Impromptu Zoo Trip

Kari was our navigator

Last Thursday, the day before my "alleged" due date, was beautiful and, for the first time in two weeks I woke up feeling pretty darn good!  So, I decided to take my little girls to the zoo for one last hurrah!  Since I wasn't about to try and push two girls in a stroller, I did what I've never dared to dream of trying--going to the zoo without ANY stroller.  And, let me tell you, it was glorious.  The girls were so well-behaved!  We had a really great time:-).

First stop, the "dino dig"

We also hit up the bear canyon before lunch.

On our way back up, we enjoyed the gorillas.

Kari took this picture :-).

Final stop-the aquarium!

Peek-a-boo!

 Kari had also brought her money and was super excited to be able to stop in the gift shop that the aquarium just so conveniently spits you out into at the end.  She bought herself a blue stuffed animal sea horse (I hate stuffed animals bc we have a MILLION of them).  But, she had been so good and since it was her money (and it was small), I caved.  Both girls left happy bc Kari let Juliana hold her new "pet" all the way to the van.  So sweet.

And, after a full morning, I was blessed with both girls napping--ahhhh:-).

Apple Picking 2014

 Our apple picking at the Flynn's tradition continues!  We went early this season as I am (over) due at this point to have this baby and we wanted to make sure we got it in :-).  We invited some of our neighbors along to join us in the fun and it was a beautiful evening (in spite of the mosquitoes being bad this year).

 The kids all got right to work and the trees were just dripping with HUGE, delicious apples!  (The extra rain we've gotten this year brought the mosquitoes, yes, but it also produced some terrific apples!)

 Juliana loves apples--she really liked getting them right off of the tree!  (They're all grown organically so all you have to do is watch for bird poo or worms :-).)

Christian and Cubby thought this apple looked like a bum-crack.
Yes, they're very mature boys.

Brian and Kahlan

Sullivan and Christian

Family picture!

My friend, Andrea, and her boys, Sullivan and Conway.
(Husband and daughter were at soccer.)

My friend, Audi, and her sweet family.

Emily and Kahlan being silly.

 After picking, all of the kiddos wanted turns on the rope swing hung from this huge tree out front.  Such a terrific evening!!

Big Sister, Little Sister

One afternoon, Emily sat down with Juliana and started reading and playing quiet little games with her.  It was so sweet and melted my heart to see them bonding.  Emily has a special talent when it comes to playing with younger kiddos.  (My mom and sister also have this gift.)  She just knows how to play and relate to them on their level.  I continue to be grateful for my big girl!

Fall Soccer 2014

Taking a turn at goalie

 Fall soccer is now in full swing!  Christian is once again playing for Evolution soccer club and is playing U9s this year--yikes!  His coach moved a couple of the boys up a year as he believes it helps them play up and better.  Seems to be working as the kids have done very well despite being younger than a lot of the kids they're playing against.  We were just happy he continues to be on the same team as his good buddy, Sullivan, and, that he continues to be having FUN!

These are all pictures from his first game.  It had been a rainy day (we've had a LOT of those lately), but it cleared in time for the game and was a GORGEOUS evening! 

Doing a throw-in

Half-time pep talks

 Emily got a hold of my phone and took a couple of funny selfies :-).

Post-game picture with Christian's cheering section.
Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie Erin, and Uncle Kyle all came out to show their support!
(Emily decided to be camera-shy after all.)

Here's to the start of another great season!  Go Evo!

Reading with Great-Grandma

Ever since my doctor's appointments became every week, my grandma has been coming in to watch the little girls (or just Juliana if Kari is at preschool) so that I can go for my visit by myself!  (It's definitely a luxury I don't take for granted!!)  Everyone benefits as the girls LOVE it when she comes to play and I know she loves spending time with them as well.

Here is just one sweet moment I caught on camera after I came home once.  {Happy sigh!}  It makes my heart so happy that Grandma continues to be a part not only of my life, but of my children's lives as well!!  Thank you, Grandma!  We love you!!

Nail Day

I love it how "the more the merrier" (color and quantity) applies to little girls and nail polish.  

Time With My Littles

Now that the big kids are in school, the little girls and I have been able to spend some time playing and cuddling together!  They've also had fun playing together (and, for the most part, do so very well!).  Kari is relishing the big-sister roll and Juliana loves that she is now "big" enough to be able to keep up with Kari's ideas and pretend play.

Ju-Ju loves her "pillow" (and pretzel too).

One morning they put on their ice skating outfits and socks and "ice skated" in the kitchen.

Taking a bow!

Ta-da!

 The weather last week (with the exception of one hot day) was beautiful.  We were able to get outside and have some fun jumping around!

 I love that this is my "job"!

Mornings right now are physically the most draining.  Not sure why, but it just takes me a long time to get going and not feel so winded.  But, it makes me slow down a bit and Juliana and I get some snuggle time in.  We both love it :-).

 And, some mornings, I only have Little Miss J!  We headed to story time at the library (something she loves) and she thoroughly enjoyed the toddler craft that they had following story time.

I sure do love spending this quality time with my little girls!

Being Four

Morning:

Afternoon:

Oh, the life of a four-year old.