Everything is Better on Ice!

Last night, Grandaddy and Grandmommy whisked Ella and Aidan away on an evening surprise. At about 5:30, they arrived to pick them up for a quick dinner before the big event. 

After a group photo, they headed on their way Uptown to the big surprise.

I had told Ella and Aidan that Grandaddy and Grandmommy were coming to give them a big surprise, but they had no idea what it was until they walked into the arena (or, way big buildings according to the kids!)

Thank you so very much Grandaddy and Grandmommy for such a wonderful event for Ella and Aidan. They will be talking about this evening for a long time to come!

Wordless Wednesday

From Africa to North America and Back

We spent an amazing Saturday at the NC Zoological Park with our friends, the James family.

After a quick bagel breakfast, we were on our way for the two hour drive up to Asheboro. We made it with just one potty break - a new Parker family record!

We began our journey in Africa, where the kids enjoyed seeing the elephants, rhinos, zebras, etc.

We made the long walk over to North America with the help of our trusty map readers (they literally pointed out each and every animal that we saw that day)....

....and spent some time with the resident grizzly bear, who was clearly in relaxation mode!

We then had an amazing visit with a sea lion who found particular interest in Aidan!

We capped off our day by taking the tram across the park and back into Africa.

It was a wonderful day, at a wonderful zoo, in wonderful weather, with wonderful friends!

Flashback Friday

First Taste of Ice Cream - 14 Months Old
They were not specific then, they just loved the simple pleasure of a wonderful treat!

Ice Cream as Reward - Almost 3 1/2 Years Old
A much needed treat after many, many tears were shed yesterday morning getting our first round of flu shots. We now have very specific requirements about what is acceptable in ice cream. 

For Aidan, it is always the same - it must be vanilla, topped with sprinkles. He despises chocolate, so heaven help you if anything even resembling chocolate is handed his way!

Ella is a bit more open minded and changes her requests from time to time. Sometimes she simply wants whatever flavor is pink, topped with sprinkles. This time she opted for chocolate, topped with M&M's!