After a busy few months, we finally made it to the Dinosaurs Live exhibit just a few days before it left town. The kids had been talking about dinosaurs a lot in the weeks prior, and I thought they would really enjoy it.
At first glance, the kids were eager to see T-Rex and they immediately ran down towards him. But, when Payson saw T-Rex move his arms and head, he stopped in his tracks. And then when T-Rex roared, Payson lost it, crying and exclaiming, "Let's go Mommy! He's going to get us!" as he ran the opposite way. No joke.
Of course I had told the kids ahead of time that they were pretend and just for fun but I don't think anything could have prepared Payson for the huge moving and roaring T-Rex. It was just too much for my cautious little boy to handle. Madison, however, had no problem with them. She posed with every one and even roared back at 'em.
Hayden was a little taken aback at times. She didn't mind them moving but the roaring was a little to loud for her taste, interestingly enough. So she simply plugged her ears from time to time.
A kind mom offered to take a photo of the four of us. Moments after this photo was taken Payson broke down into hysterics. Having a dinosaur roar behind his back was beyond what he could handle.
So, we continued on the path and came upon an old cabin that the kids wanted to play in. I asked them if they wanted to peek out of the window for a picture and they did. Unfortunately it turned into a scream fest of who was pushing who. I got the shot. Nevermind that they were all screaming and pushing in the middle of it!
We walked the entire loop seeing about ten dinosaurs before ended back up with T-Rex. This time there were no tears but this photo does sum up the morning: Madison up close, Hayden somewhat close with her ears covered and Payson about 10-15 yards back (bottom right corner of photo).
The next day we took a quick trip up to Oklahoma to celebrate GP's 60th birthday! We arrived extremely late which actually helped because the kids were tired enough to stay in their big kid beds that night at the hotel. Payson happily slept on a palette in the corner like a true gentlemen while the girls each got their own full-sized bed.
Payson and Madison took a break from overlooking downtown OKC to put on their silly faces.
The kids loved the red piano in the lobby. Here they are embracing cousin Emma.
The kids only got about 8 hours of sleep that night compared to their usual 11 so they were a bit cranky at the zoo the following day, but it certainly helped to have extra helping hands.
Payson saw this clock and asked me, in all seriousness, "Mommy, did the mouse run up the clock?" (Think Hickory Dickory Dock.) I love the blurred line between fiction and reality with kids at this age!
After the zoo we had a delicious Tex-Mex lunch to celebrate GP's birthday before we returned back home. The kids sure were proud to give him their homemade cards and gift. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GP!
Nothin's better than licking the spoon when you're baking!
Hayden continues to be a great artist. I just love her stick figures!
We colored, glittered and cut snowflakes in honor of so much snow!
At cousin Avery's 6th birthday party the kids even got Pops to go down the bounce house slide with them! They sure do have him wrapped around their little fingers!
The girls were rockin' out in their rock star t-shirts that matched their cousin Addison's.
Here's what happens when you put a three-year-old in timeout in her room. Madison's mission: "Destroy closet to show my anger." Mission accomplished!
Daddy gave his girls their first roses for Valentine's Day. Like all girls, they loved it!
My amazing mom turned 60 this year! God has given her a second and third chance of life since she turned 50 and what a blessing she has been to so many of us! She was truly surprised at her surprise birthday party!
Everyone was ready to celebrate and she got to spend the afternoon with so many of her precious friends and family members.
My brother, Grant, and I with our mom.
We had another little party with the kids at our house and Payson and Grant bonded over some TV on the couch.
Madison sports her Cowgirl boots and hard-as-nails expression.
Payson and I painting together. I'm finally getting the artwork and decorations for his room going!
And for proof that we have a little bit of a life outside of kids, here we are enjoying a fun night of dinner and comedy with our good friends Robin and Andy.
