The last weekend in August my dad brought my brother, Matthew, back to school for the fall semester. Since Matthew goes to school just about an hour away in D.C. my dad decided he would spend a few days with us (including Annie's 6th birthday) before heading back to Tennessee.
Dad spent the Sunday helping Matthew get settled in and then came out to our house Sunday night. The kids (and Josh and I) were really excited to see him when they got up on Monday morning. Josh had to work and Annie had school but Emma, Gracie, Jack, Dad and I spent most of the day just hanging out. We walked to the neighborhood park and had lunch at Chick fil a before dad went to pick Annie up from school. After school, dad and the girls put together a super cute picnic table that he brought for the kids.
The girls helping dad put together their new picnic table.
After putting the table together we came inside so I could get dinner started and Annie showed Bo her mad reading skills. She is doing such a good job with her reading and couldn't wait to show off!
Then it was time for a little t.v. and relaxation while they waited for dinner to be done.
Annie's birthday was on Tuesday but Josh's parents were going to be busy that night. They got Annie a very special birthday gift and wanted to watch her open it on skype. We decided to go ahead and let her open it a day early so they could watch.
What did Annie T. get?
Getting ready to open.....
Her American Girl Doll, MOLLY! Annie had been wanting an American girl doll for a while. They are quite an investment for a doll so we wanted her to really be able to enjoy it and take care of it. Josh's parents decided that 6 was the perfect age for one and got Molly for Annie's birthday. She was super excited! (So were her sisters...I think Emma's already placed her order for Kit for 2 birthdays from now!! ha)
Later, Jack enjoyed a popsicle and some hang out time with Bo before bed!
On Tuesday (Annie T's birthday) we spent the morning at home again. Jack has discovered the t.v. and all of the various remotes and wii accessories! Time to put everything up a little higher!
We picked Annie (and Josh) up a little before lunch on Tuesday and headed for .....
the National ZOO!
The kids were really excited about spending the afternoon at the zoo! We got a great parking spot (and a big fat parking ticket) right outside the zoo and spent a great afternoon just wandering around the zoo! Even Uncle Matthew came to hang out with us! :)
Our tour guides!
Cheetah!
There was lots of riding on shoulders!
And climbing on fences! (this was to catch a glimpse of the Pandas!)
And reading signs.
And smiles from this cute boy!
Climbing on rocks!
Getting a lift from dad.
Reading maps.
Riding Anteaters.
And a little more shoulder riding.
Checking out the Gorillas
And even some handholding!
We had a great time at the Zoo with Bo and Uncle Matthew! The girls had the best time leading the way from animal to animal and Jack did awesome just chilling in the stroller. I don't think he made a peep all day!
We made it home just in time for Annie to blow out the candle on her birthday brownies and open a present or two before dragging four VERY tired kiddos to bed!
My dad left on Wednesday morning and we settled back into regular routine! We had such a great time with my dad (and Uncle Matthew) and hated to see him go! Can't wait to see my whole family in November! :)
LOVE this! Hoping my girl has a great first grade year! :)
