Memphis Zoo Party!

Tonight was a party at the zoo for the members! The zoo is only open to members from 6-9pm. They had live music . . . all the animals were out for exhibit . . . and the kids can "take a dip in the nile (i.e. fountains)! It is just another excuse to go to the zoo . . . and we had a blast! This is a different time of day than we are usually at the zoo, so some of the animals were a little more active because it was nighttime:) We walked around and checked out our favorite animals (Drew and Kendall's favorites of course!) Once it got dark, we decided to let the kids get in the fountains. They had a big time splashing around in water:) We ended the night with a trip to the Cat House. We met some friends . . . Dana, Tom, and Maddox Giel and Dana's brother James . . . for a little late night snack (ice cream)! It was another fun time at the zoo!

The kids are ready for the zoo party. . .

check out their armbands!

Me and Kendall :)

What a beautiful white tiger!

The tigers were really active. . .they were playing with

each other! It was too cute!

This guy looked hungry. . . I hope he doesn't think we are dinner!

This is the female lion. . . this is the closest I have ever been to her!

She is huge! Look at her head!

Jack loved the Lions!

We love the zoo!

Hey dad . . .look at those tigers!!!

Kendall and her dad! Priceless!

Brent and the kids. . . checking out the giraffes!

I love this guy!

Thanks Jack . . . for moving the bottle to

flash me that million dollar smile:)

The kids loved playing in the fountains. . .

yes you may go play in the water now!

A very satisfied Morris family outside the zoo!

Now it is time to go home. . . way past a few kids' bedtimes:)

Shots, Shots, and More Shots!

Today was Jack's nine month check up . . . everything checked out great and he is right on schedule! He had to get 2 shots today . . . which is better that 4. . . but it still hurts (me and him)! Jack did very well . . . he fussed for just minute, but as soon as I picked him up and loved on him a bit he was fine :) The hardest part was what came next. . . Drew had to get all his school entry shots! 4 booster shots and a TB skin test! WOW. . .is all I have to say. Shots are never easy, but they apparently get harder the older you get! I had tried to prepare him a little bit for the shots . . he knew that he was getting them and that afterwards he would get a special treat from Target:) This worked fine at home, and even as we were entering the Dr. office . . . but things changed quickly when it became his turn! I had to hold him down . . . with Jack in the other arm . . . while he cried and screamed "he didn't want any more shots" It was absolutely heartbreaking. He was. . . just like Jack . . . fine once it was over. I gave him a few kisses and a big hug and told him what a brave boy he was! He was now ready to go to Target! He later told Brent that he was a big boy and that he only cried a little:) I was very proud of both my little guys today! Til next time. . . and I hope it is a long time from now!

A Night with the Memphis Redbirds!

Tonight we went to see the Memphis Redbirds play at Autozone Park! I am sad to say, this is the first game we have gone to since Drew was about 9 months old:( We had decided we were going to take the kids to a game before the season ended, so we chose tonight . . . and it just so happened that the entire Lemonds family was going to the game tonight, too! It gets even better, because it turns out that Amanda had extra tickets . . . enough for our whole family to get into the game free:) Thanks Amanda and family for sharing the tickets! We had a blast!!! The kids watched a little of the game, but for most of the time just enjoyed playing with each other! We enjoyed some good ole baseball food . . . for me and Brent that means Bar-B-Q (nachos) from the Rendezvous and yummy hotdogs for the kids! It was a great night and we look foward to attending more games next season!

Memphis Redbirds

Drew and Brayden cheering on the Redbirds!

Kendall and Karis played with their "babies" . . . and

watched the cheerleaders when they came out on the field!

Kendall and Karis with their little babies!

Drew and Kendall eating their hotdogs . . .

yes they peeled the bun off like a banana!

Karis was giving Jack sweet kisses!

Me and Jack!

Amanda and Jay! How sweet!

Brent and Jack!

Amanda 's parents: Lolli and Pop:)

Jack is 9 Months!

It is just so hard to believe that Jack is now 9 months old! He is learning something new everyday. Since his "8 month" blog Jack has mastered several large milestones . . . he can pull up (on anything), he can crawl ( most of the time it is on his tummy because he can move so fast, but he can do it on his knees), he shakes his head "no no" when he does not want something or because he thinks it is lots of fun, he waves/ says "bye bye", and he can eat fun things like crackers, fruit puffs, etc. . . anything that will dissolve because he still has 0 teeth:) This has indeed been a very busy and exciting month. He spends his days exploring the world around him and continues to be amazed at so many things! He is such a joy and a blessing in our lives and we are truly lucky to have this amazing little guy for a son!! Just some facts and figures: He weighs 19lbs and 11 oz:) He is 38 1/2 inches tall (75-90%). His head is 18 1/2 inches around (full of brain. . . just like his daddy)! He is growing right on schedule!!! Here are some cute "9 month" pictures for your enjoyment:

Jack loves to help with the laundry!

Look at me mom!

Look at those dimples!

He is checking everthing out now that he can stand!

He loves Ritz crackers!

We love you baby Jack!

Lions, Tigers, and Bears - Oh My!

Today was another fun gathering of the "girls"! Amanda, Ashley, and I took the kids . . . Karis and Brayden . . . Thomas, Maggie, and Mary Taylor . . . and Kendall and Jack to the Memphis Zoo:) We have not been in a month or so due to the hot weather. We finally felt like it had cooled off enough to go again, however today was one of the hottest days we have had in several weeks. It was hot, but the kids still had a blast! We drank plenty of water and got out of the sun whenever possible:) As usual we ended our zoo trip with a little splash in the fountains . . . the kids always look foward to this part of the day! Even though it is the same zoo, we see different things each time we come. The kids are never bored and always have a super fun time. The adults love it , too!!! Til next time girls. . . here are some pictures from the day:

Kendall and Karis waiting on the rest of our group to arrive!

The tiger must have been hot, too!

Karis, Thomas, Kendall, and Brayden . . .

up close and personal with the gorillas!

Jack loved the gorillas, too:)

Kendall and Karis said the elephants were stinky!!

Karis, Kendall, and Brayden in the Butterfly exhibit!

This was also in the exhibit. . . I thought it was so pretty!

Karis and Kendall looking at some birds:)

Kendall took a moment to cool off!

Amanda trying to hold all 4 kids up while they look at a

"baby Nemo"! Good Job Amanda!

A sweet picture of my little girl!

Jack was enjoying a relaxing bottle . . . I think he had it made:)

Kendall and Karis watching the penguins!

Jack loved the petting zoo!

Kendall, Karis, and Brayden riding the big plastic cow!

Karis and Kendall were "keeping their new pandas warm"!

Fun times in the fountains!

Jack had a fun day at the zoo! He is always full of smiles:)

A wet, but very cool Kendall!

We had a very fun day at the zoo! We can't wait to do it again real soon! Thanks Amanda and Ashley:)

Happy 1st Birthday Emily!

Today we helped celebrate Emily Shands 1st birthday! What a fun day it was . . . we played in the pool, ate grilled hot dogs and hamburgers (yummy), and enjoyed each others company:) It was a fun way to celebrate Emily Kate and what a special little girl she is to us all! Here are some fun pictures from the day:

Emily was content in her own little pool!

Jeff and Brent in deep discussion!

Drew was loving the pool . . . and I think he was showing off

his muscles in this pic, too! (and his batman tattoo)

Abigail . . . Emily's cousin:)

Eating lunch . . . it sure was yummy!

The kids took turns riding in the radioflyer wagon:)

What strong little men they are!

Pull elliot . . . Push Preston!

Drew was there for moral support!

I think she was excited!

Emily was ready for her very 1st cake!

Too cute!

What a sweet little girl to share with her mommy!

I think she ate every bite . . . she loved it!

Kendall watched her very closely!

It was Jack's turn for a little lunch!

Emily on her new princess car! She loved it!

Sweet Emily in her cutie dress her mommy made!

Good job Sarah!

Jack was content with the box her new car came in:)

Emily looked adorable in her new tutu!!!

Hope your 1st birthday was a blast Emily!! We look foward to many more celebrations with you on you birthday!!!