"Get Me..."

Who doesn't like butterflies?! Well, apparently our 'fearless' 2nd born does NOT. A week ago, along with a couple friends, I took the girls to the Meijer Gardens to see the Butterflies are Blooming exhibit. Seemed like a fun idea and thought they would love it.

However, as soon as we entered the exhibit area Syd started in on her eardrum-shattering screams and buried her head in my chest. We hadn't even seen a butterfly yet! I honestly couldn't figure out what the deal was at first~ I thought maybe she was just overwhelmed with the heat-wave that greeted us and the unusually crowded space. It wasn't until I tried to pry her off my chest to keep up with Raegan and show her the butterflies flitting about did she start to full-on scream and claw at me. I was definitely "That Mom" as people gawked to see why she was so hysterical.

So I finally had to pawn Raegan off on my friend so I could exit with Sydney and as soon as she saw we were headed for the doors she started sniffling and saying in the most pitiful/pathetic and yet hilarious little voice "Bye bye Butterflies". When we got outside the exhibit and settled in a chair to wait she laid on my chest and said "Sorry, Mom, I no like butterflies...they get me!"

Great. So now we have one kid who is afraid of most everything EXCEPT (ironically) bugs, and the other who is afraid of bugs. I can't win.

Here are a few cute pics of at least one of my kids enjoying the experience! (It really was pretty cool, although my recommendation...definitely do NOT wear 3 layers including a sweater while you are there. You'll die of heat stroke)

My little Monarch

One of the 'scary' butterflies...

Cool display where you could watch the butterflies in different stages of hatching from their cocoons (Syd was on a bench nearby screaming bloody murder at this point so I had to be quick with my pic)

Raegan and her friend Jaideyn, being silly

Bathtime fun

It is so dreary here today so I thought I'd post some random pics just to lighten the mood a bit. Here's a couple from bathtime the other night. Sometimes they kick and scream at each other but this particular night they got along and had fun together so I had to document...



Raegan's "santa" face.

And of course Syd tries to copy but prefers to eat the bubbles and drink the bath water.

And just a classic Syd grin...

Pirate Party!

Last weekend (I know, I'm belated in posting!) we headed down to Illinois for a big bash to celebrate Raegan's friend Zachary's 5th birthday. We always enjoy our weekends with our good friends and this weekend was no exception. Sara definitely outdid herself with a super-fun Pirate-themed party complete with Pirate pinata, Pirate booty (candy), Pirate games, and Pirate balloons, decorations and dinnerware! Not to mention lots of yummy food, face-painting, and organized chaos. =) Raegan is still talking about the pinata and mass quantities of candy she was allowed to consume that night (and I'm still dreaming of the take-out On The Border mexican food)!

Amazing what she will sit still for!

Zach taking the first swing at his Pinata!

Cake-face. Dark blue frosting...yum.

Who had too much candy, cookies and cake!?