We pick, do U Pick???

I've been craving a way to really break into summer...some recent events have kept me inside and in bed and sick, so when I thought "U Pick! Strawberries!" I knew that would put me even more in the spirit and McKinley would love it.

I was right! We even convinced Mom to tag along, so I planned a quick trip to the grocery, packed a picnic lunch and we began our little road trip to a nearby U Pick farm.

We laid our little feast out on the picnic table and enjoyed the cool (okay, a little TOO cool) breeze while we ate salad, pita and hummus, yogurt, pop chips and dip, watermelon and cantaloupe...and a long-time fave of mine and McKinley's - Blood Orange Italian Sodas! Oh it was perfect. And delicious. And Mom even bought a little piece of cake that she and McKinley shared.

Once we were finished, we packed back up an hopped on the farm's golf cart for the worker to drive us to the patch. Honestly, I think the golf cart was McKinley's very favorite part of the entire trip. He was giddy as he rode in the front like a big boy. It was so cute!

We were assigned our rows and set out to work. We made quick picking out of it, Mom chose two small baskets and I chose the medium basket (which was about 5 pounds of berries). It didn't take long to fill them up, the three of us were plucking away! The berries were the most beautiful color...and the taste, OH MY GOODNESS I have never ever tasted a sweeter berry. We didn't add any sugar to them at all, they were perfect as is!

And if it tells you anything, McKinley was previously NOT a strawberry fan. So, why would I take him to pick them? Because I intended to use them in his smoothies and in ice cream, no actual berry to bite into, which is what is doesn't care for. However, he is a changed man! One taste of these suckers and he was hooked!

During the picking, a moment of perfect comedic timing happened when "Precious" the farm dog left her perch beside the employee and ran to befriend McKinley, just seconds after I pulled out my camera and started clicking. The dog KNEW I had a camera. Matter of fact she began posing in various ways: rolling on her back while laying on my foot and turning her head JUST SO. Lying with McKinley and looking back at the camera. And my favorite - her little sneaky way of capturing her good side in the shot with Mom and McKinley. What a diva! I turned off the camera and replaced the lens cap and poof! Precious was gone. Imagine that!

Once our baskets were full we headed back to the golf cart and to the stand to have our berries weighed. We tucked them safely in the hatch and headed home.

On the way there we made a stop at Cary's office where he had just arrived. The four of us stood, hatch up, eating those strawberries right there in the parking lot! Holy Moly those things are so good!!!!!!!!!

Today was awesome. The perfect way to put me back in the summer spirit! Here's hoping we'll be back soon for more strawberries and then blueberries!

YUM!!!

Lynn

The tale of a giant tube

We spent Saturday evening with our dear friends, The Cook Family. It was so wonderful! Easy, laid back, just fun - and exactly what we ALL needed. The boys played, we all chatted, we ate some yummy food then everyone hopped on the boat and headed out for a fun night of tubing on the lake. McKinley wasn't real sure about the tube at first, so The Cook boys went for a spin. As McKinley watched he became really eager to get out there himself. Randy stopped the boat, reeled the boys back in and McKinley and Lisa hopped on too! McKinley had perma-grin for the ENTIRE ride. Later Lisa told us that he was squealing with delight all the way. Randy went pretty slow at first, but several rides later and McKinley was making the motions for donuts, to speed up and to "Rock and Roll"! I'm actually surprised he didn't swallow some bugs, his smile was so big for so long!

Finally, it was time for some dessert after a quick swim at the dock and a dip in the hot tub. Ice cream sundaes? Yes, please! Everyone had some - complete with sprinkles, as requested by McKinley.

The boys were all worn out and plopped on the bed to watch a movie before gaining a second (third? fourth?) wind and playing more.

We ended the night really late but so relaxed having had the best time!

I love summer!!!!!!!!!!

Lynn

Chugga Choo Choo!!!!!!!!!

Dear Deming Park,

I was nervous about the train this year...it's been a very cold Spring, not to even mention the rain, storms and the now Mother-Nature-Made POND that sits in the center of the circle turn of the train tracks. But you came through! Cary noticed the posting on the park sign a month ago and we've literally been counting down to today ever since. McKinley has mastered the calendar between school and counting down to Disney last year, and now the train, so he KNEW today was the day!

The beloved train is aging, the track has seen some challenges over the last few years, but somehow she keeps chuggin' along!

So, after McKinley's soccer game today we headed for the park. We purchased our tickets and McKinley chose our seat. We took a nice easy ride around the park, McKinley smiled the entire way. Once we were finished I offered to take a photo of McKinley in front of the train, as I was snapping away the girl running the train offered to let McKinley UP ON THE TRAIN for a photo op. He was so excited but so serious about his new little adventure. It was sweet...I appreciate the chance to let him do that!

So, thanks again...this will be the first on many train rides this summer for our family!

We are proud of a really unique Terre Haute tradition!

Lynn

Birthday party and a new friend for McKinley

We traveled to my Godparents home for Shelby's birthday party. I cannot believe she is really 14. Not cool. She is so not a little girl anymore, but a sweet young lady...but still, it makes me feel old.

Anyway, we had a lovely time with everyone. The food was great, the company wonderful as always, and the cake? Yum. But it was McKinley who really cut loose and had the time of his life...running after a long-legged girl.

Her name is Clara. She is the youngest daughter of good friends of Shelby's parents. Clara is 4, an older woman.

This was not the first meeting between McKinley and Clara, however it was the first time they took notice of each other.

McKinley had been standing in the kitchen of Honey's house, with his lame parents trying to figure out what he could do to liven up the joint. Then she walked in from the back yard. His eyes lit up. She stopped in her tracks with a stand-offish look on her face. He said:
"My name is McKinley. It starts with M-c-K-i-n-l-e-y"

Clara, still with that look: "My name is Clara, it's C-l-a-r-a"

He'd met his match!

McKinley: "I'm 3 and a half"

Clara: "I'm 4"

McKinley: "Let's go!"

Clara: "Okay!"

and that was the last I saw of my boy, except the occasional streak of two bodies blazing by.

They chased each other, they visited a nearby coy pond, they swung on a porch swing, the skipped rocks with Cary, they made new friends with the neighbors, they did it all.

McKinley was out of breath trying to keep up with Clara's really long legs, but he was a champ!

They ran and ran and ran until Cary and I were literally at our wits end ready to scream because McKinley wouldn't even listen and the kids were running through neighbor's yards (which was okay with the neighbors but not a common practice for the Vernon's...call us strict, I guess).

The evening ended with two very happy, very tired children.

We had a great time with Shelby and family, and really enjoyed watching McKinley make another new friend.

Lynn

BOWLING!

Wahooooo! We finally did it! The Vernon fam and the Semmler fam finally got together for BOWLING! It's kind of become a joke between us...wanna go bowling? Yeah and it doesn't happen! Various reasons occur (one time McKinley kind of got in trouble. That was NOT a quiet night. A tough lesson, but part of it...) sometimes the alley closes earlier than we anticipated. Sometimes there are leagues. Sometimes dinner runs late. Sometimes there are...well, anything can happen really. I truly think we have attempted this five times at least.

But THIS TIME! This time we made it happen and it was a BLAST! I had so much fun with my hubby and friends, but I must confess that my very favorite part was watching McKinley, Savannah and Austin on their own lane, screaming with delight and running around like our crazy kiddos do. The most adorable thing started...I do not know who's idea it was but so precious. McKinley or Savannah would make their shot then jump to their bellies to watch and wait patiently to see how many pins would be knocked down. They waited a while...occasionally I thought we could hear crickets and the theme to The Andy Griffith Show as the ball traveled ever so slowly down the lane, as if on a leisurely Sunday stroll. The kids didn't care how slow the ball was, they squealed with glee each and every time the ball reached the pins! Seriously, too cute for words.

The "adults" had their own lane...yours truly really blew it. Oh my gosh, no one tell my Mom just how poorly I bowled (she was a big bowler before I was born...I mean trophies, people). I've never been GREAT at bowling (well, except on the Wii...I rock on the Wii) but tonight I STUNK. BAD.

However, Cary and Rick had a nice little rivalry happening. I was cheering on my sweet hubby and he was doing so well! He's such a natural at every sport he touches. Rick won. Not by much though.

Pretty soon we realized we had again closed the place down. Time to head home! The kids were all exhausted but we all had the best time! So excited we finally got to play. Better start planning the next time now....ha!

Lynn

Sweet, Heartfelt & Handmade

It's Mother's Day and this morning I was greeted by a grinning boy who was so eager to deliver, open and present my very first handmade Mother's Day gift. I practically melted right into the sheets (did I mention I was still in bed???) when a little brown bag decorated with glued-on construction paper flowers and a construction paper card (with matching flowers) was given to me. McKinley handed me the card, inside was a little 5 line story about me, as translated by Miss Kymberli. It read:
My Mom is 6 years old... (I guess this is what 6 looks like. Better than 32.)

Inside the brown paper, flower-adorned bag was the most precious recycled bottle I have ever laid eyes on. It was covered in colorful tissue paper, resembling stained glass. It is my very first handmade gift from my son. I love it. I adore it.
McKinley immediately explained that it is to hold a candle and that we should use our Halloween ones that you switch on (battery operated votives in orange and black), so he ran to get one. Then he further explained that the bottle looks like the windows in the church, and he is right, it is so beautiful. I was so touched. The sweet gift is going on our dresser in our bedroom. I will look at it every day.
My sweet boy...he is precious!

After that sweet exchange we started getting ready for Mother's Day Brunch at Claddaugh in Plainfield. We picked Mom up and were on our way to the yummiest brunch I have EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. OH MY GOODNESS that Shepard's Pie was incredible. McKinley, fellow non-meat eater, could NOT get enough of the ham, which did smell amazing. Everything was insanely delicious, the desserts were crazy-good. McKinley enjoyed the chocolate fondue and we all sampled this double chocolate cake. Oh gosh, my mouth is watering. We WILL be back for their brunches. DELICIOUS.

Once that to-die-for brunch was over we did some shopping at Metropolis and headed home. McKinley and Cary gave me an iPhone for Mother's Day, which is a lot of fun...and addicting...and the apps! OH THE APPS! Good times!

What a special, special Mother's Day for me...and it all began with a sweet little surprise just two days before.
Life is good.
I am beyond blessed and thankful more than words can express.
Being a mother is the craziest, most difficult, trying, and emotionally challenging (in good ways and in bad) job but there is absolutely none more rewarding. I love being McKinley Shane's Mommy and look forward to the future of our wonderful family.
Thank you, Cary and McKinley for the best Mother's Day yet!
I love you both so very, very much,
Lynn

Poignant...

I was literally standing in the exact same spot where I watched that plane burst into the tower. This time, nearly 10 years later, I read that the creator (I simply CANNOT use the term 'mastermind') of that tragic madness that seemed beyond any reality I could have ever known was dead. Finally.
Admittedly, I am not all that comfortable with the idea to 'celebrate' someone's death in the sense of being GLAD they are no longer on this Earth...but at the same time, this man equals destruction, hurt, pain, fear, anguish and so much more...just evil. I pray for those he terrorized. I pray for those lost on 9/11/01. I pray for every single family member who has been victimized by his actions - around the world.
I am not here to judge, only to say that it is honestly a triumph for humankind.
Humankind.

He certainly lacked Human Kindness.

Praying for Peace,
Lynn

FIESTA! ...and EASTER Stuff!!!

What a week!!!!!!!!

Thursday was McKinley's Easter Party at school. It was a small little party, just the three year olds, and it was first thing in the morning, so when I signed up to bring the treats Miss Kymberli and I agreed it shouldn't be cupcakes at 8a.m.! So, instead I made strawberry shortcake kabobs...oh my goodness were they yummy! They are pictured just below McKinley and I. Miss Kymberli gave me the recipe and I must say I banked it for future occasions. Delish!

The party was a lot of fun, with two activities (foam egg decorating and cross bracelet making) before the treat. But the best part was the egg hunt for the kiddos. McKinley had so much fun! He found his 12 eggs very quickly and set out to make sure his peeps got all of theirs too, showing Dominic and Eleanor where to grab the last of theirs. All the kids looked so sweet with their coke-bottle baskets (that's a keeper!) and dressed up so sweetly. I love having the opportunity to go to McKinley's events...even when I've had to wake up at 5am and pick up fresh donut holes from Baesler's with no make up and a wet head before Cary leaves for work. So worth it...and yes, I totally ducked in the back door and didn't see a soul. However, the bakery folks did give me some funny looks when they saw my wet hair...and me without make up. YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday evening we attended McKinley's very first Spring Concert at school. This year's theme was a Fiesta, and what fun it was! Every class sang a song in Spanish, including McKinley's preschool! All the performances we watched were so impressive...but our favorite was the preschool. Their performance of "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" stole the show. They sang a verse in Spanish, a verse in English and ended with another verse in Spanish...with the hand motions! Awesome!

McKinley rocked it...his little fingers were a-walking just like a spider. He was in the front row, looking so handsome. It was precious. And yes...I totally cried. Can't help it people....

Sunday, of course, was Easter. I probably say this every year, but this one was my favorite so far. McKinley was so into the Easter Bunny, but more so into the 'real story of Easter'. We've always incorporated the real story (in a very simplified version), but in school it was even more detailed and complex and the children totally got it and enjoyed their lessons. It was so special to see McKinley randomly select a person to tell about the story of Easter. For instance, on a whim last Monday we drove to Plainfield to eat at Claddaugh (a favorite of ours) and do a little shopping (Dick's for the boys, Ulta and Target for Mommy). At Claddaugh our server was really taken by McKinley and kept going on and on about him...so he just kept chatting away and then launched into this: "I've got to tell you something. I have to tell you about the Story of Easter" and he gave her a shortened version (Jesus was on a cross, they nailed him up there. Bad people put him there because they didn't like him, and he died. But he came back! They rolled away the stone and he was gone! ). I was a little nervous - I mean, religion and politics, right??? Social faux pas, but in the eyes of a child it is so very special to hear this come out in such a heartfelt way, so we were not about to stop him...quite proud actually. But seriously, you never know who you could offend. Our server was so nice, she played along with him and thanked him for sharing that beautiful story. It was so sweet.

So, back to Easter...McKinley was tickled to see the Easter Bunny had arrived and left some fun goodies...and he had hidden eggs! I started our holiday brunch and we got ready for church, Mom stopped by for a few minutes and soon we were off for Easter Mass. It was a packed house so we sat way up by the confessionals which are now padlocked and rarely used. I noticed McKinley was trying so hard to concentrate on the beautiful music, the choir and everything going on but he could not stop looking at the confessional.

In a moment of sheer childhood innocence he leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Mommy? What's that right there?" pointing to the confessional.

Me: "It's a confessional. It's the place where we go talk to the priest if we need to."
McKinley: "Mommy? Is that where Jesus is going to come out?"

Me, biting my lip very, very hard: "Ummmm, no, McKinley he won't come out of there, it's locked and no one uses anymore."

McKinley: "Okay, but Jesus isn't going to come out of there?"

Me: "No. He won't actually be HERE today"

McKinley: "Where is he? Is he coming or not?"

Me: "Uhhhhhh...." blank...

Cary: "Yes, he will be here someday."
Thank goodness that did pacify McKinley's inquisitive mind for the time being...thank you to Cary for picking up on that.

Regardless, it was the funniest thing that McKinley was sure Jesus would come flying out of the confessional right next to us. Ahhh, the innocence of a child.

After church we went home for brunch, an egg hunt and to get ready to venture to Bloomington for Easter dinner at Grandma Vernon's.

We had a great time there with Cary's family, and Nana (Grandma Vernon) couldn't get enough of McKinley, who - by request - performed The Itsy Bitsy Spider, in Spanish for the whole family.

McKinley had the best time playing with his cousins in the rain (which is all it ever does anymore....) and 'bumping' down the stairs on their bums. It was a great holiday!

We have had a really crazy week, but all the activities have been so fun and so special.

Happy Easter!

Lynn

Favorite Things

I have recently looked back on some of this blog...first of all, I am in serious shock that I have been blogging for nearly four years, second....I am in serious shock that McKinley is nearly four years old.

Hello.

Anyway, in my little emotion-sparking time travel back in to McKinley's babyhood I realized I posted a lot of updates on things McKinley had learned to do (smile --- oh that one really did make me cry, wave at 10 months, first word around that same time: Mama!). I've highlighted so much but have kind of neglected to do that lately. I guess he just continues to learn new things at break-neck speed and by the time I would get to blog it he would have moved on to the next three new things.

So I decided to highlight some of our favorite things he has learned or picked up for the sake of family history - because some day his children WILL want to know the first time he...whatever. Right? Okay, well, anyway here are some faves:

Whistling!

McKinley has heard Cary and I whistle since birth. One day last summer he asked how to do it. He said, "Mommy teach me how to whistle!" That is harder than one might think, I remember my Dad teaching me and it wasn't easy - and I was a LOT older than McKinley. But ever the persistent child, he worked at it for a little while (and by a little while I mean like an hour - if that) and he had it!

He was 'caught' whistling one day in class while he helped pass out snacks. The kids could NOT figure out where the noise came from...then neither could the teachers...until it hit them, it was McKinley whistling! Suffice it to say that they were all impressed and made a HUGE deal of his quirky ability. He never told us this story though, call him humble. His teachers told us!

Now, almost everywhere we go he makes a friend (employee of a store, restaurant, office, etc) and asks their name and if they can whistle. It's hilarious. Some people - strike that - MOST people are so completely caught off guard by the fact that the three year old child in front of them CAN WHISTLE and has asked them to whistle too, but most comply...unless they cannot whistle and then they just make them selves look silly all for the sake of our inquiring boy who never met a stranger he couldn't befriend. I love it when he asks some stiff, goody-two-shoes or snob...those are the best. It's nice to see people loosen up a bit every now and then...especially when they are serving your lemonade......

Lasterday (translation: sometime in the past, usually fairly recent)

As with most children (and some adults who shall remain nameless), time is a hard concept to 'get'. McKinley does pretty well but gets tripped up when describing a past event or occurance. Almost always whatever he is describing is dubbed 'LASTERDAY'. Never was a cuter 'made-up-word' uttered. It is my favorite of his made-up words. I have to hide my smile when we are talking, unless we are in the car...where he won't see me. It is a very good thing we have good memories, Cary and me...otherwise, Lasterday could be lost.

Peace Office-offer (translation: Police Officer)...this one is so old! Sadly, the peace office-offer days are long gone, but I still needed to archive it...for posterity. When we would pass a police car he would exclaim this precious phrase that made us giggle out loud. "Mommy! Peace Office-offer!" Oh, that gives me the warm fuzzies just thinking of it.

McKinley definitely comes up with some funny things! He has a great sense of humor an is always laughing or making us laugh. He has grown so much!

Lynn

Ticking some Teeth and jumping around

It's Spring Break! That means F-U-N for McKinley! All in one day we packed in the Zoo, a Dental Visit, a Jumpy-Place visit and dinner at a pizza place where a train delivered our drinks. We were all exhausted afterward but what a fun day.

The zoo was good to us as always, and it was so nice to have Nonna along for the ride...train ride! We didn't get to see many animals because we again stood in a very long line for the train, but who cares because it was a beautiful day and our boy was smiling from ear to ear. He insisted on sitting with Nonna during the train ride - precious.

Soon we were back in the car heading for McKinley's dentist. Upon our arrival McKinley promptly headed for the basketball court. Yep...BASKETBALL COURT at a pediatric dentist. Nice. We played together, then McKinley was ready for his cleaning. The dentist called it 'tickling some teeth', which really stuck with McKinley and made him giggle. I'm so proud to report that those sweet little chomps are flawless.

Cue us jumping back in the car to head to the 'jumpy place' where I surprised McKinley by meeting up with Robin, Savannah and Austin. It's a good thing we were at a jumpy place because he was a jumpin' when he found that out!

The kids played (i.e. slid, jumped, bounced, climbed, weaved, shimmied) for over an hour. Well worth the price of admission...and an excellent way to work up an appetite!

Again...back in the car to the pizza place. McKinley officially thought this place was the bee's knees. Train stuff EVERYWHERE. A locomotive and cars were lined up in rows where we would sit and a miniature train brought us our drinks. McKinley was a kid in a candy store. So much so that he could barely eat! Oh well, he had fun.

Soon McKinley will be back at school, so it has been so nice to spend this time with him all week, much like we did every day until he started school this year!

Happy Spring Break!

Lynn

Wishy-Washy

It would appear that our dear Mother Nature is slightly confused...last week alone we all wore a myriad of apparel - capris, shorts, flip flops, winter coats and hats - but nothing compares to the last 24 hours.

Yesterday we began the day with the windows wide open and the sun shining its glory down on us as we worked on our landscaping project. We were even forced to turn on the AIR CONDITIONER when the temps reached 80 degrees.

In the middle of the night, the tune changed JUST a BIT with MAJOR winds and rain, thunderstorms and hail. We awoke to dreary cloudiness, more thunderstorms and rain nearly constant all.day.long. And did I mention that we had to turn the heat back on? It was downright frigid inside this evening.

What is UP???

Oh well, make the best of it, I say. So, if you can't beat 'em ('em being Mother Nature) JOIN 'EM!

Way to make a dreary day a blast, McKinley!

After our puddle jumping excursion we ventured to a nearby farm store to see the chickies (which have all been sold, but we did see turkeys!) and to pick up new umbrella for McKinley. Apparently, one cannot be too prepared this year...

When we got home, the three of us did a little pine cone bird feeder project before dinner. Fun little rainy day project!

Had a great day with you today, McKinley! Too fun!

Love,

Mommy

Honey comes to visit

All day long McKinley has been so excited to see Honey! We all have! It's been since after Christmas since we were all able to be together (weather, trips, etc), so tonight we gathered for dinner and some treats that Honey brought with her...straight from family favorite, Taylor's Bakery in Indy.

McKinley has officially become well acquainted with those white baker's boxes tied in white kitchen twine.

O.M.G.

We all hold our breath and then inhale to smell that glorious icing.

Knees buckle at the mere sight of the box in anticipation of what delicious confection could possibly be inside!

We love Taylor's so much we had them shipped in on our wedding day...36 (ish? 6 1/2 years have made me forget the exact number) of cakes - one per table, plus a big one for Cary and I. We love Taylor's so much we boxed up one cake that had been untouched (do those people KNOW what they missed???) and drove it down to Florida where we shared it throughout our Honeymoon.

We love Taylor's so much that we actually considered paying well over $150 for McKinley's 1st Birthday cake...I said considered...'cause wow...it wasn't even THAT BIG.

Don't worry...McKinley has certainly not been neglected. Much like his Mommy, Daddy, Nonna, Honey & Papa, he LOVES Taylor's!!!!!!!!!!

It was so nice to get to spend some time with my Godmother! It has been a long winter and we have all missed her and my Godfather (who could not come in town this time) so much. The three of us had a lovely time at my Mom's and McKinley kept us all entertained. I think Diane was reminded of her own boys at this age! So glad she could come for a visit!

Thank you, Honey for the delicious treats!!!

DIVINE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lynn

We Heart Lowe's

One apron already filled with patches.

One brand new apron on its way home with us, ready for its first patch.

One Fortune Teller toy to add to the quickly-becoming-too-small shelf of Build & Grow Projects.

One very happy boy who can now pound those nails in by himself (while Mommy holds the piece, saying Hail Mary's the entire time and praying to keep her fingers).

Zoo & More!

McKinley and I had an awesome trip to the zoo today! It was warm, gorgeous and the TRAIN WAS RUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I truly thought McKinley might pee his pants...and I mean that in the literal sense. We waited in line so long that we immediately had to leave after our ride ended (we had to pick up my Mom and Carrie from the airport), but it was worth every second when that child saw his beloved train coming around the bend ready for HIM! It felt like McKinley and I were the only ones on the train for that ride - even though it was completely full. And the funny thing was I really didn't think we were going to get on THAT one! We had been in line, wrapped around the waiting area for three train rides already. When they stopped the line with one other party in front of us, I even thought I would cry! Then, luck was on our side! The train conductor asked how many were in our party as the one in front of us was too big. When she saw it was just us (she had assumed that the people who knew nothing about personal space standing behind us TOUCHING me and McKinley's backpack were with us) she said, "Oh! Just two?! Well COME ON!!!!"

You do NOT have to tell MY son to come on to ANY train twice. Like lightning he was choosing a seat (one out of only two left). We sat side-by-side and he gripped my hand so tight. It was the sweetest thing in the world and almost made me cry. McKinley pulled out his little video camera and took some shots as the ride left the station. He looked at me and smiled that wide, toothy smile that tells me he is supremely happy...it was a great moment.

He really didn't even care that much that I insisted he sit in the stroller as I practically sprinted to the car to make it to my Mom on time. I'm pleased to say that we DID arrive at the airport, not only on time, but EARLY (yes, folks...ME. EARLY. It CAN happen!). McKinley was so happy to see his Nonna and Carrie too! He talked their arms off all the way home!

Have I mentioned that we LOVE THE ZOO???????????????????????

Lynn