This year for my birthday, we decided to spend some time away. We ending up choosing Jacksonville as it as a great Zoo and is the perfect distance for a quick trip. We woke up Sunday morning, packed up the car and were out the door by 7 AM. The zoo opened at 9 AM, so we wanted to make sure we got there at the opening.
We arrived roughly 2 1/2 hours later and were set to have an amazing day. We stayed at the zoo from 9:30 AM until about 2 PM. The weather was wonderful (minus a few sprinkles that kept the crowds away) and we got to see the entire zoo--every exhibit! We rode the train, pet the stingrays, rode the carousel and even played at the "Zoo Playground!" Xavier had an absolute BLAST and so did mama and daddy :)
Here We Go!
hahahahaha
After spending several hours at the zoo, we headed to The Cheesecake factory where we spent the gift card that Grandma Lucy sent me (THANKS LUCY!!!).
Napping between events :)
The restaurant was located within a very busy mall with LOTS of shopping. We spent our final hour shopping and playing at the outdoor park. It was the best day that we have spent together as a family in a long time. I am so thankful for my boys :)
Here are some videos we took at the zoo :) We can't wait to go back!
A couple weeks ago, Xavier's school had a Trike-a-Thon to raise money for St. Jude Childrens Hospital. Xavier took on the challenge and with the help of our friends and family, raised nearly $200!
Of course, as soon as Dustin found out about this event, he decided it was time to get Xavier his first tricycle. He went to Toys'R'Us on his lunch break the next day and bought Bean his very first bike and helmet. That night, he brought it home to surprise our little Bean.
After putting him on the bike, we realized that he just wasn't quite ready to ride such a big bike in a trike-a-thon, but he insisted on playing on it all night! He is obsessed with the helmet and asks for rides on his new bike constantly.
Daddy teaching Beanie how to ride
Our Precious Little Boy
After deciding that he wouldn't be able to ride the bike in the race, we decided that he would just take his little "Pooh-mobile" to school and race that. It ended up working great as the other kids his age had a similar ride :) Dustin spent the evenings leading up to the race outside practicing with our little man. Actually, they were just playing but it was adorable to see them "prepare for the race" :)
The next morning, Dust dropped Beanie and his "Pooh-Mobile" off at school bright and early.
Bike-A-Thon day at School!
We were updated throughout the day via his online portal and after his race, his teacher wrote:
That message made our days :)
When I picked him up that afternoon, he and his teacher told me all about how he loved it. He went around and around the "track." He was so excited!
When we got home that evening, "bike week" continued. He and daddy played on the driveway and eventually out on our road. Don't worry! We live in a quiet, safe neighborhood with little traffic :)
They made it down the hill!
Walking back to go again!
We are thankful for a school that offers our little man lots of cool experiences :)
The weather here lately has been amazing. While we still have our very hot days, we have been blessed with a few days of relief here and there. We have been taking advantage of those days and have spent countless hours at the park. Xavier's favorite thing to do is slide so we find ourselves frequenting the surrounding parks several times a week. Here are some cute videos and pics of us playing!
