Family vacation!

Every year we go to Day Out with Thomas because the boys love it so much. This year we decided to make a weekend out of it and enjoy a few other attractions in Oklahoma City. Our first stop was the Oklahoma City Zoo.

Gwydion and Papa had to check out the map. This place is HUGE! We spent all day here and never left the central area of the zoo. We did ride the tram around at closing time though, and we got a little better idea of just how great it is.

Gwydion and Papa pretending to be stuck in an exhibit.

What, this isn't the playground?

Ah, the playground at last!
Gwydion shows just how much he's grown by deftly climbing the pole.

Of course, Gavin had to check out the playground too.

Does anyone remember the Mold-A-Rama machines? They were a big hit when I was little and apparently they still are.

Gavin loves the Mold-A-Rama animals!

Little dino fans pose for a pic.

Wow Mom, we're riding an elephant.

The baby rhino was too hot to ride.

But the lions weren't!

Gorgeous lady lion observes us from her shady hilltop.

Finally, the Oklahoma Railway Museum!

Gavin spies one of his favorite trains.

Gavin is in little boy heaven- train tables everywhere!

Time for the train ride! Gwydion and Papa pick a good seat in the caboose.

Gavin and Mama are excited!

Gavin and Dad wait in line to see Thomas up close.

I love my little guy!

Gwydion gets really close!


We walk along the track while waiting for Gwydion.

After lunch we went to the Oklahoma Science Museum.

Gwydion found his favorite part- the drum machine!

While Gavin enjoyed painting on the interactive monitor.

Unfortunately, this is where my camera ran out of batteries. We spent the rest of the afternoon at the Science Museum but it is sadly undocumented. The boys had a great time though, and slept all the way home!
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The End of September

and fall is finally here. We've had a mix of warm and cool weather and the kids have really been enjoying it. Gwydion has been riding his bike around the neighborhood with Papa, while Gavin plays in the garden with me. Here are a few random pictures from our adventures this month.

Gavin and his dog Kipper take a 'nap', which involves lots of fake snoring.

Gavin takes his baby for a walk.

A turtle in the garden!

Gavin helped me plant our new apple tree.

And of course he helped water the flowers...

...and our new magnolia.

More pictures coming soon, as this weekend we're going to Day Out with Thomas!

King's Champion Faire

We had a great time this weekend! The boys got to go in costume for the first time. I wanted to make them nice colorful costumes but ran out of time. As it turns out, they didn't much care as long as they got axes to chase each other with. Here's a really funny video. I only wish I had figured out how to get the sound to work on my camera. Gwydion was screeching like mad and more than one spectator stopped to enjoy the show.

Ready, Set, Learn!

Gwydion has started school. We're into the second full week now. He absolute loves it. His best friends from pre-K are in the same class, so he feels quite comfortable. Gavin misses his brother but is happy to have some time alone with Mama. We've also had a few little adventures: The Wiggles Live, a new sandbox and a trip to the lake.

Gwydion and Gavin can't believe The Wiggles are real people.


Enjoying the new sandbox.

Gwydion's first day of school.

Gwydion and Gavin reading books in bed.

Our trip to the lake. We thought we'd get in some hiking, maybe see a few wild animals. But what did the kids want most to do? Play in the sand, of course!

Gavin is identifying letters for me, but apparently there's no sound. I'll have to check the settings on my camera to see if I missed something or if it just doesn't have a microphone. Sorry folks.

The end of summer

July is the end of summer for us, as Gwydion starts school this week. As many of you know we were strongly leaning toward homeschooling, but Michael and I decided to let him try public school. He's very excited and can hardly wait to see his friends again. Gavin and I will miss him though. Somehow it doesn't seem fair that he has to spend the bulk of his day away from the family. We've been making the most of our time together though and very much enjoying the summer. Here are a few pictures of our recent adventures.

Gwydion at dance class. He's taking a tap/ballet class at our local park community center. He's thoroughly enjoying himself and is very much looking forward to a performance this winter.

While Gwydion dances, Gavin plays in the gym nearby. The giant balls and hula hoops are fascinating.


When it is time for some quiet activity, they boys enjoy being crafty. Here, Gwydion paints beads for his pipe cleaner animals.

Gavin enjoys a foray into abstract art.

Gavin tries to tickle his brother, which of course results in a round of wrestling on the couch.

Snuggly boys watching cartoons.
Playing trains and chasing the camera.

We also went bowling for Sara's birthday. The boys had a great time, though the lighting made it difficult to take pictures. Gwydion was quite excited that he could actually knock down pins (with the help of bumpers and a ramp). Gavin was so determined not to be left out that he picked up an 8 pound ball and carried it about two feet before rolling it across the floor. After that we let him use the ramp too. Who knew a 20 month old would like bowling too?



We took a break from the lanes to ride the go-carts. Papa drove while Gwydion enjoyed the ride. Our foster brother Darrean got to drive a go-cart for the first time and had a blast, while Gavin and Michael watched the race.

After racing for a bit, we took a break for cake and ice cream. With Papa's help, the boys ate their fill. Gavin even tried the ice cream!

Then it was back to the race track for Gwydion to try driving on his own. He had a little trouble steering and pushing the gas pedal at the same time, but he finally got the hang of it.

Busy boys!

The boys have really been enjoying the summer in our pool. It is their favorite way to spend time with Daddy. Gavin wears his little suit and can dog paddle all the way across the pool. Gwydion's swimming has done nothing but improve, despite his swim class being cancelled. He swims under water like a fish and is learning to float on his back.


We also went to Philbook again last Saturday. The boys had a blast! We did an art project, walked in the garden (hot!!) and did the scavenger hunt.

We've also been to the zoo several times, most recently with Grandma and her boys. We all had a great time seeing and learning about the animals.

Darrean, Gwydion and Jabre play Atlas.

Gavin and Nolan atop the big rock at the zoo.

The boys posing at the entrance to the rainforest exhibit.

Grandma, Gwydion and Gavin in the rainforest exhibit.

The boys monkeying around!

Grandma also had puppies visiting for a few days, so the boys got some interaction time. They weren't quite sure what to think. The puppies were fun but they had sharp little teeth.

And of course, since we've been visiting the museum, Gwydion insists that we have our own museum at home. You can see our 'exhibit case' in the background, while the artists create more masterpieces at the table.