We're going to the zoo....

Today Mike and I both had the day off, so we took advantage and headed to the zoo. The wind was chilly, but overall it was a great day. I think that we walked the whole zoo and saw most of the animals that were outside. Surprisingly, we did not head into many buildings. We also went to see the new dinosaur exhibit. Riley was a little scared and went through some of it with part of her stroller canopy pulled over her head. I think that deep down she liked it though...she just likes to say that things scare her. It was a great family day and I cannot wait until it gets warm and we can head to the zoo without the winter jackets.

Future Gymnast?

Today we met some friends at GymQuest, a local gymnastics place. They had open gym and the kids were able to try their hand on the different things. Riley was a little hesitant at first, but slowly warmed up. While I do not think that we need to start saving for her Olympic training, she still had a lot of fun. She was brave enough to try the trapeze and the rings. She also jumped around on the spring floors and of course had to go on the inflatables(which I guess is just a fun added bonus). Her favorite part was probably just building with the blocks from the sponge pit, but I guess what matters was that she had a good time. She had a hard time climbing up to the slide but as she said "I keep trying" and her perseverance paid off (as you can see). I tried my best to get some good pictures, but she was always moving just a little too fast. I tried though.

Our spring break is sadly also over. Today was the most exciting of our days off, but it was still nice to be at home with Riley and relax. Her daily 2-3 hour naps are probably also a big help for her little body.

Lead Astray....

Yesterday we left Riley and Diesel with Grammy and Papa. While we were gone, they had a lot of fun. Auntie Bika came over and they went to the park and played a lot. Grammy lead Riley astray with boiled icing. This was her first time "licking the beaters". For all of my non-O'Keefe readers, boiled icing was a special frosting that my grandma (Gigi) used to make. Everyone used to hang around and lick the beaters after she made it. Sometimes we would have to share...1 beater per person, and a spatula for someone else. It was a great treat when no one else was around and you got it all!! I have lots of great memories in Gigi's kitchen and now Riley and Grammy Pat are creating some of their own. Thanks dad for capturing the special moment. And thanks to mom for saving me the spatula!:)

Happy Birthday x2

On Saturday, we celebrated Jadyn's 4th birthday at the Rain Forest Cafe. The kids had a blast checking everything out. (Even though Riley was a little scared of the gorillas that were right behind us.) We had a great time together, had some good food, and Jadyn got some excellent gifts. Sorry there are not more pictures, it was hard to keep an eye on Riley and be the photographer. We also were making lots of trips downstairs to use the bathroom and take in all of the scenery.

On Saturday night, Mike's friend, Chuck, also celebrated his birthday. Riley got to have a sleepover at Grammy and Papa Bruce's and Mike and I had a little grown up time. It was a nice adult evening out. I even stayed up late...no falling asleep on the couch before 11 for me:)

We also want to say Happy Birthday to Erika and Grandpa Warren....they both had their birthdays on the 19th.

Fun with Grammy!

Today my mom, Grammy, came over and spent the day with Riley. The ladies had a great time together soaking up the beautiful weather, playing outside, and going for a haircut. They both seemed to truly enjoy the day they had together. Mom was nice enough to make us dinner...beef stew and dumplings (YUM!!). I have posted a few pictures of Riley helping in the kitchen with the dumplings and a few of their after dinner painting time. Riley will be not so happy to have to go back to the sitter tomorrow instead of hanging out with her Grammy! Thanks Mom/Grammy for the spending the day at our house.

If some of the pictures don't look like Riley and Grammy, you are right. A few are from yesterday of our time with the Knoll's.

Happy Birthday Lucas

Today we went over to the Ensign's house to celebrate Lucas' 2nd birthday. We all had a blast. Chrissy's friend Sara has a 2 year old also and the 3 kids had so much fun playing. The grownups had fun talking and we all shared a great meal. Presents were fun with 3 2 year olds that want in on the action (even if it isn't their birthday). The highlight of the party may have been the delicious train cake made by Chrissy herself! It was delicious and looked just like the invite. The kids even got official train themed souvenirs. What a great time we had....thanks for letting us be a part of your lives Chrissy,Dave, and Lucas. Check out all the photos of the kids playing:)

*See a picture you like? Here is something that I figured out recently. If you double click on the picture, it will enlarge it and then you can download it to your computer.

Pulaski Day Fun

Today I had the day off for Casmir Pulaski Day (I know many of you are jealous:) ). I have been wanting to get my brakes checked, so Riley and I headed North. We took the truck to see Papa Dan at work, even though I do not have a Toyota. The truck got a little TLC and Riley and I headed to Oakbrook with Granny. We did a little shopping and then had lunch. We had a very relaxing day, just us ladies. Granny had a doctors appointment later in the day, so she dropped us off at Dan's work. The truck was not ready, so Riley and Papa Dan had some fun playing in his office (as you will see below). He let her play with his yellow truck (an FJ?) and they even built a car (a Toyopet). (Sorry if I got the models wrong Dan) It was a nice day hanging out and now the truck should be extra safe thanks to all new rotors and brake pads. Thanks for hanging out with us today Granny and Papa Dan!