The Stomach Bug & Bday at the Zoo!

One of these days---when I feel like my readers are ready for an extremely interesting blog entry---I'm going to recount for you the illnesses we have had here at our house over the last six months. It is really ridiculous. And, now, we were down all weekend with the stomach bug. Poor Abby Kate started it on Thursday morning, and is still not better. The good news is that we have had the best cuddle time with her, which may be getting a little out of hand. I've rocked her, let her fall asleep on me, and had her sleep in our room the last three nights. BAD, Mommy. But, so, so, so worth it. (We'll just see what I say next week, when she still expects to be rocked to sleep....) Mark and Carlie were the only ones to steer clear (so far!) of the bug, and they did a great job taking care of us sickies.

Meanwhile, I owe a few updates to some very patient grandparents!

Happy Birthday, Pops! Here's the annual picture we take and email him, since we usually don't get to see him on his birthday---this year with one more kiddo included!

But, this year, we got to have Pops here on his actual birthday and Grandma planned a great time celebrating his big day. I don't know if it was actually his choice, but we spent the day at the zoo! And, the kids had a blast.

Of course, half the day was spent making the kids take group pictures, and a few actually worked...some better than others.

Pops with the oldest...

Pops with the middle...

And, Pops with the babies...

We got a few more pictures of activities at the zoo....

Feeding the birds:The grown-up kiddos (minus Chris) stop with Pops to have icees:

And, a disciplining moment by Mommy! (I was laughing so hard when I saw this one on our camera. One of those moments you would never suspect you were being documented...)

Sophie leads us in a game of follow-the-leader at breakfast:

And, sweet Ty just hangs out smiling the whole time and entertaining us with his cuteness.

Kendyll even got some practice with the camera and took a couple of pretty good ones!

One of the mountain lion...

One of the "pouting monkey", as Carlie called him....

One (or maybe 25) of Kendyll's favorite zoo animal, the meerkat (yuck.)...

And, one of Pops!

We ended the day with delicious burgers and milkshakes, and some cake and lots of candles. Boy, does he have lots of help on those candles!

It was a fun celebration and we are always thankful for our time with our grandparents....especially the one who still lives in the middle of the ocean! We look forward to the day you are here for good, Popsy!

Now, this little sick family is off to take a walk to the duck pond. Because, as Kendyll says, "this family needs some breezy air" after a weekend indoors. :)