When I realized Jack and Maggie's spring break weeks would not align this year, it was clear we wouldn't be taking any trips. However, I immediately knew I had to plan a week that was fun for both.
When it comes to Maggie that's pretty easy. She gave me a short list of a few places she wanted to go and we filled up our calendar week rather quickly. Add lots of sunshine in there and it was a glorious break.
The best part {or at least one of them} was that for this year's Spring Break Lucy is not a morning napper. Which in turn means she got to join us for a few firsts of her own.
We started our week out at the Farmhouse In The City. I am officially a huge fan of this little joint. It's literally a house filled with everything my girls could ask for. A girl playroom, a boy playroom, an art room, and animals inside and out.
Lucy went straight to town in the girly playroom. She found a "bobee" {baby} in the first split second she was there. Add a stroller and Lucy was an immediate fan as well.
Maggie went straight to what she loves best...face painting and art. After a great debate between the cupcake and balloons she opted for one of each with the request that the colors match her dress. Which I must give you fair warning, I may not be able to peel this dress off of her this summer. She is absolutely enamored with it. I'm positive it has something to do with the "crystal buttons" and the twirl factor.
Maggie chose this ceramic cat to paint in the art room. I now get to proudly display it in my home. If only I was a cat person....or a big displayer of ceramics.
What big sister does, little must follow. Although, Lu really thought she wanted to paint a ceramic mermaid, I was not about to spend the money for her to wipe two strokes of paint on it and run off. Lucy has the attention span of a gnat at this point in her wee little life. So we opted for a nice sheet of white paper. And it worked out just dandy.
And though that baby doll was a huge hit for the littlest, the bunny cage won out in the end. I just love how the kids can freely go in and out with the bunnies during their visit. This was perfect for Lucy's warm up period, not to mention that gnat like attention span I mentioned earlier.
Meeting friends there was huge plus too. Our little group had the entire place to ourselves. Amazing!
After the girls had checked out every nook and cranny of the house, we just couldn't resist the sunshine any longer. We enjoyed a picnic lunch outside. Followed by a chicken feeding session. Who knew chickens ate lettuce? Certainly not I!
And if the lettuce part didn't entertain you enough, just listen to these gals names...Chicken Little and Chicken Noodle. I don't think it could get any cuter than that.
After our usual mid week gym class we made a Zoo visit later in the week. Our first of the year! Oh my, how I do love Spring.
I was sorely disappointed when I whipped out my camera to capture the girls with the flamingos and it was a no go. I charged my battery the night before and then forgot to put it back in the camera. I so have mommy brain here lately. So I used the dreaded iphone. I was not about to let Lucy's first Zoo visit go undocumented.
The entire way to the zoo, all Maggie talked about was feeding the birds. We were both thrilled to find them hungry and tottering right up to the feeding sticks. {it doesn't always pan out this way}
Again, this being Lucy's first visit was most definitely the highlight of the trip. She was in that adorable state of toddler amazement. She loved the zebras, giraffes and pandas. But absolutely panicked at the sight of the gorillas.
When I mentioned going to see the gorillas she said, "yea" and imitated them by beating on her chest. But once we arrived her attitude quickly changed. She literally clambered up my shoulder and wailed. I semi-calmed her down when I pointed out the mommy and the baby, all the while taking steps backwards. And then she kept repeating "bobee uh oh, bobee uh oh". The baby gorilla was swinging through the branches and it apparently had Lu's nerves all worked up.
She even came home telling me, in her toddler language, that the gorillas made her cry. I'm still trying to figure that one out.
But, the rest of the visit was just lovely. Lucy brushed the goats with glee. No problems there.
As did Maggie.
And we rode the "choo choo" as an initiation to the zoo. Now, that she was asking for "moh" of.
Sadly the Children's Museum was on Maggie's list too. I was super bummed when I had to employ my tough love and take that priviledge away after some less than desirable behavior on her end. And tough doesn't do it justice. But, we both decided she could try again because we know she can do better.
Happily though, we ended our week with a little birthday celebration for Daddy. The girls helped me pick out birthday cards. I'm pretty sure we won't be invited back to that drug store EVER again after Lucy redecorated the place. We also made a bakery visit and the girl's chose cupcakes for their incredible Daddy. Maggie even wrapped his present for him. It was way too cute. Should have grabbed a picture of that beaut.
Now it's time for Maggie to return to pre-school and it's Jack's turn!
He chose Safari Day Camp at the Zoo for part of his Spring Break. He really wanted to go the whole week, but I wouldn't hear of it. Selfishly, I let him choose two days. {Ironically one of his choices was the Gorilla day.} I can't imagine not spending Spring Break with my best big boy. He'll thank me later....I'm sure of it.
Not to mention, we've got to save a day for his 7 year well visit at the doctor. Only eight more days until my baby is 7 years old...how did this happen?
Until then...
