A Perfect Morning

Everyday I need to get out of the house with the kids.  It's a must.  Not just for them- but for me. . . but truth be told, it doesn't always go well.  And I always get looks from people, cause to say the least- we are kind of a circus.  But this morning is one of those that leaves me with a smile- just feeling so lucky.

It was simple.  We got in the car with nowhere to go.  The usual.  And I left it up to two toddlers.  So of course it was the patented "OH Please Mama" that Carter always says (it's that "oh" part that always gets me) that makes me give into the request for the zoo.  I bit my nails the whole way there wondering how this was going to go... and sit smiling now (after petting each of their heads asleep for a nap- again another just wonderful moment) to say it was a perfect morning. I loved it.

Sitting enjoying some lunch  (Tyler/Red Carter/Navy) and NO, I did not realize I put all my kids in stripes till I got the camera out.

 

Carter sat forever with the same goat.   Adorable.



Anna's first time seeing the sea lion up close.  They are gorgeous.

Who does he look like? (minus the graham cracker) . . . I just can't nail it but this picture so reminds me of someone!

They screamed like girls then laughed every time the sea lion came around and up close to them. 

Sharing Fizzy Water.  Why are they holding hands?  No idea, but it was cute!

We sat with the crocodile (one of the boys' FAVORITE animals) for over a half hour.  No joke.

She was nervous about touching the goats so she just walked up to all of them and started talking her little language to them.

We had a beautiful visit with Great-Grandma a couple weeks ago.  She is truly a remarkable lady.  The boys were in heaven with the animals, and Anna and Grandma shared some sweet giggles and smiles.

On Great-Grandma's porch.  Tyler on left/Carter right

Looking like a natural.

The 4th

As always- a fun and crazy 4th at the family and friends this past weekend.  

Everyone loves a Popi ride

Tyler

Exploring the caves

 



Gigi and Carter at the bonfire

Waiting for the Parade (Tyler Left)

Let's Get this Thing Started!!



Tyler



Gigi and Tyler proud of their castle

4th night at our neighborhood firework party

Strawberries, Swimming and Shiners . .. Oh My!

A month of firsts for The Mack Pack.  We have spent many mornings in the strawberry fields picking our desserts, the boys started their first swimming class, and Annamarie got her first shiner (from the coffee table-not the boys thank goodness).  Here are the classic pictures of the month:

not looking too bad- but the black eye hung around over a week poor thing.

First Strawberries and the boys screaming that they want one- as I tell them "not till I get a good pic" . . . if I did you would be seeing it :)

If only "Crocodile Rock" was blaring in the background this picture would have been complete. (Tyler)

 

Annamarie's first time at the "Fountains" loving her outfit.  She is seriously too funny.



Carter at Very First Swim Lesson



Too cute of my Tyler

A Wild Week

We had a wonderful week of activities with Auntie Rhonda and Uncle Ben.  Annamarie's birthday party kicked off the week of events- but the fun continued.  Parks, Beach, Camping, you name it!

First excursion was the Oregon Coast.  Uncle Ben had never seen it (which I thought was completely ridiculous- too beautiful to miss!) so we HAD to go!  And of course our first stop was Camp 18.



Auntie Rhonda with Carter

 

Uncle Ben & Bigfoot- or something. (holding Tyler - Carter peeking thru)

 

Lovin the train (tyler on left)

 

Uncle Ben Finally Makes It! (I think he was impressed)

 

Unbelievable how grand it is- like we are the only people there!



My cutie with her feet in the sand for the first time!



Anna walking with her Mama -amazing how well actually!  Such a little trooper.

The men being forced to carry the bags . . .

And the boys.



Carter



  



Conked out on the way home. . . always amazed me as babies but even more now- just alike.

 Next Up:  "Park"ing and Hiking it!

Tyler

Playing hide-go-seek and coming to get me-  Laughing the whole way.



Anna now thinks she should be able to do it all at the park like her brothers.  No longer wanting to be a stroller girl!

Uncle Ben couldn't resist

They suckered Uncle Ben into carrying them both AGAIN!

Annamarie on the dance machine at our favorite "indoor park"- Big Al's



Up at the Cooper Mountain Nature Walk

Fishing and Camping:  Rhonda and Ben did the coolest thing for a bday gift for the boys.  They hooked up real fishing poles to a clothes pin and gave them gifts fishing over the ledge (remember the carnival game when we were younger?)  Then Rhonda put a magnet on the end of the poles and many squishy fish to play in the yard later.  SO FUN and fitting for our campout (in the backyard) that night.  The boys couldn't WAIT for their first "camping trip" . . . Everyone (minus Anna) slept in the backyard.  Great Fun!

 

Tyler on his own put his fish in the bag and slung it around his shoulder.  Too funny how fast kids catch on.



Carter with Ben- PJs on ready to camp but first caught some "fish"

We of course had a bonfire and roasted marshmallows- can't you tell I am a typical Uffelman trying to make the "perfect marshmallow"- so serious.

 

Our 5-star tent

More Fun pics:

Kids all playing so well together with Anna's new doctor kit.  Mom loves that!



Again Playing together!  Anna loves her new stroller from Gigi and Popi.  Hasn't quite figured out how to put a doll in it- we will get there!  I have caught a dinosaur getting a ride though.



Anna's new and too adorable sleeping bag from Aunt Joanie was a huge hit.  Carter said it fit him not Anna and refuses to believe he has to give it up.  "SO COZY" is how he describes it!

 

Looking too sweet at our Cousin Will's OSU Graduation Party!