alligator farm

The girls and I were invited to go with a friend and the mom's group she's in to the Alligator Farm.  Thankfully we went yesterday and not today...yesterday it was 80 degrees and today I think the high was 57...brrr!!  Anyway, we had a great time seeing all the alligators, all the 80 something species of crocs, birds, mammals, you name it.  Our God is an amazing Creator!!  Arden was a hoot...walking around she would say, "but he doesn't work Mommy." "No, that one doesn't work."  I would reply, "Yes, Arden, he does work, he's a real alligator." (When she is playing with or sees a toy animal or stuffed animal, she'll say, "it doesn't work," meaning it's not real.) It was crazy how still the alligators were and so I guess she thought they were fake or it was just her way of reassuring herself she was safe from them!  

Galapagos tortoises 

wrangling the gator...

Esther and Maximo, a 1200 lb. saltwater croc

the girls with their friend, Riley

And yes, Chloe came along too, and this is what she did the whole time-sleep!

grab your partner

thank you Lauren by way of Jim

barn dance

Last night we went to a barn dance and bbq to celebrate the marriage of our friends, Jim and Patty.  It was held in a replica milk barn and the party was complete with food, live "old time" music, a dance caller, a hayride and even a fire to roast marshmallows.  (Arden and Esther were a great team... Arden liked roasting the marshmallows and Esther liked eating them!)  We all had the best time... There was an open mic at one time and Arden surprised us by going up and singing "Jesus Loves Me" in front of the crowd of maybe 125 or so, I'm guessing.  She even joined the band on "I'll Fly Away"... I really don't know where she gets this from... is this our child??  Woody and I got to dance the Virginia reel, which was a lot of fun (and a great workout!)... Arden "danced" it as well with her friend, Katie, and our sweet friends, Judith and Sarah, watched Chloe and Esther for us-thank you!  The whole evening was great fun with our friends and church family!

the newlyweds

roasting marshmallows

singing "I'll Fly Away"

I personally think Chloe loved getting held the whole night...

For those who knew me during my "Roper days" at SU... I brought out my old cowboy boots for the festivities!

   

picnic at the fort

7 weeks

Our little Chloe is growing and changing so fast.  She's spending more time awake during the day, which has been fun for us all.  Arden and Esther like that she gets to "play" some.  They continue to love on her any chance they get and Chloe doesn't seem to mind at all.  Chloe LOVES being swaddled and is a little snuggler, and she is still a great eater and sleeper.  She is truly a joy to our family-we just love her!!

Britax giveaway

All you moms out there... Frugal Coupon Living is giving away a Britax carseat!!  Click on the button below or follow the link to enter for a chance to win!
http://www.frugalcouponliving.com/2009/11/02/britax-review-and-giveaway/

a fairy, a ballerina and a frog

Thursday night we took the girls to a carnival at the library.  At first they were a little overwhelmed with everything (as seen in the pic below with their friend, Zorro, aka Gabe!), but they ended up having a great time.