Butterfly House

The Butterfly House is free to residents on the first Tuesday of the month.  In May, we decided to meet some friends there for a fun playdate.  The kids had fun climbing on the giant caterpillar sculpture out front.

We went inside to see the butterflies.  The boys got to look at some exhibits of insects. 

Then we saw the line to get into the butterfly observatory (butterflies fly around you as you walk along a winding path).  The line was ridiculous.  Rather than wait in the line, we went to the great playground outside.  I think the kids were just as happy. 

After the playground, we stopped at Nana and Papa's house.  The boys always have a good time there.

To the Zoo

In April, we met some friends for a morning at the Zoo.  The first thing we did was ride the carousel, since it is free the first hour the zoo is open.

Charlie opted for a nap in the stroller instead of a ride on the carousel.

Next, we went to the Children's Zoo (admission is also free the first hour) and got to see lots of animals up close, including this snake.

Some guinea pigs were soft to touch.

The iguana was scaly.

No trip to the zoo is complete without a ride on the train.  Such serious passengers:

 

Overheard

I was in the next room folding laundry when I heard Jack say, "I can't wait until we trap Charlie."  

I loudly said, "NO!"  I am not sure exactly what he means by "trap" but I figure it can't be good, and Charlie will definitely not like it.

Patrick responds, "Mom!  Just don't listen!"

picture from Jack's camera

Nana's Retirement Surprise Assembly

After many years spent teaching high school P.E., my mom retired this year.  Her school surprised her and another veteran teacher with an all-school assembly to honor them and their many years of service.  In addition to the surprise of the assembly, they were surprised to see many family and friends had come, too.

They had "thrones" and tiaras for each of the retirees.

Many people came up to give speeches.  The Dean came onto stage wearing a wig, backpack and helmet, riding a bicycle (my mom often rides her bike to work).  He gave a hilarious speech that had everyone laughing.

My Dad was laughing so hard he was crying!

Annie, who my mom worked with for many years and adores, gave a nice (and also funny) speech.

There were more speeches and more gifts...

The school is even naming the tennis courts after my mom!

All the teachers were wearing m&m shirts, in honor of the retirees - Maria and Mary.

It was an emotional day.

 

The faculty gave a blessing over Mary and Maria.

Afterwards, there was a really nice reception.  The boys got to hug their Nana and tell her how much they are looking forward to her retirement.

Happy Retirement, Mom!  You deserve it!

When I was putting Patrick down for his nap just now, he told me, 

"Mom, I love you from the ceiling of the sky to the sewers." 

 Awww....too sweet. 

picture from our recent trip to Michigan

Half Marathon

In early April, Jim and I ran our first half marathon.  We had a fabulous weekend filled with lots of friends and activities, and barely any picture-taking by me.  The picture of Chris and Kathryn in front of the Arch is one of the only pictures I have from the weekend.  Luckily, I can share a few from other people's iPhones.

The weekend started off Friday night when my good friend from high school, Kathryn, and her friend Chris flew in from Denver. Somehow we thought it was a good idea to try on some wigs I had borrowed from my friend Sara.

On Saturday morning, we went downtown to pick up our race packets.  Then, we went to the Arch.  By the time we got through the line to get into the Arch, I had to leave.  Kathryn and Chris stayed and were joined by their other friend Chris who had driven straight to the Arch on her way in town.

On Saturday night, we had about twenty people over to our house for a lasagna dinner.  It was fun to catch up with everyone.  Bright and early on Sunday morning, we went downtown for the race.  Here is a pre-race picture (back row: Chris, Jim; front row: Chris, Molly, Kathryn, Connie).  Kathryn, Chris, and Chris came in from Denver and Connie came in from AZ for the race

The starting line:

The last mile of the race:

A group of girls from my high school, post-race:

 Our running crew: