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.

Easter Egg Hunt

Three days before Madison's 16 month birthday, she finally decided walking was the cool thing to do. For months she has cruised the furniture and pushed her walker around. Enjoy the Easter egg hunt and Madison struting her walking stuff!

Only one box of diapers!

I think Zachary has finally figured it out. We are grateful for the encouraging phone calls when he successfully made it to the potty in time. The whole process took about 2 weeks. I think it took us more time to train ourselves to know where the bathrooms were when we were out running errands. It is fun to hear him discuss which underwear to wear each day. The favorites are Lightening McQueen from Cars and Wall-E.

Yeah for more space in the shopping cart and car trunk!

Disappearing Sock Act

When socks go missing, I no longer blame the dryer. Madison usually chuckles after she has managed to take off her shoes and socks when we are in the car. I completed her laundry yesterday, but her sock drawer was still a little empty. I was amazed when I came across SEVEN socks around her seat in my car today. Maybe it is time to graduate from velcro to shoelaces, especially ones that can be double-knotted. But hearing her chuckles from the back seat are part of our drive everyday and I'm not ready to give it up, yet.

Zachary is 3!

I'm still having a hard time realizing that I have a three year old. I know he isn't heading off to college tomorrow, but time has flown. I am grateful he hasn't lost his cute baby cheeks. Although, he does occassionally wipe off a kiss or two when he's too grown up for Mommy kisses. Lance and I admire how much he observes the world around him. It's fun to carry on a conversation with him now. Only Zachary can get the belly laughs out of Madison. We love you!A very happy birthday boy!

Show me the money! Lollipops or chocolate?

Madison turns ONE!

Madison turned "1" today! I can't believe how busy she has become in the last month. I'm sure it helps to have a big brother around to shorten the learning curve. My favorite thing about her is her laugh and how she smiles with her whole face. I am sure that she will give me plenty of opportunities to laugh at her in the upcoming year.

Sorry about the angle of the video. If anyone knows how to rotate it, please let me know. Until then , just cock your head to the left and enjoy!