Park Time

 We took time off from the regular Saturday "to do" list, and went out to have some family fun.  We went to a pet store, a new park, and a few stores.  The pet store is really a MUST if you have little kids!  Even my 9 month old loved that place!  Madison really made us smile with her happy, excitement over all the animals.  Ethan enjoyed watching the dogs get their hair cut.  He really didn't want to leave.  Thankfully we prepared him for the "goodbyes"  that had to happen.  I try to talk to him before we do something fun.  It really helps!  Many times when he struggles with something ending I will refer back to that "good bye/all done" talk that we had.   Usually he will sadly but obediently respond by saying "good bye" to the store, church, park, etc.  Someday I'm going to miss hearing the kids talk to buildings and objects as if they were alive :)  Every time we leave our house I get to hear a 3 year old and 2 year old say "goodbye house."  Usually Jon and I chime in and say it too :)  

Here are the kids having a super-duper time at the park.  Emily really enjoyed the park also.  She was just one big, happy smile the whole time!  She was fearless on the slide and swing.

9 month old and 2 year old:  only a 4 lb. difference!

Emily is at the age where she does well with picture taking--Yay!

Sitting on a dinosaur all by herself!

Love this!

I think these two look alike.

I admit that seeing all 3 children swinging in a row gave my throat a happy lump!  3 children in 2 and a half years.  Crazy?  Maybe a little :)  OKAY the back to back pregnancies were NOT fun!   But it is so AMAZINGLY fun to have all 3 kids at an age where they enjoy the same things!   So worth it!  My cup runneth over!  LOVE being a mom even on the hard days.

Thanking the Lord for 3 healthy children. 

chunky monkey

Hanging out

She loves to climb!

I like the colors in this picture.  I'm so glad she color coordinated with the dinosaur :o) just teasing!

I loved all of the big, old trees at this park.  See the one in the background?

You can do it!

Scared to walk on the bridge!  To me it looked more scary to sit and scoot across it.

Bring a child to a park.  It puts a smile on their face and your own!

"I'm a big girl now!"

Big boys need big slides :)

The wheel he is standing on twists.  It was fun to watch him get up on it. 

Madison "helps" Emily.

Sweetheart

I asked Ethan for a smile, and this is what I got :)  Lovely!

Children grow up too fast!  Every day there are wonderful moments and memories to be made.  I just don't want them to be over too soon!  Is there a way to push pause every once and a while?