1st Carousel Ride at the Zoo

The boys have had a renewed interest in the Zoo, which is great because we are members.   It also helps on days when they aren't that good with their listening since we have the opportunity to return sooner than later. 

On this day, we got cash from Michael and were ready to ride the carousel. BUT, the ride was guaranteed only if they were good listeners and actually looked at the other animals at the zoo.  The polar bear sculpture is something that they never even stopped to see in the past.  With trusty maps in hands, they were up to pose.

Jackson actually asked me to take his picture. He ran over to the the turtle and said cheese asking for me to take the picture.

As promised, it was time for the carousel.

Jackson picked the horse despite my numerous requests for him to consider something else since EVERY carousel has horses but this one had other animals.

  

Connor went with his favorite animals at the zoo -- Zebra.

I'm thinking that this will be an every zoo trip occurence.  But with that smile, how could I say no!

2013 Harford County Farm Fair

We were off to the Harford County Farm Fair for some farm fair fun. The boys absolutely  LOVE farm fairs.  The animals, the people and when you add rides -- there is some serious toddlers fun to be had. 

And, letting the boys help out in the stalls is always fun.

We passed by the rides and realized that there was no way that we could just keep going so despite the scorching sun, we braved the rides.

The coffee sack slides were the big hit for the boys and Michael.  Their faces of pure excitement (without prompting or begging to get the perfect camera shot) put a huge smile on my face every time.  Despite the sun and how hot that it was, it just doesn't matter since you know that you are doing the right hing as a parent.  It was so much fun that they went down two times and could have done more.

After the slides, the boys modeled a fire hat for lollipops and we caught up with the bunny for leaving after another great time at the Farm Fair!!!

Make Way for Penguins at the Zoo

We received a message from the Zoo that the project to find a new home for the penguins had finally begun and that there were warthog babies so a trip to the zoo was in order.

They've re-routed the tram to start the construction process and there are plywood walls and nets and construction vehicles taking over the grassy area that used to house exhibits.

Connor is checking out the vehicles.  As if the animals aren't enough to pique the boys interest, add some construction vehicles and it is a total winner.  I'm fairly certain that if the weather stays on the cooler side, we will be visiting the zoo more and more often.

After checking out the construction, we moved on the polar bears and took a drive in the tundra buggy.

This is my typical view of the boys everywhere we go. Jackson is often running ahead and Connor is closer to me near the stroller.  Since the boys know how to get around the zoo and have preferences with what they want to see, it is not a surprise if one is at a different exhibit.  And, not just Jackson.  Connor will generally not wait for us to look at the birds and runs to get to the zebras, his current favorite.  My guess on why it is his favorite is because he loves to count and there are 5 zebras!!  Because of this, I try to dress them in either colorful shirts or shorts.  Plaid was the key to today.

Another area that recently started to perk their interest is the aviary.  By the time that I caught up with both of them, they were borderline harassing a spoonbill.  I encouraged them to calm down and they were talking to the bird about "how cute" they are.

Just a little consultation with the map to determine where they wanted to get to next.  They've expressed serious interest in maps and despite not needing one at the zoo, Jackson was checking this one out.

Crocodile watching.

And, posing for pics with the chimp statues.  Connor asked for me to take his picture.  Of course, Connor.

The warthog babies were not out.  We will keep checking to see the babies.

Dulaney Day N2 Summer Picnic at the Tot Lot

Warren's mom organized a get together for the N2s at the Tot Lot and we were so happy to be able to join the boys' friends at the park.

Warren and Izzie eating at the picnic.

Connor checking out all of the sights.

Jackson and Michael walking back to the group. That Jackson tends to wander off.

 

With good pals, Kaya and Sydney.

Riding someone else's bike and letting us know that he wants one too.  Their legs are still too short for the big wheels.....

Apparently, these ladies got the blue memo.  

                                                                         (Sydney)

                                                                           (Ellie)

                                                                    (Gilian)

Connor has a "thing" for Kaya.  He would follow her around wherever she was.  It was a toddler game of cat and mouse. I think that she likes him too!!  Also, I'm not certain if they even talk but it's super cute to watch :)

First Fireworks on the 4th

Since we were out of power last 4th of July, we really were not in a festive mood so we were definitely looking forward to a fun 4th in 2013.

We headed off to the mall to get some treats, a/k/a cinnamon sugar pretzel for Jackson and caramel frap for Connor.

He is totally an addict!!!

After a fun steaks on the grill lunch for all, we headed up to our cousin's house for a cookout.  After some food and fun in the pool, the boys were figuring out how to use some water guns.  Boys will be boys, right?!?  Jackson figured it out almost immediately and Connor took some more practice but definitely got it.

The sun started to set and in anticipation of the boys 1st fireworks, we grabbed a seat on the pool deck.

We weren't really sure how well they would do and had a little concern since they don't like loud noises in bathrooms but were hopeful.  Jackson was hiding under a bench but definitely had his eyes open to be able to see the fireworks. Connor love them as well.

A great day of feasting, family and fireworks!!