"Walk, Mama!"

Hi guys, it's me again! (Skyler!)

I love to go for walks. It started when I went with Grandpa Brad for walks with my stroller around the neighborhood. Then Grandpa Brian would let me help him walk his dog, Teddy Bear.

Yesterday, Mommy and I went for a nice walk too. And my Mommy likes to take pictures while we walk.

Sometimes, she takes pictures of flowers.

Sometimes she takes pictures of buildings.

Sometimes she takes pictures of landscapes. (Me being in the photo is optional.)

But yesterday? She took pictures of us!

Imitation is the Best Form of Flattery

I am constantly taking pictures, in case you haven't figured that out. And the only way I'm EVER in any, is if I set the camera up somewhere and take it myself. A few  years ago, I even did Project 365 - a year of Self Portraits. (HERE is my entire year in self-portraits!)

This evening while we were taking our walk, Skyler showed just how closely she pays attention to everything I'm doing!


First, she found a 'Camera' (a Pinecone worked well!)

 

Next, she found the perfect location to perch her camera.

Then she quickly ran and posed. (This is a maneuver that I have perfected over the years and I'm pretty proud of her ability!) 

Finally, she ran back to her camera to check the photo and be sure that the photo turned out!

I just couldn't quit giggling at this! (And I'm so glad I had my camera to capture it!)

Butterflies!!

Last weekend, after the big surprise, we took all the kids to the zoo!!

We were also joined by a long time friend of Aunt Melissa's and her 4 kids! While our group was large, we still had a lot of fun! And I think all the kids enjoyed it! (At least Skyler did - she took a 2 1/2 hour nap afterward!!)

One of the favorite stops along the trail at the zoo was the Butterfly Pavilion! At some point during our stay, all of the kids caught at least one butterfly!

 Even Grandma and Grandpa had a great time!

SURPRISE!!!!

For the last few weeks I've been conspiring with Ryan's Sister and Brother for a surprise party for their parents! We sneaked their wedding album to make copies for decorations, as well as to create a replica of their wedding cake. I called them Friday night (from my parents house a few blocks away) to let them know I'd made it home all right.

Then Saturday afternoon, Kevin and Jacob took Grandma and Grandpa Mini-Golfing, while Skyler and I met Melissa and her family at the house to decorate and set up!

 Finally, it was time! All the boys hid behind the counter (Skyler and Dianna were held, so they'd stay happy and quiet for the big surprise!) 

As they walked in, we all jumped out!!

But there was one thing we hadn't planned for...

Grandma had gone to check the mail! We'd only got Grandpa... So quickly, the boys scurried back to hide again!

3... 2... 1...

SURPRISE!!!!!

After the initial shock? Everyone was thrilled and it was a great time! We had dinner, and then the kids ran around in the backyard having a ton of fun! We even managed a family picture, with ALL the grandkids!!

To see all the photos from this adventure - HERE is the album!  (Be warned, lots of giggles and cake are involved. But no animals were hurt in the capturing of these photos... No little boys either. I promise. )

Pink Pajamas!

One of my favorite childhood memories is singing "Pink Pajamas" at Camp Kitaki!

So I'm just thrilled that Skyler loves her Pink Pajamas (and the song) as much as I do!)

To tune of the Battle Hymn of the Repbulic:

I wear my pink pajamas, in the summer when it's hot.
I wear my flannel nighties in the winter when it's not.
And sometimes in the springtime and sometimes in the fall,
I jump right in between the sheets with nothing on at all.

Chorus:
Glory, glory, Hallelujah;
Glory, glory, What's it to ya?
Balmy breezes blowing through ya,
With nothing on at all.