Zooriously Fun Times

Spring is rapidly turning into summer and at the

girls' request we headed off to the zoo!

Josie and Clara Rose had a great time

climbing this tree.

Our timing was just right to watch the elephants

getting a bath!

The girls and I tried out a "Winds of Africa" machine.

I should have given the camera to Wim for pictures.

Next time.

It was very windy!

Clara Rose posing with one of her faves!

It was feeding time for the penguins

Everyone was feeling the onset of the

afternoon heat toward the end of our zoo visit.

Back at home, we broke out the slip-n-slide!

A refreshing way to cool off!

Topped off with ice-cream cones!

Mother's Day Outing

Our schedule was fairly hectic over Mother's Day weekend.

All four of the kids had things going on with activities.

So I decided to keep things low key-- but fun all the same.

Saturday we did our annual event of me picking out my usual greenery for around the yard, Wim is still working on getting everything planted.

The girls picked out some nice flower to plant for their mom's in China.

Sunday, after the girls' Chinese class, we headed off to a fun recreation area that is

near their teacher's home for an afternoon picnic and lot of play time!

It was a beautiful day!

Josie and Clara Rose had a great time playing on the beach

and splashing a bit in the lake.

It was warm enough, I should have brough our swim suits! 

I had a great time playing with them and watching them have fun playing.

Later in the afternoon we decided to leave the beach area and explore some of the

trails through the woods and in other areas around the lake. 

Josie and Clara Rose were excited beyond belief to go mountain climbing! 

They discovered all kinds of really cool stuff! 

Josie enjoyed being the trail leader and really took charge of the responsibility! 

Near the end of our hike they discovered this lovely Lady Slipper Orchid! 

All three of us were quite happy to have found such a lovely

flower for Mother's Day.

Baa Baa Black Sheep

Saturday the girls and I had a lively time at Sheep Shearing Festival held by a nearby farm.

Josie and Clara Rose-- a black sheep in the background.

Cue  Clara Rose to sing one of her favorite nursery rhymes . . .

"Baa Baa black sheep have you any wool?

Yes sir sir  . . .."

She got quite a few smiles and giggles from some of the other patrons. 

Uber Excitement and Glee! 

Little Red Chicks that we could pet. 

Yummy pink lemonade to cool off. 

Walking the grounds, we found some horses. 

This farm is situated on a bay, which provides many lovely views;

and plenty of room to roam! 

Fairy Festival

We closed out April with a Fairy Festival.

It was quite the experience!

There was a may pole.

Live Violinists played "fairy themed music."

While several little girls, most dressed in fairy wings

danced around the may pole

or on the lawn.

There were craft tables.

Running on the lawn.

Tasty drinks.

Pixie Dust Necklaces

Fairy Cakes.

Mmmmm,

More sugar please!

Fairy Juice.

(I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried!)

Dancing to live harp music--

required to chase the giants away . ..

(again, I coldn't make this up if I tried!)

Josie and Clara Rose really had a great time--

Looking for real fairies around this majical looking tree

on our way out.

Typical Days and a Gift from Afar

Mixed in with our scheduled activies is plenty of downtime

to enjoy some warm weather (that seems to have disappeared!)

Sidewalk chalk.

Gymnastics on the lawn.

Josie is getting close to doing a handstand. 

Night entertainment where all the living-room

is a stage.

Background music provided by the Wiggly Giggly CD.

I was ordered asked to take lots of pictures.

Amongst the usual-- we received a notice from the post office about a package waiting for pick-up

A package from China.

Clara Rose's Foster Family sent these lovely silk

pillows, one for each of the girls.

They are thrilled! 

Another nice day- more yard time. 

We are all hoping the weather warms up again-- SOON!