Alldredge Apple Orchard

Today Levi, Emma and I went to the Apple Orchard with some friends. It was so much fun and Levi had the best time. When we first got there all the kids just wandered around looking at everything.All the kids thought it was fun to follow around the chickens. I don't know how much fun the chickens thought it was but then again they are probably used to it.Once the group got all together we got together we went on a hay ride around the farm. Everyone was so well behaved and enjoyed all the scenery.
Emma enjoyed herself to. She was great the whole time. She played in the grass and bounced around on the hay ride and just smiled at everyone we passed.

After the hayride the kids all got to listen to a story about bees. As you can see they were all very interested to learn that a bee only makes a teaspoon of honey in its whole life.
After the story they got to look at some real buzzing bees.
Next it was off to feed the goats.
Then to holding the baby kittens. I stayed clear of this activity and washed Levi's hands as soon as he was done or I would have had itchy eyes and been sneezing like crazy.

Finally we got to go pick some apples. Levi loved this part and couldn't wait to wash one and eat it.


"Look what I got mom!"
We had a really great day. It was fun to watch Levi interact with all the other kids and just have a genuinely good time. Of course as we were leaving he says, "That was fun mom what are we doing next?" Seriously this boy could go on forever.

Mckinley B-day Party

Faith went to one of her really good friends 6th birthday party on Tuesday. She had a great time with all the girls. I am so glad that we have friends like this with great kids and great parents that we feel so comfortable letting our kids be around.
Thanks Court and Brittany for including Faith, this is all she could talk about. Once she stopped talking about how much fun she had she was out like a light.

Baby fun

Yesterday I went on a walk with some friends. Emma and Jaxson (a friend of mine's baby) sat face to face in the stroller. It was cute how they interacted with eachother. Emma kept picking up Jaxson's pacifier and he would just watch. She also kept leaning in for the big kiss. I think he just thought she was silly.
Aren't they so cute!

20 questions

This was stolen from my friend Brittany but I thought it was cute so I had to do it.



1. What is something that mommy says?
F: I love you.
L: Go to timeout


2. What makes mommy happy?
F: When I be good.
L: being good

3. What makes mommy sad?
F: When Levi poops in his underwear. (sometimes this does happen and I tell him it makes me sad)
L: When I poop in my clothes (obviously this happened today bacause they got asked these questions at separate times)

4. How does your mommy make you laugh?
F: Tickle me
L: tickle me

5. What was your mommy like as a child?
F: Little
L: good

6. How old is your mom?
F: 50 (thanks Faith)
L: 5

7. How tall is your mom?
F: big
L: big


8. What is mommy's favorite thing to do?
F: Run (I wish)
L: play with me


9. What does mom do when your not around?
F: Work
L: Play with Emma


10. If your mom becomes famous what will it be for?
F: Music
L: being good


11. What is mommy really good at?
F: Work
L: Playing games


12. What is mommy not good at?
F: I don't know
L: Legos


13. What does mommy do for her job?
F: Work on people at the hospital
L: Make money


14. What is mommy's favorite food?
F: Pizza
L: Chicken


15. What makes you proud of your mom?
F: Making stuff
L: Loves me


16. If your mom were a cartoon character who would she be?
F: London (from the Suite Life)
L: Backyardigans


17, What do you and your mom do together?
F: Play outside
L: Play legos (which apparently I am not good at)


18. How are you and your mom the same?
F: We're girls
L: I don't know


19. How are you and your mom different?
F: Different hair
L: eyes


20. How do you know your mom loves you?
F: cause I'm your daughter
L: you tell me

You're so big

Emma has decided that her favorite place to stand up is underneath my bar stools between two of them. While this is very adorable because she giggles the whole time she often can't figure out that she has to sit back down to get out from between them. It sure is fun watching her explore all these new things.
She also has decided if she wants out of the carseat she'll just take care of it herself.

I really can't beleve how big Emma has gotten over these last few months. Everyday she is learning and exploring new things. One thing she does everyday is when I walk into the room she instantly starts laughing and getting excited, it is moments like these that make being a mother the best.

First day of Preschool

Levi started preschool today. I can't believe it, he was such a big boy. When I told him I was leaving he said bye mom love you and off he went. So for 3 hours it was just me and Emma. What is a mom supposed to do when she goes from 3 kids to 1. Well first she enjoys that this is the first time her 3rd child had gotten "mom" only time since she was born. Next she runs a few errands which seem insanely simple with one child in tote. Next week we start carpool so I will only be driving on Wednesday's so on Monday and Friday I get even more extra time.



Here Levi is where they hang up there bags, can you tell he is already excited?

They walk in and put there names on the board to show that they are at school that day. Good job Levi.
They have lots of little play and learning stations to keep busy minds occupied, Levi will love this as he loves to be busy.
Here is Levi and his friend Alexis taking a quick break for a picture.
Finally here he is walking to the car. Looks like he had a good day.
Levi enjoyed preschool alot. The only complaint he had was that they couldn't play outside today because it was raining. Oh well they will have lots of days to play outside. I can't believe my baby boy is in preschool, they get too big way to fast.

First Day of Kindergarten

Well the day came, my baby started Kindergarten today. It started off well she got up ate a good breakfast and we headed out the door. She had fun with her friends at the bus stop.

Then the bus started coming and Faith got a little sad.
I met the bus at the school since they let parents come in for the first few minutes on the first day. Here she is hanging her back pack and putting her lunch away.
Finally right before I left I got a little smile.
The morning was a little teary for both of us but she did great and I am sure she will have fun.

On a side note this is a poem Faith's teacher gave the parents who were there this morning. I thought it was sweet so I'll share.

The First Day

I gave you a little wink and a smile

As you entered my room today.

For I know how hard it is to leave

And know your child must stay,

You've been with her for five years now

And been a loving guide,

But now alas, the time has come

To leave her at my side.

Just know that as you drive away

And as the tears may flow

I'll love her as I would my own

And help her learn and grow.

For as a teacher, I too know

How quickly the years do pass

So please put your mind at ease

And cry those tears no more

For I will love her and take her in

When you leave her at my door.

-Author unknown, edited by Lori Nichols 2008

Seriously!

Well we got home from our half the country road trip on Saturday and all the kids were sick so we took them in. Turns out that Faith and Levi have a mycoplasma pneumonia causing bacteria and Emma has full blown pneumonia. Talk about a serious bummer. All 3 kids are now getting Zithromax and there fair shares of Motrin. Faith and Levi are doing really well but Emma still sounds awful, she coughs til she can't catch her breath so we are back to the doctor with her tomorrow. Hopefully we will be able to leave the house soon.

Idaho

We had a great time in Idaho. The weather was great and it was cool to see so much family that we hadn't seen in a really long time.

Joe and I got to play each other at Air Hockey. He of course was not easy on me and kicked my butt every time but we had a great time doing it. I think we need one of these for the basement.
Levi also got to practice his climbing skills. Not that he needed it. This was a wall in the house we stayed at. I don't think we'll be getting one of these but I know Levi loved it. On the other hand maybe it would keep him from climbing on things he's not supposed to.I couldn't resist this picture. How can you get mad at this face.Faith is my princess. She can definately pull off a pose.This is me and my Aunt Teresa. Notice the yummy S'more in my hand. Mesa Falls. This was so beautiful. We kept the kids close by, water makes me so nervous but it sure it pretty.
Joe and I at Mesa Falls.
Faith and Levi at Mesa Falls. See the leash on Levi, not that we don't trust him but do you recall the climbing story a few pictures up.
Joe and Emma enjoying the outdoors. We definaely weren't lacking babies at the reunion this year. From left Emma, Logan and Emalie.

Arizona

So we spent our first week of a two week vacation in Arizona. It was nice and boy was it hot. I think that we forget the difference between heat is amazing. Here in Missouri it is sticky hot and in Arizona it is just plain hot. We had a good time though, we went to the zoo and hung out with Joe's family. On a sadder note we attended my Uncle Marc's funeral in Safford. We were sad to see him go but know he is in a better place now watching over his family.

This is what 19 hours in the car does.
Faith, Ashley and Maygen @ the Wildlife World ZooEmma and me at the Wildlife World ZooI live the terrified look on Faith's face.Levi on the other hand would touch anything given the opportunityNana showing the kids the new sting rays that aren't even on exhibit yet.While I was there I got to see some old friends. It was nice to catch up. Hope to see you guys again soon.