Greatest Show on Earth!

Friday, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus came to town.  Brad and I took the kiddos and we had a great time!  I hadn't been to the circus since I was a kid and Brad went as a kid, but doesn't remember the show.  I think we were more excited than Parker to get to go - hah!  We actually went as an outing/field trip with my work with our students and we got to go for $6 a ticket!  The regular price for a ticket was $25-$130, so you can't beat going to the circus for $18 total!

Hannah had her elephant shirt on and she was ready! 

Brad and Parker ran around outside the arena to burn off some steam before going into the show, while I was helping distribute tickets to our students. 

Miss Hannah helped me distribute tickets to my students.  We couldn't take the car seat in, so I had to wake her up and put her in the sling.  She sure was a trooper! 

Once inside, we fed Hannah, then she slept through most of the first part of the show.  Of course, Parker had to have a snack too, since Hannah was eating.  He's a smart little cookie because he knows his snack cup and he knows exactly where it's at in my bag - hah! 

Parker was anxiously awaiting the start of the show! 

Hannah was looking around for the elephants, but I told her they were in the second half of the show, so she decided she would snooze until they came out - hah! 

The opening of the show - this elephant came out and walked around the arena while we stood and sang the National Anthem. 

Here comes the circus performers! 

The elephants - we loved the elephants!  You'll be seeing a lot of elephant pics - they were our favorite part! 

The horses were pretty cool too!

I took Parker's picture by this elephant because it was $75 and we just needed a memory of a souvenir - hah! 

The tigers were awesome! 

Parker fell asleep for about 10 minutes during the show! 

The elephants again - I could have watched them all day! 

The elephant trainer closing out the elephant show - it was awesome!  We had a great time and I am so glad Brad and I were able to make great memories with Parker and Hannah at their first trip to the circus! 

Hannah is 3 months and Garden Fun!

Our sweet little Hannah turned 3 months Sunday.  She is getting so big, so fast!  Brad and I can't believe it's already been 3 months - the time has really flown by!  She doesn't go for a check up again until she's 4 months, but we weighed her on our scale at home and she weighed 15lbs and we measured her at about 2 feet tall!  She's outgrown most of her 3 month outfits, because she's so long.  She's eating like a champ and is starting to get on a pretty good routine.

Here is Parker at 3 months - I think they look alike, don't you?

Parker is starting to interact with her more and he's more curious about her.  He still likes to grab her paci out of her mouth, but at least now he tries to give it back to her - hah!  He will also grab her hand and touch her feet.  I think once she starts moving, they will have a great time entertaining each other!

Saturday, we went to the botanical garden before it was going to rain for the next 2 days.  It was about 60 degrees, so it wasn't too bad.  Parker was so excited to be at the gardens and to run around.  The flowers are starting to bloom and we are excited to go back in a few weeks when the tulips are ready. 

A cute little purple flower - reminded me of Hannah. 

Parker and the daffodils 

Parker's favorite water fountain.  He saw this and got so excited.  He probably ran back and forth in front of this a dozen times - hah! 

Me and my little man in front of the purple cabbage.  I thought all the purple color was awesome! 

I loved these pots! 

Sweet Hannah was awake for a little bit, so we got her picture by the flowers. 

Parker was really into posing for pictures at the garden.  Lately, every time I take his picture, he won't look at me, so I had to take advantage of him looking directly at the camera - hah! 

On the canopy walk overlooking the pond and daffodils 

Our future horticulturalist! 

Daddy and Parker in the daffodils.  Brad told Parker all about the different types of daffodils while we were there - hah! 

We had a great time at the garden and we are excited to go back in a few weeks when more flowers are in bloom.  On our way home, we stopped at Chick-fil-A and got a treat - yummy!  Parker and Hannah both took a good nap once we got home. 

Valentine's Day 2012

We had a great Valentine's Day!  We actually stayed home, made a nice dinner and spent time with the kids.  The thought of going out on Valentine's Day and waiting a long time - with 2 kiddos - really doesn't appeal to me anymore.  It's amazing how your life changes once you have kids - hah!

Our sweet Valentine's with their Valentine goodies. 

Parker got a pair of sunglasses, Mickey socks and a dry-erase board with markers (gotta love the dollar section at Target). 

Miss Hannah got a pair of sunglasses and an outfit for the summer. 

You knew we wouldn't leave Jake out - hah!  He got a new collar and a bag of doggie treats (dried banana chips wrapped with bacon).  They are a "healthy" doggie treat, but we'll still only give to him once a week.  He's gotta keep that lean figure going - hah! 

Our yummy Valentine's dinner - salmon, sweet potato fries, salad and spinach cheese dip and chips! 

Our Valentine cookies that Parker helped me decorate. 

After dinner, we played with the kids.  Parker entertained Hannah and Dad was the DJ - hah! 

Our sweet little Valentine was smiling at Parker! 

Hannah working on standing and sitting nice and tall - hah! 

Miss Hannah sportin' her Valentine gift - she is ready for warm weather! 

Parker with his "Cool Dude" shades he got for Valentine's Day! 

Hannah is getting to be a big girl!  She does so good holding her head up when she's in this position!  She's rolled herself over several times from this position when she gets tired! 

Parker's sweet Valentine craft he made at school for Brad and I!