cup is!
Zachary loved being able to feed and pet so many animals. The only family pic of us at the fair. Looking at the kids faces', they were ready to move on to the next thing.
A tradition for Lance: must eat a turkey leg at the Fair!
Zachary in the Auto Show building. He was excited to see so many trucks in one place. It was funny to see him hop into so many of them and to take them for a "drive".

State Fair of Texas

We had a blast at the State Fair of Texas on Wednesday. Lance and I were able to get into the fair for $1 each (reg. $14) by bringing a total of 8 cans of food. We have a favorite stop at the fair. All of the following pictures are at the Helping Hands farm. Zachary was ready to get to work.
Zachary collecting some eggs after putting some corn in the hens' feeding trough.
Madison harvesting some vegetables from the garden to take to the market.
Farmer Zachary and his cute helper Madison.
For Grandma Labrum: Zachary and Madison feeding the sheep.

Family Trip to the Dallas Zoo

The high for Monday was 81 degrees! So we packed up the double stroller and headed to the zoo. We decided to get a family pass, which we can get a guest in for free each time. Plus we can use it at other zoos for free or 50% off the entrance fee.

Have to have the official family picture by the name!
Zachary spotting the chimpanze.
Zachary reading the map.
Our most recent hatch!
Zachary loving the petting zoo. I did fear for the guinea pig.