Tigers and Manatees and Gorillas Oh My!

A nap after a long day at the zoo.

Makenna and the gorilla studying each other. This gorilla was curled up right at the glass enclosure- it was so cute. He couldn't have got any closer.

I think Makenna wanted to touch that gorilla.

Makenna signing "penguin"

Cami and the manatee.

We headed to the Columbus Zoo after Makenna's appointment. What a beautiful day! We could not have asked for better weather. It was warm and sunny with a nice breeze blowing. As you can see Makenna kept a sweatshirt on all day. Camille actually enjoyed a lot of the exhibits. She loved watching the fish, manatees and turtles. Makenna always loves the manatees. She also got up and personal with a starfish and a snake! The indoor exhibits are easier for Makenna to visit because she can actually see the animals. We think the outdoor animals blend in too well with their habitat for Makenna to pick them out. She enjoyed the lizard, kimono (sp?) dragons, and the gila monster. She called them all monsters. I explained what each one was and when we finally got to the gila monster she was excited. She said he was the same as Baba! She has had this thing about her Baba being a monster for the last few months - I don't know what that is about - but she thinks it is funny.

Sweet Mornings

I had to wake Camille up this morning because we had a nine o'clock appointment at Children's Hospital Dental Clinic with Makenna. This is how I found her when I went into her room. Sound asleep on her belly with her rump in the air. It was so cute. She was really tired she didn't even wake up when I turned the light on and snapped these pictures.

Little horses?

Our friendly neighboring donkeys came to visit us yesterday. They graze in the woods behind our house and love attention from people. They come right up to you when you talk to them and love to have their head's scratched. Jay took Makenna to the fence to see them. She went up to the fence and said "Hi, little horses." I guess I need to learn the sign for donkey. She told me they were eatting grass and then they would go home. She wasn't too sure about these "little horses" she much prefers the ones you ride. She was ready for them to leave. Next time they visit we will have to give them a little treat to eat. Camille was very interested in them.

Makenna's on the Demolition Crew

After- can't wait to get the new stuff planted.

Makenna helping her Dad!

Before

We decided to take out our over grown landscaping and completely replant in the front of the house. Makenna decided to assist Daddy in the track hoe. If you look closely you can see her helping Daddy tear out some bushes.

Time is Flying

Well Camille is 7 months old today. What a difference a month makes. She is able to sit up unassisted. Get up on her hands and knees and rock back and forth. She also "hops" forward while she is up there and usually ends in a face plant. She loves to put anything she can find in her mouth. Guess it is time to baby proof the house. Camille has slept in her crib the whole night for the last two or three nights - big accomplishment - before this week she was in Mommy and Daddy's bed. Happy Birthday Camille Rose!

Two Peas in a Pod

Makenna and Cami playing with the doll house. Well Cami is eatting the parts and Makenna is playing.

What do you have over there?

Cami is sitting up unassisted! Jay snapped these pictures while they were both interested in Makenna's doll house. Hard to believe they are eight years apart, Cami is going to catch up with Makenna quick. Sisterly love- a moment when Cami wasn't trying to pull Makenna's hair or glasses off her face.

Swimming Lessons!

Makenna going under!

Kicking on her back- Carly (teacher) was able to let go today! Wow Makenna.

Makenna was excited because Cami just went under.

Cami kicking up a storm.

Makenna is taking swimming lessons for the first time this summer! She is doing great. She is able to walk in the water without help - which is a huge accomplishment. She is also trying to float, kick on her back with a kick board, blow bubbles and go under the water! She has been a champ. She does every thing asked of her without any complaints. Mommy and Cami get in during the lesson too. Cami went under the water too! She comes up a little surprised but happy. She kicks the entire time she is in the water.

Play Ball

Makenna and buddy Matthew!

Makenna whacks that ball!

Susil #1 - that fits in our eyes!

Makenna had her first Miracle League Baseball Game today. It was great opening day. Her cousins Matt and Jack are buddies for the league. Jack was Makenna's substitute buddy today because Matthew offered to help another player that didn't have a buddy. Her team name is the Orange Crushers. She had a great time. She got a hit on her first time swinging the bat and rounded the bases like a champ. Makenna's Uncle Jim is a coach (just happened to be for the opposing team today.) The kids had a wonderful time. Next week the games start out at 10:00am. Come out and enjoy the day if you can.
The field is amazing, it is made of recycled tires. It is a smooth suface so people in wheelchairs can circle the bases without difficulty. There was a free concession stand. Indoor restroom facilities, shaded dugouts, spectator seating and they are working on installing lights so each child will have a chance to play under the lights. We were all honored to have Zack Space, Troy Balderson and Mayor "Butch" Zwelling at the ceremonies.

Johnny Jump Up

Cami got a new Johnny Jump Up. She just loves to jump, jump, jump. She tries to jump in anything you put her in, her Jumparoo, her Exersaucer and on everyone's laps.

Makenna's braces

Makenna got braces last month. She did a great job at the dentist's office. She sat very still and was a great patient. She had red and blue the first time and Monday she picked yellow and blue for her colors. The pictures aren't great but she wanted to show off her metal :0)