Day trip with Daddy

TOLEDO!!!! Home of Tony Paco's, and this super-sized dog...

Eric couldn't resist!

(and Leo munched on his extra pickles and oyster crackers)

Then off to the zoo...oh so much fun!

Mamma's favorite is always and elephant...

and these giant beauties even caught Leo's attention.

The rhinos were JUST. SO. BIG.

can you imagine running into such a creature in the wild?!

Meerkats peeked out at us while sunbathing...

While this lone Orangutan sat in a tub

Flamingos never cease to amaze with their stunning sense of balance

(and I had to throw in the roseate spoonbill for my mama)

Jungle book was so inspired by this sloth bear that it couldn't be forgotten...

and we were dazzled by these cassoway birds (both size and color!)

But Leo's FAVORITE was the aquarium...

he clapped

and chatted

to those fish and sharks. 

It was so much fun for Daddy and Mamma to see such a reaction

and who could blame him?!  Those tanks are GORGEOUS!
(notice the sea urchin in the background!)

Well done Toledo...see you next year!

baby games

Peak-a-boo!

I see...

you!

A landscaper and a gentleman.

Leo's first time helping mama mow,

and he was dressed to the nines after church

while he bumped happily about and the hum of the engine lulled him to sleep.

 

My sweet boy it's so much fun to share these firsts with you.

Photo Swap

We had a family photos taken this week...cannot wait to see the results!

In the meantime, Mama made this quilt

as a trade for Chelsea who was up for the challenge of making us look presentable.

She sent a link of the quilt that inspired this creation,

and I think the one I created is pretty similar. 

Chelsea really liked the TP print on the back and luckily I was able to snag some on Etsy.

Although this isn't really anything I would ever pick on my own

(not crazy or busy enough for this wild gal)

I found myself falling for the bold contrast and great boy print

...and now I want one too!

This week in the garden...

Clematis is blooming!

Lilly of the Valley...

so fragrant...

always makes me think of my mom; it was one of her wedding flowers

Iris of yellow and purple are just opening up

Peonies (our early variety) color the landscape

Soapwart is starting it's season

Columbine,

Colorado's state flower,

is popping up all over the place!

and even in double!

and Chives, anyone who grows them knows this one is a love-hate situation. 

So beautiful when in bloom, but if you don't cut them off quickly...chives.CHIVES EVERYWHERE! Isn't that just like life...we must manage both our blessings and our burdens, or they will take over.