Sunday, April 29, 2012

Trip to Atlanta - The Georgia Aquarium

Our Monday adventure was one that the twins have been talking about ever since!

We visited the Georgia Aquarium and it was simply amazing. To do it justice, I must actually go back in time a bit and give a little information about our first trip to this aquarium.

Flashback to May of 2006 and we were finally pregnant after just completing our first round of IVF (after experiencing three previous rounds of failed IUIs). We were over the moon excited to finally be pregnant and had come to Atlanta to share in the joy with my parents. While in the aquarium I began to experience intense cramping and bleeding and was in an enormous amount of pain.

Basically, that is all I remember about that visit - that I began to miscarry while in the room with the huge aquarium wall that housed the whale sharks.

So, needless to say, returning six years later to that very same room with my three amazing, gorgeous miracles in tow was humbling.

We began our visit with the dolphin show. While waiting for it to begin, the kids all got a sneak peak of the friendly dolphins (Lauren was especially enamored!)....


 

....and then we enjoyed the performance, which Ella claims was her favorite part of the entire day!






After the show we wandered from exhibit to exhibit....





....visiting beluga whales, otters, jellyfish, sea horses....and penguins....







....and finally, the sharks, rays, grouper....and whale sharks....










It was simply amazing. We spent over an hour and a half in this room - it was calm and quiet, and Lauren fell asleep in the Ergo and took a fabulous nap on my chest...a beautiful reminder of just how far we have come....and what an amazing gift we have been given in these three little miracles.

What a perfect and incredible way to replace such a painful memory with one that will bring me joy for the rest of my life.







Saturday, April 28, 2012

Lazy Sunday in Atlanta

After the late night on Friday, followed by Saturday's excitement, the kiddos were still really tired on Sunday, so we kept it low key.

I did a special photo session for a high school friend that I had not seen in 22 years that morning! What fun it was to meet his wife and little girl!

Grandma Shushi and I spent some time browsing around her favorite antique shops that afternoon while Opa and Mike had the kiddos. I found some awesome new photography props that I cannot wait to put to use!

No real pictures from that day, aside from a few of Lauren, who is quickly learning how to get around these days!



Friday, April 27, 2012

Bathtime in Atlanta

Bathtime is always more fun at Opa and Grandma Shushi's house.

Lauren gets to bathe in the sink....


....while the twins get to enjoy the giant claw foot tub!




Thursday, April 26, 2012

Trip to Atlanta - Miniature Farm

On the evening of April 20, we packed up the trio and headed down to Atlanta, arriving at around 9:30 PM.

We had foolishly assumed that since we left just after dinner and had everyone in their PJ's that the kids (primarily Lauren) would fall asleep for the ride.

That was NOT the case, as shown by little lady Lauren having a ball at a random stop to feed her yet again....



....at any rate, it was a long evening, but eventually we were all settled snug in our beds at Opa and Grandma Shushi's house.

Saturday we headed to a place called Tanglewood Farms - an odd farm full of all kinds of miniature animals - cows, horses, sheep, goats, llamas, etc.

The big kids had a blast and enjoyed riding a pony, while Lauren hung out with Opa and Grandma Shushi....





As we explored the farm....


....we saw all of the animals, but the best part of all was the miniature goats. They were absolutely adorable!

Once Ella and Aidan got the hang of how to hold them....





.....they were hooked and would not put them down....




Ella made a special request to have one for her birthday. When the request was denied, she got a bit sad....



....even Lauren was fascinated....



....and got to get up close as well....





It was quite the experience and fun was certainly had by all!

After the farm we headed to a local nursery to wander amongst the flowers. This was not just an ordinary nursery, this place was incredible - and it even had a cafe where we enjoyed a nice cold drink!

Opa and Grandma Shushi then had a dinner surprise in store for the kiddos....they know how much Ella and Aidan love the "volcano" restaurant here in town (AKA Kabuto - a Japansese steakhouse where they cook in front of you).

So off to Benihana we went for one fun meal!  The kids loved the special hats....





....and Lauren even practically ate her weight in noodles and chicken!




What a fun family meal!







Friday, April 20, 2012

Happy 5th Birthday Adams & Henry!

We have been to a slew of birthday parties lately, but one in particular is always extra special.

We had a fabulous time celebrating Adams and Henry's 5th birthday at a local park yesterday! The twins got their faces painted....






....while Lauren enjoyed the swings....







....and went on a special hunt for hidden bugs....





....and everyone enjoyed a good old fashioned water balloon fight!




Happy Birthday sweet boys - we love you!



Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Wordless Wednesday

Defending the neighborhood in style.....