Christmas Day

Today was Christmas day and everyone was very excited. The kids and Halle all got spoiled by Santa.

Their stockings were filled as well.

The biggest surprise of all was that they found out we are Disney World bound.

Afterward we went to Nonna and Pop's for more easter fun with cousins and other family.

Owen's End of School Year Program

Owen's school had their annual graduation and end of year program last night. Owen sang several songs and sang them well.

Of course, he still stopped to take the time to wave "hi" to mommy and daddy.

Both of us and his teachers are very proud of him.

The Emperor's New Kitchen

Elizabeth got a new kitchen playset this weekend.  She knew exactly what to do with it.

The kitchen playset even had a place to put your baby and feed it.  Elizabeth even knew what to do with that too.

She's going to be quite a chef, like her Pop, when she grows up.

Elizabeth the Hairdresser

Owen was a very good sport.  Elizabeth had him sitting still for a while so she could work on her hairdressing skills.  This went on for a while.  The picture is a little blurry but the idea translates nicely.

Atlanta Trip, Part II: The Zoo

Today, we woke up to sunnier skies and packed our car and stroller to visit the Atlanta Zoo.  There were many MANY pictures taken so, let's get to it.
First, I'd like to start by saying that the Atlanta zoo was very big and very nice.  Many great animals to watch.  Many of which are in very close proximity to the people for optimum viewing.  Such as:
The Lion.

The Panda (which was leaning right on the glass that separated us).  Elizabeth actually really enjoyed getting a close look at this big soft cuddly bear...that would probably not be very cuddly in a normal setting.

Amy enjoyed looking at the gorilla lay in the hammock with it's baby.

Owen was very excited to get up close and personal with the Komodo Dragon. 

After the exotic animals, we headed over to the petting zoo.  The kids really enjoyed petting the goats and sheep.  We did have to watch out for the animals with the red collars.  We were told that we could only touch those animals a certain way.  Otherwise, they might bite and then one of the kids might bite them back and we don't want any of that.  In any case, the petting zoo was a hit.

Owen was also enthralled with the reptile house.  Plus, in one area, he was even allowed to pet a corn snake named Maize.

Finally, the kids topped it off with a ride on a giraffe.

Thanks to Aunt Cathy and Uncle Chip for a very memorable trip to the Atlanta Zoo.

Atlanta Trip, Part I: The Aquarium

We went to Atlanta to visit Aunt Cathy and Uncle Chip for the weekend.  Owen had been anticipating the trip all week.  When the day came, Elizabeth was packed and ready with her purse and her lovie.

Once we made it to the aquarium, the kids (and all of us) stood in awe of the sheer size of the place.  There were massive aquarium windows to watch all of the action in all kinds of tanks.

Below, Owen is being dwarfed by a fish that is easily as big as he is.  

Plus, there were tunnels that the people can walk through and watch the fish swimming overhead.  It is very impressive.  

The sharks swimming overhead were very ominous.  
Owen really enjoyed watching the worlds largest fish, the whale shark.

We all had a great time at the aquarium!

Owen Playing Baseball

Owen has been going to baseball camp for the past three weeks.  We have come to the end of his brief introduction to America's past time but I would say he has been enjoying it.  He's worked on batting which he was actually fairly decent with, once he focused.

Plus, he practiced throwing and running bases.  The running bases part is the one he REALLY enjoyed!

Elizabeth also had plenty of tips to offer Owen.

After all of it, Owen got his own certificate to show his achievement.  He was very proud!