boo zoo

We love the zoo {evident by the number of zoo outings}.  We could not resist another reason to get the costumes out {use out of it} and enjoy the cute games and pumpkin areas it had set up.  To no surprise, the weather was muggy with a high of 84.  This feels like a sweltering 90+ day.  We made the trip short and sweet but enough to get the kids worn out and napping on the way to the beach {yes, we were really that crazy and decided to head to the beach afterward}.

Carson is presenting his Despicable Me Minion costume.  We had so many compliments on his costume.  I think he may have won if there was a contest.  Of course, I could not stop "ooh"ing and "aah"ing either.  He just is such a sweet little boy.  He was stomping around just smiling at everyone.

Madison wanted to be a butterfly princess.  I thought, what a great idea.  I made the costume, found a few things at the 99 cent store and ta-da, a butterfly princess is made.  Although the crown lasted 2 minutes and the wings an even shorter amount of time, we got a few pictures with the whole outfit.

The pumpkin patch was a favorite.  There may be about 17 pumpkins with teeth markings from my son.  You can thank him later!  Madison enjoyed the craft areas and picking out her special pumpkin to paint.  Candy and small rings/bracelets were also handed out around the zoo.

This is what it really takes to have 2 kids trick or treating {note the wings, plastic pumpkins, snacks, liquids, diapers, cameras, video cameras, sunscreen, wipes.... you get the point}

This is when Madison threw a pumpkin at poor Carson's back.... The pictures never do justice on just how chaotic trying to take pictures and enjoy the event really are.

prince and princess party

Chick-Fil-A is a fast food restaurant that has AMAZING chicken sandwiches and chicken fingers.  Along with the great food, they host many family nights and toddler times during the week.  A few weeks ago the restaurant hosted a prince and princess party.  I just said that once and Madison replied with a quick "Madison a princess!"  I could not resist.

I realize their was a prejudice.  Madison has an adorable princess outfit while Carson does not.  Ben gave me a hard time the whole time.  Here is the thing, I already had a princess outfit and I really did not want to buy a prince outfit for just one 2 hour event.  Shame on this cheap mother.

Madison was super scared of the cow and now has a mild complex.  Every fast food store she asks "Cow, Mommy?" with a hesitant glance around.  Carson on the other hand wanted to lick, hold, grab and slobber all over the gigantic cow.

We also met our friends there, Abby and Brendan.  All the princess' danced and played around, even making pretend crowns.

every.day.moments

Sleeping Bag Party {Any time Carson cuddles into blankets her lays his head down, grabs your arm and puts his thumb into his mouth}

monkey see, monkey do

We have a season pass to the zoo and stopping by for a couple of hours here and there has been great!  The kids love seeing all the animals, Madison's favorite is probably the elephants or giraffes and Carson's new favorite is the monkeys.  I feel like maybe Carson feels at home with the monkeys because he was excited!  Like, bouncing and giggling and growling while the monkey {maybe it was a gorilla?!?!} just sat there, doing nothing.

Although the drive is a bit much, having the flexibility to just 'stop by' is great.

summer time play dates and popsicles

evening picnics

Although the heat is unbearable at times {not sure I have mentioned that enough, haha} we still go outside and enjoy.  We had a relaxed, chill Sunday at home a couple of weeks ago and decided to have our dinner at a nearby park.  Every time we go there is a swarm of ducks and that evening was no different. 

 

These ducks are like none I have ever seen.  Weird, scary looking ducks.  Ben kept saying "Cassie, you are more scared than Madison."  No doubt, I was.  I was ready for them to get in our business but instead they just sat in front of you, like little puppies, patiently waiting for that bread crumb {or in Madison's case entire slices of bread}.  Such a fun, low key evening.