This just in

Our son J just walked through the kitchen saying,

"Mom, we made the right decision to adopt M."

Then he rushed out to push her on the swings. Too sweet!

Into the City...Off to the Zoo!

We just returned this evening from a FANTASTIC day at the Bronx Zoo in New York City! It was "pay as you wish day" for admission and we wished to pay little! They still got our generous contribution for parking, extra exhibits, and snacks, though. So don't feel badly for New York!

The kids had a blast and we wore R out completely. How he wished his own dad was there to drive the family home so he could sleep in the back of the van!

This was M's first time to a zoo. She was previously too scared of any kind of animal...even our friends' cat! What progress! This zoo has a TON of walking and she did most of it on her little legs. She was VERY bummed that the elephant was not available today. So was mom! And G was significantly sad that the rhino was also occupied. Apparently the tram through that part of the zoo was down. But we made up for it with a fabulous gorilla exhibit (where the boys even got their hands touched!), tigers, lions, and bears...Oh my!





Just one wish for the day...that we had thought to get a picture of all six of us. But then again, do you give your expensive camera to someone else in NYCity?! :-)

"Babba Please...."

I'm at home trying to work while J. takes one kid to the Doc office (reg. check-up) and M. (taking an afternoon break to watch her favorite, Cinderella) says "Babba, come watch wid me! Come watch wid me!" How could I resist! At least for a few minutes. So sweet.

The Perfect Pet

As we rode in the car today, the kids were conspiring about what kind of pet to beg their dad for. Many were discussed, but the idea of a dog reigned supreme.

That is, until a certain little pinkalicious preschooler decided to have her OWN idea and could not be dissuaded.

For what, you ask? A pink and sparkly unicorn, of course!

Did I share this picture?

Here's Mama M, making sure G's hair is JUST right before the Easter pix begin! Doesn't he look thrilled?! :-)

Seriously...

So with four kids, we have lots of opportunities to practice conflict resolution. We've taught (are teaching) our kids how to approach problems with Matthew 18 as their guide. First, you talk to the person who you've got an issue with. Next, you bring someone with you (a parent).

While we've been teaching this at home, our local elementary school has been busy instilling our kids with four tribal agreements by which they run the school. They include rules about inclusion and the right to pass on participation.

Well, yesterday G had a beef with N. I came into the kitchen to hear G telling N what he thought. As he expressed his frustration he actually said,

"I'm using my I words, but I'm still not feeling any mutual respect!"

I had to leave the room to laugh out loud! Apparently, getting hit from all sides is working...or is it?!