Fun City Family Fun Day

Yesterday Fun City in Burlington hosted a Family Fun Day. We went to see some exotic animals and watch a magic show. It was great FREE entertainment! Here are some of the animals we saw. I thought the liger was SO cute! The tiger cubs, which were 6 months old, are bigger than our dog!

Ring tailed lemur

Tiger cub (6 months old)

Liger cub (cross between a lion and a tiger)

Kangaroo

The girls waiting for the magic show to begin

One of the magicians

We never could figure out this illusionist's tricks!!!

The Skeletal System

We have been learning the skeletal system and naming bones. As a fun end to the unit, I found this 3-D puzzle at Michael's. The girls punched the wooden pieces out, sanded them down and pieced them together. It was a VERY difficult puzzle and even had me challenged. It looks simple, but all the ribs were just slightly different from each other, and each piece of the skull had to be put in just the right order. And, none of the pieces were marked. After we finished him, I glued him with wood glue so I could dispose of the horrible instructions that had caused me so much frustration. : ) 

But it was all worth it. Hands-on learning is most memorable!

Matthew's Newest Medal

Matthew's newest race medal is one of the most unique ones we have seen. He ran the Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon, and their medal looks like an oversized penny! Just had to show it off!

Diapers Anyone?

A few weeks ago I got out our cloth diapers and the girls had SO much fun diapering stuffed animals. No animal was safe from their diapering madness. It was lots of fun to watch. 

Unfortunately, the diapers are too large for a lot of their dolls, so I made them some doll diapers that fit their dolls better. The diapers were simple to make and the girls were excited to have their very own diapers!

Signs of Spring on the Farm

New calves

Magnolia blossoms

Baby tomatoes

The tiller at work

Megan and magnolias

Emily climbing

Essie and her bone

Mmmm, rhubarb (before I weeded)

Strawberry patch showing life again

New apple tree

Snowflake

Essie

Sunny enough for shades!

The lawn mower makes its yearly debut!

Playing with snowflake

Full bloom

Magnolia up close

Peach blossoms

Blooming strawberry

Lone asparagus stalk

Snowflake balancing between tiles

The cats think Matthew tilled the garden for their pleasure!

5-minute old calf

Flocks in the spring

Emerging flowers

Captured Moment

30 Weeks -- and a Funny Story from Megan

First of all, I should say that after looking at this photo I regret not putting on some make-up and doing a little something with my hair. But, alas, a busy day doesn't always leave time for glamour!! 

And now, a funny quote from Megan. Megan cannot yet shower by herself so she sometimes takes showers with me. I offered her to jump in the shower with me, and she replied, "Mom, I like taking showers with you, but not when you're fat." Apparently there it is getting more crowded in our small shower!

RunAbe 2011

Matthew ran the Lincoln Presidential half marathon in Springfield last Saturday. It was a beautiful day for a run, and he set a new personal record! I am so proud of him! Matthew finished 59th overall. It was a thrill to see him finish with a new record time! At the finish, he had has picture taken with President Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. And the highlight from the post-race was biscuits and gravy!! Here are some sights from the race.

Ready for the start

Abe giving and inspirational starting line speech

Mrs. President -- doesn't she look great for her age?

And, they're off!

Illinois State capitol building 

And, here he is at mile 2

A great finish!! Way to go, Matthew!

With a famous Springfield celebrity couple

Post-race reflection time. Actually, he was stretching, but he looks deep in thought!