Another Zoo Trip

We went back to the zoo but this time we took my sis-in-law, Brooke, and my neice, Reece. Brooke is much more an animal lover than myself, and the kids loved her telling facts about each animal. Brooke even took Reece and Taylor in to the petting zoo to comb the goats' backs. We are so glad that they went. We can't wait to go to Dollywood and Splash Country with them too!

We love our park!

We go to our local park at least a couple times a week. Taylor and Carson love the many different slides and playing with old friends and new. I love it because I can hang out with mothers just like me and watch our children play hard. We usually go before nap and enjoy a picnic lunch while we are there. Taylor and Carson love the park, and I do too!

Upaji Village

Taylor and Carson love the new Upaji Village at our church, Sevier Heights Baptist Church. They worship our Heavenly Father by singing songs and hearing puppets tell Bible stories. Thanks Cindy for the pics!

The Zoo and Baseball Practice

Today was such an eventful and hectic day. I took the kids this morning to the zoo for about 3 1/2 hours. We had a blast! Taylor's favorite animal was the zebra and Carson's favorite animal was gorilla. They both were upset that we couldn't find the pumas. Of course, I had to call Adam (who didn't answer me because i guess he was in a meeting out of state) and then my parents to find out what in the world "pumas" were. My parents were not sure, but when Adam finally called us back he informed me that it is some cat on Dora the Explorer. Well, I should've guessed it! Everyone knows me knows that I am not an animal lover. I didn't even give the kids the option of going in to the reptile section of the zoo. That would be a great bond between Taylor and Carson and their daddy!!!!

For another hectic part of the day, we went to weeball baseball practice for the first time. The kids practiced running bases and catching infield balls. Carson kept passing up the kid in front of him by the time he reached 2nd base when it was his turn to run bases. I tried to tell him to stay behind the kid, but he didn't listen. The coach sent them off every 5 or 6 seconds from home plate to run. I think Carson thought it was a race. The practice was quite comical at times. Just imagine 30 three and four year olds practicing baseball. Some lady behind me in the stands said that poor little girl doesn't want to play.....I looked over and there she was....Taylor Grace playing in the dirt not even close to the other teammates. (Taylor never ran the bases nor did she catch infield balls....I am so glad that I didn't pay for her registration fee yet) The coach was finishing practice and Carson yelled out "When is the catcher suppose to be here." He was ready to bat and forget this other stuff. When I asked the coach when season was going to be over and she said the end of July....I thought to myself "WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF IN TO." If you need me any Friday nights until then, find me there.

Happy Birthday Dad!

A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY goes out to my dad on April 17th. He is the best father to me. He has taught me so much in life and is willing to give me the shirt off his back. A former student of CU, Shane, said this about my dad in his blog..... "Without him, I would not be where I am today."...I totally agree. My father is an incredible man of God and a selfless individual. Thank you dad for teaching, guiding, and modeling what a Christian parent is suppose to be. You are a fantastic Papa and Dad! We love you. Happy 56th Birthday!

The entire family is celebrating my dad's birthday with a cookout at my house this weekend. I can't wait!!!!! ((Of course after he attends the orange and white football game at UT!)

Dolly Parton

Yesterday was a beautiful day. The kids, both of my grandmas, and I enjoyed a flawless day at Dollywood. Taylor and Carson enjoyed the rides and a few shows. I enjoyed the 1 1/2 nap that the kids took in their stroller. I could not make it without that thing. I love it! One of Carson and Taylor's favorite rides is the old time cars. Dollywood has always let me take them both in one car and exchange drivers after the lap; but they have changed policy this year and made me stand in line again to let the other kid drive. Frustrating! As we were leaving after a tiring day at Dollywood, we needed to make one last stop at the restrooms before loading up. We always go to this "dead" area in Dollywood to use the restroom because no one knows about it. We thought things were strange because these ladies were taking these flowered plants to this new tour bus that is part of Dolly's museum. We were walking by the bus when lo and behold Dolly comes walking by. We were a couple feet from her with no one else standing in front of us. It was a good time! She waved and spoke a little but hurried on to a building. Taylor and Carson were waving screaming "Dolly"....probably because that is what I was doing. Taylor took her baby doll named "Molly" and kept holding it up for Dolly to see it. Not sure why Taylor was doing that, but it was funny. It was a good day at Dollywood. Taylor and Carson were wanting to ride the water rides (River Rampage and Log Ride) but I wasn't ready for that just yet. It has to be summer for me to do that. Another full day of memories at Dollywood.

Craziness

Of course my life is always crazy. Does it ever settle down? I left early this morning to take the kids to preschool and check out my test booklets for my homeroom for day one of state testing. Shew! I was exhausted and the day had not even started. My friend, Melissa, called yesterday evening to tell me that her husband had a heart attack and was going to have double bypass surgery. I was shocked! He is a well fit 55 year old man. Melissa and I went on an adventurous trip to Toronto, Canada last May. I have a lot of respect and admiration for Melissa. When I started feeling overwhelmed today about my slam packed schedule, I immediately thought of Melissa and Bill and what they were going through. I need to stop sometimes and just put things in to perspective. Please remember the Charles family in your prayers the next few days. God is in control.