Baltimore Aquarium

The boys really wanted to see the Aquarium one more time before we moved.  Chris and I thought it would be a great opportunity for them to go as part of their birthdays....so that's what we did on Saturday, March 8th!  It was such a beautiful day.  We left at 8am and arrived in B-more around 10:30.  We spend around 4 hours in the Aquarium.  The kids enjoyed watching the dolphins, learning about sharks, all different types of fish and landscapes.  We even got to watch the scuba divers feed the stingrays, sand sharks and other fish by hand.  The kids and I really enjoyed that part!  We had a really fun time.  I borrowed my friends baby pack and I'm so glad I did.  Ryan 'rode' along the entire time and didn't make a fuss at all! 

 This sea turtle weighs about 500 lbs. and was rescued from Long Island, NY. 

 The weather was gorgeous!  We enjoyed a stoll downtown!!!

 We met my sister and her hubby at Fuddruckers for dinner around 5pm.  We stayed and visited for almost 2 hours.  It is always such a wonderful time to see them!  The kids are growing so big!!!

 On the way home, we stopped off at the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors Center.  We were home safe and sound before 10pm!  What a wonderful day!

Ryan

Ryan is getting so big and so fun! I just love his smile...he's getting all 4 teeth on the top at once!  He also is getting the bottom 2 middle teeth too- ALL AT ONCE!!!  He's such a good baby.  He is starting to roll over and he's not in the same place you leave him!  YIKES! Enjoy these sweet pictures of our little monster!

 

Smiles...

I just love these kids.  Alexis is such a wonderful sister to her brothers.  She helps with Ryan, holds him, plays with him and she can get him to laugh by talking silly to him!  It's the cutest thing ever!!
Here are a few pics.  Enjoy!

March visit- Mamah & Haley

Mom brought Haley to visit March 1st.  Everyone was very glad they came.  I had to work but was able to spend a few hours in the morning with them.  After I left, they played! Everyone had a turn driving the boat.  Later, Alexis wanted to make and set off her rocket (the last of her Christmas science gifts).  The kids decorated it and then set off in the back yard to set it off with baking soda and vinegar.  Of course, Pap-pap had to supervise.... and it's a good thing he was out there.  The rocket had to be shook hard and then quickly set back on its stand to BLASTOFF!  It went much higher than we anticipated! The kids had a blast too!!!  Thanks for the visit Mom and Haley.  We loved your visit!

Feb. 22nd- Scout Day

Feb. 22nd was a busy, fun day.  Ethan had several activities, one of which was a special dedication of a Fort near our home- Fort Mayland.  A 3 time war Vet dedicated this land with the honor of inviting the local scout Pack 1 to aid in this special day.  I am so glad Ethan wanted to participate in this event.  I think it will be one he will remember for a long time. 

 

 The flag waving high....with the POW MIA flag underneath it- dedicated to the 2 boys from high school who enlisted with this man and died in their service of our country.  Freedom really isn't free. 

 His wife gave a little speech on the history of obtaining the land and purchasing the cannon. 

 Here is the family.  The man who served 3 times is on the far left- Red coat.  What a sweet family.  These are 3 of their 5 children. 

 Here is a picture of Ethan with his Pack who attended this dedication. 

 Ethan with George- his best friend.

 Later on, Ethan had his Blue and Gold Banquet for scouts.  He is now a Webelo 1 and enjoying working on his pins.  We was thrilled to be getting 2 pins along with his colors.  We are very, very blessed to have the best scout Pack.  These boys work very hard at doing their best and I can't say enough about the dedication and love of all the leaders. 

 Ethan- on the far right....

 Ethan obtaining his colors. We haven't switched his blue shirt yet....we need to though!

Ryan 6 months....

I just can't believe how fast this little boy is growing up.  He is now 6 months and teething/drooling all over the place!  Although he doesn't have any teeth yet, I think they are soon coming in! He is such a sweet baby; he loves to be snuggled and loved on! Dad bought him this little horse and he's finally figured it out and LOVES it! Ryan rolls over from side to side and loves to watch Lucky run around the house and yard.  He knows my voice and when I leave the room, he sometimes begins to cry.  He loves to eat, can't you tell.  He actually has only gained 1 lb. since his 4 month check up.  He's 19lbs 9 oz and 28 inches long.  Ryan loves grabbing his feet and sucks his big toe whenever he gets the chance! Silly kid.  He sits up without falling now...for the most part.  His siblings dote on him whenever they can! We love you Ryan Thomas! Happy 6 months!

Mt. Olivet Church of the Brethren- Valentine's Day

Hunter's preschool, Morning With My Friends, sang for Valentine's Day at a local church down the road.  This is the same Church they sang a few Christmas songs for in Dec 2013.  The kids enjoyed singing for a large group of retired men and women- about 60 of them.  It was really sweet to watch the kids perform their songs.  Hunter enjoys his school so much.  Being the social kid that he VERY much is, any chance he gets to be with 'his group of friends' excites him!  Here are a few pictures of Hunter and his preschool class of 19 kids.

 Hunter with Braelyn and Mason in the background.

 Hunter usually talks about how he plays with/talks/draws with 'his girls' he called them....he's usually talking about Braelyn, Ainsley, Jozelyn, Hope, Lauren or Tori.  I will ask him, "Hunter, what boys do you play with?"  He usually responds with, "Oh, you know, just the girls!"  He is one of a kind, our Hunter!  I love him! He keeps me on my toes at all times!!!