Zoo Trip

A few weeks ago, we took a family mini-vacay to Pittsburgh. We hit the Zoo, Children's Museum, Natural History Museum and Science Center. It was a whirlwind of fun but definitely too much to fit into two days. Besides a few grouchy kid episodes, the only negative spot was that we found a dead bird in our hotel room! Yuck! My kids thought it was hilarious when I told the hotel manager that it was "unacceptable" to have a dead bird in our room (because it's a phrase I often use with them, "That behavior is unacceptable"!) The hotel gave us coupons for two free nights but how much help is that, when I'd rather not stay there again?

Anywhoo....here are some zoo photos!

There were no pandas but we found some bamboo so.... meet Panda Jack and Panda Chloe!

Miles making a superb "monkey" face.

Dad, admiring Miles' monkey face.

Exploring the fake termite mound.

Next we headed to the Aquarium.

Okay, in all honesty, I added the shark that's staring back at Miss Chloe but it looks so cool!

Miles was NOT a fan of the sharks

The Brothers M

I don't have much time to post but I wanted to share these pics of our Maynard Brothers. I don't know if you can tell but Miles absolutely adores his big brother. In fact, the only reason he sat still for these pics is because he was "copying" Jackson!
One more thing of note, I really need to work on my photography skills. My photoshop skills are coming right along but the actual picture taking....hhhmmm, not so much. I've been a little down about that but one thing did cheer me up. My pictures had been turning out kind of flat looking, no contrast and the colors were off. I thought is was just me but I finally discovered that my camera got switched to the "natural" color setting which is NOT what I want. Maybe I can get back on track now.

Our boys playing in the yard...dirt, sweat, grass and all!

I just have to say...how handsome can you get! (About as handsome as Jack...and that's it!)

Look at those big brown eyes!

I love their big, happy smiles in this pic.  I shouldn't even share this because it's gross in a way that these boys love but....it may look like Miles is giving me a thumbs up sign but in actuality, he has a boogie on his thumb and is showing it to me and cracking up! Gotta love Boys!

Audrey and Emma

I just had to add these pics in their own post.  During the party, "Aunt Emma" (it seems funny to type that!) helped to take care of Audrey. She sang her to sleep and then promptly dozed off herself. Holding a warm, sleepy baby can do that to you!

Audrey is at such an adorable age. She is usually cheerful and loves to interact with everyone. She truly is precious and Emma loves her a Bunch!

Chloe's Tenth Birthday

We celebrated Chloe's tenth Birthday today...that's right, the big double digits! It's hard to believe.

Daddy and Chloe baked and decorated her cake.

Chloe received almost everything on her Birthday wish list and she got money from Grandma and Grandpa, so she can buy the last few things she wanted.

This is Miles' idea of  proper party attire and behavior!

Audrey is Three Months Old

The prettiest little granddaughter in the world is now 3 months old. It's such a joy to take pictures of Audrey because she's an incredibly happy baby. She is truly the definition of "lovable"!

Miles 3rd Birthday

I can't believe that my little baby boy turned 3 a few days ago. Here's a scrapbook page I made to look back on his very first "birth" day.

We threw a small party with mostly family but Miles had a total blast. In fact, he told me that he would like to have another birthday right away!

Miles' Cars themed birthday cake.

Miles tore through his presents at top speed!

He really loved the Cars bike that LJ, Jess and Ian got for him.

A few other pics:

Our version of four generations, with Rhonda standing in for my Mom.

Jess and happy Audrey

I love this pic of our nephew, Matt.