Quiet Sunday

Today being Sunday was a pretty quiet day in Philadelphia. We all slept in a little today and after our adventurous day yesterday I think we all needed it.
We went to church from 1-4. After getting home we did a video chat with Grandma and Grandpa. Then we had a yummy oven fried chicken dinner with mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and watermelon. Then we finished it off with a delicious Mint Chocolate cake thanks to a recipe from Karina.
I didn't take many pictures today, but I am sure to have a lot tomorrow after our trip to the shore.

Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia Healthy Kids Day

Our adventure for the day today was braving the crowd at the 1st annual CHOP Healthy Kids Day at Mann Center of Preforming Arts in Philadelphia. It was in part of this really cool park. I really think the park is a cool place. If I lived in Philly I would probably spend a lot of time there. There was a great view of the city above all the trees.

They had tons of stuff for the kids to do. They made out like bandits with all the free stuff being handed out. Everything was free- admission, lunch, games, toys, concert,...etc. There was all types of informative materials and workshops and to see as well as things to play at. There was a lot of free healthy food and snacks everywhere. Our little cookie monster, aka Abby, took every free cookie bag she could get her hands on.

Here we are enjoying lunch.

The girls loved having their faces painted. I think they look pretty cute.

They had blow-up obstacle courses and gymnastic tumbling equipment that these little monkeys loved.

At the end of the day there was a free concert with Laurie Berkner Band. We didn't get to stay for the whole concert, but they girls enjoyed dancing in the aisles and singing along.

Abby wanted to take her picture with this furry creature, but he kept running away from us. I guess just another reason not to be a Phillies fan.

At the end of the day we were still all smiles.

I really wasn't on the ball with picture taking today and I didn't get to take any pictures of this little guy at the park since he was so good and just slept almost the whole time we were out. But the blog wouldn't be complete without a picture of this little guy.

Introducing Mr.Kyle Scientist

Kyle is sporting a new look. I think he looks pretty good. I think it is just a visual reminder to everyone about how smart he is. He has Manderino and Griffitts blood so he has to be smart =). We think he looks like a little scientist.

Here is he taking his first look at the world through his new eyes. I think he is contemplating his next move.

He is happier than ever.

Let the Fun Times Roll

Kyle pulled his tubes off today. Yay! Although he is cute with them on he is just that much more cute without them so of course I had to take advantage of the opportunity and get more pictures of his cute face.

Tamar got a very cute hair cut this morning. She went really short, but looks great. I really like it Tamar- and no it doesn't look like a helmet.

We decided it would be fun to make a trip to the zoo. So after lunch we checked Emma out of school early and headed over to the Philadelphia Zoo.

It was a perfect day. Going in the afternoon meant we missed all the kiddos that were on field trips and pretty much had the zoo all to ourselves. Emma and Abby loved it since they got to go on all the rides without waiting in lines.

We started our trip with a balloon ride. It gave a pretty great view of Philly.

Since there weren't any lines, Emma and Abby along with the balloon ride, got to ride a horse, the train, the carousel, and even talked me into ridding a camel with them.

Although a lot of the animals were sleeping we got to see a lot of cool things

I found these monkeys to be exceptionally cute.

We ended the day at the zoo with some ice cream which is always a hit.

The fun for the day didn't end at the zoo. After dinner Tamar and the girls showed me their Rockband skills. I didn't get any pictures of them playing, but I got some videos of the girls after we were done.

Philadelphia Fun!!!

I had a really long plane ride into Philadelphia yesterday, but it was definitely worth it. Here are just a few quick reasons why I am loving being in Philadelphia. Better updates and pictures to come soon.

Little Miss Abby- She loves being a big sister to her baby brother and helping out.

"Little Emma Sue" I can't believe how big she is getting and how smart she is.

And Handsome little Kyle- They really don't come any cuter than this...

And of course they all love their Aunt Shayla, but then again- who can blame them. =)

Memorial Day Weekend!

Kaylee came to visit. It was really good to have her home for a few days. Although it was a short trip we had a lot of fun.

We made a trip to the beach and it was a perfect day!

We went to the movies a couple times.

Had the privilege of attending a wedding. Congratulations Katherine and Justin. Katherine you were a beautiful bride.

And of course we played a lot of games. It's too bad I don't have a video of Mom doing charades or Dad having a laughing fit. One of these days I will have to catch him honking on video for posterity's sake.

I can't wait for the whole family to be together in August.

Mother's Day pampering

Ok- So I am a week late on this post, but I told Kaylee I would post a picture.

For Mother's Day I treated Mom and myself to pedicures. I think this was only the 2nd pedicure that Mom has ever had and my 3rd. Although the ladies there didn't speak English, I think they did a good job.

Before:

After:

I don't like my feet, but a pedicure always makes them look better.

A new coat of Paint

Although I don't really enjoy my job, the guys outside have been taking care of this car for me.

The Volvo actually has some paint on it now. Although I can't wait to buy a new car soon- at least I can drive a car now that has paint on it.

The only bad thing about it- I now have to wash it every once in awhile.



Before- the only before picture I have

After

There you go Kaylee- I haven't ruined your car. I have actually made it better =)

Bridal Shower

I love these girls. It was a lot of fun to see them.

I am looking forward to Katherine's wedding. And Suzanne's in the near future.

And I can't believe how big she is getting.

Good Times

My beautiful and talented friend Janessa came into town this last week. We went to institute on Wednesday and then I introduced her to Yogurtland. As you can see she approved. It had been way too long since I had seen her. Janessa come back soon.