Hollywild Zoo

Rachel brought Cody and Ravyn to visit us for a few weeks. This past week Rachel & I took the kids to the local zoo, Hollywild. They have some animals that used to be in commercials and on TV. Lately, it is looking a little bit run down with some needs to update the fencing and animal enclosures, but overall, it's a nice little zoo with shade and several exhibits. Evan and Alex rode along and saw the attractions while Cody and Ravyn fed an pet the animals. Rachel also took her two on a bus ride to see the large animals and feed them bread.

The zoo had so many goats, I think every other exhibit had a goat in it. 

This zebra did not want the other zebra to get near us so he kept nudging her away.

Evan actually said "ah ah" for the monkey sound when he saw these monkeys.

The bears were active as one was pacing and one was swimming (behind the coke cup).

The lions and tigers were tired so we didn't get a good picture of them. The peacocks were everywhere so Ravyn and Cody both found large feathers to keep as a souvenir. 

Alex - 6 Months Old

Alex weighed in at 12 pounds 8 ounces at his 6 month visit with Dr. Parra. He measured 24" long, which puts him under the growth chart. He's no longer in the 0 - 2% range, he's negative. She made the nurse measure him 3 times. I feel his pain. I keep measuring myself everyday but haven't broken 5 foot, yet. I just have small babies - which is a blessing to me. Alex is rolling all over the place these days, from back to front to back. He is such a people person and loves to smile at everyone. He is drinking about 5 ounces of formula every three hours or so. He is now eating two meals a day with rice or oatmeal cereal mixed with a level 1 fruit or veggie. (No, I don't make homemade baby food.) Alex loves to laugh at Evan. Evan is working on being calmer around him and loves to touch Alex. He helps me burp Alex by patting him on the back with me. Alex is growing up quickly. He'll be sitting up before we know it. The best part is that he now sleeps through the night.

Alex loves his pacifiers. He can grab them and put them in his mouth, even in his sleep. I love that he can now soothe himself back to sleep. He is a cute little charmer!

Ellijay, GA for July 4th, 2014

This year we enjoyed the cooler mountains in Ellijay, GA for our 4th of July festivities. Mom finally found the boys matching shirts after I looked several places and couldn't find them in both sizes. We enjoyed the mountain home as well as a day trip to Dahlonega, GA to see all the shops. Barbara and Jerry joined us up there.  We had a great time.

The boys were ready to go on the three and a half hour trip.

Evan is not so sure about sitting next to Alex.  He still likes to pinch and pull so we use caution.

Daddy and his mini me, Evan

Alex is a happy baby!

Evan was saying "cheese."

Evan likes to crawl in Alex's car seat and check out the buckle.

Alex waved to the camera.

Alex was pulling Evan's hair this time.

Alex feeling his own hair.

St. Augustine - Summer 2014

We met our cousin Catherine and her daughter, Evie in St. Augustine one evening for dinner, followed by playing in the park.  Evan was not keen on holding Evie's hand.  They are just a couple of weeks apart,  both born in March 2012.

His first slide down a roller slide was lots of fun.

Uncle Jack babysat Alex for us at the nearby park bench.

Evan liked this spring chair that bounced.

Evan rode the carousel with Daddy.

Aunt Wilma, Catherine, and Evie rode in front of us.

Evan's favorite activity was the swing.

Ponte Vedra Beach - Summer 2014

We stayed at Aunt Wilma & Uncle Jack's beach house on Ponte Vedra Beach, just minutes from St. Augustine.  It's a beautiful house right on the water. This is the back of it.

Vince flew a kite so high up, I didn't get it in the picture.

Our family photo - we tried a few times, but the boys would rather not look at the camera.

Alex woke me up around 6am every morning so I saw multiple sun rises around 6:23am.

Evan liked seeing his reflection in the doors.

Evan fell hard on his bottom and bit his lip.

Evan and Daddy blowing bubbles.

Evan said Jack's name by the third day.  He liked making faces with him.

Alex put his toes in the water.

My parents joined us for several days.

Alex had fun pulling Evan's hair for a change.

Papa posing with his grandsons.

The sunset was toward the front of the house.

Aunt Wilma loved holding smiling Alex

Evan and Daddy wash off the sand.

Alex chilled out in the portable crib

The full moon came up one clear night over the ocean.

Aunt Wilma looked for seashells - they were everywhere.

Evan absolutely loved the water and the sand.  He could've stayed out there all day long.

We saw several dolphins right in front of us about fifty feet from the coast.

Aunt Wilma and Grandmama showed Evan a sticker book

Alex always smiling.

Evan liked playing with the seashells in his bucket.

We had storms a couple of times.

Papa, Aunt Wilma, and Uncle Jack get Alex to coo.

Alex liked Uncle Jack's nose

Smiling baby

Brothers

Evan and Mommy

Playing in the surf

His favorite hobby was climbing on furniture

We had a great stay at the beach and did not want to come home.  I can't wait until we get back down there!