Another First

We spent the second day of sumer vacation at the zoo with some great friends and cousins. Eleven kids with three moms-I think we looked a bit like a daycare, the little Princess even said so. Jennifer was a bit hesitant about her first zoo trip. Her siblings were telling her about all the animals she would see and I think she just pictured them roaming free like in Africa. It didn't take too long for her to relax and realize she would be safe. We were able to see lots of animals up close, our Zoo is great! We were able to watch the tiger eating a meal and both the male and female lions basking in the sun. We watched an orangutan diligently working to untie a knot in a rope, while hanging upside down. The gorillas were quite playful on their jungle gym and seemed to enjoy their audience. I think the kids favorite was the up close time with a chimpanzee, though. He walked over to the glass and stared at the kids for a bit then laid down and put his feet on the glass. He proceeded to give 'fives' to the kids and play a bit of a hand/foot game with them. They loved it and when the chimp 'surprised' them with a quick hit on the glass they would all jump back-I am not sure who was more entertained. 

I am sure there will be many more firsts experienced this summer and multiple trips to the zoo. Now we are headed out the door to swim-maybe that 'first' of swimming totally unaided will be achieved by all. Wow-Mom would LOVE that!!!

From the Kindergarten room..

Kade and one of his best buddies from school.

Tomorrow is the last day of school for the big three and today the two in kindergarten had a picnic/party. They signed up for Mom to bring Pizza-Kade said "Momma, I knew it was just as easy to pick up two as one" What a thoughtful guy :) So while hanging out with the Kindergartners, a little girl who sits by Kade, turned to me and said "I am going to marry him......I put my name on the list"   Not sure if I should be worried about her wanting to marry him  or the fact that there is a LIST!  I must admit he is a sweet little guy who has manners and some southern charm when he wants. If there is indeed a list being made he still has one little girl in particular on the top of his list and she currently resides in Alabama. (What great in-laws that would be).

We are looking forward to a fun Summer, had  another chilly swim today after school and I am ready for some warmer water!

Fun in the Rain

These pictures were taken a couple of weeks ago when we thought we would need to start building an Ark around here. It seriously rained for DAYS on end, and it was a toss up as to who might lose their mind first in our house. On one of the days when it was not storming, hailing, or tornados in the area........you know just plain 'ol rain-the kids spent the afternoon playing with umbrellas. I think they forgot what the umbrellas are really used for-they came in quite wet. However, they were out of the house, having fun and getting along-what more could a Mom ask for. The princess is in a 'fancy dress' because it was the day of her Mother's Tea at school. (One reader might recognize that dress, which is one of her favorites!)

Thankfully the weather recently has been amazingly beautiful here and we have spent a ton of time outside, including our first swim of the season this afternoon. I thought the water was a bit chilly but it didn't seem to slow the kids down after the initial shock as they jumped in. J has definitely changed her attitude towards water, she no longer fears it and I think will become quite the fish this summer.

Our 'Big Girl' Ballerina

The girls dance recital was last weekend, if you can not tell from the lack of posts, it has been a bit tough getting these up-more on that another day. In the meantime enjoy these beautiful girls who did an amazing job! They have worked so hard and loved being on stage showing their skills. Abbie danced with her Daddy in the daddy/daughter dance, with her jazz class and several times in the "big ballet", this year it was Don Quixote.


And of course the night isn't complete with out an armful of flowers.

Beautiful Blue Ballerinas!

Jennifer is whispering into Madison's ear as part of the Daddy Daughter Dance of the recital to a sweet song called "Thank Heaven for Little Girls" Abbie and Daddy danced in it. Lift and all :)
Madsion is second from left, Jennifer is fifth

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

We had a great day spent with family. Here are a few pics of the kids holding their cousin on their first meeting from the other day and some from this afternoon as all the Grandkids posed for a "photo shoot". If I were smart enough to know how to post pictures a better way I would-so if you have any tips, please share, because I can only do a few per post-not sure why.

Princess and her 'best friend' who happens to be her cousin and proud new big sister.

I'm an Aunt....again

Welcome to the world Miss Isabella Rose, May 6 at 3:57 PM weighing 7 lb 4 oz and 20 inches long. Mom and baby are doing great! My brother-in-law and I were taking 'bets' all day about the time and size, keeping the nurse in stitches and my sister never thru us out of the room....lots of fun. I love my sister and brother-and now they have 2 precious girls for me to spoil! The kids got to hold and love on her today-and one might think Kade would be a bit bummed at yet another girl, but he loves babies! I took some precious pictures of them-will have to get them from my sister's camera to share. We are truly blessed!

Kindergarten Program

Jennifer and Kade had their kindergarten program today and tonight at school. Their program was "All About Me" singing songs about what they were able to do and what they had learned this year. Their music teacher does such a great job with their school programs. The kids were all smiles and enjoyed themselves. Thankfully their teacher placed them 'together' Kade just above Jennifer so I was able to get them both in the same pictures. Kade had a speaking part and spoke very clearly, with emotion and even got a few giggles from the audience-he was so proud. Jennifer had a 'star' moment as well during a color song-she represented what you were to do if you were wearing black-something about tilting your head back-as you can see from the picture. They both enjoyed performing and it looked like at times as if Jennifer were the star of the show-in her mind I am sure she thought she was. As we were watching the program, we thought about how much the world has changed for J. We still find it hard to believe that just four months ago she was in Ghana-Amazing! She continues to amaze us. We are very proud of them both. Hope you enjoy the pics.

This week...

A quick little update-not too exciting. This week in the Waggoner house has seemed to have lasted FOREVER!!! And not in a good way. Nothing horrible to report, just not a great week and one that dragged on. This weekend was a bit full as well but the rain helped clear the schedule a bit for today-no race and no soccer game-however chaotic ballet pictures were still a go. Next weekend is the recital, which means in two weeks all the extra activities/practices will be over-which means the lazy days of summer are quickly approaching! Lazy days-who am I kidding, we have four kids who don't sleep in. Trying to get them all signed up for a week of fun that interests them-still looking for one. 

Thought I would share a silly pic, taken while I was taking some pictures of a friends kiddos. They have dirty faces and clothes from being at school all day-but they were in such silly moods, I couldn't help but snap a few of them. They were great entertaining each other while I took pictures.