Our Trip to the Butterfly Jungle

This is what we went to the Butterfly Jungle to see...Paper Kite.

A couple weeks ago, over the kids spring vacation we traveled to the San Diego Safari Park, which was hosting a special Butterfly Jungle exhibit.  This visit was also an assignment for Merrick's preschool as well.  Thanks to my parents, we have a membership and are able to enter the park for free!   

While waiting for our appointment time to see the butterflies, we spent some time "Hangin with the Bats."

My little bats :-)

Next, we visited the petting zoo area.  Merrick really enjoyed feeding this particular goat!

...and Kierce LOVED the grooming aspect ;-)

...and Rowan did too.  Both of the girls dream of having their own horse someday!

As you can see, Merrick was already getting tired before we even got to the Butterfly Jungle.  Since the Safari Park is inland, it is always at least 10-15 degrees hotter there than where we live.  It was over 80 degrees that day and the kids were hot and a little lethargic!  I'll have to admit, I was too.  I think we are getting spoiled with our 60's and 70's!

After a couple hours of playing it was our time to get in line to enter the Butterfly Jungle!  The kids were excited!

Shortly after we entered the Jungle, a Common Blue Morpho landed on Rowan's leg!

...then a Monarch, and many more.

After just chilling in one place for a while, this little guy landed on my side.  There were a few instances when I could feel a butterfly on me, but when I would turn to look I was certain they flew away.  I am sure this happened to all of us at least a few times.

This Giant Owl stayed on Merrick's head for a while, but eventually Kierce began to get discouraged after not having a special experience with one of these creatures like her siblings, to the point where a few tears trickled down her face.

Boy did Kierce cheer up when her sweet sister decided she would find a butterfly for her younger sister.  Rowan always had a knack for catching butterflies by hand, starting at the young age of three!  ...and finding this Grecian Shoemaker sure helped put a smile on her sisters face!

...a little playing around on our way out.

...and even more, of course!

Rowan and her Irish Football

Well, once Rowan finally came onto the field this past Sunday, she did great!  Rowan was a little (to say the least) apprehensive about playing a scrimmage against the older kids.  Soooo, we worked out a little compromise; she played with the younger kids.  She is right at the cut off age, and could go either way.  Of course because she looks much older, the Irish fathers/coaches were all pushing her toward playing with the older kids.    

A little daddy daughter time :)

...Auntie Abs came to watch too ;)

Rowan found the right position for her, where the ball comes right to her.

Later that day Ryan had me "cookie him" and we found it humorous that I was all excited about my sprouts at the same time, so we photographed the irony of the situation ;)  What do you think Merrick's hand is waiting to do???

Lastly, I thought I would share a cute picture of Rowan serving me up a piece of fruit pizza.

Kierce's Review on Rite Aid

Today Kierce's entire grade gathered in the auditorium to share reviews for different stores, restaurants, video games and other places and products.  Two students from each class shared their review with the room full of students, teachers and parents.  

After the students shared, the kids were able to find their parents to share their detailed review with us.  I happened to catch Kierce's review on video so you can check it out too!  

After she read to us her nice and elaborate review, Kierce showed me the poster she created which included some of the information from the review of Rite Aid.  To finish the event, the kids each had a chance to win a gift card, and to ultimately turn right around and be the consumer!  Kierce says go to Rite Aid!  

Merrick's Talent Show and Crazy Fun Fly Swatting!

Game face...

So Merrick decided just minutes before walking out the door to go to his preschool Family Night Talent Show that he did in fact wish to participate.  Up until that point, he frowned at the idea of doing a performance, surprisingly if you know the kid at all!  So Rowan, Kierce and I got him dressed and ready to sing and dance to Justin Bieber's, Never Say Never.

We were all pretty excited at how well he was able to wing this dance with no practice at all.  The kid seems to be fearless.

All smiles after :)

One of the most cool, fun, hilarious and active art preschool art projects ever!  I just had to end with a laugh!

Wet and Chilly Willy St. Patty's Day Weekend

Merrick loves helping me peel potatoes in the kitchen!

Boy St. Patty sure chose a rainy day to celebrate this year!  Rowan's Gaelic football (Irish football) team walked in the San Diego St. Patrick's Day Parade this past Saturday.    

Rowan was a trooper!  ...well actually, I can say the same about every family member :)

Check out the palm trees in the background, it was windy!  They hustled through the practice/scrimage that was held directly after the parade, rain, wind, mud and all!

Somehow we still had smiles on our faces, even being completely drenched head to toe!

OK, now we were really ready to get home!!!  I had to get ready and rush off to work, but Ryan and the kids really enjoyed chilling, or actually, warming up together for the evening.

On Sunday, we drove to pick up our good family friend Abigail before heading to church.  The kids were more than thrilled to have the privilege of holding a little bunny rabbit at church!

A pet adoption agency brings in small pets which are up for adoption.  The kids definitely enjoyed the time spent with this little guy.  Next week they are bringing in their giant mascot bunny Wilber, who is absolutely adorable!!!

The Matsiko Children's Choir blessed us with an amazing concert after church service.  All of the choir members are orphans from either Peru or Liberia, who have lead very rough lives.  It was such a neat experience to appreciate God's love shining through them..  They were such gracious children.  I was helping in the kitchen during the luncheon after service and each and every one of the children came into the kitchen to say thank you and give a hug.  What loving little sweethearts!  

Here is one of the little gems shaking Merrick's hand during the closing song.  Ultimately this children's choir was raising money for the Children's Network, who allows anyone to sponser a child so they may go to school or eat regular meals, etc.

After the church festivities were over, we called up the Nevins family to see what they were up to.  As soon as we got the green light to come on over, I think we were already half way there ;)

It had been a while since we had seen them, so it was really nice to just sit and chat about everyday life!  This weekend ended up being wonderfully exciting and enriching.  We are so very blessed everyday of our lives!  

Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Suess

Last Wednesday was an important day for Kierce and just so happened to be the first day of my new job as well.  Kierce practiced for more than a month to prepare for the role of turtle #8.  In fact she had the entire play memorized at least two weeks before show day!  In the car one day, she began rattling the play off starting from the beginning, which pretty much blew us all away!

Kierce all smiles with a couple of her classmates after the show.

She had a show during the day, and one at night.  A good friend Julie covered for me at Merrick's school which allowed me to visit her at school that morning after her day performance.  Since I began my new job that afternoon, Ryan and the kids thoroughly enjoyed the evening show.

...and someone took a silly picture after the evening show that I'll share with you to close!  We're glad you had fun Kierce!

The Kids Getting their Sport on

Since we had a less eventful weekend, I will blog about the week and weekend prior.

Rowan was offered an amazing opportunity to participate in a Women and Girls National Sports Day, for girls 4th- 8th grade.  Here she is with her Dad just before meeting up with her phys. ed. teacher to go for the day the Saturday before last.

After dropping off Rowan, we all got ready as a family to take Merrick to his very first t-ball practice!  

Kierce and I played cards while watching Merrick and Dad play some ball!  Merrick was not looking forward to going to t-ball, but was so happy he decided to go when the practice came to a close.

After t-ball, we all went to the annual Ocean Beach Kite Festival for a little while before Kierce wanted to leave and let our mommy/daughter date begin!  We had a blast and ended our date at the beach to watch some huge kites fly in the sky!

Daddy and Merrick ended their date at the beach too with some kick ball!

Kierce and I couldn't get enough of our sport- cards!

Before we knew it, the time had come to pick Rowan up from her long day of sports.  She was able to try out all kinds of sports; soccer, karate, hip hop and more.  Her friend Seven went as well, and ended up staying to night.

On Sunday, Rowan, Seven and their friend Aideen played Gaelic football, an Irish sport similar to rugby.  Saturday, Aideen's Mom was kind enough to tell me about this free opportunity for kids of all ages.  They had an absolute blast and are looking forward to marching in the St. Patty's Day Parade this next weekend. 

When signing up Merrick for t-ball, I had the option to sign him up for basketball on Thursday afternoons as well.  Merrick was not looking forward to doing basketball at all this beautiful afternoon, he was certainly all smiles after it was over!  He had so much fun, and can't wait to do it again this Thursday!  This is beginning of many years of sports and activities of all kinds, and we are happy about that!